News – Latest News

Rising the Ranks, Fire Marshall Is Now Duluth Deputy Chief

For 20 years, Jon Otis has risen the ranks of the fire department and now is officially the deputy chief.

DULUTH, Minn. – For 20 years, Jon Otis has risen the ranks of the fire department and now is officially the deputy chief. Like many kids, Jon played with firetrucks but he didn’t exactly have the desire to be part of the fire department until a college assignment, where he had to write a paper about something he wanted to…

UPDATE: Suspect in Fond du Lac Shooting Located, Arrested

CLOQUET, Minn. – Authorities say the suspect responsible for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Joseph James Peterson on the Fond du Lac Reservation last week has been arrested. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph Fohrenkam was located at an apartment complex on the White Earth Reservation in Mahnomen County on Wednesday. Authorities say Fohrenkam’s mother, Littlefawn Fohrenkam,…

Ossoff Seals Democrats’ Sweep; Will Be Youngest Us Senator

ATLANTA (AP) — Democrats have won both Georgia Senate seats — and with them, the U.S. Senate majority. That’s a stunning defeat for President Donald Trump in his final days in office and it dramatically improves the fate of President-elect Joe Biden’s progressive agenda. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, Democratic challengers who represented the diversity of their party’s evolving coalition,…

The Latest: Woman Shot Inside Capitol During Riot Has Died

WASHINGTON (AP) – A woman who was shot inside the U.S. Capitol during the violent pro-Trump protest has died. That’s according to two officials familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. The Metropolitan Police Department said it was taking the lead on the shooting…

At Least 1 Explosive Device Found Near Us Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) – At least one explosive device has been found near the U.S. Capitol amid a violent occupation of the building by supporters of President Donald Trump. Law enforcement officials said the device was no longer a threat Wednesday afternoon. Thousands of supporters of the president occupied the Capitol complex as lawmakers were beginning to tally the electoral votes…

Rep. Ilhan Omar Drawing up Articles of Impeachment for Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FOX 9) – Rep. Ilhan Omar says she is writing articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump after a large mob of his supporters breached the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. In a tweet, Omar said Trump “should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate.” “We can’t allow him to remain in office,” she…

Pence Defies Trump, Says He Can’t Reject Electoral Votes

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defying President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence says he doesn’t have the power to discard electoral votes that will make Democrat Joe Biden the next president on Jan. 20. That’s what Pence says in a statement issued minutes before he was to begin presiding over a joint session of Congress to count those votes. Pence says…

The Latest: 1,100 DC National Guard Members Being Mobilized

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol. Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership. A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard…

One Person Shot at U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) – One person has been shot at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were…

Walz Loosens Virus Rules for Bars, Restaurants, Other Venues

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz will allow bars and restaurants to resume limited indoor service starting Monday as he also loosens up Minnesota’s coronavirus restrictions on youth sports, gyms, entertainment venues and churches. The dialing back returns bars and restaurants about to where they were before the governor imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. “The…

Wisconsin Surpasses 5,000 Deaths Due to COVID-19

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin surpassed 5,000 deaths from COVID-19, as the total number of cases neared half a million. The state Department of Health Services reported 60 additional deaths on Wednesday, bringing the total to 5,039. There have been nearly 495,000 positive cases to date. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin peaked in mid-November and had been…

The Latest: Police Order Evacuation of Buildings on Hill

(courtesy: Fox News) WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Capitol Police are evacuating some congressional office buildings due to “police activity” as thousands gather outside the Capitol to protest the electoral vote. Police told congressional staff members they should evacuate the Cannon House Office Building and the building that houses the Library of Congress. It wasn’t immediately clear what specifically sparked…

Trump Protesters Breach US Capitol

LATEST: Lawmakers are being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol after protesters breached security and entered the building. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated. Both chambers had been debating the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the Electoral College. The…

Midday Update 1-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 6

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,346 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 427,587 in the state. Health officials also reported 67 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,528 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,762,307 tests have been completed to date. There…

Biden to Name Judge Merrick Garland as Attorney General

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has selected Merrick Garland, a federal appeals court judge, as his attorney general, two people familiar with the selection process said Wednesday. Garland, a federal appeals court judge, was snubbed by Republicans for a seat on the Supreme Court in 2106. Biden is expected to announce Garland’s appointment on Thursday, along with other senior…

Essentia Health President Optimistic, Yet Cautious as Pandemic Continues in 2021

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Says Northlanders Must Remain Cautious as COVID Vaccinations Continue

DULUTH, Minn. – While cases of COVID-19 continue to slightly decrease across Minnesota, hospitals in the Northland are still feeling the strain. Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, chatted with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Wednesday morning about vaccine distribution, the current situation inside Northland hospitals, and the outlook for 2021. “I want to thank everyone in the Northland for…

Walz Eases Restrictions on Indoor Dining, Entertainment Venues

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is ending his ban on indoor dining and will allow indoor entertainment venues to reopen starting Monday as coronavirus infection rates improve in Minnesota. Walz will announce the changes in a live address at 2 p.m., after which he will take questions from reporters. You can watch Walz’s speech…

Duluth Fire Department Names New Deputy Chief

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has selected a new Deputy Chief. Jon Otis, a twenty-year veteran of the fire department and now-former Deputy Fire Marshal, will serve as the new Deputy Chief of Life Safety. Otis will be filling the position last held by Marnie Grondahl who retired in May. “Jon will make a great addition to the…

Fire Deaths Increased in Minnesota Last Year

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say careless smoking was the leading cause of fatal fires in Minnesota in 2020. Fifty-three people died in fires last year, a 13% increase over 2019. Seven deaths last year were attributed to careless smoking, the fifth consecutive year it led to fatal fires, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Six victims died…

Morning Update 1-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Will COVID-19 Vaccines Work on the New Coronavirus Variant?

(AP) – Experts believe so, but they’re working to confirm that. A coronavirus variant in the United Kingdom has caused alarm because of the possibility that it might spread more easily. But even if that turns out to be true, experts say the COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out will likely still work on the variant. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top…

Two People Fatally Stabbed in Kenosha, One Arrested

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Two people were fatally stabbed in Kenosha early Wednesday and one person is in custody, according to police. About 4:20 a.m. officers responded to the stabbing scene, located about a mile north of where protests occurred hours earlier following a prosecutor’s decision against charging a white officer who shot a Black man in the back, partially…

Warnock Makes History With Senate Win as Democrats Near Majority

The Race Between Republican David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff is Still Too Close to Call

ATLANTA (AP) – This morning, Democrat Raphael Warnock has won one of Georgia’s two Senate runoffs, becoming the first Black senator in his state’s history and putting the Senate majority within the party’s reach. Warnock, a pastor who spent the past 15 years leading the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached, defeated Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler. It’s a…

Gov. Evers, Health Officials Ask for Patience During Wisconsin Vaccine Distribution

Health officials said the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while.

MADISON, Wis.- The Wisconsin Governor and health leaders addressed obstacles and delays in the state’s vaccine distribution Tuesday. So far 85,609 vaccines have been administered and as of Monday 266,675 doses had been shipped to Wisconsin. According to health officials, the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while. Gov. Tony Evers emphasized that focus should not divert…

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northland Gets Big Donation to Start New Year

Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local consulting firm has raised more than $11,000 to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland for this new year. Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event. The crew at RSM said they hope the extra money will help during these tougher…

Duluth Businesses Start Planning for Gov. Walz to Loosen Dining Restrictions Wednesday

Some bar and restaurant owners wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected Wednesday to loosen some restrictions for businesses such as restaurants, some in Duluth wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable. “Now what loosening means is still to be determined but let’s be honest, something is better than what we’re doing now,” said Jason Vincent, restaurant owner and Vice…

Visitors Enjoy Snow-Covered Hartley Nature Center

The Harley Nature Center has many different trails so visitors can go skiing, biking, hiking and more.

DULUTH, Minn. – After Duluth received over eight inches of snow the other week, Northlanders are out taking advantage of the conditions at the Hartley Nature Center. “Winter’s my favorite season so just always enjoyed the peaceful desolation of winter and being up here there’s so many outdoor things to do even in the winter, it’s a lot of fun,”…

The Homegrown Music Festival Will Be Virtual For 2021

"Homegrown is the anchor that keeps all these bands in the Twin Ports coming together," said Matthew Sjelin, a member of the Trash Cats Band.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Coronavirus pandemic is already causing organizers of many entertainment events to make difficult decisions about their upcoming scheduling plans in the new year. It has now been announced the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is going virtual for 2021. The music festival has been a big staple in the community for more than 20 years. “Our planning…

Lake Superior Research Institute Gets Matching Donation For Floating Classroom

The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Generous donors are helping the Lake Superior Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin Superior, inch closer to making a floating classroom a reality. The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior. Alumni Bill and Lynne Rogers will be matching donations up to $100,000 to help…

St. Luke’s Needs Volunteers for COVID-19 Study

St. Luke’s is still in need of Northland first responders and essential workers to partake in a national study on COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is still in need of Northland first responders and essential workers to partake in a national study on COVID-19. The RECOVER study asks for workers to swab their noses every week to test for COVID-19 and do an occasional blood test to look for COVID antibodies. St. Luke’s along with other research sites across the…

Northland Schools Prepare for School Year

State officials from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Department of Health met recently with superintendent John Magas and the Duluth Public School’s COVID-19 response team, specifically about elementary school students and their return to the classroom.

NORTHLAND –  State officials from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Department of Health met recently with superintendent John Magas and the Duluth Public School’s COVID-19 response team, specifically about elementary school students and their return to the classroom. “There was an encouragement that we return to in-person learning because the challenges of making sure our students are well-served…

Minnesota Lawmakers Start 2021 Session Dominated by COVID-19 Pandemic

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers will kick off their 2021 session on Tuesday, a session that will be influenced in every way by the coronavirus pandemic. The differences will be on display for Tuesday afternoon’s inauguration. Instead of House and Senate galleries packed with proud family members, the ceremony will be muted. Most lawmakers will be sworn in using…

No Charges Against Wisconsin Officer Who Shot Jacob Blake

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin prosecutor has declined to file criminal charges against a white police officer who shot a Black man in the back last summer. Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley said Tuesday that he had decided not to charge Officer Rusten Sheskey and other officers, saying he didn’t think he could prove Sheskey and other officers…

Illinois Teen Pleads Not Guilty in Kenosha Protest Slayings

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – An Illinois teenager who fatally shot two people and wounded a third amidst sometimes violent summer protests on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, has pleaded not guilty to charges including intentional homicide. Kyle Rittenhouse, 18, entered his plea Tuesday in a brief hearing conducted by teleconference. Prosecutors say Rittenhouse, who is white, left his home in…

Three Arrested in Tuesday Morning Central Hillside Drug Bust

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say three individuals were arrested during an early morning drug bust in the Central Hillside neighborhood. The Duluth Police Department Tactical Response Team conducted a high-risk search warrant in the 400 block of East 6th Street around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday after they received information regarding drug dealing activity and the presence of firearms at a…

Two People Charged in Central Hillside Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say two people have been charged in connection to last week’s shooting in Central Hillside that left one victim in critical condition. Alexia Cutbank, 19, has been charged with first degree premeditated attempted murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting. Seneca Steeprock, 39, has been charged with first-degree aiding and…

Midday Update 1-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 5

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,612 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 425,261 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,461 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,738,715 tests have been completed to date. There…

Gun Dealers Still Trying to Keep up With Demand in Wisconsin

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gun dealers say the spike in demand for guns and ammunition driven by the coronavirus pandemic has not subsided in Wisconsin. Dealers say they are still having trouble keeping their stores stocked ten months after the first COVID-19 cases started showing up in the state. At Superior Shooters Supply in Superior, Pat…

Video Goes Viral After Family Receives ‘Best Christmas Ever’

The Best Christmas Ever Movement Began in 2010

DULUTH, Minn. – For the past ten years, the Best Christmas Ever (BCE) movement has provided families who have fallen on tough times due to no fault of their own with a magical experience filled with joy and gratitude. Recently, Tony Jr. and his six children, all under the age of ten, received notice that they were nominated to receive…

Morning Update 1-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

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

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival to be Held Virtually

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival will be going virtual for 2021. The festival made the announcement Monday on their Facebook page saying, “In response to the Center for Disease Control COVID-19 mitigation recommendations to limit large gatherings, and in the interest of public health and safety, Homegrown Music Festival made the decision that any Festival programming will…

Vikre Distillery Offers Toasty ‘Winter Wunderbar’ Outdoor Seating

The "Winter Wunderbar" consists of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is joining the list of local bars and restaurants with warm places to sit outside for some food and drink while indoor dining is restricted statewide. Vikre constructed their outdoor seating area: the “Winter Wunderbar,” consisting of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. Management hopes customers keep toasty while enjoying hand-crafted…

Local Videogame, Book Stores Busy as More Crave At-Home Entertainment

Games Then and Now and The Bookstore at Fitger's are experiencing boosts in sales recently.

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- With so many still schooling and working from home, entertainment has also had to happen at home — so local businesses offering activities like videogames and books are seeing an influx in customers. “As you can see when you guys came in it was constant people in and out of here,” said Jason Matic. co-owner of Games Then and…

Northland Public Health Officials Worry For Another COVID-19 Spike

"We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook."We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook.

NORTHLAND – Now that the holidays are over, public health officials in the Northland are bracing for the potential for another spike in COVID-19 cases. The pandemic has already had a deep impact on the Northland. Health experts strongly advised people to avoid holiday gatherings to help keep new COVID-19 case numbers down. “Our numbers have been going in the…

Some People Enjoy Sledding At Proctor Golf Course

"It's just what the doctor ordered," said Sandra Benney, a parent with her kids visiting the sledding hill at Proctor Golf Course.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Some folks were making the most of a Minnesota winter while spending time at the sledding hill on the Proctor Golf Course. One family, with sleds in tow, made a trip to the hill to find a little excitement. Sandra Benney says this is a weekly activity for her family as a way to make up for…