News – Latest News

Duluth Businesses Prepare for Super Bowl Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.– With the Super Bowl just a handful of days away, some Duluth businesses are preparing for the big game during the pandemic. As football fans get ready to watch, they’re also getting ready to make some big meals. And one place they’re going to stock up is the Super One in west Duluth. “They grabbing their chips, their…

Cold Snap Causes 3 Water Main Breaks in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– The cold snap has been causing other headaches for the city of Duluth’s Utility Operations Department. Crews responded to three water main breaks Friday, leaving some without water temporarily. Crews worked on a break by the 27-hundred block of Piedmont Avenue after reports of water gushing in the street. Workers spent hours trying to get through the frozen…

U Of M Medical School Sees Increase In Student Applications

This year there were nearly 3,500 applicants wanting to attend the school.

DULUTH, Minn. – More people are filling out applications to attend the University of Minnesota Medical School campuses including in Duluth. There are many factors that may play into the increase of applicants, but U of M Medical School officials say it is impressive knowing so many people are willing to dedicate to a career in healthcare. In a typical…

MN Power Crews Head To NY To Help With Power Outages

The Northland crew is expected to return in about two weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is helping battle power outages in New York, which were caused by the recent NorEaster that left behind about a foot of snow. On Thursday, a five-member crew loaded up and headed for the Big Apple to help restore power for hundreds of New York residents. Minnesota Power leadership says lending a hand is about…

Local Businesses Prepare for Super Bowl Sunday

With Super Bowl Sunday coming up, businesses are gearing up with new deals for their customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Super Bowl Sunday coming up, businesses are gearing up with new deals for their customers. At Ursa Minor Brewing in the Lincoln Park Craft District, you can get a free pretzel kit if you purchase a pizza kit for fourteen dollars. Management says this is the first time they’ve done something for the Super Bowl, and…

St. Louis County Public Health Reminds Public Concerning Vaccination Eligibility

St. Louis County Public Health officials want to remind the public about who can currently get the COVID vaccine after some ineligible Northlanders tried to get vaccinated.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Public Health officials want to remind the public about who can currently get the COVID vaccine after some ineligible Northlanders tried to get vaccinated. Individuals who receive an email from the county or their employer may use the registration link for themselves it some have been sharing it with others so they can…

With Cold Temperatures, Homeless Shelters and Warming Centers Gear Up

As extreme cold temperatures linger in the Northland, area organizations are working to ensure the homeless have a warm place to stay.

NORTHLAND – As extreme cold temperatures linger in the Northland, area organizations are working to ensure the homeless have a warm place to stay. With temperatures expected to be freezing this weekend, shelters in Duluth and Superior are prepared to take on an influx of homeless needing a place to stay warm. Over at Duluth’s CHUM, the drop-in center is…

State to Open Community Vaccination Site at DECC Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will be the host to a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination site. According to a Friday press release, it’s one of multiple permanent COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program sites being launched – there will also be one in Minneapolis. “Of the approximately 6,000 vaccines initially allotted to the CVP for adults 65 years…

Walz Signs Executive Order Calling up National Guard to Minneapolis for Chauvin Trial

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order calling up the Minnesota National Guard to Minneapolis ahead of the March trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd. The Guard deployment will be “significant” and soldiers could be on the ground in about two weeks, a Walz spokesman said ahead…

Nearly 500K Minnesota Adults Have Received at Least 1st COVID-19 Vaccine Dose

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported Friday 497,843 Minnesotans have now received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or 11.6% of the state’s adult population, although the state’s data lags by a few days. A total of 138,212 Minnesotans are fully inoculated, or 3.2% of the adult population, according to the latest state Department of Health data. So…

Midday Update 2-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Duluth Police Investigating Wednesday Drive-By Shooting Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say they are investigating a Wednesday morning drive-by shooting incident. The incident happened around 9:52 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 53 and Piedmont Avenue. According to police, after speaking with the reporting party of the incident officers learned that a gray passenger car traveling up Highway 53 fired three shots at another gray passenger…

Essentia Cardiologist Talks Heart Attack, Stroke Prevention on Go Red for Women Day

Cardiologist Dr. Katie Benziger Explains Why We Go Red for Women on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – On the first Friday each February, American Heart Month, the nation rallies together to ignite a wave of red from coast to coast. Go Red for Women Day serves to raise awareness for heart attack and stroke among women. According to the American Heart Association, more women than men die from cardiovascular disease each year. It’s estimated…

Teen Wanted in Fatal Wisconsin Mall Shooting Caught in Iowa

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (AP) — A teen wanted in connection with the fatal shooting at a mall in eastern Wisconsin has been arrested in Iowa. The Grand Chute Police Department announced U.S. Marshals arrested 17-year-old Dezman Ellis on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa. Ellis’ arrest comes days after authorities say he fatally shot 19-year-old Jovanni Frausto, of Neenah, and wounded…

Morning Update 2-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Senate OKs Fast-Track of COVID Aid, Harris Casts Tie-Breaker

(Senate TV via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has approved a measure that would let Democrats push through President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without Republican support. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first. Democrats in the chamber applauded after Harris announced the 51-50 vote at around 5:30 a.m….

Superior Police Chief Talks 2021 Priorities For Department

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander sat down with FOX 21’s Dan Hanger to talk about his priorities for 2021, which include an increased focus on the department’s community policing efforts while investing in a virtual training simulator for officers. The company behind the simulator is called Survivr – and Alexander says his department will be the first…

Duluth Public Schools Announces Plan For Secondary In-Person Learning

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools has announced some in-person classes will return next month for middle and high school students. Supt. John Magas says the update comes at the approval of the state health and education departments. “We learned a lot over the past nearly six months, from our own experience with elementary in-person and from other districts,” Magas…

Superior First Responders, Stores Prep for Cold Snap

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the temperatures about to plummet, some businesses in the Twin Ports are seeing people stocking up on warm gear. First responders are also getting ready to make sure they are ready for the cold. We made it this far into our Northland winter without a big cold snap, but that lucky streak appears to be over. While…

End Of Year Tourism Taxes Made A Strong Turnaround

2020 ended with tourism in Duluth being down by about 30%.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tourism tax revenue in duluth took a hit over the past year as some bars, restaurants, and hotels were forced to close to protect public health during the pandemic, but Duluth’s estimated tourism tax drop ended up lower than expected. Based on trends shown throughout the pandemic, the City of Duluth projected a significant decrease in tourism…

Limited Vaccine Supply Creates Long Waitlist For Bayfield County Health Department

The limited supply of vaccines has left more than 2,500 people waiting to get vaccinated.

BAYFIELD, Wis.- Bayfield County has already begun the process to vaccinate residents 65 and older, which accounts for more than 25% of the county’s population. Last week, the county gave out more than 500 shots to that age group. County officials say with a staff of more than a dozen they have the manpower to do about 1,000 vaccinations per…

Itasca County Health Dept. Urges Patience, Caution as Vaccine Rollout Continues

Residents Will Be Notified When It's Their Turn to be Vaccinated

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – COVID vaccinations continue to roll out for residents in Itasca County. Public health officials say they are currently in the process of inoculating those working in schools and childcare facilities, as well as residents who are 65 and older. In the past seven days, 35 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Itasca County….

Upcoming Brewery in Lincoln Park Neighborhood Will Highlight Veterans

Two veterans are preparing to open up a new brewery in Lincoln Park this spring.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two veterans are preparing to open up a new brewery in Lincoln Park this spring. Veterans Matt Caple and Ben Gipson met in 2019 when Matt was setting up a fundraising collaboration between his nonprofit and one of the local breweries. Through the Lake Superior Warriors Disabled Veteran Hockey Program, the two developed a strong bond and…

Northland Foundation Gives Back to Organizations in the Area

During the pandemic, the Northland Foundation has stepped up efforts to give multiple non-profits a boost in funding.

NORTHLAND – During the pandemic, the Northland Foundation has stepped up efforts to give multiple non-profits a boost in funding. The group has awarded 81 grants in the last quarter of 2020 for more than $800,000. Most of the funds are being used for COVID relief efforts. Some of the organizations that received help include the Chester Bowl Improvement Club,…

Fire Department Offers Safety Tips During Cold Snap

With the cold snap just around the corner, the Duluth Fire Department is offering up tips on how to stay safe.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the cold snap just around the corner, the Duluth Fire Department is offering up tips on how to stay safe. They say you should always make your space heater is plugged into a wall outlet rather than a power strip, which can overheat if it’s dealing with too much wattage. And if you do brave these…

Minnesota Prosecutors Ask to Reinstate Charge in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota prosecutors are asking a judge to reinstate one count that had been previously dismissed against the former Minneapolis officer charged with killing George Floyd — saying an appellate court decision from earlier this week shows the count can apply. Derek Chauvin faces trial in March on one count of second-degree murder and one count of manslaughter….

Cold Front Activities Postponed Due to ‘Dangerously Cold’ Temps

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend’s Cold Front activities have been postponed due to forecasted dangerously cold weather. According to the National Weather Service, Duluth and surrounding areas are expected to reach dangerously cold wind chill values over the next several days and people are encouraged to stay inside this weekend. The Yeti Hunt has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 13…

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…