News – Latest News

Labor Day Travelers Still Find A Way To Celebrate

DULUTH, Minn. – Labor day may feel a little different this year, but many travelers across the Northland are looking to celebrate the best way they know how. I’m going to hang out with some family and friends. Possibly do some four-wheeling,’  said Andre Jackson. Pequot Lakes resident Sarah Dawdy said “we have visitors here from central Illinois. They have…

Lyft and Taxi Drivers Face the Pandemic

Transportation has changed dramatically because of the pandemic, and this doesn't exclude ride-sharing apps like Lyft and taxi companies. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Transportation has changed dramatically because of the pandemic, and this doesn’t exclude ride-sharing apps like Lyft and taxi companies. From one destination to the next, the way people have traveled has changed in light of the pandemic. Kyle Arndt is one local Lyft driver who has been driving in the Duluth area for his part-time job. He…

DECC Gets Ready For Donald Trump Jr. Visit

The president's son Donald Trump Jr. is coming to the DECC next Wednesday for a "Make America Great Again" event.

DULUTH, Minn. – The president’s son Donald Trump Jr. is coming to the DECC next Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. The facility is preparing to make sure everyone is safe while attending the event. The DECC will allow a maximum of 250 people inside the building including campaign staff and people participating in the vent. Masks will…

UMD Freshman Reacts to Delays with Move-in

Colleges are implementing different procedures to establish safety and freshmen are responding with their thoughts.

DULUTH, Minn. – Colleges are implementing different procedures to establish safety and freshmen are responding with their thoughts. At UMD, students’ move-in day has been pushed back two weeks from the original date until September 9th. Some freshmen expressed frustration over the inability to move in on time. One student from the Twin Cities said he wished he could have…

Minnesota Starts Paying $300 a Week Unemployment Boost

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota started paying the $300 a week boost in unemployment benefits to laid-off workers Friday. The payments are backdated, meaning people who were laid off from late July through late August will get up to five separate payments of $300 apiece over the next week. Minnesotans who lost work because of the coronavirus pandemic do not…

Kamala Harris, Mike Pence to Both Be in Wisconsin on Monday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris is scheduled to make her first campaign appearance in battleground Wisconsin on Labor Day in Milwaukee, while Vice President Mike Pence was headed to western Wisconsin. The dual appearances by Pence and Harris come just days after President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden were in Kenosha two days…

Kanye West Lawsuit Over November Ballot Stays in State Court

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Rapper Kanye West’s lawsuit demanding election officials place him on Wisconsin’s presidential ballot in November will remain in state court. U.S. District Judge William Griesbach decided late Thursday to keep the matter in state court, rejecting the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s attempt to move it to federal court. Griesbach said the case should remain in state…

Midday Update 9-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Sept. 4, 2020

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

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,966 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 10 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,847 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,558,831 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,537 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,635 patients have required hospitalization…

Court Finds That Polymet’s Water Permit Issued With Proper Procedures

  ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A judge ruled the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not deviate from most of its procedures when it issued a key water quality permit for the proposed PolyMet mine project. The ruling is a victory for supporters of the state’s first copper-nickel mine and the agency, which mine opponents accused of “procedural irregularities” in…

Morning Update 9-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Sept. 4, 2020

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

Denfeld High School Teachers Bring A New Meaning To Welcoming Students

This year, Denfeld will be welcoming nearly 300 incoming freshmen.

DULUTH, Minn. – The class of 2024 at Denfeld High School received a welcoming like no other from their teachers. It might be the key to helping incoming freshmen feel at ease as they look forward to embracing a new normal. The 2020-2021 school year is going to look a lot different for many students in Duluth. Freshmen at Denfeld…

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Launches Fudge For Troops

The Duluth branches of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are now working to make sure troops have some sweet treats overseas.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth branches of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are now working to make sure troops have some sweet treats overseas. Both the Canal Park and Miller Hill Mall locations are doing a match donation. For every pound of fudge purchased, one pound of fudge will be sent overseas to troops. Workers say it’s rewarding to be…

Duluth Mayor, Police Chief Address 14 Recent Shootings

As of Thursday, the Duluth Police Department has faced 24 shootings so far in 2020 with more than a dozen happening since July compared to the 22 shootings for all of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Police Chief Mike Tusken and Mayor Emily Larson addressed a concerning rise in violence at a press conference Thursday after 14 shooting incidents within the past two months resulting in injuries and a sense of fear for some. As of Thursday, the Duluth Police Department has faced 24 shootings so far in 2020 with more than a…

Gov. Walz, MN Health Leaders Warn Of High COVID-19 Numbers as Fall Approaches

ST. PAUL, Minn.– The number of people infected by COVID-19 in Minnesota has steadily been growing all summer, adding to total more than 78,000 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic. And with the summer winding down the impact could look a lot different in Minnesota in the coming months. With Labor Day weekend coming up and fall around…

Essentia Health Encouraging Child Checkups Before Fall

DULUTH, Minn.– With the school year approaching, Essentia Health says parents should still find time to get their kids in for a checkup. Essentia says now more than ever, parents should be getting their kids in for their annual physicals. Doctors say that besides keeping up with a child’s development, it’s important to stay up to date on vaccinations as…

Visit Duluth Releases July Tourism Numbers

DULUTH, Minn.– Visit Duluth, the city’s primary marketing operation, is transitioning furloughed staff to temporary layoffs on October 1st as tourism tax revenue continues to be far below normal projections. Five positions will have temporary layoffs while one position will have a permanent layoff. Visit Duluth has announced at least six furloughed staff members will be officially laid off by…

City Unveils Artwork At Sister Cities Park in Duluth

The art is being displayed at the Sister Cities Park until the end of next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth and the city’s Public Arts Commission gathered to celebrate the unveiling of new art now being displayed in the Sister Cities Park. The piece, which is entitled the “Unweaving” took nearly a year to create. It was inspired by the suppressed stories of the artist’s maternal grandmother who is of Finnish descent. It…

Former Hermantown Teacher, Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

A former Hermantown Middle School science teacher and junior high volleyball coach is accused of sexually assaulting a student she used to teach. Madeleine Schmaltz, 29, of Saginaw, Minnesota is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct as a “current or recent position of authority over the victim,” which is a felony. According to the criminal complaint filed in St. Louis…

Passing Of Movie Star Chadwick Boseman Sparks The Importance Of Getting Checked For Colon Cancer

more than 50,000 are expected to die from the disease in 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – Studies from the National Cancer Institute show colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer besides lung cancer. Health professionals are stressing the importance of getting screened to uncover the illness in its early stages. Its been nearly a week since the passing of…

Itasca County Health Officials Express Flu Shot Importance This Fall

Flu Shots Will Be Available Within One to Two Weeks at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As the Labor Day weekend inches closer, officials with Itasca County Public Health Department want to remind residents and visitors that their actions could have long-term effects amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials say the last time they saw a huge spike in cases was two weeks after the 4th of July holiday weekend. This is…

School Bus Preparations For School Year

With school getting underway around the area, bus drivers are focusing on the safety of their young riders.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With school getting underway around the area, bus drivers are focusing on the safety of their young riders. As the start of the school year arrives, bus drivers are ready to see students on board once again. “People are excited to get back to work,” said Dean Wargin, the transportation director of Hermantown schools. “Excited to see…

Campaign Announces Donald Trump Jr. Will Host Rally in Duluth Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9/FOX21) – On the same day that Dr. Jill Biden is set to visit the Twin Cities, Donald Trump Jr. is planning a rally in Duluth. The president’s son will host a “Make America Great Again” event on Wednesday, September 9 at 5 p.m. at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Supporters wishing to attend the rally can register for tickets…

Watch Live: Duluth Police Department to Hold Press Conference Regarding Recent Shootings

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is holding a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Public Safety Building to discuss a string of shootings that have taken place in the area in July and August. We will also be live-streaming the 3:30 p.m. press conference on our Fox 21 Facebook page. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Uw-Whitewater Chancellor on Leave, Complaint Investigated

(courtesy: UW System) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been placed on paid leave while a complaint against him is investigated. A statement from UW System President Tommy Thompson did not disclose the nature of the complaint against Dwight Watson. Thompson said university officials will have no further comment on the personnel matter right…

Pilot Killed in Leech Lake Plane Crash

WALKER, Minn. – Authorities say the pilot of a small plane was killed after his plane crashed in Leech Lake Tuesday evening. According to the Natchez Democrat Newspaper, 62-year-old Thomas Borum, of Mississippi, was traveling from Missouri to Bemidji for a new job. He was grounded for a short time in St. Cloud due to bad weather. The plane left…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,123 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,837 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,540,107 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,175 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,592 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 9-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Duluth’s Best Bread Baking Up ‘Sweet Michael’s Cookies’ for Limited Time Only

State Fair Style Foods will be Severd for a Limited Time Only

DULUTH, Minn. – With the cancellation of the 2020 Minnesota State Fair, the creative minds at Duluth’s Best Bread couldn’t let Northlanders go without their favorite fair flavors before summer winds down. The locally owned company is thrilled to present the first ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’ of 2020. Duluth’s Best Bread is offering hungry customers state fair style food including cheese…

Northland Newborns 9-3-20

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, Links, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia…

Jobless Claims Fall to 881,000 but Layoffs Remain Elevated

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of laid-off Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to roughly 880,000 last week, a sign of possible improvement but the evidence that the viral pandemic keeps forcing many businesses to slash jobs. The latest figures, released Thursday by the Labor Department, suggest that nearly six months after the eruption of the coronavirus, the economy is…

‘Tiger King’ Star Carole Baskin Joins ‘Dancing With the Stars’

(AP) – Like all cool cats and kittens, Carole Baskin is going to “Dancing With the Stars.” The reality TV star who became a pop culture sensation with Netflix’s docuseries “Tiger King” is joining the new crop of celebrity dancers that includes TV and film actress Anne Heche, former NBA star Charles Oakley and Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean. The…

Morning Update 9-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

In Kenosha, Biden to Test His Promise to Unify the Nation

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Joe Biden’s core pitch for the presidency faces its most intense test yet when he travels to Kenosha, Wisconsin. It’s a city wrenched by police and protest the violence that makes it a microcosm of the nation’s election-year reckoning with systemic racism. Biden believes he can use his trip Thursday as an opportunity for community leaders…

New Program at Superior High School Helps Students with Disabilities Find Jobs

Project Search is a national program which places young adults with disabilities in professional internships.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As school starts for area high schools, seniors are also thinking about finding jobs after they’re done. A new program at Superior High School is helping those with disabilities do that. Superior High School is the first Northland site for Project Search. Project Search is a national program which places young adults with disabilities in internships, helping them…

Free Water Maps Get Northlanders Out on St. Louis River Water Trail

The maps detail the St. Louis River National Water Trail.

DULUTH, Minn.- Throughout the month of September, the St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is helping Northlanders get out on local water trails with new full color water maps. The maps detail the St. Louis River National Water Trail, a multi-use waterway with 11 loop trails for paddlers of all skill levels and other watercraft. On Wednesday the SLRA was at…

Learn Outer-Space Sword Fighting From Earth in Duluth

Seven Dragons Martial Arts teaches South Korean Sword Fighting with lightsaber-esque equipment.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wanna-be Jedis can now travel to a galaxy far far away right in Duluth, at the Sci-Fi Battle Arena class at Seven Dragons Martial Arts. “I never thought something like this would be in Duluth so that’s why I was so excited about it,” said first-time student CJ Luke. Fitness-friendly costumes are encouraged at the class, which started…

Life House In Duluth Needs Donations

The shelter provides housing for about six to ten teens at any given time.

DULUTH, Minn. – Life House in Duluth wants your help with restocking items for its shelter. They are looking for donations of bedding and sheet sets to provide to the youth they serve. The shelter provides housing for about six to ten teens at any given time. When youth spend time at the shelter, they each get their own set…

Classes Begin at University Of Wisconsin-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Students at University of Wisconsin-Superior began in-person classes today for the first time since March. Students are back in class but things are a little bit different. Masks are required on-campus, there are single points of entry into all buildings, and each classroom will have sanitizer and paper towels for students. One student says while it’s good to…

CareerForce Duluth to Hold Virtual Job Fair

DULUTH, Minn.– CareerForce in Duluth is adding a drive through job fair, taking a page from some Wisconsin communities. It will be held September 16 from 1-4 p.m. at Wheeler Field in West Duluth. While they have held virtual job fairs in the past, CareerForce says with their offices and libraries closed, it will give people with limited access to…

Just For Kix-Duluth Holds Free Trial Class

DULUTH, Minn.– One Duluth organization is looking to keep kids moving and dancing with the school year around the corner. Just for Kix Duluth held a free trial class today at St. Michael’s Lakeside School in east Duluth. Kids as young as three years old all the way to high school students got the chance to go through a class,…

Surly Brewing to Close Beer Hall, Other Breweries Impacted Due to Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– The Coronavirus’ financial fallout is forcing Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis to close its popular beer hall this fall. This comes as breweries across the state prepare for an uncertain winter season without outdoor seating. The impact financially of the Coronavirus has been taking its toll on businesses across the country, including one of Minnesota’s most popular industries….

Organizations Shed Light On National Recovery Month

The month was started to bring awareness and celebrate those in recovery from substance abuse.

DULUTH, Minn. – September is National Recovery Month. Recovery is real from many people who have dealt with substance abuse and the Thunderbird Wren Halfway House and Recovery Alliance Duluth are making sure that the journey doesn’t go unrecognized. The halfway house has been a safe haven for native and indigenous people battling with their dependence on drugs and alcohol….

Artwork Brings Awareness For Stormwater and Storm Drains in Superior

There are now more than a dozen works of art at various storm drains throughout the city.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- There are hundreds of storm drains across the city of Superior. A city program is using art as a way to shed light on the significance of the infrastructure. The Storm Drain Art Program started in 2014. Through the years, local artists have created artwork to educate and bring awareness to storm drains and stormwater. The program recently…

Duluth Drift-Toppers Raising Money to Replace 30-Year-Old Aging Groomer

On top of the $60,000 federal grant they've received, they need to raise around $30,000 more dollars to get a more reliable and up to date used groomer and drag.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Drift-Toppers snowmobile club has received a grant from the Department of Natural Resources after their nearly 30-year-old trail groomer broke down last year. The club thinks they can get through one more year with the aging groomer they have now. On top of the $60,000 federal grant they’ve received, they need to raise around $30,000…