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Candlelight Vigil Demonstration Held in Duluth after Capitol Riots

DULUTH, Minn.– A candlelight vigil took place in front of the Federal Building in downtown Duluth tonight. Around 20 protesters got together after organizers put the event up on Facebook Wednesday night. The event was put together by the Northwoods Socialist Collective. Organizers with the event say that the event was put together on short notice and they are happy…

Entertainment Venues Will Take Time To Reopen

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is now allowing these businesses to reopen at 25% capacity.

DULUTH, Minn – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now given the green light, but many of those running Northland entertainment venues and tourist attractions say its going to take some time to reopen. Like many other entertainment settings in the Northland, Zeitgeist Arts Café and Zinema in Duluth has been strongly impacted by the pandemic. “It’s been really difficult. It’s…

Rapid COVID Testing Available At St. Luke’s Hospital

According to the CDC, the most reliable COVID-19 tests are still PCR nasal tests as antigen tests are less trustworthy to catch asymptomatic cases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Patients of St. Luke’s Hospital can now get a rapid COVID-19 antigen test that can return same-day results. The testing is available for patients of the respiratory clinic in Hermantown or those utilizing the drive-thru testing garage located on the 900 block of East First Street. People of all ages can have access to the testing, but…

Hauling Company Helps Community Get Rid Of Christmas Trees

The free service ended on Thursday, but Twin Ports Trailer Trash will haul away any trees you still have for just $25.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local hauling company is lending a hand by helping families get rid of their Christmas trees for free. In the last couple of days, Twin Ports Trailer Trash picked about 175 trees from residents in the area. This is the second year the company has offered this free service. It started as a way for the…

Life 97.3 Hosts Third Annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower

Donations are being collected all month.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local radio station is once again working to help families in need. Life 97.3 is partnering with St. Luke’s hospital for the third annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. The goal is to collect typical baby shower items such as diapers, wipes, and clothing from local community donors. Life 97.3’s station manager says during these tough times…

Free COVID-19 Testing Event Happening at Grand Rapids High School

The Event Takes Place as Cases of COVID-19 Have Decreased in Itasca County Throughout December

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The first COVID-19 briefing of 2021 comes with uplifting news from Itasca County. The county’s public health officials are reporting a steady decrease in cases throughout December. Over the past seven days, 53 new cases have been identified in the county. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 2,751 residents have tested positive, and…

Major CARES Act Funding Comes to Region

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding $1.7 million to the City of Duluth thanks to a second round of CARES Act funding.

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding $1.7 million to the City of Duluth thanks to a second round of CARES Act funding. $1.2 million of those funds will be focusing specifically on people experiencing homelessness while $500,000 will be going towards general community needs related to COVID-19. “This second round of funding is…

Political Experts Respond to Events at the Capitol

"I thought yesterday was incredibly disappointing," said Cindy Rugeley, the associate professor of political science at the University of Minnesota Duluth. "I mean, you could probably classify it as an attempt at an insurrection. It's not what we're about in this country. It's not democracy."

NORTHLAND – While counting the electoral ballots was supposed to be a routine measure, a group came into the building to protest, creating chaos at the nation’s Capitol. “I thought yesterday was incredibly disappointing,” said Cindy Rugeley, the associate professor of political science at the University of Minnesota Duluth. “I mean, you could probably classify it as an attempt at…

Psychotherapists Give Advice Concerning People’s Mental Well-being

With the events at the Capitol yesterday, people may be feeling more anxious and not stable when it comes to mental health.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the events at the Capitol yesterday, people may be feeling more anxious and not stable when it comes to mental health. Experts we talked to say it’s important to limit social media usage during these times and to practice self-compassion techniques. It’s also important to affirm your feelings when dealing with uncertain times like these. “Validating…

US Registering Highest Deaths Yet From the Coronavirus

(AP) – The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the very day the mob attack on the Capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. The virus is surging in virtually every state. California is particularly hard hit, with skyrocketing deaths and infections threatening to force…

Police Identify 3 Who Died From Medical Emergencies During Capitol Breach

The Police Chief Would not go Into Detail About Their Exact Cause of Death

WASHINGTON (AP) – District of Columbia police have identified the three people who had medical emergencies and died during the storming of the Capitol. They are 55-year-old Kevin Greeson, of Athens, Alabama; 34-year-old Rosanne Boyland, of Kennesaw, Georgia; and 50-year-old Benjamin Phillips, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania. Police Chief Robert Contee would not go into detail about the exact causes of their…

The Latest: Pelosi Calls for Using 25th Amendment on Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says President Donald Trump should immediately be removed from office or Congress may proceed to impeach him. Pelosi on Thursday joined those calling on the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to force Trump from office. It came a day after a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, forcing the building…

Capitol Police Chief Defends Response to ‘Criminal’ Rioters

WASHINGTON (AP) — Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund is defending his department’s response to Wednesday’s violent breach at the Capitol. In a statement Thursday, he said officers “acted valiantly when faced with thousands of individuals involved in violent riotous actions” as they stormed the Capitol. He said rioters “actively attacked” Capitol police and other law enforcement officers Wednesday with metal…

Midday Update 1-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Local Businesses Get Ready for Valentine’s Day

While the new year just started, some businesses are already getting ready for Valentine’s Day shoppers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While the new year just started, some businesses are already getting ready for Valentine’s Day shoppers. The owner of Rachel’s Rustic Décor works out for her mom’s home in Superior and makes things like signs and candles for her customers to enjoy. She says that while it seems early, the demand for Valentine’s Day décor has been…

Mick Mulvaney Says He’s Resigning From Trump Administration After Capitol Riot

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s former acting White House chief of staff resigned his post as special envoy to Northern Ireland on Thursday, saying “I can’t do it. I can’t stay.” Mick Mulvaney joined a growing list of Trump administration officials who are leaving following the violent riot at the Capitol on Wednesday. The riot occurred after Trump addressed a massive…

Wisconsin Republicans Disagree on COVID-19 Bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature is divided on a coronavirus response bill that the state Assembly was passing on Thursday but that the Senate GOP leader said his chamber opposes. Even if the current bill were to somehow pass, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has signaled his opposition and would likely veto the measure. Evers and Assembly Democrats…

St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic, Drive- Thru Garage Now Offering Rapid COVID Testing

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic and Drive-Thru garage is now offering patients rapid antigen testing. The hospital says patients who are showing symptoms and have had symptoms for five days or less are eligible for testing at the Respiratory Clinic while individuals with a provider’s order can get the rapid test at the Drive-Thru garage. Rapid tests are…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 7

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,004 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 429,570 in the state. Health officials also reported 44 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,572 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,803,829 tests have been completed to date. There…

GOP Sen. Johnson Says No Decision on His Political Future

Johnson is Weighing Whether to Seek a Third Term

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson says he has not made a decision yet on his political future as the vocal backer of President Donald Trump faces two years in the minority and mounting calls for him to step aside. The update from the Republican comes a day after the U.S. Capitol was stormed by Trump supporters….

Facebook Bans Trump Through Biden Inauguration, Maybe Longer

(AP) – Facebook will bar President Donald Trump from posting on its system at least until the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. In a post on Thursday morning, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said the risk of allowing Trump to use the platform is too great, following his incitement of a mob that later touched off a deadly riot in the…

Morning Update 1-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Lawmakers Vow to Investigate Police After Capitol Breach

Rioters Overwhelmed the Complex and Sent Lawmakers Into Hiding

Rioters break TV equipment outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers are vowing an investigation into how police handled Wednesday’s violent breach at the Capitol. The Democratic chairwoman of the House Administration Committee, California congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, says the breach “raises grave security concerns” and that her committee will work with House and…

4 People Died as Violent Mob Stormed U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four people died as rioters violently occupied the U.S. Capitol. Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in “medical emergencies.” Police said both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation…

Biden Win Confirmed After Pro-Trump Mob Storms U.S. Capitol

Biden Confirmed by Congress as Winner of 2020 Presidential Election

WASHINGTON (AP) – Early Thursday morning, Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner, hours after violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers resolved to work almost through the night to uphold the will of the voters. The Capitol was under siege for hours Wednesday, forcing lawmakers into hiding before being evacuated by…

Rep. Pete Stauber Reacts To U.S. Capitol Violence While On Lockdown In Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber, Minnesota’s 8th district representative, talked to FOX21 while he was lockdown in his office near the U.S. Capitol while it was under siege by Trump supporters on Wednesday afternoon. Rep. Stauber was not on the House floor when the violence and chaos first broke out. He had left with some other lawmakers after objections…

Experts Warn Of Changes In Child Behavior As They Prepare To Head Back To School

DULUTH, Minn. – As COVID-19 restrictions are starting to loosen, many students in the Northland will soon be heading back-to-school. Unfortunately, changing from remote learning to in-person instruction means some kids may show bad behavior. Mental health experts say to help prevent this kids need to get back into a routine to prepare them for school. This includes getting them…

Burrito Union Hosts Book Exchange

Burrito Union is coming up with a creative way to serve their customers through books.

DULUTH, Minn. – Burrito Union is coming up with a creative way to serve their customers through books. The restaurant is doing a book exchange where people can bring in their own items and pick up books for their reading pleasure. The owner says the idea started after seeing a bunch of his own books gathering dust. “So here we…

Local Elks Lodge Donates To Five Area Schools

The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Elks Lodge is giving back by awarding five area schools $1,100 each. The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies. Due to the pandemic, the event was canceled. Instead, the organization applied for a $5,500 grant to help schools stock up on necessary…

DECC, Bars, and Other Entertainment Venues to Reopen Indoor Service

DULUTH, Minn.– Restaurants aren’t the only businesses in Minnesota that will be welcoming people back inside. Entertainment venues can start up again for indoor service as well. Along with restaurants, places like bars and entertainment venues will soon be allowed to welcome limited numbers of customers indoors for the first time in nearly two months. And places we spoke to…

Bar And Restaurant Owners React To Loosened Restrictions on Indoor Dining

"I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what we enjoy, which is beautiful food," said Solomon Witherspoon, the owner of Spoons Bar and Grill.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Walz announced on Wednesday that he is loosening restrictions on indoor dining. Minnesota bar and restaurant owners are happy about the governor’s decision to allow inside dining for the first time since late November. “I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what…

Polar Bear Plunge to Take Place in March

The 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge is taking place again this year on March 27th.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge is taking place again this year on March 27th. Participants can do the traditional plunge where they jump into Lake Superior or do a virtual one where you can record yourself doing something like jumping into a pile of snow in your swimming suit. All you have to do is raise…

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…