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Wisconsin Governor Issues New Mask Mandate After GOP Repeal

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has issued a new statewide mask order an hour after the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal his previous mandate. The Democrat Evers said in a video message Thursday that his priority is keeping people safe and that wearing a mask was the most basic way to do that. “If the Legislature keeps…

Judge Approves Divorce for Ex-Cop Charged in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge has approved a divorce settlement between the former Minneapolis police officer who placed his knee on George Floyd’s neck and his wife. The divorce of Derek Chauvin and Kellie Chauvin was finalized Tuesday and redacted documents were made public Thursday. The approval comes months after Washington County District Judge Juanita Freeman rejected a prior…

Wisconsin GOP Repeals Governor’s Statewide Mask Mandate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature has repealed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate. Health experts have warned against repealing the mandate, saying masks are probably the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Assembly vote Thursday came a week after the Senate also voted to kill the resolution. Wisconsin is one of only 10…

Midday Update 2-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

US Unemployment Claims Fall to 779,000 but Job Cuts Grind on

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell to 779,000 last week, a historically high total that shows that a sizable number of people are still losing jobs to the viral pandemic. Last week’s total dropped from 812,000 the previous week, the Labor Department said Thursday and is the lowest in two months. Before the virus erupted…

‘The Minnesota Marshmallow’ Maker Shares Secret S’more Brownie Recipe

Cooking Connection: Meet the Maker Behind 'The Minnesota Marshmallow,' Amy McMillan

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection caters to those with a mega sweet tooth! Duluth resident Amy McMillan had the idea of starting her own side business in the summer of 2020. Fast forward to today, and The Minnesota Marshmallow has taken off. McMillan says business is booming, and demand is high for these not-so-average mallows. She has created…

12-Year-Old Charged With Attempting to Kill Younger Brother

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A judge in Douglas County has ruled there’s enough evidence to support an attempted homicide charge against a 12-year-old boy accused of stabbing his younger brother. According to a criminal complaint charging the boy with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, the attack occurred on Jan. 11 at a home in the Town of Solon Springs. The complaint says…

Morning Update 2-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

MNsure Will Open 3-Month Special Enrollment Period Feb. 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange said Wednesday it will open a three-month special enrollment period to help uninsured and other Minnesotans obtain coverage. MNsure said the open enrollment will begin Feb. 16 and run through May 17. The announcement follows a nationwide special enrollment period ordered by President Joe Biden last week for states that participate in…

Food Farm Hands Out Free Rutabagas

DULUTH, Minn.– In west Duluth on Wednesday, people bot their hands on some root vegetables — for free! The Food Farm came down from Wrenshall and handed out hundreds of pounds of rutabagas. Nearby, Wusso’s Concert Cafe got in on the fun with a special rutabaga dish from their drive-thru. And The Zenith Bookstore showcased its rutabaga themed cookbooks. The…

St. Luke’s Continues COVID-19 Vaccinations Amid Limited Amount of Doses, Scheduling Issues

DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 vaccinations continue in our area, St. Luke’s has been giving out around 300 of them a day with the capacity to do more. But it has come with challenges, including making sure that there is enough doses to go around. St. Luke’s has been working to line up vaccine appointments for those who are able to…

St. Louis County Public Health Debuts Mobile Covid-19 Testing Trailers

"We are trying to come to people and come to the community to make it as accessible as possible," said Susan Vitulli, a public health educator for St. Louis County.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health is making it easier for many Northlanders to have access to COVID-19 testing. The county purchased two mobile COVID-19 test trailers for more than $200,000 The money used to buy these units came as part of CARES act funding awarded to the county. “We’re excited to offer more community testing opportunities throughout…

Public Health Officials Say Avoid Large Gatherings For Super Bowl Weekend

Health professionals say it is best to only gather with people only in your household.

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Louis County Public Health is reminding people to limit the number of people they choose to celebrate with during Super Bowl weekend Minnesota is still under the Governor’s orders to avoid large gatherings. Smaller gatherings are still a concern for many health professionals. They say it is best to only gather with people only in your household….

Lumber Companies Experience Market Spike During Pandemic, Connected to High Demand

Many Northland businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic but for some, it’s been a boom for business.

NORTHLAND – Many Northland businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic but for some, it’s been a boom for business. Lumber companies expected the demand for their products was going to drop, but it did just the opposite. In early 2020, nobody knew what to expect. Lumber mills slowed down and pulled back production, expecting a slowdown in the…

Essentia to Open Outpatient Day Surgery Center at Miller Hill Mall

Essentia Health has announced they will be converting the old Sears building at the Miller Hill Mall to an outpatient day surgery center.

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has announced they will be converting the old Sears building at the Miller Hill Mall to an outpatient day surgery center. Construction is expected to begin this spring with it set to open in 2022. Management says surgeries at places like this tend to be less expensive and quicker. “I wish it was opening up…

Minnesota BCA Identifies Deputy in Officer-Involved Shooting in Saginaw

SAGINAW, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the deputy involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting incident last week in Saginaw. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to a report of a carjacking Friday night at the Pike Lake Super One grocery store. Authorities say the suspect was armed. The carjacking ended…

Wisconsin Prosecutors Seek Rittenhouse Arrest, Higher Bond

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin prosecutors have asked a judge for a new arrest warrant for an Illinois teen charged with fatally shooting two people during an anti-police protest in Kenosha in August. Kyle Rittenhouse faces two counts of intentional homicide. He was arrested the day after the shootings but went free after he posted $2 million bail. Conservative groups…

Plan to Strip Walz of Power to Close Schools Passes 1st Test

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Republican proposal to strip Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of the emergency powers he used to close schools as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Minnesota has passed its first test in the state Senate. Sen. Carla Nelson, of Rochester, says her bill would put the decision-making back with local school boards….

Hayward Police Request Death Investigation by Wisconsin DCI

HAYWARD, Wis. – At the request of the Hayward Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating a death that occurred in the city of Hayward on Monday evening. According to a Wisconsin DOJ press release, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when Hayward police officers responded to a residence on reports…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, February 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 669 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 463,766 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,234 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,628,961 tests have been completed to date. There…

Midday Update 2-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Essentia Health to Move Vaccine Clinic to Miller Hill Mall

(courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced they will be moving its COVID-19 vaccination clinic to the Miller Hill Mall this week. The hospital says vaccinations will be administered by appointment only at the new location beginning Friday. The clinic’s new location will be inside the former Dress Barn space, across from Maurices. Clinic hours will be 7…

Prepping Your Pet for Cold Artic Air Slated to Arrive This Weekend

A Local Veterinarian from Superior Animal Hospital Reminds Pet Owners to Protect Their Four-Legged Friends this Winter

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With high temperatures only forecasted to be hitting the single digits below zero this weekend, it’s important to remember your pets aren’t immune when it comes to battling the bitter cold. Dr. Matthew Severs with Superior Animal Hospital says pets are vulnerable to many of the same dangers humans are when the temps dip below zero. Your…

Wisconsin Assembly Sends Mask Order Repeal Back to Senate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly plans to send the question of whether the state’s mask mandate should be repealed back to the state Senate, which voted last week to end the requirement. The Assembly delayed a vote last week amid concerns that repealing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ emergency order tied to the pandemic would result in Wisconsin losing…

Morning Update 2-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021

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

Fauci Warns Against Super Bowl Parties to Avoid Virus Spread

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader. Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.” He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties…

Erin Letzring Wins Her First Beargrease Marathon, First Female Champion in 23 Years

Letzring beats previous champ Ryan Redington by just 7 seconds at the finish.

DULUTH, Minn.- After an epic finish-line battle Tuesday evening, the winner of the 37th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was first-time marathon musher Erin Letzring, beating out previous champ Ryan Redington by seconds in the final stretch. “Doing good. We’re all tired and could use a drink of water, but we’re all doing good,” said Letzring, panting with exhaustion…

Superior Council Wants State’s Ethical Opinion Involving Mayor Paine’s Marriage To Councilor

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland proposed a formal request through the council Tuesday night to have City Attorney Frog Prell seek an advisory opinion from the Wisconsin Ethics Commission involving possible ethical concerns around Mayor Jim Paine’s recent marriage to 2nd District Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. Mayor Paine did not want a discussion on the topic at…

MN Court of Appeals Denies Lawsuit Against Line 3

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File) A Minnesota Court of Appeals judge has thrown out a lawsuit that was trying to stop the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline reconstruction project. Several activist and Indigenous groups were challenging a recent permit approval by saying the pipeline threatens Native American waters and climate change. Enbridge says it’s pleased with the court’s decision but…

Duluth Hits New Record With Opioid Deaths; Police Working On Treatment Efforts

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police say the city had its highest number of deaths from opioid overdoses in 2020, ever since they began tracking the numbers back in 2013. 20 people died from suspected overdoses, with some deaths still needing to be confirmed with toxicology reports. Duluth had a total of 213 overdoses in 2020, which is actually more than…

City of Superior Extends Mask Mandate

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior city council has voted to renew the city’s mask mandate through the end of April. Previously, when Gov. Tony Evers ordered his mask mandate, the city of Superior let its own mandate expire. However, the Assembly could repeal Evers’ mandate as soon as this week, and because of this Mayor Jim Paine says it’s best…

Pandemic Prompting More People to Hit the Slopes at Lutsen Mountains

With Safety Precautions in Place, Staff at Lutsen Mountains is Ready to Welcome Visitors to the Slopes

LUTSEN, Minn. – It’s known as cabin fever, and this year, we may find ourselves letting it sink in earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many winter weather enthusiasts are embracing current restrictions and taking a trip up the North Shore. “If you would like an action-packed, nature-filled, beautiful landscape ski resort, come to Lutsen Mountains,” exclaimed Rhylee Octavion,…

Many People Are Still Hesitant To Take Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn. – More COVID-19 vaccines are going into the arms of people across the country, but there are still some folks feeling hesitant about getting the shot. Experts say many people may be skeptical about its effectiveness due to how quickly it was created. The hesitation may also be because the vaccine is highly politicized and the continuous sharing…

Health Expert Say Take Pain Relievers After Getting Your Vaccine Instead Of Before To Help With Side Effects

DULUTH, Minn. – There has been a lot of debate about taking painkillers to treat side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts say it is safe to take a pain reliever to help relieve the side effects of the vaccine, but when it should be taken is an issue many vaccine recipients are still unclear about. Many people have…

The Duluth Superior Symphony Returns To Live Concerts

For the first time ever, the DSSO is offering the option to view the event from the comfort of your home.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is returning to live concerts after a two-month shut down due to the pandemic. Guests can attend a live showing starting this weekend, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is only a limited number of seating available. For the first time ever, the DSSO is offering the option to view the event…

Mental Health Awareness Week for Kids

This week is mental health awareness week for kids and local psychotherapists are recommending to cut down on screen time in order to prioritize children’s mental health.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is mental health awareness week for kids and local psychotherapists are recommending to cut down on screen time in order to prioritize children’s mental health. Counselors add that another way to ensure mental health with kids is to make sure kids have a safe environment to feel comfortable to be their authentic selves and for…

Duluth Fire Department Receives Second Dose of Vaccine Shots

As the pandemic continues, Northland first responders are still receiving their COVID vaccinations including at the Duluth Fire Department where they received their second dose of shots today.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, Northland first responders are still receiving their COVID vaccinations including at the Duluth Fire Department where they received their second dose of shots today. It’s been anything but normal for the Duluth Fire Department since the pandemic began but as more of them get vaccinated, they feel like they are rounding the corner….

DLH Clothing Gives Back in a Meaningful Way

One local business is giving back to the community in a meaningful way.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business is giving back to the community in a meaningful way. DLH Clothing in the Lincoln Park Craft District is giving 10% of its profits to Family Freedom Center, which works to support the black community in multiple ways, including with startups. DLH owners say they wanted to give back to the center because it’s…

Stella Maris to Open Catholic High School

Some big changes are coming to Stella Maris Academy as they now plan to open a Catholic high school by 2022.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to Stella Maris Academy as they now plan to open a Catholic high school by 2022. Stella Maris’ current academy, which features pre-K through grade 8 will also house the high school. Leadership says it’s always been part of their plans to open the school and they’re proud it’s nearly a reality….

Update: St. Luke’s No Longer Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline

DULUTH, Minn. – After temporarily suspending its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline on Tuesday due to high call volumes, St. Luke’s says they will no longer be offering the hotline moving forward. To prevent long wait times for patients the hospital says they will instead offer two scheduling methods to patients who wish to make a vaccine appointment: Patients can schedule…

Wisconsin Vaccination Rate Increases Amid High Demand

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination rate increased relative to other states over the past week and demand continues to far exceed supply. State health officials said Tuesday that Wisconsin vaccinated more than 200,000 people last week and the state’s allotment of vaccine from the federal government is increasing by 18%. However, last week alone, nearly 300,000 doses were…

St. Luke’s COVID Vaccine Clinic Hotline Temporarily Suspended

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on its Facebook page Tuesday afternoon that the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline has been temporarily suspended. The hospital says they have suspended calls to the hotline due to an overwhelming amount of calls from the community. All other lines at St. Luke’s are still available. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and…

Walz Asks Cliffs, US Steel to Collaborate to Keep Taconite Plants Open, Cliffs CEO Responds

ST.PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz sent letters urging the CEOs of US Steel and Cleveland Cliffs to work together to ensure the future success of both Minntac and Hibbing Taconite operations. “I am writing this letter out of concern about the future of two iron ore taconite operations— Minntac and Hibbing Taconite–on Minnesota’s Iron Range and to…

Hunting Group Sues to Force Wisconsin Wolf Season

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A national hunting group is suing to force an immediate start to Wisconsin’s wolf season. Kansas-based Hunter Nation Inc. filed the suit Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court in Wisconsin. The group is seeking an order forcing the state Department of Natural Resources to start the season immediately. The Trump administration removed wolves from the federal…

Feds to Start Sending COVID Vaccine to Pharmacies Next Week

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will begin providing COVID-19 vaccines to U.S. pharmacies, part of its plan to ramp up vaccinations as new and potentially more serious virus strains are starting to appear. White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients said Tuesday the government will initially ship about 1 million doses to some 6,500 pharmacies around the country, starting next…