News – Latest News

Minnesota Pharmacies Request to Be Part of Vaccine Rollout

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota pharmacies and health care providers are requesting the state include them in the coronavirus vaccine rollout as the demand for a shot among seniors far outpaces the state’s supply. Pharmacists testified before a Minnesota Senate health committee on Wednesday, telling lawmakers they can provide easier access to a vaccine as the priority groups for doses expands…

Northland Newborns 1-21-21

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia Health, Local…

Powerball Jackpot Winner Worth $731.1m Sold in Maryland

LONACONING, Md. (AP) — The jackpot-winning Powerball ticket worth $731.1 million was sold in an old coal-mining town in a remote corner of Maryland. Jobs are few in Lonaconing, the hometown of baseball Hall of Famer Lefty Grove. The Maryland Lottery says the ticket was sold at Coney Market. Owner Richard Ravenscroft told The Associated Press he hopes whoever won…

Morning Update 1-21-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide a look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 21, 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

US Jobless Claims Decline to a Still-High 900,000

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to 900,000, still a historically high level that points to ongoing job cuts in a raging pandemic. The Labor Department’s report underscored that President Joe Biden has inherited an economy that faltered this winter as virus cases spiked, cold weather restricted dining and federal rescue aid…

Biden to Sign Virus Measures, Requires Mask Use to Travel

(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is putting into play his national COVID-19 strategy to ramp up vaccinations and testing, reopen schools and businesses and increase the use of masks — including a requirement that Americans mask up for travel. He’ll sign 10 virus-related executive orders on Thursday as the nation is deep in the deadliest wave…

Students Make Snow Sculptures for Health Care Center Residents

Do you want to build a snowman? National Honor Society students at Cloquet High School have said yes to the challenge.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Do you want to build a snowman? National Honor Society students at Cloquet High School have said yes to the challenge. After a wild 2020, staff at the Sunnyside healthcare center in Cloquet were looking for a little pick-me-up for all the people living there. “Just trying to think of something to help put a smiles on…

UMD Students React To Inauguration Of Pres. Joe Biden And Vice Pres. Kamala Harris

Many UMD students took time in between classes to watch the swearing-in of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

DULUTH, Minn. – The inauguration of  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is getting a lot of attention on college campuses. No matter what their political views, watching the ceremonies was a chance for everyone to witness a big moment in history. “I’m excited. It’s like an important day no matter who gets inaugurated,” said Siiri Truckey, a…

Youth Program AT GND Recreation Center Helps Kids Explore Nature

The youth program is hosted every Wednesday and Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn. – A few elementary school students got a nature lesson as part of an on-going program at the Gary-New Duluth Recreation Center. This week, kids learned all about winter birds The students even built and painted their own bird feeders which are being placed outdoors near the rec center. Staff say this program could help teach kids the…

Cold Front In Bayfront Park Still Goes On

Duluth's Cold Front begins February 6th and goes through February 12th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Cold Front event is still happening this year, but it will be a little different this time around. In past years Cold Front was a one-day event, but now it will last a week to help prevent people from gathering in Bayfront Park at once. Several activities will take place at the festival park and across…

On Day One, Biden Targets Trump Policies on Climate, Virus

WASHINGTON (AP)-On his first day in office, President Joe Biden is moving to dismantle Donald Trump’s legacy by signing a series of executive actions that reverse course on immigration, climate change, racial equity and the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The new president signed the orders just hours after taking the oath of office at the Capitol, pivoting quickly from…

Local Experts Inform Public About Common Vaccine Side Effects

With several million people already vaccinated, medical professionals want the public to know about the possible side effects that could happen in people getting the vaccine. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With several million people already vaccinated, medical professionals want the public to know about the possible side effects that could happen in people getting the vaccine. Overall, side effects of the vaccines are mostly pretty mild. With two different vaccines being distributed in the U.S., symptoms from each have been similar so far. Medical professionals are seeing…

Professor Reacts to Inauguration, Speaks on Transition of Power

A professor over at UWS says she saw a somewhat peaceful transition to Biden, hopefully bringing the country together under a spirit of unity, especially in light of the events that happened at the Capitol.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With the inauguration of President Biden, history was made in several ways. A professor over at UWS says she saw a somewhat peaceful transition to Biden, hopefully bringing the country together under a spirit of unity, especially in light of the events that happened at the Capitol. “I think it demonstrates for one that we, despite all…

Minnesota Vaccine Pilot Program Spots for First Week Filled

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Wednesday announced that all 6,000 spots in a coronavirus vaccine pilot program reserved for Minnesotans over 65 have been filled after issues with the registration website caused it to crash on Tuesday. The 12,000 doses reserved for the program this week — half of which are reserved for teachers and child care workers…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Introduce Police Reform Package

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Three Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at reforming police use-of-force policies and investigations. Republican Sens. Van Wanggaard and Alberta Darling along with Democratic Sen. Lena Taylor unveiled the package on Wednesday. The legislation would create a board that could investigate officer-involved deaths, require annual reports tallying use-of-force incidents, prohibit training on the use of chokehold,…

Pharmacist Charged in Attempt to Ruin COVID-19 Vaccine

(Ozaukee County Sheriff via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin pharmacist accused of trying to spoil dozens of vials of COVID-19 vaccine has been charged with attempted misdemeanor property damage. Online court records indicate Steven Brandenburg was charged Tuesday in Ozaukee County Circuit Court. He pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have warned more serious charges could follow if tests show…

The Latest: Harris Gives Sendoff to Pence on Capitol Steps

WASHINGTON (AP) – Vice President Kamala Harris has now taken on a role that would have typically been performed by the outgoing president. Harris and her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, stood on the U.S. Capitol steps Wednesday to bid farewell to her predecessor, former Vice President Mike Pence, and his wife, Karen. The two couples stood and chatted for…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 20

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,237 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 449,492 in the state. Health officials also reported 34 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,979 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,206,196 tests have been completed to date. There…

Klobuchar: Democracy Cannot Be Taken for Granted

WASHINGTON, D.C.  (AP) — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar took center stage at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and used her introductory address to remind Americans that democracy cannot be taken for granted. Klobuchar says the insurrection at the Capitol just two weeks awakened Americans to their responsibility to carry the torch for democracy. Klobuchar…

St. Luke’s Now Offering Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Eligible Patients with COVID-19

The Treatment is Found to Have Reduced COVID-19 Hospitilizations

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s in Duluth is now offering an emergency use COVID-19 antibody treatment that medical experts say has been proven to reduce the length of hospitalizations. The monoclonal antibody treatment is produced in a lab. The antibodies work to attack the COVID-19 virus in the patient’s system. St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Andrew Thompson, says the…

Trump Pardons Minnesota Man Who Served Time for Drug Offense

UPDATE: MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has granted clemency to two Minnesota residents convicted of drug charges. Trump commuted the sentence of Cassandra Ann Kasowski, of Moorhead, who has served more than seven years of an 18-year sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance. The case involved the transportation of mass…

The Latest: Biden Sworn in as Nation’s 46th President

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden has officially become the 46th president of the United States. Biden took the oath of office just before noon Wednesday during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. The presidential oath was administered by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Biden was sworn in using a Bible that has been in his family since 1893 and…

The Latest: Harris Sworn in as 1st Female Vice President

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris has been sworn in as the nation’s first female vice president. The former U.S. senator from California is also the first Black person and the first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency and becomes the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in government. She was sworn in Wednesday by Justice Sonia Sotomayor,…

Best Pet Products to Invest In For Winter Weather

A Place for Fido is Fully Stocked with Products to Keep Pets Safe During Winter Months

DULUTH, Minn. – With the bitter cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing recently, it’s important to remember our pets need extra care during the winter months ahead. Jamie Parent, owner of A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth shares a few products to help keep your pet protected from the elements. The shop recently received a large shipment…

Trump Pardons Ex-Strategist Steve Bannon, Dozens of Others

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned former chief strategist Steve Bannon as part of a late flurry of clemency action benefiting nearly 150 people, including rap stars and former members of Congress. The pardons and commutations for 143 people, including Bannon, were announced after midnight Wednesday in the final hours of Trump’s White House term. The last-minute clemency,…

The Latest: Biden, Harris Arrive at Capitol for Inauguration

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has arrived at the U.S. Capitol ahead of his inauguration as the United States’ 46th president. Biden and his wife, Jill, arrived at the complex on Wednesday morning, about 90 minutes before his noon swearing-in ceremony. They were accompanied by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, and were greeted by U.S. Sen….

Morning Update 1-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Wisconsin Begins Distributing, Receiving At-Home COVID-19 Tests

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state has started distributing and receiving at-home test kits for COVID-19. Wisconsin Department of Health Services spokeswoman Traci DeSalvo says more than 12,000 kits have been ordered and more than 1,600 have been returned as of last week. “People are ordering a kit and having it on hand for when they’re ready,” she said. “It’s…

The Latest: Acting Attorney General Resigns as Biden Enters

WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen will resign when President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office. The Justice Department says Rosen’s resignation goes into effect at noon Wednesday. Rosen has run the department since former Attorney General William Barr resigned on Dec. 23. He was previously the deputy attorney general and deputy transportation secretary. Rosen has kept a…

Trump Leaves White House, Says ‘It’s Been a Great Honor’

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has left the White House for the final time as president. After Trump emerged from the building he spoke briefly to aides and supporters and said, “It’s been a great honor.” After his departure, Trump went to Joint Base Andrews in suburban Maryland, where he had a military sendoff, with four U.S. Army cannons gave…

Duluth Police Begin Vaccinations, Mourn Colleague Who Died Of COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Duluth Police Department have begun getting their COVID-19 vaccinations as they mourn one of the colleagues who recently died of the virus. Some of the department’s employees started getting their shots this past weekend. Shelly Meixsel A spokesperson said while the department is not requiring employees to get vaccinated or report when they do,…

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Hosting Virtual Fundraiser

The Food Bank Hopes to Raise $50,000 During the Virtual Event

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Second Harvest North Central Food Bank in Grand Rapids is looking for your generous support Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Due to the COVID pandemic, the organization will host its first-ever virtual Chef’s Gala. The event typically takes place at the Timberlake Lodge and serves as the Food Bank’s largest fundraiser of the year….

Sen. Amy Klobuchar To Speak At Presidential Inauguration She Helped Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Amy Klobuchar will play a big role in Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. The senator from Minnesota is on the Senate Rules Committee as the lead Democrat, and a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. She will be joining President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris at a small church service in the morning,…

Lack of Snow Leaving Many Northland Snowmobile Trails in Poor Condition

According to the Minnesota DNR, many of the trails around Duluth are labeled "poor."

DULUTH, Minn.- It would seem Mother Nature is not keeping up with the pandemic-fueled demand to get outside and try new winter activities, as a winter lacking in snow has made an ugly scene and poor conditions on Northland ski and snowmobile trails. “We’ve been a little short on snow,” said Rob Waksdahl, Groomer Operator with the Duluth Drift Toppers….

Organizations Helping Veterans Are Facing Their Own Hardships

Staff say they have challenges with outreach as many of the in-person events that help connect veterans to services have been canceled.

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizations that help veterans are facing their own hardships because of the pandemic. The Duluth Veterans Center helps combat soldiers adjust back into civilian life and provides other resources as well. The pandemic has forced the organization to change the way they help those who served, including switching counseling sessions to virtual platforms. “For some of our…

Infinity Skating Rink Opens at Superior Shores Resort

The infinity skating rink is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week and you can register for a time slot on the Superior Shores Resort website.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The infinity skating rink is officially open at the Superior Shores Resort in Two Harbors, capping off a project almost two months in the making. “We were approached by the owner of the resort and he had this idea that he wanted to do a 170 foot by 75 foot infinity shaped skating rink. So we…

City Wants Public Feedback for The Enger Redevelopment Project

The full 10 acres planned for reconstruction runs through a portion of the Enger Park Golf Course.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has selected a developer to help repurpose 10 acres of land in the area of Enger Park Golf Course. Before moving forward both the city and the developer are asking for public input on the best ways to use the site. City officials say this particular site is a prime location with endless…

Boxes Filled with Snow In Preparation for Sculptors in Lincoln Park Craft District

Massive 6-foot tall boxes full of packed snow have popped up in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The boxes will be peeled open later this week so local and regional artists can transform the snow cubes into creative snow sculptures.

DULUTH, Minn. – Massive 6-foot tall boxes full of packed snow have popped up in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The boxes will be peeled open later this week so local and regional artists can transform the snow cubes into creative snow sculptures. Organizers tell us it’s all about getting people out of the house to enjoy winter while also…

Superior School District Provides Meals for Students

With many students attending school in a hybrid format, Northland school districts are trying new strategies to make sure their students get enough to eat.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With many students attending school in a hybrid format, Northland school districts are trying new strategies to make sure their students get enough to eat. Whether it’s chicken alfredo or cheeseburgers, the Superior School District is providing free meals to students not only for the food but also to give a sense of normalcy during these uncertain…

Duluth Realtor Puts Together Guide for Local Homebuyers

A Duluth realtor is putting together a guide for local homebuyers.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth realtor is putting together a guide for local homebuyers. Ayla Dougherty helps out people who are moving to the Duluth area. She says that over the years, some of her clients have come from the Twin Cities area and further away such as the Dakotas and even Canada. This new guide will highlight the best…

Some Minnesota Elementary Students Head Back in School

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Many Minnesota schools are welcoming back some of their youngest students for in-person instruction, with more elementary schools expected to follow in the coming weeks. Some school districts opened for kindergarten, first- and second-grade students on Tuesday and plan to bring back older elementary students next month. Others will begin their reopening process later this month or…

The Latest: 12 Army National Guard Removed From Inauguration

WASHINGTON (AP) – Pentagon officials say 12 Army National Guard members have been removed from securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration after vetting by the FBI, including two who posted and texted extremist views about Wednesday’s event. There was no specific threat to Biden. Two U.S. officials told The Associated Press that all 12 were found to have ties to right-wing…

Fire Crews Respond to Structure Fire in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday afternoon fire crews responded to a structure fire at the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building in Lincoln Park. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the building around 1:00 p.m. Traffic was closed around the building, located at 2102 West Superior Street, while firefighters worked to contain the fire. We will continue to update this…

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Online Appointment Portal Opens Tuesday Afternoon

(FOX 9) – Starting Tuesday at noon, some eligible Minnesotans will be able to sign up online for an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the nine pilot vaccination sites that are opening across the state. Minnesota is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination program to include people 65 years old and above, teachers, and child care workers, but health officials say initial…

Midday Update 1-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide an update on news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 19, 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

DNR Board to Consider Mining Fee Increases Next Week

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources’ policy board is expected to reconsider a plan to dramatically increase mining fees in Wisconsin. The new rules would increase fees and costs for nonferrous mining operations by about $502,000 per project. They also would require companies to supply more detailed feasibility and construction plans to the department and establish…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 922 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 448,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 6 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,945 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,188,091 tests have been completed to date. There…