News – Latest News

St. Louis County Continues Battle Against Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– St. Louis County has set a new daily record with 167 new cases on Wednesday. This is following a startling upward trend that health experts say is coming from community transmission throughout the county. There’s a growing worry among county health experts that the virus could spread to places with vulnerable groups like care facilities. “Now we’re seeing…

Fitness Businesses Hope to See More Patrons Return in Pandemic as Weather Cools Down

With winter almost here, exercising outside becomes a bit more challenging, especially if you don't like cold weather. Area gyms are hoping to attract people for indoor workouts despite the ongoing pandemic. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With winter almost here, exercising outside becomes a bit more challenging, especially if you don’t like cold weather. Area gyms are hoping to attract people for indoor workouts despite the ongoing pandemic. They still only allow 25% capacity, but area gym operators are hopeful lower temperatures will mean more customers. The kickboxing gym 9Round in Duluth is…

Duluth Police ‘Experiencing Impacts of COVID-19,’ But City Won’t Say Total Cases

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth would not confirm how many officers or staff members with the Duluth Police Department were off the beat Thursday with COVID-19 after a press release was sent out that said the department is “experiencing impacts of COVID-19.” “We respect our employees right to privacy and all disclosures are voluntary.  Therefore, we will not…

Warmer Weather Gets Pet Owners To Flock To Dog Park

"We are really lucky this week," said Camille Schuh, a dog owner visiting the park.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – November is giving the gifts of sunshine and warmer weather. On Thursday, some Northlanders chose to enjoy those gifts by visiting a local dog park in Superior. Several dogs had the chance to play freely with each other. The good weather had some pet owners at the park feeling fortunate about the temperatures being warmer than usual….

Some Long Term Care And Assisted Living Facilities Are In Need Of Workers

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is requesting help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He wants FEMA to support the needs of long-term care and similar facilities in the state suffering from staffing shortages. There are hundreds of long term care facilities right here in the Northland. As COVID-19 lingers, one of their biggest challenges is having enough…

Meals Reimagined: DECC Thanksgiving Looks Different Because of Pandemic

While this year's Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC will look a little bit different this year, people will still be getting their share of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and the works. 

DULUTH, Minn. – While this year’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC will look a little bit different this year, people will still be getting their share of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and the works. The plan is to provide meal kits the week before Thanksgiving for families that can feed a family of six. The week of Thanksgiving, there will…

2020 Latest: Trump Set to Make Remarks From White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to make his first public appearance since the early morning hours after Election Day. The White House says Trump will deliver remarks at 6:30 p.m. Thursday from the press briefing room. It was unclear if he would take questions. Trump last appeared in public early Wednesday, when he falsely declared victory over Democrat…

Increase in COVID-19 Hospitilizations Prompts St. Luke’s to Reschedule Some Overnight Stay Surgeries

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s hospital says they have started rescheduling some elective surgeries that require overnight stays to help free-up hospital beds and staff at the facility. The move comes as the hospital says they are seeing a “significant increase in patients needing hospitalization” due to COVID-19. “The COVID-19 community infection rates continue to rise throughout the region and…

Keewatin Taconite Plans to Restart Plant, Bring Back Workers

KEEWATIN, Minn. (AP) — U.S. Steel plans to bring back hundreds of workers at the Keewatin Taconite plant in northern Minnesota that was shut down in May due to a drop in demand for iron and steel during the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Thursday. Dan Pierce, United Steelworkers union president for Keetac, said the company plans to begin recalling union…

Gov. Walz Signs Executive Order on the Safe Learning Plan

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 20-94, which makes adjustments to the Safe Learning Plan originally outlined in Executive Order 20-82. Walz says the order aims to support students, families, and educators in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Executive Order 20-94 provides clarity around: Who qualifies for no-cost…

Judges Dismiss Trump Claims in Georgia, Michigan

WASHINGTON (AP) – Judges in Georgia and Michigan have quickly dismissed Trump campaign lawsuits, undercutting a campaign legal strategy aimed at attacking the integrity of the voting process in states where the result could mean President Donald Trump’s defeat. The rulings came Thursday as Democrat Joe Biden inched closer to the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White…

Minnesota Virus Cases Reach Record High for 3rd-Straight Day

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health reported 3,956 new coronavirus cases and 25 deaths on Thursday, breaking the single-day record for new cases for the third straight day. Minnesota has seen explosive case growth in the past week after a steady increase since mid-September. State health officials said Wednesday that the northwestern and central regions of the state…

Michigan Judge Dismisses Trump Campaign Lawsuit

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP) – A Michigan judge has dismissed a lawsuit by President Donald Trump’s campaign in a dispute over whether Republican challengers had access to the handling of absentee ballots. Judge Cynthia Stephens noted that the lawsuit was filed late Wednesday afternoon, just hours before the last ballots were counted. She also said the defendant, Secretary of State…

Craving for Pizza and Cheeseburgers? Papa Murphy’s Has the Answer

Cooking Connection: New Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza at Papa Murphy's

DULUTH, Minn. – Have you ever had a craving for pizza, and a cheeseburger at the same time? If so, Papa Murphy’s has the perfect answer! In this week’s Cooking Connection, Meteorologist Ken Slama chats with the staff at the Grand Avenue Papa Murphy’s location about their upcoming promotions, and new creations on the menu. The Papa Murphy’s is located…

Midday Update 11-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, News

Auditor’s Service Center at Miller Hill Mall Temporarily Closed Nov. 11-15

The Closure is in Preparation for a Statewide Launch of MNDRIVE System

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County residents looking to renew driver’s license or deal with motor vehicle services will not be able to do so at the Auditor’s Service Center at the Miller Hill Mall from November 11-15. The closure is in preparation for the statewide launch of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services’ new MNDRIVE…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, November 5

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 164,865 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 25 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,555 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,984,331 tests have been completed to date. There are 137,824 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 11,016 patients have required hospitalization…

646 People Arrested for Marching Onto I-94 in Minneapolis

(Leila Navidi/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Law enforcement officers arrested more than 600 demonstrators who marched onto an interstate in Minneapolis Wednesday night protesting President Donald Trump’s threats to challenge the results of Tuesday’s unsettled election, as well as a variety of social injustices. Officers in riot gear surrounded the crowd and ordered them to sit on the…

Morning Update 11-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursaday, Nov. 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News

Judge Declines to Move Trial of Officers in Floyd’s Death

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge on Thursday declined defense requests to move the trial of four Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s death, and also ruled that all four would be tried in a single proceeding. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill ruled after defense attorneys had argued that pretrial publicity had made it…

Warmer Weather Helping Setup For Bentleyville Drive-Thru Experience

DULUTH, Minn.– While the weather might feel more like spring this week, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Duluth. Bentleyville volunteers were out again Wednesday evening at Bayfront park putting some of the finishing touches on this year’s first-ever drive-thru setup because of COVID-19 concerns. Crews put up the easels that hold the big Christmas light displays,…

Superior Votes “No” on Part-Time Mayor, City Administrator

SUPERIOR, Wis.– 71-percent of voters in Superior voted against the idea of making the mayor’s position part-time while adding a city administrator. Mayor Jim Paine tells us he’s pleased but not surprised with the results. He says residents deserve to elect their top leader and hold that person accountable, which he says would not necessarily be the case for an…

Voters React To Unknown Presidency Results

DULUTH, Minn.- Election day has come and gone, but results for the president has yet to be determined. Fox 21 caught up with some Northlanders to find out how they are feeling about the unknown presidency results. With ballots still being counted in a handful of states, some Northlanders say they are becoming anxious not knowing the results. “It looks…

How Recycled Political Signs Could Help Find Lost Pets

NORTHLAND – If you have a political sign in your yard, you have the opportunity to recycle it for something useful. One local group, which works to find missing pets, is looking for gently-used political campaign signs, which will in turn be used for lost pets. One of the main components of lost dog protocol is to get signs up…

Visit Duluth Gets 100k To Help Promote Winter Tourism

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority is extending a lifeline to Visit Duluth to help the organization promote winter tourism in the area. Last week DEDA awarded Visit Duluth $100,000 after the group requested help. Visit Duluth is like many organizations hit hard by the pandemic and could not afford to promote tourism on their limited budget. The…

Nearly 6,000 New COVID Cases Reported in Wisconsin

The Department of Health is reporting 5,935 new cases with 54 new deaths for a total of more than 2,100 deaths so far.

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin has hit another one-day record high for COVID-19 cases and Governor Tony Evers is pleading with people to help stop the spread. The Department of Health is reporting 5,935 new cases with 54 new deaths for a total of more than 2,100 deaths so far. The message from Evers continues to wear a mask, practice social…

Ely Elects Mayor Who Dropped Out of Race Months Ago

One of the biggest surprises of election night happened in Ely where challenger Eric Urbas won the Mayoral race against incumbent Chuck Novak.

ELY, Minn. – One of the biggest surprises of election night happened in Ely where challenger Eric Urbas won the Mayoral race against incumbent Chuck Novak. What makes this interesting is that the winner of this race had actually dropped out of it in August, but his name was still on the ballot. Urbas says he dropped out of the…

Superior Schools Moving to Virtual Learning Due to Rise in COVID-19 Cases

In-person classes scheduled for November 5 and 6 will still be held in-person. Students will need to bring home any items they keep at schools that they may need for the next two weeks for virtual learning.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Wednesday the Superior School District announced they have made the decision to move students to virtual learning due to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in Douglas County. “As shared previously, virtual learning for all students would occur when there are more than 50 positive COVID-19 cases per 10,000 within a 2 week period in Douglas…

This Presidential Elections Sees Increased Voter Turnout

Some precincts in the City of Duluth had 90% or higher voter turnout.

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s presidential election broke barriers as many more people voted than usual. About 80% of registered voters in the City of Duluth cast ballots in this year’s election. That is a significantly larger turnout compared to the 2016 presidential race. Another big takeaway from this year’s election is some precincts in the City of Duluth had…

St. Louis County Funds Organizations to Help Eradicate Homelessness

Homelessness is a big issue in the area and many area organizations that work to eradicate it are getting a massive boost in funding from St. Louis County. 

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Homelessness is a big issue in the area and many area organizations that work to eradicate it are getting a massive boost in funding from St. Louis County. There is a changing face in homelessness – not only do people have to find housing, but organizations that help also have to take into consideration things like…

COVID-19 Numbers Rise in Douglas County

Tonight we are learning that COVID cases are continuing to climb in Douglas County.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Tonight we are learning that COVID cases are continuing to climb in Douglas County. So far, more than 900 residents have tested positive for coronavirus in the county since March but last week alone, 100 cases popped up and they expect a similar number of cases this week. “If you’re going to walk outside on a sidewalk…

Trump Team Says It’s Suing to Stop Pennsylvania Vote Count

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – President Donald Trump’s campaign said it’s suing to temporarily stop the vote count in Pennsylvania, claiming a lack of “transparency.” Justin Clark, Trump’s deputy campaign manager, said in a statement Wednesday that the campaign is “suing to stop Democrat election officials from hiding the ballot counting and processing from our Republican poll observers.” Clark also said…

Saliva Testing at the DECC now Open to Wisconsin Residents

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County officials announced on Wednesday afternoon that the COVID-19 saliva testing site at the DECC is now available to Wisconsin residents. The free COVID-19 saliva testing site first opened to Minnesota residents in September. The site is open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to…

Trump Sues for Michigan Ballot Access, Asks Wis. Recount

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump campaign filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Michigan state court demanding access to locations where ballots are being counted in one of the undecided states that could determine whether President Donald Trump gets another four years in the White House. The campaign said it is calling for a temporary halt in the counting until it is…

Former VP Joe Biden Wins Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.-Joe Biden has defeated President Donald Trump in battleground Wisconsin, securing the state’s 10 electoral votes and reclaiming a key part of the blue wall that slipped away from Democrats four years ago. The Associated Press called Wisconsin for Biden after election officials in the state said all outstanding ballots had been counted, save for a few hundred in…

Lake Superior Zoo Temporarily Closed Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo announced on Tuesday that it will be temporarily closed due to a staff member that has tested positive for COVID-19. “We will be temporarily closing the Zoo to the public while our buildings are fully sanitized and deep-cleaned. We have conducted a contact-tracing investigation and any staff that was in CDC-defined close contact…

Midday Update 11-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Nov. 4, 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: Wednesday, November 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 160,923 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 31 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,530 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,949,591 tests have been completed to date. There are 136,457 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 10,849 patients have required hospitalization…

What’s Next? UMD Political Science Professor Details Days Ahead in Election 2020

Dr. Cynthia Rugeley is the Associate Professor and Department Head of Political Science at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Americans woke up Wednesday morning wondering what comes next in the race for the White House. Ballots are still being counted in a handful of key states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina among others. Dr. Cynthia Rugeley is the Associate Professor and Department Head of Political Science at UMD. She joined…

Trump, Biden in Close Race as Wisconsin Again in Spotlight

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump and Joe Biden were locked in a tight race in Wisconsin as vote-counting stretched past midnight, and the nation’s eyes turned to the same Midwestern battlegrounds that decided the election four years ago. Trump and Biden were running close as counties around the state coped with a flood of absentee ballots prompted by…

Morning Update 11-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Presidency Hinges on Tight Races in Battleground States

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump carried the prized battleground of Florida, then he and Democrat Joe Biden shifted their focus early Wednesday to three Northern industrial states — Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania — that could prove crucial in determining who wins the White House. A late burst of votes in Wisconsin from Milwaukee gave Biden a small lead, but…

Stauber Wins Reelection Bid in Eighth District

DULUTH, Minn.-Congressman Pete Stauber (R) has won his reelection bid over Democrat nominee Quinn Nystrom. Stauber’s win is historic as no Republican has won back-to-back races in the Eighth District since the 1940s. Stauber defeated Nystrom 54 percent to 40 percent. Currently he’s winning by more than 40,000 votes.     Categories: News, News – Latest News

Ashley Grimm Wins St. Louis County Third District Commission Seat

DULUTH, Minn.-Western Duluth’s voters elected Ashley Grimm to be the next Saint Louis County Commissioner in District 3. After winning a majority of the vote in a three-way primary in which candidate Eric Erkkila failed to advance, tonight Grimm won the seat over remaining candidate Joe Macor. “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished as a community, and I’m honored…

AP: Joe Biden Projected to Win Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Associated Press projects former Vice President Joe Biden has won the state of Minnesota. As of 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, Biden had about a 10 percentage point lead over President Donald Trump with about 63 percent of precincts reporting. In 2016, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won the state of Minnesota over Donald Trump by a narrow margin…