News – Latest News

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…

City: Duluth Saw Highest Number of Opioid Overdoses in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth saw the highest number of opioid-related overdoses in 2020, according to a Tuesday press release from city officials. 2020 reports state there was a total of 213 overdoses within city limits and preliminary numbers show there were 20 opioid-related deaths, pending toxicology reports. In comparison, the city reported 106 overdoses in 2018 and…

Midday Update 2-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Feb. 2, 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

Summerfest Moves to September, Allow More Time to Vaccinate Public

(courtesy: Twitter/Summerfest) MILWAUKEE – Summerfest will move from its original June 2021 dates to give health professionals more time to vaccinate the general public. Summerfest 2021 will be held September 2 – 4, 9 – 11, and 16 – 18. The festival will retain the three-weekend format, running Thursday – Saturday, three consecutive weekends. “While the progress made through the vaccine rollout…

Uber Will Bring the Booze After Acquiring Drizly for $1.1B

NEW YORK (AP) — Uber is bringing the booze. The mobile ride-hailing company said Tuesday that it is acquiring the alcohol-delivery platform Drizly for $1.1 billion in stock and cash. Uber expects more than 90% of the consideration to be paid to Drizly stockholders in shares of Uber common stock and the remainder paid in cash. Boston-based Drizly formed about…

USS Minneapolis-St. Paul Commissioning in Duluth on Hold

(photo: Facebook/USS Minneapolis Saint Paul Commissioning Team) DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Navy says the commissioning of the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul in Duluth is on hold after a design defect was discovered. The high-speed combat ship was christened at the Marinette, Wisconsin shipyard in 2019. The commissioning ceremony was expected to take place this spring before a problem with…

Minneapolis Announces Policy Change for Police Body Cameras

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis mayor and police chief say officers will no longer be allowed to turn off their body cameras to talk privately when they respond to calls. The move announced Monday is one of several changes that followed the death of George Floyd and was an issue in another widely-publicized Minneapolis police killing. Floyd, who was Black…

Morning Update 2-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Feb. 2, 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

Duluth Kids Dig Into History of Groundhog Day

At the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, kids got to learn all about Groundhogs, the history of the holiday, and other fun facts.

DULUTH, Minn- On Tuesday, we’ll find out if we get six more weeks of winter or an early spring on Groundhog Day — and on Monday some kids in Duluth learned more about the tradition. As part of the YMCA’s twice-a-week programming at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, kids got to learn all about Groundhogs, the history of the…

Duluth Depot to Remain Closed To Public, Vaccinating Frontline Workers Until April

The vaccines are available to those specific group by appointment only. No walk-ins are allowed. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Depot has transformed its Great Hall into a small-scale vaccination clinic for front-line healthcare workers – meaning it will remain closed to the general public until April, with no plans for shows or exhibits until then. “We feel like it’s very important that we really push forward with this vaccination effort,” said Mary Tennis,…

Two North Shore Lodges Finish Major Renovations

Mountain Inn at Lutsen and Cascade Lodge and Restaurant Recently Completed Extensive Renovations of Their Lodging Facilities

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Recent stay-safe restrictions have given many Northlanders more time to tackle projects we couldn’t get done during the busy hustle and bustle of daily lives pre-pandemic. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, you’re invited inside two lodges along the North Shore that are happy to welcome guests into fresh facilities after months of hard work. “There…

Free Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites Aim to Increase Accessibility Throughout Duluth

A mobile testing trailer will be in different Duluth neighborhoods twice a week throughout February.

DULUTH, Minn.- More opportunities to get tested for COVID-19 for free will be popping up around Duluth, part of St. Louis County Public Health’s plan to make testing more accessible for people who may have trouble getting to the DECC. Public Health Mobile Sites/Trailers will be at the following locations throughout the month: Wednesday, February 3, 10 a.m. to 2…

More Doses Of Covid-19 Available For 65 And Older Minnesotans

Over 35,000 additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is being made available.

DULUTH, Minn. – More 65 and older Minnesotans are getting a chance to roll up their sleeves to get a covid-19 vaccine shot. Over 35,000 additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is being made available. Governor Tim Walz announced the new vaccine supply will be distributed throughout the state. Minnesota is receiving a greater than 15% increase in the number…

The NAACP Duluth Chapter Gets A New President

Duluth native Classie Dudley is taking over the role.

DULUTH, Minn. – The NAACP Duluth Chapter now has a new president. Duluth native Classie Dudley is taking over the role. She previously won the seat in an election six years ago, but a technicality regarding her membership took away the victory. She says that set back provided a learning opportunity when it came to running a second time. “I…

Firefighter Health Takes Center Stage at Capitol

A bill has been introduced at the Minnesota Capitol to help firefighters diagnosed with serious illnesses.

DULUTH, Minn. – A bill has been introduced at the Minnesota Capitol to help firefighters diagnosed with serious illnesses. Representative Liz Olson is helping lead the charge for the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which would include payments of up to $30,000 for firefighters diagnosed with cancer or heart disease while also funding additional counseling for firefighters. “The nature of the…

Old St. Louis County Jail May Soon Be Redeveloped

The Old St. Louis County jail site on West Second Street may soon be redeveloped into more than 30 rental units as they work to secure funding.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Old St. Louis County jail site on West Second Street may soon be redeveloped into more than 30 rental units as they work to secure funding. Blue Limit LLC, the owner of the property, is hoping to develop 32 units of rental housing in the building in the old jail. Currently, they are working to generate…

Superior Mask Mandate Back on the Table

Mayor Jim Paine has submitted a resolution to extend Superior’s emergency declaration until April 30th, which will in turn extend the citywide mask mandate.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Jim Paine has submitted a resolution to extend Superior’s emergency declaration until April 30th, which will in turn extend the citywide mask mandate. Previously, when Governor Evers had ordered his mask mandate, the City of Superior had let its own drop. However, the assembly could repeal Evers’ mandate as soon as this week and because of…

Cloquet Man Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter Charges

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet man charged with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old last month in Brevator Township pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter in court on Monday. According to reports, Joseph James Fohrenkam, 18, allegedly shot and killed Joseph James Peterson, 16, on the night of December 28 while drinking in his truck with friends and “waving a…

‘Saved by the Bell’ Star Dustin Diamond Dies of Cancer at 44

(AP) – “Saved by the Bell” star Dustin Diamond died Monday after a three-week fight with carcinoma. His spokesman confirmed Diamond’s death. He was 44. Diamond, best known for playing Screech on the hit ’90s sitcom, was hospitalized last month in Florida and his team disclosed later he had cancer. “Saved by the Bell” aired from 1989 to 1993, and…

Wisconsin to Launch Online Appointments for Virus Shots

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsinites will be able to sign up online to get their coronavirus vaccinations later this month. The state is working with Microsoft to set up an online signup system. Wisconsin Public Radio reports the system will launch in 10 communities on Feb. 15. The state’s plan is to use those communities as a test of the software before…

Midday Update 2-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Feb. 1, 2021

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, February 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 462,528 in the state. Health officials also reported 2 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,202 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,597,842 tests have been completed to date. There…

Duluth’s Historic Chester Bowl Ski Hill Continues Providing Family Fun

Chester Bowl's First Ski Jump Opened in 1906; Alpine Skiing Began in the 1970s

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl is back open for business this winter and many families are taking advantage of all the activities the park has to offer. “The season has just been wonderful. People are excited to be out doing something active and social,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive Director of Chester Bowl. Chester Bowl offers ski and snowboard lessons every…

Morning Update 2-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Feb. 1, 2021

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

Biden to Meet Republicans Proposing $618 Billion Virus Aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to meet Monday with a group of 10 Republican senators who have proposed $618 billion in coronavirus aid, about a third of what he’s seeking. The Republicans propose slimmer benefits, including $1,000 in direct payments to individuals earning up to $40,000 a year, or $80,000 for couples. White House press secretary Jen…

Minnesota to Detail New Setup for Community Vaccine Clinics

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials are expected Monday to announce “significantly more” coronavirus vaccine will be allotted to people 65 and older. The state has run a two-week pilot of community vaccination clinics since the federal government lowered the recommended age for vaccinations to 65 and up. But getting appointments has been difficult since states are getting far less…

Mushers Takeoff For 37th Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Despite No Fans

The teams were wound up and ready to set out on the 300-mile journey to Grand Portage. 

DULUTH, Minn.-With a different starting line, warmer weather, and no spectators, the 37th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon looked different. But to mushers and their dogs, the trail experience looks to be the same. “Having this race happen is huge not only for the mushers and the fans but for the dogs,” said returning champ Ryan Redington. “You hear how…

Floral Design Class Offers Beauty During Pandemic, Winter Months

Northland florist Lulu Collective had a floral arranging class at the Clyde Malting Building today.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland florist Lulu Collective had a floral arranging class at the Clyde Malting Building today. About 10 participants came to the floral activity, giving them a therapeutic way to arrange and put together flowers in a beautiful way. Owners of Lulu Collective say it’s a great time to do something fun, even during the pandemic. “Really great…

Duluthian Uses Big Instagram Following to Teach Government Studies And Give Back

DULUTH, Minn.  – A Duluth woman is using her background as a former U.S. government studies teacher to not only educate her large Instagram following, but to do some good as well. Sharon McMahon spent years teaching U.S. government studies in different corners of the country and now runs a photography business in Duluth. This past fall, her passion for…

Volunteers Still Help Out at Beargrease Despite Pandemic

With the pandemic this year, there were no spectators, but the event's festivities still needed dozens and dozens of volunteers.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the pandemic this year, there were no spectators, but the event’s festivities still needed dozens and dozens of volunteers. Volunteers stepped up to the plate at this year’s Beargrease Marathon and gave back in the ways they could. Volunteers new and old came to the race and gave back. Reece Townsend, a Duluth resident, has been…

Beargrease Vets Examine Dogs On Race Day, One Last Time Before First Checkpoint

Last minute injuries can come from dogs getting antsy waiting, or even frostbitten tongues in colder weather.

DULUTH, Minn.- While mushers, handlers and the dog teams get blinded by excitement before they start on the trail, the Beargrease veterinarians were busy making sure the dogs were in race-shape Sunday. At Saturday’s final official vet check, mushers could get extra dogs checked and cleared, just in case one of them gets injured overnight or at the starting line….

Trail Mail Honors Memory of John Beargrease

DULUTH, Minn. – If you didn’t know already,  the Beargrease has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s when John Beargrease himself was a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier up the North Shore. John Beargrease would travel between Two Harbors and Grand Marais with only four dogs pulling his toboggan. John became well-known for his efforts to get…

Minnesotans Received Emails Canceling COVID Vaccine In Error

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Some Minnesotans enrolled in the state’s pilot COVID-19 vaccination program got multiple emails and texts that wrongly told them their appointments were canceled. State health officials say nearly everyone who got the erroneous message has been notified that their appointments are indeed confirmed. The messages came Saturday from the state’s vendor, Primary Bio, and were intended for…

Wisconsin Tops 1,000 Daily Virus Cases, Lists 3 New Deaths

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin has recorded more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases and three new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus. The update released Sunday by state health officials increases the total number of positive tests to 542,415 and cumulative deaths to 5,896 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project ranks Wisconsin 39th in the country…

Minnesota Shows Nearly 1,000 New Virus Cases, 13 New Deaths

Minnesota health officials are confirming 996 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths to due complications from the coronavirus. The update released Sunday increased the total number of positive tests to 461,807 and cumulative deaths to 6,200 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project reports that Minnesota 48th in the country for new cases per capita in…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Continues

The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival officially got started today, one of the few larger events taking place during the pandemic.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival officially got started today, one of the few larger events taking place during the pandemic. The warmer temperatures along with the snow created a great environment for people to come to Barker’s Island in Superior to check out the festival. With ice sculptures, a snowshoe obstacle course, and fun characters like…

Dog Sledding at Positive Energy Outdoors Provides Participants with Neat Experience

For those who want to get into dog sledding, but maybe not at the level of the Beargrease just yet, classes were available in Duluth today.

DULUTH, Minn. – For those who want to get into dog sledding, but maybe not at the level of the Beargrease just yet, classes were available in Duluth today. Positive Energy Outdoors near Rice Lake Road provides dog sledding introduction classes giving participants the expertise in how to harness dogs, handle them, and how to hook them up to the…

Vets Check Dogs Before Beargrease

With Beargrease just around the corner, vets are making sure that dogs are safe for the big race tomorrow.

PROCTOR, Minn. – With Beargrease just around the corner, vets are making sure that dogs are safe for the big race tomorrow. Veterinarians, vet technicians, and students from the University of Minnesota helped check the dogs at the South St. Louis County Fairgrounds in Proctor. “Everybody seems to be well-trained and healthy,” said Gregg Phillips, the head vet for the…

UPDATE: Man Died Of Self-Inflicted Gunshot, Not Officer Gunfire in Shooting in Saginaw Friday, BCA Says

Scott Michael Jordon, 34, of Duluth died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

  SAGINAW, Minn.- According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension the man who died Friday during an officer-involved shooting incident in Saginaw died of a self-inflicted gunshot, not a gunshot by authorities, as the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office previously reported. A spokesperson with the BCA said the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man as Scott Michael…

Winter Bike Week Kicks Off With Bike Tune-ups

Zeitgeist’s Winter Bike Week has begun.

DULUTH, Minn. – Zeitgeist’s Winter Bike Week has begun. As part of the festivities, Northlanders were able to come to Continental Ski and Bik today for free bike tune-ups and take-home treats. There was also a kids helmet giveaway through Safe Kids Northeast Minnesota. “Gearing it towards people who aren’t necessarily always biking throughout the winter and making it a…

Silver Bay PTO Encourages Shoe Donations for Fundraising Drive

The Shoe Drive will Run Through Feb. 28 with Donations Accepted During Schools Hours

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The Silver Bay Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is looking to collect 2,500 pairs of shoes, and they need your help to put one foot in front of the other. Due to COVID-19, the PTO is unable to host many of their annual in-person fundraisers, so they’re adjusting. The organization is partnering with Orlando based “Funds2orgs.” The…