News – Latest News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,353 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 276,500 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,265 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,837,304 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Wisconsin Presidential Recount in 4th Day, With Few Changes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s partial presidential recount entered its fourth day Monday, with very few changes in vote totals as President Donald Trump’s attorneys appeared to be focused on a legal challenge seeking to toss tens of thousands of ballots, including the one cast by an attorney for the campaign. Democrat Joe Biden won the state by about 20,600…

6th Annual Christmas Lighting Challenge Now Underway

Voting is Now Open for Decorated Homes in Duluth, Superior, Hermantown and Cloquet

DULUTH, Minn. – It seems as if holiday traditions are being canceled or changed this year due to COVID-19, but the 6th annual Christmas Lighting Challenge is not one of those events. Event organizer Peter Cpin says dozens of homes and businesses have already registered to turn their lights on this year. Event Timeline • November 21st – 2020 Lighting…

Morning Update 11-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Nov. 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Police Arrest 15-Year-Old Boy in Wisconsin Mall Shooting

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) — A 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection to a shooting at a suburban Milwaukee mall that injured eight people, authorities said Sunday. Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber said the shooting happened during a dispute Friday afternoon between two groups. He said four “innocent bystanders” suffered what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators said the suspect…

Keene Creek Dog Park Partially Reopens After Summer Construction

About a third of the large dog area and small dog area are now open. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular dog park in West Duluth is now partially reopened to the public. Keene Creek Dog Park near Grand Avenue had been under construction during the summer season. About a third of the large dog area and small dog area are now open. According to city officials a large part of the park remains closed to allow…

Bentleyville Modifying Drive-Thru Tour After Vehicles Turned Away Opening Night

Volunteers and Duluth Police had to work though traffic hiccups with the new setup, but said all-in-all it was a successful start.

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville Tour of Lights kicked off its new 2020 drive-thru season Saturday night, and before getting to the Christmas lights — vehicle headlights decorated the streets around Bayfront Festival Park, as crews worked through some challenges with the new setup. “When it’s the very first time you’re attempting to do a drive-thru and it’s opening night there’s always gonna…

Wisconsin Passes Grim Milestone of 3,000 Coronavirus Deaths

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin has surpassed 3,000 COVID-19 deaths, adding a about third of that tally in November. The state Department of Health Services reported 51 deaths on Saturday, bringing the state’s death toll to 3,005 since the pandemic began. The Journal Sentinel reports it took Wisconsin about five months from the beginning of the pandemic in March to hit…

In Wisconsin Recount, Trump Challenges Pile Up, Slow Tally

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A large contingent of observers supporting President Donald Trump are making their presence felt in Wisconsin’s partial election recount. Trump is paying $3 million for the recount in the state’s two biggest and most liberal counties in a long shot bid to erase Democrat Joe Biden’s more than 20,000-vote victory. The atmosphere inside the convention hall where…

Police Arrest 15-Year-Old Boy in Wisconsin Mall Shooting

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) – Authorities say they arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection to a shooting at a suburban Milwaukee mall that injured eight people. Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber says the shooting happened during an altercation Friday afternoon between two groups. He said four “innocent bystanders” suffered what were believed to be non-life threatening injuries. Police say the suspect…

Minnesota Officials Report 40 New Deaths Due To COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are reporting 7,219 new coronavirus cases, lifting the total number of positive tests to more than 270,000 since the start of the pandemic. Officials confirmed 40 deaths due to complications from COVID-19 in the last day, for a total of 3,241 fatalities. Data filed Saturday by researchers from Johns Hopkins University shows that Minnesota’s…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Drive-Thru Opens to Hundreds of Cars

A long line of cars could be seen waiting before the now drive-thru light display opened Saturday. 

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s that time of year, Bentleyville Tour of Lights is once again lighting up the skyline of Duluth. But this year both guests and staff are adapting to the holiday staple being drive-thru. A long line of cars could be seen waiting before the light display opened Saturday. This year the event went all drive-thru to ensure social…

Saturday’s Fire on First Street Causes Concerns of Duluth’s Old Structures

Staff at Legacy Glassworks said that fires are a problem them, and other businesses on that street should be prepared for with structures this old.

DULUTH, Minn.- Following the fire in Downtown Duluth that destroyed a building at 118 E. 1st Street, other businesses along that road said the number of fires happening to older buildings on their street is cause for a little alarm. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the Duluth Fire Marshal’s office is asking the public for…

Another Fire on Duluth’s First Street Causes ‘Total Loss’ for Building

DULUTH, Minn.– Another downtown Duluth building was charred by large flames and smoke Saturday. “I don’t know it was pretty crazy. There were literally flames coming up out of the top of the building. It was really impressive to see it,” said Duluth resident Mallory Towle, who was watching firefighters put out the flames from across the street. The cause…

Mont Du Lac Opens Ski Hill for 2020-21 Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Meanwhile another winter activity has re-opened this year in Superior, Mont Du Lac resort opened its ski hill today. Both the main and pancake beginners ski courses will be open as well as the chairlift and the pancake conveyor. The hill is opening with extra COVID-19 precautions this year such as reducing the number of people inside the…

Gray Wolves Arrive as Lake Superior Zoo Temporarily Closes

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo has just welcomed some new guests– North American Gray Wolves. But due to Governor Tim Walz’s New Stay Safe Minnesota Restrictions, you’ll have to wait a little longer to see them. Three gray wolf sisters Shasta, Sierra, and Tehama arrived at the zoo Tuesday from the California Wolf Center. However due to the new…

Firefighters Battle Large Fire in Downtown Duluth

According to a city spokesperson, firefighters responded to a call of a fire there at 9:32 a.m. Saturday. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department responded to at a warehouse commonly known as an antique shop on the 100 Block of East 1st Street Saturday morning. According to the Duluth Fire Department, at 9:31 a.m. the DFD received a structure fire call at 118 East 1st Street. Crews arrived on-scene at 9:32 a.m. and immediately began attempts to put…

Small Town Bars And Restaurants May Be Hit Harder In Latest Shutdown

By being such a strong staple for these communities, the sense of togetherness will be missed.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants get by thanks to the support from their own community members, but due to smaller population sizes in certain communities, the impacts from this second shutdown may hit even harder. Many businesses like the Mainline Station Bar in Floodwood, were just beginning to get back to normal operations after shutting down at the start…

Youth in Action Clothing Drive Launches at Proctor High School

With the cold weather here to stay, local youth are putting together a clothing drive for those in need.

PROCTOR, Minn. – With the cold weather here to stay, local youth are putting together a clothing drive for those in need. Youth in Action at Proctor High School has launched a clothing drive starting today through Wednesday excluding the weekends. Gently used or new donations are welcomed, and online donations are also appreciated. “I think it’s important because you…

Wisconsin Hunters Prep for Deer Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Rifle season for deer hunting begins tomorrow in Wisconsin, and residents are gearing up for the season. Northwest Outlet in Superior has seen hunters come in to get some last minute supplies before the season starts. They’ve bought up hats, gloves, coats, mineral licks and bibs, which has been a top seller this year for the store. While…

Health Professionals Fear Suicide Rates Might Go Up

Many factors such as isolation and substance abuse during the pandemic may be contributing to the increase in mental health difficulties.

DULUTH, Minn. – It might be a good day to check in on your loved ones. The hardships caused by the pandemic is creating an increase in the number of people battling a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. Health experts now fear suicide rates might also rise as the global crisis continues. Many factors such as isolation and…

Tighter Restrictions go Into Effect in Minnesota at Midnight

ST. PAUL, Minn.- At midnight tonight restrictions increase across Minnesota as COVID-19 cases continue to climb. More than 6,800 new cases have been recorded in the state over the last day along with 68 deaths. The new restrictions will last four weeks and include the closure of bars and restaurants for in-person dining along with the closure of gyms and…

UMD Food Shelf Helps Students in Need

The UMD food shelf remains open during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD food shelf remains open during the pandemic. The food is available to any students there just as long as they bring their ID. Leadership from UMD says it’s been a tough year for everyone and they are glad to help out where they can. “Some students have lost their jobs or there’s just other environmental…

Thanksgiving Bundles Provided by Fond du Lac Community College

Fond du Lac Community College is changing up one of its holiday traditions because of the impacts of the pandemic.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac Community College is changing up one of its holiday traditions because of the impacts of the pandemic. This should have been the 27th annual Giving Thanks Feast, which would feed about 300 people in the community. However, with COVID-19, leaders at the college decided to change things up by putting together Thanksgiving bundles. Partnering…

Update: Police Responding to “Active Situation” at Wisconsin Mall

UPDATE: WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin mayor says multiple people were shot at the mall Friday but none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride says in a statement that a suspect remains at large after the shooting at Mayfair Mall. Witnesses told WISN-TV that they heard what they believed were eight to 12 shots….

Hermantown Elementary Moves to Distance Learning

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown Superintendent Wayne Whitwam announced on Friday that elementary school students will be moving to distance learning following the Thanksgiving break. Students will come in next week either Tuesday or Wednesday to take materials home for distance learning. “My hope is to get students back into the classrooms as soon as possible. With case rates jumping on…

Illinois Teen Charged in Protest Slayings Posts $2m Bail

(Antioch Police Department via AP) KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A 17-year-old from Illinois who is charged with killing two people during a protest in Wisconsin and whose case has become a rallying cry for some conservatives, posted $2 million bail Friday and was released from custody. Kyle Rittenhouse is accused of fatally shooting Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding…

Gov. Evers Calls Virus Meeting With GOP Leaders ‘Productive’

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders say their meeting to discuss coronavirus relief measures were productive. The Friday meeting was Evers’ first with newly-elected Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and his first since May with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. It came on the same day that the state Department of Health Services reported 78 more…

‘Help Us’: Doctors Implore Minnesotans to Follow Virus Rules

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Doctors are urging Minnesotans to take COVID-19 seriously and to comply with new restrictions that take effect Friday night. They appeared with Gov. Tim Walz to provide dramatic accounts of how the state’s health care system is at a breaking point — especially its health care workers. Dr. Carolyn McClain, a Twin Cities emergency physician, told reporters…

Trump Objects to Counting Thousands of Wisconsin Ballots

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The recount of the presidential election in Wisconsin’s two most heavily Democratic counties have begun with President Donald Trump’s campaign seeking to discard tens of thousands of absentee ballots. Trump’s three objections attempting to discard the ballots were denied by the three-member Dane County Board of Canvassers, twice on bipartisan votes. Trump was expected to make…

Midday Update 11-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Nov. 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, November 20

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,812 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 256,700 in the state. Health officials also reported 68 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,150 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,659,452 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Morning Update 11-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Nov. 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Georgia Secretary of State to Certify Election for Biden

ATLANTA (AP) — A hand tally of the ballots cast in the presidential race has been completed. The results released Thursday by the secretary of state’s office affirm Democrat Joe Biden’s narrow lead over Republican President Donald Trump. The hand recount of about 5 million votes stemmed from an audit required by new state law and wasn’t in response to…

Adult & Teen Challenge Northland Center Experiencing COVID-19 Outbreak

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Northland Center in Duluth is currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak among staff and residents. Right now, 19 staff members and nine residents have tested positive for the virus. Two of the staff members had to be hospitalized, and one of them is still in the hospital. The residents and staff affected…

DECC to Close Nearly All Activities Under Walz Order as Venue Faces Millions in Losses

DULUTH, Minn.– The DECC has slowly been trying to reopen with some traditional and non-traditional events as they try to recover from the $6 million hole caused by the pandemic. But as another round of restrictions loom, management says it will have a significant impact on the venue. Governor Walz’s new shutdowns on public events couldn’t have come at a…

Over 600 Thanksgiving Meal Kits Delivered Around Northland

DULUTH, Minn.– While Thanksgiving dinners might not look the same this year, volunteers found a way to help families make the most of the holiday. Volunteers prepared over 600 meal kits at the DECC and delivered them to families from Two Harbors down to Cloquet. Led by the college of St. Scholastica and funded through donations, kits for families of…

Great Lakes Aquarium to Pause Under Walz Order

DULUTH, Minn.– Another Duluth attraction will be shutting down because of the governor’s new order. The Great Lakes Aquarium will close its doors at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. It’s been open since June after the first shutdown order expired. The executive director says summer visitors were a relief to make up for lost revenue but attendance is down 20 percent…

Duluth School District Adds Bus Hubs for Meal Distribution Sites

The Duluth School District is adding additional bus hubs for meal distribution sites starting today.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is adding additional bus hubs for meal distribution sites starting today. District leadership says the bus hubs were added in order to reach out to as many people as possible in Duluth as people are struggling. Free bagged meals are made available during the weekdays when school is in-session to kids 18 and…

Superior Schools Move to Distance Learning

As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the region, Superior School District will continue distance learning through the end of the year.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the region, Superior School District will continue distance learning through the end of the year. Amy Starzeki, the district administrator for Superior School District, says that prior to moving to a full virtual model that was able to track the number of students and staff who tested positive but now…

Local Businesses React to New Restrictions on Gyms and Sporting Events

Minnesota gyms and fitness centers are about to close for the next month to comply with the governor’s order and youth sporting events are also being paused.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota gyms and fitness centers are about to close for the next month to comply with the governor’s order and youth sporting events are also being paused. At Play it Again Sports in Duluth, 80% of sales during the winter usually comes from hockey equipment but with youth and adult sports being dialed back, the business is…

Resources for Unemployment: Duluth Workforce Development Gives Opportunities to Job Seekers

As times are uncertain and people may be struggling in their current job or looking for a new one, staff at Duluth’s Workforce Development say they can help with things like signing up for unemployment. But if you are in need of a job, you might be in luck.

DULUTH, Minn. – As times are uncertain and people may be struggling in their current job or looking for a new one, staff at Duluth’s Workforce Development say they can help with things like signing up for unemployment. But if you are in need of a job, you might be in luck. Workforce says there are still quite a few…