News – Latest News

Us Remembers 9/11 as Pandemic Changes Tribute Traditions

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans are commemorating 9/11 as a new national crisis in the form of the coronavirus pandemic reconfigures and divides anniversary ceremonies and a presidential campaign carves a path through the observances. In New York, victims’ relatives gathered Friday morning for split-screen remembrances at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza at the World Trade Center and another nearby…

Ex-Cops Blame One Another, Seek Own Trials in Floyd’s Death

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) –Attorneys for four former Minneapolis officers charged in the death of George Floyd say that each client should get his own trial, as the officers try to diminish their roles in the Black man’s arrest by pointing fingers at one another. A hearing is scheduled for…

Duluth’s 2020 Projected Budget Shortfall Falls To $12 Million; 2021 Deficit Projection Announced

DULUTH, Minn. – There is some good news for the city of Duluth’s budget crisis related to millions of dollars in lost revenue this year because of the pandemic. The projected 2020 budget shortfall that was once nearly $40 million in April and was decreased in June to $25 million is now projected to land around $11.88 million. Duluth Mayor…

Northland K-9 Foundation Hosts “Pup-Up” Shop in Hermantown

The foundation helps fund police K-9 needs in Duluth, Superior, and Hermantown, as well as St. Louis and Douglas Counties.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Northland K-9 Foundation hosted its final “Pup-Up” event at the Hermantown Dairy Queen on Thursday. The foundation helps fund police K-9 needs in Duluth, Superior, and Hermantown, as well as St. Louis and Douglas Counties. They sold shirts, dog face masks, stuffed animals, and other items. The “pup-up” came together after the typical “Operation K-9” fundraiser…

Waters of Superior to Close, Noting Difficulties Due To Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– A popular canal park business for the last two decades will be closing its doors for good later this fall. The reason for shutting down is financial difficulties due to COVID-19. Waters of Superior has been an icon in Canal Park since the store opened in 2000. Providing not only a unique shopping experience but also an opportunity…

Duluth Veterans Rally Against Trump

DULUTH, Minn.– The President has been accused of making comments calling soldiers who died in combat ‘losers and suckers’ which has drawn criticism across the country, including from veterans in Duluth. A group of veterans met outside City Hall in Duluth earlier today in response to the allegations made against Trump. Several veterans spoke during the gathering sharing their experiences…

Duluth Couple Takes Flight for 65th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn.– A Duluth couple got to experience their 65th wedding anniversary from the clouds earlier today. James and Barbara Burud thought they were going out for pizza, instead their kids surprised them when they got to the Sky Harbor Airport on Minnesota Point for a plane ride around Lake Superior and the Duluth area. James has an interest in…

DECC Confident About Holding Future Events After Trump Jr. Visit

The DECC opened its doors to Donald Trump Jr. and no more than a total of 250 people per the governor's order.

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC is calling Wednesday’s “Make America Great Again” rally with Donald Trump Jr. a successful first big event for the convention center since it closed months ago because of COVID-19. The DECC opened its doors to Donald Trump Jr. and no more than a total of 250 people per the governor’s order. Chairs were spread out…

Minnesota Firefighters Help Battle Western Wildfires

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– As wildfires continue to ravage western states, some Minnesota firefighters are out there to help. More than 60 Minnesota firefighters are out west helping fight fires in six states including California, like this one near Los Angeles. Crews are helping with on the ground suppression, aerial suppression and support and large incident management. Fire officials say those…

West Theater Hosts First Live Concert Since Reopening

The theater could only welcome 25% of it's normal capacity, but it was able to have a near-sellout for the first time in many months.

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Theatre hosted its first indoor concert since reopening after COVID-19 hit. The theater could only welcome people in a 25% capacity, but they were able to have a near-sellout for the first time in many months. “It was like Christmas in September, truly,” said Owner Bob Boone of The West Theatre. The theater opened in…

A New Education Co-op Fills Needs for Families During Pandemic

Any student from the region in K-12 can attend the program.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Eastridge Community Church in Duluth is making an effort to support families facing childcare and education needs during the global pandemic. The church has launched its new education co-op. The program is a consistent option for kids in area schools to learn and socialize together. Volunteers and tutors will be on hand to help fill this…

The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Will Happen Without Spectators

DULUTH, Minn. – The Beargrease Marathon is one of the most anticipated winter events in the Northland. While the marathon is scheduled to take place this coming January, it will happen without any spectators. This year, onlookers will have to view the live race from home. Minnesota guidelines only allow for a 250 person capacity for the event. Most of…

Sky Harbor Airport Runway Project Completed

It's been a long 14 years in the making, but the Sky Harbor Airport runway realignment and environmental mitigation project has finally taken off.

DULUTH, Minn. – The process started all the way back in 2006 when the licensure for the airport was in jeopardy because of the old growth forest was influencing the flight approach to the runway. It’s been a long 14 years in the making, but the Sky Harbor Airport runway realignment and environmental mitigation project has finally taken off. “It’s…

Dino Hunt Begins at Glensheen

Two organizations have partnered together to start the great Dino Hunt for kids.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two organizations have partnered together to start the great Dino Hunt for kids. Glensheen Mansion and Duluth’s Children’s Museum have teamed up to celebrate the museum’s new dinosaurs exhibit called “Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice.” During September, Dinosaurs will be hiding throughout Glensheen and guests have the opportunity to try and find all 15 dinosaurs. “Kids…

World Suicide Prevention Day Brings Awareness

According to the World Health Organization, about 800,000 people die every year to suicide.

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the World Health Organization, about 800,000 people die every year to suicide. And now those statistics are taking center stage across the globe as it’s World Suicide Prevention Day. One local expert we spoke to says there has been an increase in social media awareness, which has helped raise awareness in general. She also emphasizes…

Former Hermantown Teacher, Coach Pleads Guilty to Sexual Misconduct

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A former Hermantown Middle School teacher and volleyball coach accused of sexually assaulting a student pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Madeleine Schmaltz, 29, of Saginaw, Minnesota is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old high school student while tutoring the student in her home last year. According to the criminal…

Joe Biden to campaign in Minnesota Sept. 18

DULUTH, Minn. (Fox 9/Fox 21) – Joe Biden will be visiting Minnesota next week according to a recent press release from his campaign. Biden will be in Minnesota on Friday, September 18 however specific details about the visit have not yet been released. This will be the first time he has visited Minnesota for his Presidential campaign. President Donald Trump…

College Hockey Delayed Due to COVID-19

(FOX 9) – The start of the 2020-21 college hockey season is being delayed due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hockey Commissioners Association, which represents the 11 Division I men’s and women’s hockey conferences, announced the delay Thursday. The HCA says each conference will announce details on game schedules, including the start dates, individually. “The 11 Division I men’s and…

Duluth’s Best Bread Now Offering New Cheese Curd Creation

Cooking Connection: Fresh Cheese Curd Bread at Duluth's Best Bread

DULUTH, Minn. – While the ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’ is now over at Duluth’s Best Bread, the creative bakers are choosing to keep one of the items they offered during the promotion. Co-owner Robert Lillegard and his brother Michael Lillegard have come up with Cheese Curd Bread. The dough is the same that’s used for their other specialty breads, but…

Home on Lake Vermilion Destroyed by Fire

(courtesy: Facebook/Northland FireWire) COOK, Minn. – A home near Cook on the west end of Lake Vermilion was destroyed by a fire Wednesday night, according to the Northland FireWire. Fire crews from the Cook Fire Department responded to the 2400 block of Red Sunset Road around 9:55 p.m. According to reports the fire started in the chimney and spread to…

Midday Update 9-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 10, 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: Thursday, September 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 82,249 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 15 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,884 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,646,961 tests have been completed to date. There are 75,425 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,830 patients have required hospitalization…

Delayed Start Announced for UMD Men’s, Women’s Hockey Seasons

The NCHC is aiming to begin competition "on or after November 20", while the WCHA did not have a set date.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a joint statement from all Division I men’s and women’s hockey conferences, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association announced Thursday that the upcoming 2020-2021 season will be delayed. The NCHC is aiming to begin competition “on or after November 20”, while the WCHA did not have a set date. Season ticket…

Us Layoffs Remain Elevated as Job Market’s Gains Weaken

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits was unchanged last week at 884,000, a sign that layoffs remain stuck at a historically high level six months after the viral pandemic flattened the economy. The latest figures coincide with other recent evidence that the job market’s improvement may be weakening after solid gains through the spring and…

Waters of Superior in Canal Park Closing its Doors for Good

(courtesy: Waters of Superior) DULUTH, Minn. – Waters of Superior in Canal Park is closing its doors for good. The business made the announcement on Thursday saying that the store will close on October 25. “While the store has been profitable, COVID-19 has reduced sales dramatically, and projections showed it would have been impossible to make it through the winter…

Northland Newborns 9-10-20

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia Health,…

Morning Update 9-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

About Half of Bars, Restaurants Inspected in Minnesota in COVID-19 Compliance

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — State and local inspections of dozens of bars and restaurants for compliance to coronavirus requirements found about half were following the rules in Minnesota. Inspections were done at 167 establishments outside the Twin Cities metro. During a recent visit to Minnesota, Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said rural…

Donald Trump Jr. Makes Pitch for Father on Duluth Stage

"They say we can't win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?" he said at the podium at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- To a DECC ballroom of 250 Trump supporters, Donald Trump Jr. used his “Make America Great Again” event to bolster his father’s first term in office while bashing his Democratic opponent Joe Biden. “They say we can’t win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?” he said at the podium to an eruption of cheers. The eldest Trump son…

Superior’s ‘Dream Park’ Officially Unveiled

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Three years ago, a girl in Superior wanted a place for kids with physical limitations to play. And today that was made a reality. Kenna Hermanson cut the ribbon at Superior’s Webster Dream Park in the south end of the city as the grand opening for the 100 year old park’s new look was held Wednesday. The park…

Protest Held in Response to Trump Jr’s Duluth Visit

DULUTH, Minn.– This isn’t the first time a Trump family member has visited Duluth to try to win over voters during the president’s re-election campaign. While each visit draws supporters, the events have also drawn protesters who want their message to be seen and heard. About 50 people gathered at Gichi-ode’ Akiing park in downtown Duluth to protest Donald Trump…

New Apartment Complex Coming to Hermantown

One local developer has begun work on an apartment project in Hermantown, which is set to open in 2021.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One local developer has begun work on an apartment project in Hermantown, which is set to open in 2021. P&R Companies of Duluth has begun building a facility with 149 units at the corner of Ugstad Road and Highway 53. They will have a wide range of apartments, from studio to three bedrooms and some of the…

UMD Students Move-in After The University’s Two-Week Pause Ends

In-person classes are scheduled to begin Monday, while some students have already started many of their courses remotely.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth took a two-week pause to come up with better strategies to safely welcome students after similar universities across the nation were experiencing surges in coronavirus cases. The brief pause has since expired and UMD students have been given the green light to move on campus. Hundreds of students unpacked their cars filled to…

Bentleyville Tour Of Lights Will Look Different This year

The event is the country's largest walk-through lighting display.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of people make the Bentleyville Tour of Lights part of their holiday season each year, but this year is going to be unlike any other with the pandemic still causing concern. “We made the decision as the board of the Bentleyville to offer something rather than nothing at all,” said Nathan Bentley, executive director for Bentleyville….

2021 Grandma’s Marathon Races to Be Held at Half Capacity

Registration will be open on October 1st at 7 p.m. central time and organizers expect it to fill up fast.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past year saw big changes for Grandma’s Marathon. The race was cancelled for the first time ever and runners were allowed to participate virtually. As for next year’s event, the plan is that it will be back to in-person, but with a few changes. The 45th annual Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon and the William…

COVID Case Discovered at Esko High School

As schools continue to open across the Northland, we are learning one school has had a student test positive for the coronavirus.

ESKO, Minn. – As schools continue to open across the Northland, we are learning one school has had a student test positive for the coronavirus. Esko had its first day of school on Tuesday and with it, came the news that a student at the secondary school has tested positive for coronavirus. Esko schools were still open Wednesday and the…

Democrats Respond to Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit

As the Trump campaign continues to ramp up across Minnesota, local DFL leaders are responding.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Trump campaign continues to ramp up across Minnesota, local DFL leaders are responding. Earlier today, they held a virtual conference to address Donald Trump Jr.’s visit to the Northland. With the frequent number of visits by the Trump campaign to Duluth, they expressed concerns over President Trump’s leadership when it comes to a variety of…

Watch: Donald Trump Jr. Hosts ‘Make America Great Again’ Event at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Donald Trump Jr. hosts a “Make America Great Again” event on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The rally will mark the Trump campaign’s second visit to Duluth in a matter of weeks. Vice President Mike Pence visited Duluth two weeks ago. Before that, President Trump also made a stop in Mankato as…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Will be a Drive-Thru Experience in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2020 Bentleyville Tour of Lights display will be reimagined as a drive-thru experience this year to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. Bentleyville organizers and Duluth city leaders made the announcement during a Wednesday afternoon press conference at Bayfront Festival Park. According to Bentleyville owner Nathan Bentley while many aspects of the beloved annual lights display will stay the…

Watch Live: Bentleyville Organizers to Hold Afternoon Press Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville Tour of Lights organizers are scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The press conference will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Bayfront Festival Park. Last month, Bentleyville owner Nathan Bentley said his team was discussing a variety of possible options for the massive lights display to return for another season. Fox 21 will…

Midday Update 9-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Update: Douglas County Man Killed While Servicing Dump Truck

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior police have released more details about the industrial accident that killed a man Tuesday morning in Superior’s South End. According to a recent press release, officers responded to Kimmes Oil and Tire around 9:15 a.m. for a report of an accident. When officers and rescue personnel arrived at the scene they learned that a 21-year-old male…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, September 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 81,868 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,869 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,621,174 tests have been completed to date. There are 75,055 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,792 patients have required hospitalization…

Grandma’s Marathon Minnesota Mile Traffic Advisory

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the 14th annual Grandma’s Marathon Minnesota Mile being held on Friday. Beginning at 3:00 p.m. Friday West Skyline Parkway around Enger Tower and Hank Jensen Drive will be closed to traffic. Traffic will not be allowed in or out of the Enger Tower/Enger Park parking lot…

Morning Update 9-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Explosive Wildfires Across California Stoked by Fierce Winds

SHAVER LAKE, Calif. (AP) — Wildfires are raging unchecked across parts of the Western United States, and authorities say gusty winds could drive flames with new ferocity. Diablo winds in northern California and Santa Ana winds in the south are forecast in areas where blazes already have grown explosively. More than 14,000 firefighters are battling California’s fires from the Sierra…

Healthpartners Suspends Recruiting in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota health care provider has suspended its successful recruitment of participants in a coronavirus vaccine trial while its maker investigates whether a recipient’s “potentially unexplained” illness is a side effect of the shot. The trial led by AstraZeneca and Oxford University was suspended while a review is underway of a participant in the United Kingdom…

COVID-19 Case Confirmed At Esko High School

ESKO, Minn. – Esko High School’s first day of in-person classes has come with a positive case of COVID-19. In an email to parents Tuesday afternoon, the district said a person with a positive test was in Esko High School Tuesday, Sept. 8. The district said it will clean and disinfect the school to control the spread of the virus,…