News – Latest News

Vaccination Pilot Program Begins on Iron Range

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.– Mountain Iron is one of the places administering the COVID-19 vaccine to adults over 65 education and child care workers as part of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s new vaccine pilot program. COVID-19 vaccinations are ramping up in St. Louis County with more than 10,000 shots given out so far. And over in Mountain Iron, the next step…

$1 Billion Mega Millions Hype Hitting Northland

DULUTH, Minn.– Mega millions? More like mega billions as the jackpot jumps above $1 billion for just the third time ever. And people in the Northland are going out to get themselves a ticket. The owner of Korner Store in Gary New Duluth says all of the lottery news is exciting as Northlanders take their shot to see if they…

Blood Donations Are Critically Low; Health Experts Encouraging People to Donate

If you have had the vaccine, healthcare professionals say it is safe to give blood.

DULUTH, Minn. – Blood donations continue to be critically low during the pandemic. Donations are typically low in the winter, but as fewer people are choosing not to give blood during the pandemic the supply is becoming exhausted. Health officials say the U.S. blood supply is in stage yellow meaning there are only one to two days worth of blood…

Sacred Heart Music Center Struggling To Survive The Pandemic

"The pandemic has really hurt Sacred Heart," said Mark Nicklawske, a member of the board of directors for Sacred Heart.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sacred Heart Music Center and many other entertainment settings were among the first to shut down at the start of the pandemic. Now it is a big challenge to bounce back from the financial struggles. “The pandemic has really hurt Sacred Heart,” said Mark Nicklawske, a member of the board of directors for Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart…

Great Lakes Aquarium Introduces Otter Slide Race

The Great Lakes Aquarium has introduced a fundraiser to help them during these tough times.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium has introduced a fundraiser to help them during these tough times. In what they call the Otter Slide Race, Northlanders can race using multiple outlets like skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, or even pulling your kid on a sled throughout February. Some of the best racers will eventually be given prizes. “It’s important…

Flu Takes a Back Seat to COVID-19

As the COVID pandemic continues on, the flu has taken a back seat to the virus and numbers are down dramatically across the region. 

NORTHLAND – As the COVID pandemic continues on, the flu has taken a back seat to the virus and numbers are down dramatically across the region. Both the flu and COVID-19 are transmitted in the same way, and prevention strategies for the coronavirus have helped out with the number of hospitalizations due to the flu. The current numbers for the…

Caribou Highlands Debuts Illuminated Winter Village

From Games to Fire Pits, Snacks and More, There's Something For Everyone to Enjoy

LUTSEN, Minn. – If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend, you may want to take a trip up the North Shore. Staff at Caribou Highlands Lodge have created an outdoor Winter Village, complete with ice skating, giant ladder ball, and even a snow bocce ball court. The village is fully illuminated at night, and multiple…

Wisconsin Republicans Propose Getting Rid of Mask Mandate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s statewide mask mandate would be overturned by the Republican-controlled state Legislature under a resolution that could be voted on as soon as Tuesday. Twenty-seven Republican lawmakers signed on to the resolution that was introduced on Thursday. It would have to pass both the Senate and Assembly in order to end the public health emergency and…

Trump Impeachment to Go to Senate Monday, Triggering Trial

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will send the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate on Monday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made the announcement on Friday. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell wants to postpone the impeachment trial until February to give the former president time to prepare his case. The House impeached Trump on a…

Minnesota Allocated Nearly 900K Vaccine Doses So Far

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported Friday the state has now been allocated 871,650 doses of federally controlled COVID-19 vaccine, up more than 240,000 doses from a week earlier. The state’s snapshot of progress in administering vaccines also showed that 214,050 people have gotten their first dose of a two-shot series, with 49,604 people having completed the two shots….

Wisconsin DNR Resists Starting Wolf Hunt Immediately

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is pushing back against Republican legislators seeking to implement a wolf hunting season immediately. The DNR held three wolf seasons from 2012 to 2014 before a federal judge placed Great Lakes wolves back on the endangered species list. Former President Donald Trump’s administration removed them from the list earlier this…

Stadium Water Seepage Problem Will Take $800,000 Fix

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority will spend $800,000 from a contingency fund to fix a water seepage problem at U.S. Bank Stadium. The authority’s chairman, Michael Vekich, says the repair payment was negotiated with the stadium’s general contractor and was short of the $3.2 million M.A. Mortensen Co. wanted. The $800,000 comes from a contingency fund created…

Midday Update 1-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 22, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson provide a look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,525 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 452,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,032 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,289,662 tests have been completed to date. There…

Ban on Facial Recognition Technology Advances in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A proposal to ban the use of facial recognition technology by Minneapolis police and other city departments is advancing. The technology has raised concerns by some who worry it could be a dangerous step toward a surveillance state where people’s movements are tracked the moment they leave their homes. The technology uses machine learning algorithms to automatically…

Morning Update 1-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 22, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson provide a look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, ryan johnson

McConnell Seeks to Push Trump Impeachment Trial to February

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell wants to postpone Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. McConnell on Thursday proposed delaying the trial until February to give the former president time to prepare and review his case. The idea could appeal to some Senate Democrats, who are eager to spend time confirming President Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees. The House impeached Trump…

Biden Halts Border Wall Building After Trump’s Final Surge

SAN DIEGO (AP) — President Joe Biden has ordered a “pause” on all border wall construction, one of 17 executive orders issued his first day in office. The move leaves billions of dollars in unfinished work under contract after his predecessor, Donald Trump, worked feverishly to successfully build 450 miles. A Senate aide tells The Associated Press that the government…

Biden Administration Making Effort To Improve Environment Policies

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the second day in office for President Biden and he’s already making an impact signing numerous executive orders in his first 48 hours. Soon he could have his eyes set on the great lakes. Northland environmental experts hope addressing climate change remains one of President Biden’s top priorities, they would like to see several regulations return…

Snow Sculpture Appears Near Bent Paddle, More to Follow in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn.– Some sculptors are getting to work transforming giant boxes of snow into artwork around Lincoln Park. It’s part of the neighborhood’s Snow Sculpture Festival. This one is located just across the street from Bent Paddle Brewing. The sculptor is calling his work Be Brave inspired by yesterday’s inauguration. “He’s making a big megaphone kind of thing that you…

Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin Will Move into Next Wave of Vaccinations Next Week

MADISON, Wis.– In Wisconsin, the state gave out over 22,000 shots in the last 24 hours, their single largest day so far as the state continues their vaccination efforts. Wisconsin has now administered over 285,000 COVID-19 vaccines over the last month in phase 1-A. Now, they’re looking to take the next step. Governor Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin will move…

Zeitgeist Reopens Bar For Limited Indoor Dining

"I'm so excited to have people in here to make this place feel alive again. I think it's going to be really heartwarming," said Robert Lee, the owner of the pop-up restaurant Gumbo Boi.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many bars and restaurants have struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic. Zeitgeist is now welcoming customers back to test out demand for indoor dining with plans to fully reopen in the future. The Zeitgeist Arts Café shut its doors in August as a response to the financial troubles caused by the pandemic. Now the café’s bar…

Duluth Transit Authority Proposes To Reduce Bus Fares

The DTA will be holding a virtual public comment meeting Monday.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is looking at possibly reducing bus fares to get more northlanders using the bus. The bus company is proposing to the Duluth City Council to lower pricing for single-day bus passes from $4 to $3. The seven-day pass would also be reduced by $2 and the monthly summer youth pass would go down…

Superior Fire Department Receives Donation for Ice Rescue Suits

With a generous gift from Husky Energy, the Superior Fire Department is now equipped with four brand new ice rescue suits.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With a generous gift from Husky Energy, the Superior Fire Department is now equipped with four brand new ice rescue suits. Husky Refinery had reached out to the fire department at the end of last year, asking about making a donation to help out with some winter gear. The refinery gave $2,500 for the new suits, which…

Vaccine Distribution Continues, St. Louis County Moves Ahead with Phase 1a

St. Louis County Public Health along with area health facilities plans to move on from its phase 1a vaccination plans by the end of the month.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Public Health along with area health facilities plans to move on from its phase 1a vaccination plans by the end of the month. There is a strong push to get through phase 1a to move onto 1b, which includes the 65 plus population. Phase 1 A includes people in skilled nursing facilities, along…

Health Experts Blame Rapid Expansion for Vaccine Shortages

(AP) – Public health experts are blaming COVID-19 vaccine shortages around the U.S. in part on the Trump administration’s push to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over. The push that began over a week ago has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, leading…

Judge Denies Request to Delay Cop’s Trial in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge says he won’t reconsider his decision to hold a March trial for the former Minneapolis police officer who held his knee to George Floyd’s neck as the man said he couldn’t breathe. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill ruled this month that Derek Chauvin will stand trial beginning March 8, as scheduled, and will be…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,292 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 450,762 in the state. Health officials also reported 32 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,011 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,247,442 tests have been completed to date. There…

Barnum High School Basketball Coach Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

BARNUM, Minn. – A Barnum High School girls basketball coach has been arrested and charged with three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Andrew John Palmer, 33, of Moose Lake, was formally charged Thursday for engaging in sexual contact with a 17-year-old basketball player while he was her coach. According to the criminal complaint, one of the girl’s parents contacted…

Midday 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, midday update, News

Ledgerock Grille at Larsmont Cottages Features New Dessert Menu Ahead of Valentine’s Day

Cooking Connection: Brown Butter Tart with Lemon Curd

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Ledgerock Grille at Larsmont Cottages has a new, redesigned dessert menu to please any customer who walks through the door. In this week’s segment, Chef Richard Selz prepares a Brown Butter Tart with Lemon Curd. Brown Butter Tart Dough 6 oz butter ½ c. lightly packed brown sugar 1…

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…