News – Latest News

US Jobless Claims Tick up to 745,000 as Layoffs Remain High

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims rose by 9,000 from the previous week. Though the…

‘Change Is Coming’ To Grandma’s Sports Garden

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially changing its business model — saying goodbye to the college nightclub weekend vibe that the pandemic sidelined and saying hello to a unique, rentable space for all types of special events. Brian Daugherty, president of Grandma’s Restaurant Company Pictures were posted on The Sports Garden’s social media Wednesday with…

Northland Organization Gives Energy Saving Tips

Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they're not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is working to promote more energy efficiency during all seasons. Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they’re not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic. The thermostats should be set at 68 in the winter and 72 in the summer, and…

Lift Bridge Operators Donate to Local Food Bank

DULUTH, Minn.– Financial impacts from the pandemic have made it hard for some Northlanders to put food on the table. But help is coming in from all over the place, including from those who work at Duluth’s iconic bridge. The lift bridge operators donated around $170 to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Operators say that while they’ve been working,…

30th Anniversary of Big Enbridge Spill Sparks Protest Over Line 3 Replacement Project

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– Wednesday marked the 30th anniversary of the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history that happened right here in the Northland. Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline ruptured on March 3rd, 1991 near Grand Rapids. 1.7 million gallons of crude oil got loose, including into the Prairie River, which leads into the Mississippi River. On Wednesday, more than 75…

Students Take Learning Science To A New Level

"They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know how to sled, but they never really thought about it from a physical perspective," said UMD Physics Professor Margaret Elmer-Dixon.

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of UMD students used Chester Bowl Ski Hill as their classroom for the day to learn more about science. Physics is a subject most people learn about in a classroom or lab but a University of Minnesota Duluth professor is taking a new approach. “They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know…

Grandma’s Marathon Hires A Crowd Scientist To Help Safely Host 2021 Race

Instead of a mob of runners starting the race at all once, this year they will be released onto the course five at a time.

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizers of Grandma’s Marathon has enlisted the services of a crowd scientist… to help provide a COVID safe event this summer. Through the partnership with the crowd scientist, the organization was able to gather a computer simulation of previous races to help create a plan to safely carry out this year’s event. Some changes would include transporting…

Douglas County Increases Vaccine Efforts

Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine. Previously, first responders, police and the elderly could get the vaccine but now it’s opened up more including for those working in the childcare and education fields. For schools, Essentia will be focusing on other public schools, private schools, and rural schools. There are close…

Women’s Workforce Hit Hard By the Pandemic

Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women's workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began.

MINNESOTA – The pandemic continues to have long-lasting impacts on employment in the Northland, including hitting the women’s workforce hard. Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women’s workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began. According to local workforce experts, several factors impeded the ability of women to stay and hold jobs. These…

Wisconsin Launches Vaccine Registry With Just 1 County

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin launched an online registry Wednesday where people can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine if they are eligible and appointments are available near where they live, but so far only one health department is participating. The registry was supposed to launch on March 1 but was delayed as those testing the system worked to fix problems and migrate…

Official: Dems OK Tighter Income Limits for COVID-19 Relief

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Democratic official says President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats have agreed to tighten the upper-income limits at which people could qualify for stimulus checks in the party’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. That’s a major concession to moderates as party leaders prepared to move their legislation through the Senate. As part of Democrats’ legislative thrust on…

Lawmakers Can’t Cite Local Examples of Trans Girls in Sports

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (AP) – Legislators in more than 20 states have introduced bills this year that would ban transgender girls from competing on girls’ sports teams in public high schools. Yet in almost every case, sponsors are unable to cite an instance in their own state or region where such participation has caused problems. Asked about actual cases with…

Midday Update 3-3-21

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

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

Police Uncover ‘Possible Plot’ by Militia to Breach Capitol on Thursday

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Capitol Police say they have intelligence showing there is a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. The revelation was detailed in a statement from the Capitol Police. The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Trump will…

Michigan Loosens Virus Limits for Businesses, Nursing Homes

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced the further loosening of Michigan’s coronavirus restrictions, easing capacity limits in restaurants and a host of other businesses while also allowing for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings. The revised state order takes effect Friday. The Democratic governor says families will be able to visit nursing homes after being tested for COVID-19….

Local Vet Witnessing Importance of In-Person Visits as Pandemic Continues

Many Pet Owners Prefer to be With Their Pet During Routine or Emergency Examinations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’ve made an appointment for your pet in the past year, chances are you weren’t allowed inside the building as the animal receives medical attention. COVID-19 is to blame for the new protocols at many vet clinics in the northland, but it can be a frustration for those who prefer to be with their pet during…

Morning Update 3-3-21

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

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

Woman Accused of Threatening Neighbors With Machete

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — An Eagan woman is accused of threatening neighbors with a machete and cutting wires inside a utility box last week, leaving dozens without phone or internet service. A criminal complaint filed in Dakota County charges 32-year-old Kathryn Joyce with threatening violence and first-degree criminal damage to property, which are felonies. According to the complaint, officers were…

BCA: Duluth Standoff Suspect Who Killed K9 Luna Incited 2 Shootouts With Police

David Conwell, 37, was shot and killed by St. Louis County deputies when he pointed his gun at them from the house's porch after prior gunfire, according to the BCA.

DULUTH, Minn. – New details were released Tuesday involving what went down during last week’s fatal 20-hour standoff in Duluth that ended with the shooting deaths of police K9 Luna and the suspect. David Conwell | K9 Luna The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says David Conwell, 37, of Duluth shot at Duluth police two separate times before his third attempt…

Levi LaVallee’s Snowmobile Recovered From Duluth Harbor After Stunt Mishap

City spokesperson could not confirm Tuesday if scheduled stunts for the week are still happening for LaVallee's next video release.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was unclear Tuesday if professional snowmobile stuntman Levi LaVallee is continuing production in Duluth this week after a stunt went bad in the Duluth Harbor Monday. www.facebook.com/LeviLaValleeFanPage/ LaVallee was jumping off the old Railroad Interstate Bridge and onto a barge on Rice’s Point when he somehow landed in the water. Firefighters on standby for the stunt…

NRRI Receives $2.1 Million Grant for Iron Production Research

The Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million grant to work on tech that is more efficient in using a type of iron pellet.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million grant to work on tech that is more efficient in using a type of iron pellet. Direct reduced iron pellets are items that are wanted for the electric arc furnace steel industry, which makes up 70% of the market. The funding is directed towards advancing production of…

Some Cloquet Bar Owners Want Liquor License Relief for When Pandemic Dried Sales

While they're seeking a prorated or discounted fee, the City says reducing the liquor license fee would have other repercussions.

CLOQUET, Minn.- After months of pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions where some or all of their establishments sat unused, some bar and restaurant owners in Cloquet are asking the City Administration for a break in liquor license fees. “Quite honestly at this point we’re just asking them to help us with something. Whether it be prorated by day, prorated by month,…

Duluth School Board Hears Public Comment on Historic Old Central Sale

As the district nears the end of the sale process, on Tuesday they say they wanted to hear the public's thoughts related to the sale.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School Board heard public comment on the future sale and relocation of the Historic Old Central High School downtown. Last October the district entered into a purchasing agreement with “Saturday Properties” to redevelop the building into a mixed-income apartment building. As the district nears the end of the sale process, on Tuesday they say they wanted…

Northland Teen & Jr. Iditarod Winner Gets A Big Welcome Home

Martens walked away with a $6,000 scholarship and a new dog sled for winning the race.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Northland teenager who won the Junior Iditarod returned from Alaska on Tuesday and a group of local community members gave him a big welcome home. Finishing first in the Junior Iditarod is no easy task, but 14-year-old Morgan Martens from Brule brought home the trophy. Martens returned to the Northland to a crowd of supporters cheering…

Plans Move Forward In 15-Story Mixed-Use Building Project

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall on the project, which is expected to cost at least $75 million.

DULUTH, Minn. – Plans to construct a 15-story mixed-use building in downtown Duluth is moving forward after the project suffered several delays. The project was expected to begin construction back in December 2019, but was pushed back due to impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the “uncertain financial market.” The building will stand on the site of the former…

Medical Professionals Urge Public to Go to the Doctor for Appointments

As the pandemic continues, local hospitals say they are seeing more Northlanders delay treatment for other ailments due to fears related to COVID.

NORTHLAND – As the pandemic continues, local hospitals say they are seeing more Northlanders delay treatment for other ailments due to fears related to COVID. Medical professionals from both St. Luke’s and Essentia say that their offices are among the safest places you can go and while delaying an annual exam might not seem like a bad thing right now,…

Bridge Work Begins in Duluth

Two Duluth bridges are undergoing some routine winter maintenance.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two Duluth bridges are undergoing some routine winter maintenance.  Lester Creek Stone Arch bridge and Tischer Creek walking bridge on Superior Street may be closed, which could affect access to some trails and parks. Maintenance could take several weeks so plan to take an alternate road if you need to. Categories: Coronavirus, News, News – Latest News

Congressman Stauber Honors K9 Luna on the House Floor

(courtesy: Facebook/Congressman Pete Stauber) WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congressman Pete Stauber spoke on the House Floor to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen Duluth K9 Luna. K9 Luna was killed in the line of duty last week while responding to reports of a domestic violence situation. Congressman Stauber said during his speech, “K9 Luna was a guardian of…

Minnesota BCA Provides More Details in Fatal Duluth Standoff

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provided more updates on the nearly 20-hour standoff that took place last week in Duluth including the identities of law enforcement personnel who used force in the incident. According to the Minnesota BCA, Duluth police officers responded to a call from a third party about a possible physical domestic…

Wisconsin Bills Seek to Ban Transgender Athletes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Transgender athletes would be banned from participating in girls’ and women’s sports in Wisconsin from kindergarten through college under bills introduced by Republican lawmakers. The proposals unveiled Tuesday come as more than a dozen other states consider similar measures. The Wisconsin proposal faces an almost certain veto from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers should it pass the…

George Floyd’s Family Only Allowed 1 Member in Courtroom During Chauvin Trial, Judge Rules

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The families of both George Floyd and Derek Chauvin will only get one seat each in the courtroom for the murder trial, a Hennepin County Judge ruled this week. Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill issued a trial management order Monday detailing the schedule, decorum and other procedures for Chauvin’s trial, which is scheduled to begin next week. Only…

Midday Update 3-2-21

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

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

Wisconsin to Get 47,000 Doses of Newly Approved Vaccine

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will receive 47,000 doses next week of the newly approved coronavirus vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, an amount Gov. Tony Evers calls a “game-changer” in the state’s fight against COVID-19. The news came the same day that teachers, child care workers, grocery store employees, and others in a group of about 700,000 became eligible for…

6 Dr. Seuss Books Won’t Be Published for Racist Images

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) BOSTON (AP) — The business that preserves and protects Dr. Seuss’s legacy has announced it will stop publishing six titles because of racist and insensitive imagery. Dr. Seuss Enterprises tells The Associated Press in a statement on Tuesday, the author and illustrator’s birthday, that the books portray people in ways that are hurtful. It says the decision…

38th Annual First Ship Contest Now Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority have teamed up once again for the 38th Annual First Ship Contest. To submit your guess for the exact date and time the season’s first “saltie” passes under the Aerial Lift Bridge, head to visitduluth.com/firstship or click here. The contest closes at midnight on March 24. This year, the…

Morning Update 3-2-21

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

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

Duluth International Airport Receives $1.6M in Federal Grant Money

It’s part of $4 million in federal dollars Congress awarded to help maintain a clean and safe environment for airport employees and travelers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport has just received $1.6 million as part of grant money from Congress given to airports across Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. It’s part of $4 million in federal dollars Congress awarded to help maintain a clean and safe environment for airport employees and travelers. Leadership at DLH say the money will go toward maintenance safety…

Historic J.B. Ford Freighter Catches Fire in Duluth Scrapyard

Firefighters were able to knock down the flames within an hour, and no one was injured.

DULUTH, Minn.- A busy day for the Duluth Fire Department brought them to a fire aboard the century-old J.B. Ford freighter in the Duluth port Monday — and age seemed to work against the ship, its old bones proving to be easily flammable. The J.B. Ford is the oldest intact lake freighter still floating, launching in 1903 in Ohio. It…

Dream Come True: New Owners Take Over The Backyard on Amnicon Lake

Chase and Amanda Nordby Have Dreamed of Owning Their Own Business for the Past Ten Years

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As warmer days start popping up in the forecast, many Northlanders are thinking spring and preparing for summer adventures. One family who recently moved to the area is now settling in as they prepare for their first year in business at The Backyard on Amnicon Lake. “This last year has been a different year for us, and…

Lyric Kitchen Bar Remaining Closed One Year into Pandemic

Growing cases, coupled with Superior Street Reconstruction, kept management from opening back up.

DULUTH, Minn.- While many restaurants have re-opened for limited indoor service after Minnesota’s last shutdown, one restaurant has remained closed since the pandemic began last march. Management at Lyric Kitchen Bar in Downtown Duluth’s Holiday Center says when businesses were first closed in response to coronavirus spreading they thought it would just be for a few weeks. But the cases…

Students Receive Tool Box Scholarships at LSC

Three students in the Machine Tech Program at LSC were awarded special scholarships that gave them the equipment needed to succeed in their work.

DULUTH, Minn. – Three students in the Machine Tech Program at LSC were awarded special scholarships that gave them the equipment needed to succeed in their work. The LSC Foundation gave each student a new toolbox, which included equipment that is worth nearly $2,000. One of the students we spoke to was overjoyed for being selected. “It means the world…

Superior City Councilor Starts Conversation Hoping To Change Name Of Moccasin Mike Road

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle is starting the conversation in hopes of changing the name of Moccasin Mike Road in Superior. It’s still unclear how the road got its name. It is believed to be named after Michael Bright, who was a former elected official in Superior. The road is on sacred native land and was…

Snowmobile Stunt Rider Levi LaVallee Rescued in Duluth Harbor During Filming

Facebook: @LeviLaValleeFanPage DULUTH, Minn. — Professional snowmobile stunt rider Levi LaVallee had to be rescued from the waters of the Duluth Harbor Monday during a filming shoot for an upcoming video. The water emergency happened at 4:35 p.m. off Rice’s Point. “The Duluth Fire Department was on scene as a precautionary measure and was able to retrieve Levi in under…

Needed Upgrades At Wrenshall School Finishes, More Still To Come

The first stage cost more than $9 million and included adding a new HVAC system.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wrenshall School has been getting some much-needed upgrades and now the first phase of the project is complete. The pandemic forced students to learn from home for the last year. Wrenshall school leaders took advantage of having an empty building to make the necessary changes. The first stage cost more than $9 million and included adding…

Search Continues To Find Two Individuals Caught On Camera Stealing A Catalytic Converter

The Superior Salvation Army typically uses the truck to pick up donations for its thrift store.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The search is on to find two individuals, who were caught on camera stealing believed to be stealing the catalytic converter from a box truck owned by the Salvation Army in Superior on Friday night. Video given to Fox 21 by the Salvation Army shows two people walking up to the truck and looking to see if anyone…