News – Latest News

New Burger King Opens on London Road

DULUTH, Minn.– A new Burger King opened its doors for the first time Tuesday in the former Wendy’s location on London Road in Duluth. Cars lined up around the building to get their food for the first time at the new location. Work on the building began last December, tearing the old building down to its bones. Managers at Burger…

Birds Flock to Hawk Ridge During Migration

DULUTH, Minn.– As fall begins, birds from all over North America are getting ready to make the journey south. Hawk Ridge in Duluth has been a popular place for both birds and sight-seers. Some birds swinging through include harriers, sharp-shinned hawks, and more. The center also released two hawks back into the wild earlier today. “They’re coming from the provinces…

Memorial Held to Bring Awareness for Missing Northland Woman Sheila St. Clair

DULUTH, Minn.– Five years ago, Sheila St. Clair went missing. She was last seen at the Cascade Apartments on West 3rd Street in Duluth. Community members and law enforcement are asking for information as the case stays open. Members of the Duluth Area Northwoods Wolf Alliance, the Duluth Police Department and others met at Central Hillside Park in Duluth. The…

Voter Registration Pop-Up Helps Ex-Offenders Exercise Their Right

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Voter Registration Day and pop-up registration events across Duluth are helping ex-offenders qualify to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming presidential election. It is common for many former felons to be unaware of their legal status to vote in elections. Rules do vary from state to state, but in Minnesota, ex-offenders are entitled…

Grant Helps UMD Look Into Impacts Plastic Has On Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – A professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at UMD recently received a grant for more than $100,000 from the Minnesota Sea Grant to look further into the impacts plastic has on Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Estuary. The research will provide solutions for unanswered questions such as how plastic in Lake Superior can…

University Of Minnesota Medical School Of Duluth Tests Campus Sewage For COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Several colleges and universities have already seen a large number of COVID-19 cases hit their campuses. Now researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School of Duluth are conducting a study to further examine COVID-19 through sewage waste. A couple of times a week, wastewater from residence halls on both U of M Duluth and Twin Cities…

OB-GYN Offices Seeing Increase In Pregnant Patients

Patient visits for prenatal care are up by more than 30% at St. Luke's Hospital compared to August of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – While more people are staying home due to the global pandemic, St. Luke’s Hospital is seeing a surge in the number of newly pregnant moms visiting for prenatal care. Patient visits are up by more than 30%  compared to August of 2019. Pregnant moms going in for regular check-ups can be very beneficial for helping to keep…

Cass Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder

Sentencing is Scheduled for November 6

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A 29-year-old Cass Lake man pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder for the 2019 death of a four-year-old boy. Kevin Daniel Jackson, 29, was charged last August for the death of his girlfriend’s son. According to the criminal complaint, authorities responded to a call of a non-responsive four-year-old on August 21, 2019. When officers arrived on…

Two Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed at Ashland High School, Students to Temporarily Move to Virtual Classes

ASHLAND, Wis. – The Ashland County Public Health Department announced Tuesday they are investigating COVID-19 exposure in the Ashland School District after one student and one staff member at Ashland High School tested positive for coronavirus. The Ashland school district says over twenty students and nine staff members are currently in a cautionary quarantine to help prevent additional exposures. So…

Senate GOP Lines up With Trump to Quickly Fill Court Seat

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans are swiftly falling in line behind President Donald Trump’s push to fill the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court. One of the last hold outs, GOP Sen. Mitt Romney, said Tuesday he supports holding a vote. Trump is set to announce his nominee Saturday. Appeals court judge Amy Coney Barrett is…

Midday Update 9-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

‘Unfathomable’: Us Death Toll From Coronavirus Hits 200,000

(AP) – The death toll in the U.S. from the coronavirus has topped 200,000, a figure unimaginable eight months ago when the scourge first reached the world’s richest nation. That’s according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University, based on figures from state health authorities. The real number of dead is thought to be much higher, in part because…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, September 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 91,422 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 10 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,979 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,863,694 tests have been completed to date. There are 82,833 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,253 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Hosting Virtual Program, Fundraiser

Shine Teal for MOCA is Happening Friday, Sept. 25, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) will be shining a light on ovarian cancer in new ways to help support and raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month this September. The statewide nonprofit is hosting Shine Teal for MOCA, a free virtual event and auction, on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m….

Evers Extends Wisconsin Mask Mandate Until Nov. 21

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Faced with soaring coronavirus cases across Wisconsin, particularly on college campuses, Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday extended a statewide mask mandate until Nov. 21. The order, which has been in effect since August, was scheduled to expire on Monday. Evers extended the order even as his authority to…

Spring Creek Manufacturing Seeing Increase in Business Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Company Dates Back to 1985, With Tom and Grant Sega Purchasing the Business Back in 2017

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Taking a business from point A to point B is no easy task – toss in a global pandemic, and things can get messy. For one company with deep roots on the Iron Range, sales show huge growth in the past year, and the product that helped get it all started decades ago could be one…

Morning Update 9-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Wisconsin Health Officials Recommend Against Usual Trick-or-Treating

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State health officials are recommending against trick-or-treating as usual this Halloween because of the coronavirus pandemic. Going house-to-house and having in-person contact is not a good idea, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. If individual communities decide to go ahead with traditional trick-or-treating, health officials recommend leaving individual treat bags on the porch for…

DFL Elected Officials Come Together To Shed Light On The Importance Of Early Voting

"Everybody needs to vote. Its our right to vote. Its our duty to vote. Voting matters," said Duluth City Councilor Janet Kennedy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Several Democratic elected officials banded together outside Duluth City hall to highlight the importance of early voting. Early voting in the state began on Friday. Nearly 950,000 Minnesotans have already requested absentee ballots for this year’s election compared to about 70-thousand the same time in 2018. For Duluth city councilor Janet Kennedy voting has a strong significance…

DECC, Visit Duluth Discussing Potential Merger

DULUTH, Minn. – The advisory boards for the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and Visit Duluth are starting conversations about potentially merging together as they face severe financial setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Both entities have assembled their own sub-committees to discuss what a merger could look like. The committees would develop an idea for an organizational structure that would serve…

Minnesota’s First COVID-19 Saliva Testing Site Coming to Duluth Starting Wednesday

The free testing will be available at the DECC through at least the end of the year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota’s first COVID-19 saliva testing site is opening in Duluth this Wednesday. It’s all part of a pilot testing program from the state. The testing will be free to those who feel the need to be tested. The nasal swab is no longer the only option for COVID testing. “We want testing available to anyone who feels…

Northland Red Cross Volunteers Helping with Wildfire Relief

Some volunteers are on the ground in Salem, Oregon near where the Beachie Creek fire is burning.

SALEM, Oregon – Nearly one dozen Red Cross disaster workers from the Northland are deployed to the wildfires out west and down south with the hurricane response efforts. Some volunteers are on the ground in Salem, Oregon near where the Beachie Creek fire is burning. They are helping feed and comfort people who unsure if their homes are burned to…

Duluth Elementary Students Begin In-Person Hybrid Learning

Elementary students with the Duluth school district are on a hybrid model where kids get in-person learning two days a week with the rest distance learning.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth students at Homecroft Elementary masked up and headed into school for the first time in six months. Elementary students with the Duluth school district are on a hybrid model where kids get in-person learning two days a week with the rest distance learning. A mother of a kindergartener told Fox 21 she was sad she couldn’t…

1 Killed, 1 Injured in Head-On Crash in Bayfield County

TOWN OF BARKSDALE, Wis. — One person is dead and another was hospitalized Monday after a reported erratic driver slammed into oncoming traffic — setting both vehicles on fire. The accident happened Monday just before 12:30 p.m. on Wedal Road in the Town of Barksdale, which is in Bayfield County. First responders and a bystander helped get the victims out…

Visitors Look To State Parks For Fall Activities

Visitation is up compared to last fall.

CARLTON, Minn. – Fall is typically a busy time for many state parks and Jay Cooke State Park is already seeing a spike in visitors looking to enjoy the start of the fall season. Park staff say they have seen a jump in daily park and campground visits going into the fall. In the midst of the pandemic, staff also…

Health Officials Urging People To Get Flu Shots Early

Each year, on average one in five people catch the flu.

DULUTH, Minn. – Health officials are urging people to get their flu shots early to help prevent potential impacts during the ongoing global pandemic. Both the flu and COVID-19 are illnesses that affect a person’s respiratory system. Each year, on average one in five people catch the flu. Having an outbreak of both at the same time could have major…

Wrenshall School District to go to Full Distance Learning Model, Many Staff and Students Ill With COVID-19 Symptoms

WRENSHALL, Minn.-According to a letter from Wrenshall Public Schools, they will now go to a full distance learning model “due to high number of staff members and students that are out ill due to Covid-19 symptoms.” The district added they hope to have students and staff back to school Nov. 9. Classes are canceled Tuesday and Wednesday, with distance learning…

Federal Judge Extends Deadline for Wisconsin Ballots

MADISON, Wis.-A federal judge has ruled that absentee ballots in battleground Wisconsin can be counted up to six days after the Nov. 3 presidential election as long as they are postmarked by Election Day. Unless it’s overturned, Monday’s ruling means that the outcome of the presidential race in Wisconsin might not be known for days after polls close. Under current…

Free COVID-19 Saliva Testing Site to Open in Duluth Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health announced on Monday that Duluth will be hosting the first COVID-19 saliva testing site later this week. The pilot site will be at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and will be free to any Minnesotans who believe they need to be tested. “Our battle against COVID-19 is far from over,” said Minnesota…

Minnesota Couple Killed When Motorcycle Rear-Ended by Pickup Truck

CLOVER TOWNSHIP, Minn. (AP) — Two people are dead after a teenage driver crashed into the back of their motorcycle in Pine County. The Minnesota State Patrol said 66-year-old Jerry McDowell and 61-year-old Sharon McDowell, of Pine City, died at the scene of the crash on Highway 48 in Clover Township Sunday afternoon. The patrol says the couple slowed down…

MSHSL Approves Fall Restart for High School Volleyball, Football Seasons

Both sports will begin practice on September 28th.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – After announcing that high school volleyball and football will be moved to the spring, the Minnesota State High School League voted Monday to reverse course and restart both sports in the fall season. For volleyball, season will start September 28th with ten days of practice. Competition will start on October 8th. Teams will have an 11-week…

Midday Update 9-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, September 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 90,942 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,969 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,855,308 tests have been completed to date. There are 82,174 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,199 patients have required hospitalization…

Visit Cook County Talks Fall Foliage, Upcoming Autumn Events

Fall Foliage in Parts of Cook County is 50 - 75 Percent Changed as of Monday, Sept. 21

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Cook County is open, with safety measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Thousands are taking trips up the North Shore this fall to see the multi-color foliage change daily. According to the Minnesota DNR, some areas in Cook County are already 50 – 75 percent changed. Click here to see the up-to-date fall…

1 Arrested After Shooting on I-35 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say an adult male was taken into custody Sunday night following reports of shots fired on I-35 near 27th Avenue West. According to police, shortly after the reports of shots fired officers received a report of a car crash around the 4700 block of Miller Trunk Highway. The description of the vehicle in the crash…

Morning Update 9-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

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

Biden Headed to Manitowoc for Second Wisconsin Visit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former Vice President Joe Biden plans to campaign Monday in northeast Wisconsin for his second visit to the battleground state this month. Biden’s campaign announced Sunday that the Democratic presidential nominee would be campaigning in Manitowoc, a city of about 32,000 that’s on the shores of Lake Michigan about 80 miles north of Milwaukee. Biden did…

Breeze Inn Kicks Off Oktoberfest

Even though the event is a bit different because of COVID-19, it didn't put a stop to the polka music.

LAKEWOOD, Minn. – The Breeze Inn in Lakewood kicked off its annual Oktoberfest event this weeekend. Even though the event is a bit different because of COVID-19, it didn’t put a stop to the polka music. The Polkarobics band was there on Sunday playing at the restaurant and bar. Instead of the usual one big tent, there’s a small open-air…

A Look Back at Trump, Biden in Northern Minnesota

On Friday, just 46 days a head of the election President Donald Trump and Joe Biden hit the battleground state of Minnesota to sway the vote in their direction.

DULUTH, Minn. – Presidental candidates came to the Nothaland this week campaigning for the upcoming presidential election which is a month and a half away. On Friday, just 46 days ahead of the election President Donald Trump and Joe Biden hit the battleground state of Minnesota to sway the vote in their direction. The day started when Joe Biden stopped…

Some Duluth Parents Enrolling Children in Private Schools for More In-Person Learning

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that ISD 709 middle and high school students are on the full distance learning plan for the first quarter of the 2020-2021 academic school year. Middle and high school students were originally going to be on a hybrid plan. DULUTH, Minn. — Some parents in Duluth are enrolling their children in private…

Duluth Woman Wins International Singing Competition

One singer based in the Northland recently won an international competition through an app called Uplive, which is a broadcasting streaming app.

DULUTH, Minn. – One singer based in the Northland recently won an international competition through an app called Uplive, which is a broadcasting streaming app. It isn’t only Etta James who’s saying “At Last.” After a long journey, Duluth resident Zandra Tan who is also known by her stage name “Zandystorm” has finally, “at last,” won the first annual Singing…

Photographers Stay Busy During Pandemic

Maurissa McNellis added that she and the other photographers on her team all wear masks and stay distanced from customers during the shoots. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Some photography businesses are doing well during the pandemic, as it’s easy to stay socially distanced from their subjects. A Twin Cities-based business called Mind of Mo Photography held mini sessions today at Brighton Beach that were affordably priced. The business owner says she’s seen more customers signing up for sessions lately, adding that September has been…

Duluth Police Recover 17 Bullet Casings After Early Sunday Morning Shooting

Squads canvassed the area and located no suspects. No injuries reported

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police officers heard several shots in the area of the 100 Block of the E #2 Alley around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. That location is the alley between 1st and 2nd streets — behind the former Kozy building. When squad cars arrived they located 17 casings and a damaged sign. Officers received a report and spoke to…

76 Years Later WWII Proctor Veteran Receives Military Honors After Being Lost at Sea

Proctor-native and merchant marine Sterling LeRoy Bird, better known as Sting, went missing and presumed lost at sea in WWII.

DULUTH, Minn. – A special military honors ceremony was held at Oneota Cemetery for a Proctor veteran who was lost at sea during WWII. Proctor-native and merchant marine Sterling LeRoy Bird, better known as Sting, went missing and presumed lost at sea in WWII. It happened after a Japanese submarine torpedoed the Liberty Ship he was on. Now, 76 years…

Project Joy Switches to Drive-Thru Fundraiser

Most years, Project Joy has a large fundraiser in November at the Duluth Curling Club, however, the ongoing pandemic has likely stopped that from happening.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Project Joy, an organization that raises money to combat childhood hunger, held a fundraiser drive-thru style at Foster’s Sports Bar and Grill in Hermantown on Saturday. Most years, Project Joy has a large fundraiser in November at the Duluth Curling Club, however, the ongoing pandemic has likely stopped that from happening. Cars drove through the parking lot…

Free Microchipping Clinic Offered in Carlton County

It was free for Carlton County residents while out-of-county residents paid just $20.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Furry friends in Carlton County were microchipped for free at Veteran’s Park in Cloquet on Saturday. Owners of dogs and cats pulled up for the drive-thru clinic. It was free for Carlton County residents while out-of-county residents paid just $20. Funds go to supporting Northern Lakes Rescue. The actual microchipping takes just seconds and only is a…

Aqua Affair in the Garden Takes Place at Great Lakes Aquarium

The Great Lakes Aquarium found a new way to hold their annual fundraiser during the pandemic today.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium found a new way to hold its annual fundraiser during the pandemic today. Aqua Affair in the Garden took place on the outdoor space of the aquarium due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks were encouraged at the free event and there was a limit of one household per table, which were all cleaned and…