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CHUM Gives Away Backpacks

CHUM held its annual backpack giveaway today after raising $25,000 to hand out 1,400 backpacks to students in need.

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM held its annual backpack giveaway today after raising $25,000 to hand out 1,400 backpacks to students in need. Staff from CHUM say the generosity from the Northland was overwhelming this year. “It’s always great to see this sort of happening,” said Scott Van Daele, the director of distributive services at CHUM. “The community of Duluth and…

Baby Delivered!: Duluth Fire Department Receives Unique Call

The Duluth Fire Department is being celebrated after they helped with the aftermath of the delivery of a healthy baby at someone's home on a very unique call. Now the parents are giving thanks to the department for all that they do. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department is being celebrated after they helped with the aftermath of the delivery of a healthy baby at someone’s home on a very unique call. Now, the parents are giving thanks to the department for all that they do. It was last Monday at 2:45 a.m. when baby Ezra arrived to a couple of…

Lawsuit Seeks Repeal of Wisconsin Governor’s Mask Mandate

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lawsuit has been filed by a conservative law firm that seeks overturn Wisconsin’s statewide mask mandate issued by Gov. Tony Evers. The lawsuit filed by Tuesday in Polk County Circuit Court by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of three western Wisconsin residents argues…

Minnesota Plans Sharp Boost in Coronavirus Testing Capacity

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota plans to more than double its coronavirus testing capacity by partnering with a national distributor of a rapid saliva test and establishing a new lab to process the results. The governor’s office says the state is finalizing a $14.7 million deal with Rutgers University-based RUCDR Infinite Biologics, which offers the country’s first saliva COVID-19 test, and…

Red Flag Warning Issued Due to Dangerous Swimming Conditions on Park Point

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are no lifeguards on Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate the…

Fire Crews Battle Blaze in Downtown Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. – According to the Northland FireWire, multiple fire departments are continuing to battle a fire in downtown Hibbing. The fire broke out at the Moose Event Center around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Northland FireWire reported around 11:30 a.m. that crews were battling a “defensive fire” and firefighters were out of the building. It is not yet known if…

WHAT TO WATCH: Melania, Pompeo and Trump on Day 2 of GOP convention

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tuesday’s program at the Republican National Convention is likely to wade into familiar waters, with a lineup expected to speak on divisive issues like abortion and “cancel culture.” What to watch at the convention Tuesday: TRUMP Trump appeared frequently during the first day of his party’s convention. While he is expected to make an appearance during prime-time…

Midday Update 8-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 25

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,707 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,779 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,394,986 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,725 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,238 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 8-25-20

Local News and Waether Making Headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Jacob Blake’s Dad Says Son Left Paralyzed by Police Shooting

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — The father of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot, apparently in the back, by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, says his son was left paralyzed from the waist down. Blake’s father told the Chicago Sun-Times that he was told his son was shot eight times during the Sunday evening confrontation with police, which was captured…

Iron Range Communities, Officials Rally in Nashwauk to Keep Togo Prison Open

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…

Duluth Police Take A Deeper Look At Types Of People They Want To Hire

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has been scouting to potentially fill openings for officers. In the wake of such tragedies like the death of George Floyd, the department has had to a deeper look into the types of people they are looking to hire. The department is focusing more on finding people with a strong character, extensive critical…

First Quarter of School Year Now Distance Learning for Duluth Middle, H.S. Students

DULUTH — The Duluth School District announced Monday that middle and high school students will fully use a distance learning model for the first quarter of the school year. Supt. John Magas said the change through Nov. 6 will allow the district to safely handle state-mandated childcare service for around 1,000 kids who have at least one parent who is…

Yellow Bike Coffee Opens at LSC

One local business will have a new location at LSC.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business will have a new location at LSC. Yellow Bike Coffee along with the college are partnering together to open up a cafe on the main campus. Yellow Bike Coffee provided free coffee and cookies to students for the first day of classes at the college. The company will be opening up their new permanent…

Thrift Stores Are Busy Helping Those In Need

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thrift stores in the Twin Ports are staying busy as people are continuing to deal with the financial struggle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior has seen an increase in sales in the last several weeks. The most popular items being purchased are clothing and household items. “Some people aren’t working and…

Students At UMD Will Have To Wait To Return To Campus

"Despite extensive preparation research planning and advice, the landscape is shifting yet again and we need to reevaluate our fall plans," said U of M system President Joan Gabel.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of %egents voted in favor of a proposal to pump the brakes on the start of the fall semester as a way to further evaluate the potential impacts the global pandemic could have on students if they return to campus. 18- 24-year-olds are among the fastest-growing age group testing positive for COVID-19….

Highway 45 Thrift Store Serving Community Need

With the Salvation Army and Goodwill closed in Cloquet, the new thrift store hopes to help get people what they need.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Highway 45 Thrift Store finally opened its doors in June, making a dream turn into a reality for co-owner Jill Rousseau. “I’ve always wanted to have a store and we finally have the opportunity to have one because the time was right to open one. We had Goodwill close and Salvation Army,” Rousseau said. The thrift store…

Duluth’s City Council Approves Funding for Storm-Damaged Lakewalk, Brighton Beach

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve up to $4.5 million in bond money to finish the $20-million Lakewalk reconstruction project. Most of the project is being funded through storm relief from the federal government. A city spokesperson says the city’s obligation of up to $4.5 million is best paid by a bond right now…

Businesses and UMD Students React to Decision to Push Back Move-In Day by Two Weeks

Some local businesses that college kids go to say they won't see too much of a change with the push back of move-in.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at UMD were getting ready to move into the dorms this Wednesday and now that date has been pushed back until at least September 9. Some parents had already asked for the day off work to help their kids move in. One UMD senior says he isn’t really impacted by the decision but his freshman sister…

Watch Live: Republican National Convention Day One

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Republicans this week will renominate President Donald Trump and highlight four years of his administration and promises he delivered on. While Democrats held an entirely virtual convention last week to nominate Joe Biden, the Republicans are holding a pared-down version of an in-person gathering on Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina. The rest of the convention runs…

School Starts: First Day of Fall Semester at LSC

Schools have been preparing for the start of the semester, and because of the pandemic, things have looked a bit different this year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Schools have been preparing for the start of the semester, and because of the pandemic, things have looked a bit different this year. One school in the Northland started classes today, and even with the changes, students were excited to get back on campus. LSC kicked off its fall semester with the start of classes. Students streamed…

Essentia Health Releases Back-to-School Toolkit

As students get back to class, Essentia Health put together its digital toolkit to help people navigate the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – As students get back to class, Essentia Health put together its digital toolkit to help people navigate the pandemic. The toolkit contains resources for things like how to properly wear and clean a face mask, recommendations for effective social distancing, and answers to frequently asked questions. Doctors say this toolkit is essential because it gives focus and…

National Guard Called Out After Police Shoot Black Man

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s governor has summoned the National Guard to head off another round of violent protests after the police shooting of a Black man under murky circumstances turned Kenosha into the nation’s latest flashpoint city in a summer of racial unrest. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers says 125 members of the National Guard will be in Kenosha on…

Republicans Nominate Trump; He Questions Election Integrity

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump has turned a surprise opening-day appearance at his party’s scaled-down national political convention into an opportunity to cast doubt on the integrity of the fall election. That was just moments after delegates nominated him for a second term. Trump vigorously contended that he’s done such a great job as president that the only…

U of M Board of Regents Approves Starting Semester With Online Classes

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Board of Regents voted on Monday to push back move-in dates and to begin the semester with online classes for students at the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth campuses. The University of Minnesota System President Joan Gabel proposed the changes on Friday which was presented to the Board Monday morning for a vote….

Midday Update 8-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Monday, August 24, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Poetry Event at Wussow’s Cafe Uses Art to Talk Climate Change

The goal is to remind people that climate change should be local concern, not just a national one. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Poets in Duluth got together to share some of their art while raising awareness of climate change. The local band Woodblind opened up the Climate Emergency Poetry Night at Wussow’s Cafe in West Duluth. Both new and experienced local poets got up and shared their original works about climate change. The goal is to remind people that…

Man Arrested After Boating Collision Leaves 1 Person Dead

OTTERTAIL, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say a 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide after a boating collision on Otter Tail Lake in northwestern Minnesota resulted in the death of another man. The crash happened at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office said Neil Baker, 52, of Elysian, had just returned to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 24

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,298 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,771 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,386,513 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,059 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,195 patients have required hospitalization…

‘Strong Northland’ Restaurant Voucher Campaign Nearing End

Participants Are Encouraged to Use Strong Northland Vouchers by Monday, August 31

DULUTH, Minn. – In early spring, the Greater Downtown Council in Duluth, along with the support of multiple sponsors, kicked off the Strong Northland Campaign. The campaign is meant to help support area restaurants and boost the local economy during a time when business is down due to COVID-19. Council President Kristi Stokes is reminding those participating in the program to…

Morning Update 8-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Monday, August 24, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, ryan johnson

Top Trump Aide Kellyanne Conway to Leave White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — One of President Donald Trump’s most influential and longest-serving advisers, Kellyanne Conway, says she will be leaving the White House at the end of the month. Conway was Trump’s campaign manager during the stretch run of the 2016 race, and she was the first woman to successfully steer a White House bid. She then became a senior…

GOP Delegates Open Convention to Renominate Trump for 2020

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Republicans are gathered to formally nominate President Donald Trump for reelection at a scaled-down convention kickoff in Charlotte, North Carolina. Monday begins a weeklong effort to convince the American people that Trump deserves a second term. Despite the ongoing pandemic, delegates are holding an in-person meeting and roll-call vote at the Charlotte Convention Center. Many of…

Protests Erupt After Wisconsin Police Shoot Black Man in Back

(WDJT-TV via AP) KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Police in the southeastern Wisconsin city of Kenosha shot and wounded a Black man, apparently in the back, after responding to a call about a domestic dispute, setting off a night of protests and unrest in which officers fired tear gas and demonstrators apparently hurled objects and set fire to parked cars. The…

Families Hit the Ice at Duluth Parks and Rec Open Skate

Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena. 

DULUTH, Minn.-The rink at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center was alive with ice skaters at Duluth Parks and Recreation’s open skate Sunday. Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena. At the door they are required to fill out a COVID-19…

UMD, UWS, LSC Students Gear Up for Academic Year Full of Changes as School Starts

All schools are taking precautions such as increased signage for social distancing, hand sanitizing stations throughout campus, and extra staff to sanitize spaces and classrooms routinely. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Online v.s. in-person class settings, class sizes, and even semester start dates are all being changed at Northland colleges and universities this year, as students gear up for an academic year like no other. The August 31st starting date at UMD hangs in uncertainty as the Board of Regents is set to vote Monday on whether or not…

Athletes Participate in Cider Run 5K at Wild State

In a summer where many typical running events were canceled due to COVID-19, Sunday's Cider Run gave runners and walkers a chance to feel that race experience.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all the fog and mugginess, athletes ran a Cider Run around the Lincoln Park Craft District on Sunday. The roughly 5 kilometers started and ended ad Wild State Cider on West Superior Street. In a summer where many typical running events were canceled due to COVID-19, Sunday’s Cider Run gave runners and walkers a chance to…

Two Harbors Man Seriously Injured In ATV Rollover

PEQUAYWAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in an ATV accident that left the driver seriously injured. The rollover happened just before midnight Saturday at 8744 Pequaywan Road in Pequaywan Township in St. Louis County. When deputies arrived, they found the driver —  a 40-year-old man from Two Harbors — unconscious with severe injuries. He…

Haunted Ridge Still Going On For Halloween

Opening night is October 9th.

CARLTON, Minn. – All of the ghouls and goblins at the Haunted Ridge in Carlton are gearing up to give Halloween lovers a good scare this year. Despite the pandemic, the terrors must go on, but in a different way. Instead of using live actors, there will be animations displayed to give a haunting experience. Anyone visiting must get their…

DLH Airport Seeing Less Flights This Summer Due to Pandemic

Commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials at Duluth International Airport say businesses during this peak time of year, June-September, is being hurt by the pandemic. According to Executive Director Tom Werner, commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. Normally most passengers fly out of DLH for business, Werner said. But due…

Lake Wood Designs’ Showroom Opens in Lincoln Park

Owner Devin Garrett takes reclaimed wood from buildings and crafts it into customized items for clients.

DULUTH, Minn. – A grand opening was held for the new Lake Wood Designs showroom in Lincoln Park displaying original wood designs. Owner Devin Garrett takes reclaimed wood from buildings and crafts it into customized items for clients. The new space allows Garrett to show off finished products. There’s also a special wall displaying the types and colors of wood…

Salvation Army Rookie Basketball Player Raises Funds to Help Others Play as Well

12-year-old Nathan Easty sold sporting goods outside of his home on Saturday to raise money for scholarships to play basketball.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 12-year-old basketball player in the Salvation Army’s Rookie Basketball Association raised funds to help others afford the chance to play on Saturday. Nathan Easty is the youngest of five brothers who have all played in the Rookie Basketball Association where their father is also a coach. So when Nathan had an idea to help fellow basketball…

Two Businesses Partner During Pandemic

Today another food truck partnered with a local brewery to serve customers outside during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today another food truck partnered with a local brewery to serve customers outside during the pandemic. Oasis Del Norte parked itself at Blacklist Beer’s patio to serve their tacos and burritos, providing a socially distant way for people to enjoy both grub and beer. Staff at Blacklist say they hope this partnership will continue moving forward. “We…

Runners Run Socially Distant 4K

While COVID-19 has forced many outdoor events to cancel, today, runners inching to get their legs moving got to do so on the Sky Harbor Airport's runway.

DULUTH, Minn. – While COVID-19 has forced many outdoor events to cancel, today, runners inching to get their legs moving got to do so on the Sky Harbor Airport’s runway. Runners came to Sky Harbor Airport to run a socially-distanced race. “Like so many other activities, racing has disappeared in the spring and so in this season, I haven’t had…

Gondik Law Speedway Hosts Seecond Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Night

The event raised money for different local nonprofits that provide support and services for suicide prevention.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 2nd annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Night was held at the Gondik Law Speedway in Superior on Friday night. The night of races and other events raised money for different nonprofits that provide support and services for suicide prevention and worked to make suicide a topic that people feel comfortable discussing. “When someone dies of cancer or…

Marcus Duluth Cinema Reopens To Movie-Goers

Marcus Duluth Cinema will continue discount days like $5 Tuesday or Student Thursdays.

DULUTH, Minn. – It may have felt like forever, but the Marcus Duluth Cinema is open and ready to offer a safe distraction to everyone. Going to the movies just might be everyone’s favorite entertainment activity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause of a lot of extracurricular fun. The Marcus Duluth Cinema has finally reopened its doors, but not…

Dermatologists Are Noticing “Maskne” Is Becoming A Problem For Many People

Experts say sweat, oils, and bacteria can become trapped under the skin leading to a person to see a change.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have been experiencing unexplained changes to the skin on your face you may be developing “maskne” or mask acne. Dermatologists have been seeing an increase in patients being treated for skin irritation and acne breakouts due to continuous mask-wearing. The skin acts a barrier, but when wearing a face covering, the skin becomes impaired. Experts…