News – Latest News

Gov. Walz Expected to Force Tighter COVID Restrictions on Sports, Dining, Gyms — Again

The Governor is expected to announce new restrictions on bars, restaurants, sports, gyms, and social gatherings Wednesday Evening.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz is preparing to announce sweeping new COVID-19 restrictions during a statewide televised speech Wednesday night –as the amount of Minnesotans defying the rules he said, is hampering the state’s fight against the virus and pushing hospitals to the brink. According to a spokesperson with the Governor Tuesday, those new limits will involve bars, restaurants,…

Report on Possible Merger of DECC, Visit Duluth to be Released Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. — The possibility of merging the DECC and Visit Duluth will come to the table Wednesday as board members for both entities are presented a report on the pros and cons of the idea. The possible merger was first made public in September as severe budget woes from the pandemic became very real for the convention center and…

Officials Encourage People to Enjoy Outdoor Trails on National Take a Hike Day

Today is National Take a Hike Day and city officials are encouraging locals to go out and enjoy the outdoors to celebrate the special day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is National Take a Hike Day and city officials are encouraging locals to go out and enjoy the outdoors to celebrate the special day. Duluth is currently going through a freeze-thaw cycle so it’s important to keep off of natural surface trails when they are wet and muddy. However, there are other trails that are available,…

St. Regis Apartments Now Condemned; Tenants React

"It's been a lot of stress and anguish," said Page Koski, a tenant of the building.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly a month ago, residents at the St. Regis Apartments in Duluth were given just over a week to leave after the building had a heating issue. “It’s been a lot of stress and anguish,” said Page Koski, a tenant of the building. Several tenants share similar feelings because their living situation is now very uncertain. “My…

Public Health Officials Wants College Students To Be Mindful Of Traveling For The Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – Public Health leaders in St. Louis County say the 20-24 age group continues to be one of the largest parts of the population in the county infected with the Coronavirus. They ask college students to be mindful of the risks as they make plans for the holidays. Currently, about nine percent of the cases in the county…

Shipping Season Impacted by COVID, October is Great for Tonnage

It’s been a wild ride for the shipping industry in the Twin Ports as the pandemic continues to impact that business.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a wild ride for the shipping industry in the Twin Ports as the pandemic continues to impact that business. While this year has been a tough season because of COVID, October had some of the best numbers the Port Authority has seen this season in terms of total tonnage. Some highlights from this season have…

Congressional Delegation Urges Air Force to Maintain C-130 Fleet

A group of bipartisan Minnesota legislators is encouraging the Air Force to keep the current size of their C-130 air fleet.

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of bipartisan Minnesota legislators is encouraging the Air Force to keep the current size of their C-130 air fleet. The Air Force had proposed to reduce the fleet from 300 to 287 for fiscal year 2021 with the cuts coming from the Air National Guard. The group says the smaller size of the fleet could…

Update: St. Louis County Authorities Locate NERCC Escapee in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that a NERCC escapee has been located and is back in custody. According to reports, 33-year-old Keith Cochise Bellanger escaped from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center on Friday around 4:00 p.m. Authorities say Bellanger fled on foot when he was being transferred to the secure wing of the facility….

Evers Unveils New Coronavirus Relief Measures

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has released a package of 19 bills he wants the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature to consider this fall in response to the surging coronavirus pandemic. The bills released Tuesday would prohibit evictions and foreclosures through 2021 and continue the suspension of a one-week waiting period before people can collect unemployment. They would also allow…

Minnesota Power Makes Donations to Local Nonprofits in Place of Community Christmas Tree This Year

  DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power announced on Tuesday that rather than hosting the annual Community Christmas tree in its downtown plaza they will be making a large donation to three local area nonprofits instead. According to a Tuesday press release, the company says due to ongoing construction in the plaza they would be unable to safely host the Community…

Midday Update 11-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

New COVID-19 Drug Decreases Need for Hospitalizations, Emergency Visits

(FOX 9) – Bamlanivimab, a new drug for treating mild and moderate COVID-19 cases that have been shown to decrease the need for hospitalizations and emergency department visits, is now available in Minnesota, state health officials announced Tuesday. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has started distributing bamlanivimab in Minnesota, according to a news release from the Minnesota Department of Health….

The Latest: Dr. Fauci Recommends ‘Uniform Wearing of Masks’

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci is recommending “uniform wearing of masks” to help curb the surge of coronavirus cases in the United States. The nation’s top infectious disease expert told CNN on Tuesday that “we need to intensify public health strategies,” which include wearing masks, washing hands, and avoiding places where people gather. The U.S hit a record daily high…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, November 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,945 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 236,949 in the state. Health officials also reported 26 news deaths bringing the death total to 2,943 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,506,178 tests have been completed to date. There are…

St. Louis River Alliance to Virtually Celebrate 2020 Progress

Preregistration is Required for the Virtual Celebration of Progress

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance has had a year of great progress on many projects along the St. Louis River estuary and other areas of concern. Happening Tuesday, Nov. 17, you’re invited to learn more about the progress during a virtual celebration. Due to COVID-19, the event is happening on Zoom this year. Participants are encouraged to…

Morning Update 11-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Trump Faces Approaching Deadline for Recount in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump could file for a recount in Wisconsin as soon as Tuesday, once the final county submits its certification of the election results. All but Brown County, where Green Bay is located, had already turned in their official canvass reports ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Based on those reports, there was minimal change to the…

Carlton County Offers Free Recycling of Holiday Lights

Holiday lights can be recycled for free at the Transfer Station on Highway 210.

CARLTON, Minn.- Holiday lights are being hung as Christmas approaches, but if you end up with some broken bulbs or just want to throw them out, you can recycle them instead at the Carlton County Transfer Station. Holiday lights can be recycled for free at the Transfer Station on Highway 210, as long as they aren’t attached to any plastic…

Nurses Make Emotional Plea Backing Gov. Walz’s Frustration at Lack of ‘Social Compliance’ of COVID Guidelines

"I think it's obvious we're going to have to do more mitigation efforts," Gov. Walz said, as the state is expected to surpass 300,00 cases by Thanksgiving.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- A frustrated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz looked to nurses and doctors from around the state to illustrate how the COVID-19 surge is pushing them to their limits — in an effort to appeal to those who may not be following prevention guidelines. “What I recognize right now is that we’re in a place in this country where…

St. Louis County Launches Billboard Campaign To Reach Teens

DULUTH, Minn.- Several billboards are now displayed throughout St. Louis County, including two in the Duluth area, to shed light on the norms of substance uses. Vaping is one form of substance that has become more common among young people in recent years. A recent survey conducted on Minnesota students shows the idea that “everyone is doing it” is certainly…

Superior Street Reconstruction Project Continues

With the construction season wrapping up, Superior Street reopened to the public today but now the project will continue next year after being expected to be completed in 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the construction season wrapping up, Superior Street reopened to the public today but now the project will continue next year after being expected to be completed in 2020. Businesses are breathing a sigh of relief along portions of Superior Street as it has reopened but the finishing touches of the project are not expected to be…

Red Curtain Days Usher in the Holiday Spirit

The holidays bring in local traditions throughout the Northland and this year is no different.

DULUTH, Minn. – The holidays bring in local traditions throughout the Northland and this year is no different. Red curtains will be going up in 17 business storefronts in Duluth’s downtown waterfront today for the Storefront Window Display & Lighting Contest hosted by the Greater Downtown Council. The businesses will have red curtains hanging throughout the week, building up anticipation…

Delivery Options Available for Elderly and Vulnerable

With the pandemic, elderly and vulnerable populations are in need of extra care, and grocery stores are stepping in to help.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the pandemic, elderly and vulnerable populations are in need of extra care, and grocery stores are stepping in to help. Whole Foods Co-op at both the Denfeld and Hillside locations are providing delivery and curbside pickup options for those who are not comfortable stepping in the stores. Management says the number of people partaking in these…

Biden Vows to Strengthen Economy Despite Exploding Pandemic

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Projected President-elect Joe Biden is acknowledging that the nation is in a “dark” place but says his administration will strengthen the vulnerable economy despite the exploding pandemic. Biden offered an optimistic assessment Monday of the next four years during a meeting with several business and labor leaders ahead of an afternoon economic address from his makeshift…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Considers Mask Mandate Challenge

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court is considering whether Gov. Tony Evers exceeded his authority by issuing a statewide mask mandate after his original public health emergency related to the pandemic had expired, a move that opponents said was illegal. The Supreme Court held virtual arguments on Monday and took the case under advisement. They likely won’t issue…

Midday Update 11-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Nov. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 7,444 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 231,018 in the state. Health officials also reported 12 news deaths bringing the death total to 2,917 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,472,833 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Making Holiday Memories at Duluth’s Historic Glensheen Mansion

Glensheen Mansion is Now Offering Self-Guided Christmas Tours Through January, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – The halls have been decked at the historic Glensheen mansion in Duluth, and now visitors are welcome to experience the magic of the holidays both inside and outside the estate. Staff has been busy setting up 25 Christmas trees, and stringing many feet of lights and garland in anticipation of this year’s holiday tours. Self-guided Christmas tours…

Michigan Halts Classes, Indoor Dining as Coronavirus Surges

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is ordering high schools and colleges to stop in-person classes, closing restaurants to indoor dining, and stopping organized sports — including the football playoffs — in a bid to curb Michigan’s spiking coronavirus cases. The restrictions will begin Wednesday and last three weeks. They are not nearly as sweeping as when the…

Morning Update 11-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Nov. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

2nd Virus Vaccine Shows Overwhelming Success in U.S. Tests

(AP) – There’s more promising news on the COVID-19 vaccine front as Moderna says its shot provides strong protection against the coronavirus. Monday’s announcement comes a week after Pfizer revealed its own vaccine to be similarly effective. The announcements come as the virus surges in the U.S. and around the world. Moderna said of 95 infections so far in its…

Personality, Not Disability Defines Proctor’s New Homecoming Queen

Carly Barnstorf, 2020 Homecoming Queen, is a smiling face throughout Proctor High's Sports and Cheer Squad.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It’s Homecoming season for high schools across the Northland, and at Proctor High School they have crowned a very special Homecoming Queen who isn’t letting her Down Syndrome define her or her high school experience. The Homecoming Ceremony and Court at Proctor Wednesday was like no other. “It was pretty exciting,” said Senior Cheerleader Carly Barnstorf. Barnstorf was…

Some Duluth College Students Balancing School, Work, and Caring for Family Members with Alzheimer’s

  DULUTH, Minn. — Two college students in Duluth helped raise $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association through the local restaurant they work at, motivated by their personal connections to the disease that currently has no cure. Adam Streiff and Johanna Unden work at the restaurant Tavern On The Hill in Duluth, while also studying for their college classes and caring…

Deals in Light of Neighborhood Toy Store Day

Saturday, Nov. 14 was Neighborhood Toy Store Day according to the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, and a local toy store in Duluth is extending the celebration.

DULUTH, Minn. – Yesterday was Neighborhood Toy Store Day according to the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, and a local toy store in Duluth is extending the celebration. Legacy Toys in Miller Hill Mall is continuing the festivities by providing deals for the next several weeks. Every year, Neighborhood Toy Store Day asks shoppers to remember the local toy stores…

Duluth Flower Farm Hosts Fundraiser for Local Hockey Association

The Duluth Flower Farm hosted a fundraiser for the Proctor Amateur Hockey Association by selling items you can use for holiday DIY projects.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Duluth Flower Farm hosted a fundraiser for the Proctor Amateur Hockey Association by selling items you can use for holiday DIY projects. The event looked a little different this year because of the pandemic, as people weren’t able to go inside the store and put together their projects there. People came to the Duluth Flower Farm…

Bentleyville Gift Shop Opens to the Public

The Bentleyville Gift Shop is open again to the public this year in a different way.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Bentleyville Gift Shop is open again to the public this year in a different way. For the first time, the location changed to Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park due to the need for more social distancing within the store and because the Tour of Lights is drive through this year. The store has a wide…

Duluth Boy Scouts Sell Wreaths for Troop

Even with the cold weather, one group of Boy Scouts came out to sell wreaths for the troop.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even with the cold weather, one group of Boy Scouts came out to sell wreaths for the troop. The funds raised from the wreath sales go toward camping equipment like tents and cooking gear and being able to afford campouts for the troop. The group, which has scouts ages 12 to 18, sold about 30 wreaths yesterday….

Duluth Salvation Army In Need of Bell Ringers

'Tis the season for Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringers who started their work this weekend, and the Duluth Salvation Army is urging people to volunteer as its base is significantly smaller because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – ‘Tis the season for Salvation Army Red Kettle bell ringers who started their work this weekend, and the Duluth Salvation Army is urging people to volunteer as its base is significantly smaller because of the pandemic. Organizers say the Duluth Salvation Army has experienced a 60% decrease in volunteers this year because of the pandemic. They say…

Death Investigation Underway Involving Douglas Co. Inmate

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A death investigation is underway involving an inmate at the Douglas County Jail. The Sheriff’s Office said the inmate was brought to the hospital early Saturday morning with “an unknown medical condition.” The inmate, whose name was not released Sunday, died at the hospital several hours later. Sheriff Tom Dalbec said he expects to release more details…

Man, 19, Shot Multiple Times in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department is investigating a shooting in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood that left one person wounded Saturday. According to a department spokesperson, officers responded at 5:50 p.m. Saturday to a report of a shooting in the area of the 2200 Block of W 4th St. Upon arrival, officers located a 19-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds….

Wisconsin Surpasses 300,000 Total COVID-19 Cases

The state's chief medical officer warned this week that Wisconsin soon might not be able to adequately treat patients.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – It took Wisconsin seven months to log 100,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and it took only 36 more days to double that number. On Friday – a mere 18 days later – the state blew past 300,000 cases, breaking a record daily high set just a day earlier. There were 7,777 new cases reported by the…

Minnesota Hits New Record of Daily COVID-19 Cases

Since the pandemic arrived in Minnesota in March, the state’s pandemic tallies include 216,028 positive cases, 12,915 hospitalizations and 2,874 deaths.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials have reported 35 new deaths and a record 8,703 new coronavirus cases. The Star Tribune reports the state’s one-day case count came on a record volume of about 52,311 newly completed tests. Since the pandemic arrived in Minnesota in March, the state’s pandemic tallies include 216,028 positive cases, 12,915 hospitalizations and 2,874 deaths. Residents…

St. Louis County Authorities Searching for Missing NERCC Escapee

NERCC staff reported that Keith Cochise Bellanger had just fled on foot from the property. 

SAGINAW, Minn.- Authorities with St. Louis County Sherriff’s Office are on the hunt for an escapee from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) Friday. According to the Sherriff’s Office, on November 13, 2020 at approximately 4:00 p.m., the St Louis County Sheriff’s Office was advised of an escapee from NERCC. NERCC staff reported that Keith Cochise Bellanger (33) had just…