News – Latest News

Zeitgeist Arts Cafe Announces Temporary Closure

DULUTH, Minn. – The Zeitgeist Arts Cafe announced Monday that it will be temporarily closing due to the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent press release, Zeitgeist leadership wrote, “We’re going to use this time as an opportunity to build on the successes our staff has worked so hard to realize to and to reimagine a restaurant…

Minnesota Court of Appeals Reverses Kozy Demolition Order

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Court of Appeals has reversed an order for the demolition of the former Kozy Bar building in downtown Duluth. On Monday, the court determined that the district court’s justification for the DEDA’s rejection of the Pastoret, LLC and OCH/Hoeft proposals were solely economic in nature. According to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, “The court, therefore,…

Minnesota Sees Lowest Single-Day Death Total Since April

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported one new death due to the coronavirus on Monday, marking the lowest single-day total statewide since April. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 679 new cases and the death of a patient between 70 and 74 years old in southern Minnesota, raising the statewide totals to 75,864 cases and 1,817 deaths since the…

Wisconsin Republicans Take No Action on Policing Bills

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature took no action in a special session called by the state’s Democratic governor to pass a package of bills on policing policies. The brief session came just over a week after a Kenosha police officer shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back. Republicans started the session and recessed in both the…

Midday Update 8-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 31, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 31

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 75,864 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 1 new death bringing the death total to 1,817 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,489,726 tests have been completed to date. There are 67,656 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,480 patients have required hospitalization…

Rebuild Duluth Announces Second Round of Programming

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the City of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Division announced a second round of the Rebuild Duluth Program. Rebuild Duluth was developed with the intent of identifying and reducing the costs of construction of infill housing within the city. Vacant, developable lots will be given at no cost to individuals or organizations that can provide…

Therapist Offers Advice on When to Seek Help With Mental Health Concerns

Coffee Conversation: Dealing with Mental Health Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Social Unrest

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting individuals on many different levels. Toss in political and social unrest across the country, and stress/anxiety have skyrocketed this year. Maren Barootian , a psychotherapist at Essentia Health in Duluth, says it’s important for those struggling with mental health issues to know they’re not alone. Barootian says it’s easy for many adults…

Morning Update 8-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 31, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update

Trump to Visit Kenosha Tuesday

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will be traveling to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, amid fury over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in the back. White House spokesman Judd Deere told reporters Saturday night that Trump will be meeting with law enforcement officers and “surveying” some of the damage from recent protests. The visit is certain…

Lake Superior Maritime Museum Gift Shop Drops Anchor Outside

Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk, as there are no plans to reopen the museum yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Lake Superior Maritime Museum remains closed in Canal Park due to the pandemic, the gift shop is still finding a way to get little pieces of Duluth memories out to customers. Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk. The manager says while transitioning to an outdoor tent setting has…

One Year After Fatal Hit-and-Run, Nashwauk Remembers Toddler Logan Klennert by Planting Trees

Police say 39-year-old Jake Place was under the influence when he killed Logan and injured his aunt, his sentencing is set for October.

NASHWAUK, Minn.- It’s been one year since a fatal hit-and-run in Nashwauk by a driver under the influence took the life of 2-year-old Logan Klennert and injured his 16-year-old aunt. On Sunday, the community honored Logan while spreading the message to drive sober. Meanwhile, the man charged in the hit-and-run is set to be sentenced this Fall. “It’s been a…

More than 100 Vehicles Cruise in Support of Boy Fighting Cancer

Nine-year-old Jeremiah Olson is a lover of classic cars and will be having surgery for a brain tumor later this week.

CLOQUET, Minn. – More than 100 classic cars and motorcycles cruised by a Saginaw boy on Thursday to wish him well before his upcoming surgery on a brain tumor. Nine-year-old Jeremiah Olson is a lover of classic cars. Earlier this summer he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He will be headed down to the cities this week to have…

Duluth Sees More Gun Violence Over Weekend; Police Chief Responds

DULUTH, Minn. — Two more incidents involving guns occurred over the weekend from Saturday night into Sunday morning in Duluth, ending a week that the police chief said has seen a high rate of gun violence Around 8:15 on Saturday night, Duluth police responded to a call of several shots fired on West 1st Street between the 2400 to 2600…

South Superior Businesses Sidewalk Sale Attracts Many

Participating businesses include Shamrock Pizza, Shannon's Stained Glassery, Junk and Disorderly along with others.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – South Superior business owners got together and held a sidewalk sale to encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses. Participating businesses include Shamrock Pizza, Shannon’s Stained Glassery, Junk and Disorderly along with others. Business owners say lots of people came out to shop back to school items for kids. After a summer of many canceled events, today was…

18-Year-Old Pilot Soaring Towards Career in Aviation

Anna Kapsner earned her pilot's license at 17 years old and paid for it working a job at Super One. She's now in college in hopes of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Many teenagers haven’t gotten their driver’s license by 17 years of age to drive a car, but Anna Kapsner has worked to get her pilot’s license by that age. She’s now 18 and can be found flying high above the Northland while many people in the Twin Ports go about their daily business. For the past few…

Chief Tusken Responds to Duluth Police Officer’s Viral Facebook Post About Downtown Shooting Incident

In the post the Sergeant recounts the events, and his own thoughts, surrounding a call he responded to Wednesday, where he "almost shot an 'unarmed black man,'."

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Police officer’s recent Facebook post has gone viral, along with Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s subsequent response after sharing the post, regarding a call Police responded to Wednesday. Both are included below, and can be found on FOX 21’s Facebook Page.  The officer originally wrote on the Duluth Police Local 807 Facebook Page Thursday, signing as…

Vice President Mike Pence Makes A Stop In Duluth

"We got a clear vision for our second term, more jobs, and better wages," said Vice President Mike Pence.

DULUTH, Minn. – One day after ending the Republican National Convention, Vice President Mike Pence makes his first appearance back on the campaign trail in Duluth. He is hoping to gain the support of Minnesotans as the administration makes an effort to build a stronger economy. Hundreds of supporters rallied together at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth, to…

Dovetail Cafe Reopens For First Time Since COVID-19 Pandemic

Dovetail Cafe will also soon be opening a marketplace in the front of the store with all of the menu items available in a grab-and-go case. 

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, Dovetail Cafe in the Lincoln Park District reopened its doors for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The cafe has put up window panels to separate guests and distanced tables for customers who want to enjoy their drink or food there. Dovetail is used to customers staying a while but said on Friday…

Minnesota DFL Leaders, Residents Respond to Vice President Pence Visit

Vice President Mike Pence Spoke in Duluth Friday at Clure Public Marine Terminal

DULUTH, Minn. – The visit to the Northland by Vice President Mike Pence drew sharp criticism from DFL leaders across Minnesota including Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and many residents. Members of the DFL party in Minnesota seem to agree the Trump administration has lacked leadership, allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to spiral out of control across the United States, while leaders…

COVID Impacts: Dorm Life Changes

Dorm life has transformed because of the pandemic, and students are having to adjust to the differences.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dorm life has transformed because of the pandemic, and students are having to adjust to the differences. One UWS hall manager says there are different protocols implemented at the school to stay safe. Every piece of furniture has been socially distanced in the residence hall while all of the lounges have been shut down and every table…

Protest in Response to Pence’s Arrival

Dozens of people came together today at the Duluth Civic Center, bringing their own signs and protesting in response to Pence's arrival in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of people came together today at the Duluth Civic Center, bringing their own signs and protesting in response to Pence’s arrival in the Northland. People gathered today to peacefully protest for a variety of issues, whether it be fighting for the post office and for the need and the right to vote. “We’re gathering here today…

Coca-Cola Offering Buyouts to About 4,000 Workers

(AP) – Coca-Cola is offering voluntary buyouts to about 4,000 people to reduce the number of layoffs it says will take place as it streamlines operations. Coca-Cola is reducing the number of its individual business segments from 17 to nine, which it said Friday will result in “voluntary and involuntary” staff cuts. The streamlining is taking place during a rough…

541 Food Service Employees at Xcel Energy Center Laid-off Amid COVID-19

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Hundreds of food service employees, who worked at Xcel Energy Center, were laid off at the beginning of August following COVID-19 restrictions, which caused events to be canceled or prohibited fan attendance, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. In June, Levy Premium Foodservice notified DEED 541 employees based out of the Xcel Energy Center would be…

Duluth Police Respond to Two Separate Shootings on Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say officers responded to two separate shooting incidents on Thursday. According to police, around 2:20 a.m. Thursday an officer witnessed multiple shots fired from two vehicles in the downtown Duluth area. Police say the shooting took place in an alley on 2nd Avenue East and both vehicles fled the vicinity. One of the vehicles involved…

1 Child Killed, 3 Others Hurt in UTV Crash in Barron County

CUMBERLAND, Wis. (AP) — One child died and three others were hurt, including one critically, when their off-road vehicle overturned in Barron County, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies responded to the crash east of Cumberland Thursday afternoon. Four children, ages 11, 12, 13, and 14, were riding in a utility task vehicle when the driver lost control, causing it…

Teen Charged in Kenosha Killings Stalls Return to Wisconsin

KENOSHA, WI (AP) — A judge has postponed a decision on whether a 17-year-old should be returned to Wisconsin to face charges in the killing of two people on the streets of Kenosha during unrest following the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake. The Illinois judge granted Kyle Rittenhouse’s request to delay the extradition hearing to Sept. 25…

Midday Update 8-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 28, 2020. Have a great day! 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, August 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 73,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,810 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,443,344 tests have been completed to date. There are 65,204 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,357 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 8-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 28, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Duluth Lions Club 63rd Annual Pancake Day Canceled Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The 63rd Annual Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent press release, Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day Committee Chair, Lion PDG Larry Winner made the announcement Thursday that the club would be following Minnesota Department of Health guidelines which state that events with 250 or more people…

Bremer Bank Opens In Downtown Duluth

The branch is open Monday through Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bremer Bank has opened its newest location in downtown Duluth. The new branch, which is located in the Holiday Center, is a full-service banking institution. It offers traditional banking products and services such as checking and savings accounts. The branch was originally scheduled to open in march but the COVID-19 outbreak caused a delay. “We are opening…

Pride Fest Still Happening Virtually For Labor Day Weekend

The virtual festival runs through next Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Labor Day fun may have already been canceled, but the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival will go on virtually. Starting next Thursday, everyone can participate in the festivities from the comfort of their homes. There are a wide array of fun activities on the schedule including a virtual parade, a drag show, and movie screenings. While the pandemic…

St. Louis County Launches Mask Up, COVID Down Campaign

The county enlisted the help from 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has launched a new campaign called “Mask Up, Covid Down” to highlight the reasons why people are wearing face coverings other than being required and scientific justification behind it. The county enlisted the help of 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr and UMD’s mascot Champ to share their individual purpose for wearing a mask….

Esko Woman Personalizing Kids’ Face Masks

For three years now, Amy Feely has been turning her passion for crafting into a business called Esko Trails.

ESKO, Minn. – With some kids getting ready to head back to school around the region, many places are requiring parents to label their children’s masks. For three years now, Amy Feely has been turning her passion for crafting into a business called Esko Trails. She came up with an idea recently to personalize face masks for kids. It started…

Free Pop-Up Bike Shop Held in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– At Wade Bowl Park in Superior, Galleria Bike Shop and Ski Hut held a pop-up bike shop for free basic repairs. People from around town showed up to get basic repairs done on their bikes. Free bike helmets donated by Essentia Health were also given out to those who need them. With more people using their bikes during…

Montessori School Looking to Bring Program to Duluth

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Montessori schools offer a specialized form of learning for young students and as demand grows, even more expansion is happening in the Northland. Renaissance Schools was founded in 2017 in Sandstone with the goal of establishing more Montessori schools in northern Minnesota. And after setting up other schools in the area, they are looking to bring one…

Jury Trials Are Slowly Starting To Return Across The State

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The global pandemic put a pause on jury trials and in-person court proceedings in Minnesota. These trials are slowly beginning to resume across the state including in the Northland, as courts are taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. The last time there was an in-person hearing with a jury at the Lake County Courthouse was back…

Watch Live: Republican National Convention Day Four

WASHINGTON (AP) — With crises brewing beyond the White House gates, President Donald Trump is about to stand on the South Lawn to accept his party’s nomination for president. He is presenting himself as the last barrier protecting an American way of life that’s under siege from radical forces. Facing a fraught national moment, Trump is expected to paint an…

Duluth’s Best Bread to Host ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’

State Fair Style Foods will be Severd for a Limited Time Only -- Eight Days!

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. For eight days, Duluth’s Best Bread will offer hungry customers state fair…

Rice Lake Road Construction Complete

One local road is now open after being closed for construction.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local road is now open after being closed for construction. Rice Lake Road reopened at the top of the hour after more than three months of construction. The construction re-did more than half a mile of the road, widened the intersection of Arlington Avenue and Arrowhead Road, and improved Technology Drive. The project will improve traffic…

Duluth and Superior Partner for Virtual Cleanup

Two cities in the Northland are partnering together to host a virtual clean-up. The effort is encouraging people to take care of their surroundings for the sake of cleanliness.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two cities in the Northland are partnering together to host a virtual clean-up. The effort is encouraging people to take care of their surroundings for the sake of cleanliness. Duluth and Superior: two neighboring cities working together to keep the Lake Superior watershed litter-free. On Saturday, September 26th, you can pick up litter at your favorite waterway,…

Superior Sammy’s Closed

The Sammy's on Tower Avenue in Superior has closed permanently.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Sammy’s on Tower Avenue in Superior has closed permanently because of health concerns with leadership and the impacts of COVID on the business. The local business made the announcement yesterday on Facebook in a message to its current patrons. There are Sammy’s locations throughout the Northland, including in Duluth, Hermantown and Cloquet. Categories: Coronavirus, News, News…

Laura Carves Destructive Path Through Louisiana; 4 Dead

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S., Laura barreled across Louisiana on Thursday, shearing off roofs, killing a least four people and maintaining ferocious strength while carving a destructive path hundreds of miles inland. A full assessment of the damage wrought by the Category 4 system was likely to take days. But…

NFL Teams Cancel Practice in Response to Blake Shooting

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Several NFL teams canceled practice in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Wisconsin. The Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Washington Football Team all decided to not take the field Thursday. Blake was shot by police, apparently in the…

National Guard Activated After Downtown Minneapolis Unrest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The governor of Minnesota activated the National Guard on Wednesday night to help quell unrest that broke out in downtown Minneapolis following what authorities said was misinformation about the suicide death of a Black homicide suspect. Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency in Minneapolis and said he was mobilizing the Minnesota National Guard but did not…