News – Latest News

Local Leaders Advocate for Hospital Visits During COVID-19

The "Don't Die of Doubt" campaign is an effort to bring awareness that hospitals are truly the safest place to be.

DULUTH, Minn. – There has been a significant decrease in the number of people coming into hospitals in the country for cases such as heart attacks and strokes due to a fear of going into hospitals because of the pandemic. Leaders at St. Luke’s and at the American Heart Association are working to remind the public that hospitals are safe…

Trump Calls off Florida Segment of GOP National Convention

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled segments of the Republican National Convention scheduled for Florida next month, citing a “flare-up” of the coronavirus. Convention events will still be held in North Carolina. “To have a big convention is not the right time,” Trump said of Jacksonville. Trump moved parts of the GOP convention to…

Justice, Lane Bryant Stores to Close as Ascena Retail Group Files for Bankruptcy

NEW YORK (AP) — The operator of Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday, the latest retailer to do so during the pandemic. Mahwah, New Jersey-based Ascena Retail Group Inc., which operates nearly 3,000 stores mostly at malls, had been dragged down by debt and weak sales for years. As part of its bankruptcy…

Ex-Redskins Become Washington Football Team for 2020 Season

(AP) – The NFL team formerly known as the Redskins will go by the Washington Football Team for the 2020 season, giving the organization time to choose a new, full-time name. The club announced the placeholder name Thursday, ahead of the start of training camp next week. “The decision to use ‘Washington Football Team’ for this season allows the franchise…

Gov. Walz Signs Police Accountability Bill

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz signed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act into law Thursday. State lawmakers passed the measure earlier this week at the end of their special session. The bill includes several reforms, including a ban on chokeholds and so-called “warrior training”, requiring officers to intervene if another officer uses unreasonable force and adding…

Midday Update 7-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 23, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Judge Orders Michael Cohen to be Released From Prison

(AP Photo/Richard Drew) NEW YORK (AP) — A judge ordered the release from prison of President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer on Thursday, saying he believes the government retaliated against him for planning to release a book about Trump before November’s election. Michael Cohen’s First Amendment rights were violated when he was ordered back to prison on July 9 after…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 48,721 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,561 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 905,315 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,524 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,818 patients have required hospitalization…

Fresh Garden Bruschetta with Chef Arlene Coco

Cooking Connection: Garden Bruschetta

DULUTH, Minn. – Nothing represents the tastes of summer more than a fresh picked meal from the garden. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Arlene Coco teaches FOX 21’s Brett Scott how to make a delicious, easily handcrafted garden bruschetta using fresh picked herbs and vegetables from a Duluth community garden. Garden Bruschetta Recipe Serving size: 6 Ingredients: 4 tablespoons…

Three Wisconsin Cities Enact Mask Mandates; Evers Resists Statewide Order

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Racine, Green Bay, and Superior joined Madison and Milwaukee as Wisconsin cities that passed mandates requiring people to wear masks in certain public settings, though Gov. Tony Evers has resisted issuing a statewide order like those in place in many nearby states. More than half of states have statewide mask mandates, including Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota,…

Morning Update 7-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 23, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Minnesota Governor to Sign Police Accountability Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign a police accountability bill into law Thursday that includes a ban on neck restraints like the one that was used on George Floyd before his death in Minneapolis. The bill, passed by the Legislature earlier this week, also bans chokeholds and so-called warrior-style training, which critics say promotes excessive force….

Duluth Hotel Industry Slowly Picking Up, Hoping to Reach Last Summer Numbers

According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their lowest point. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest hotel in Duluth, Holiday Inn and Suites on First Street Downtown says while business doesn’t look like last summer, it is picking up. The staff at Holiday Inn say occupancy is down 50%  from what it was last summer. According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their…

Live Music, Lake Shore Views Back for Wednesday Night at Glensheen

The weekly celebration is back through August at 250 person capacity.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday nights are busy at Glensheen Mansion once again, as their “Wednesday Night at Glensheen” weekly celebrations are on now through August. Attendees can come for free and sit outside and enjoy some drinks and music every Wednesday night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year only 250 people are allowed anywhere on the grounds at a…

Gov. Walz Says Mask Mandate Will Help Keep Businesses Open, Infection Rate Down

As of Saturday masks will be required in all indoor public spaces.

MINNESOTA- On Wednesday, Minnesota joined over two dozen other states in requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public places statewide. That new Executive Order by Governor Tim Walz goes into effect Saturday morning. You can find the full executive order here. “This is a small sacrifice for a potentially big gain,” Gov. Walz said. “The upside of the…

Little Mariners Child Care Center to Open in Silver Bay

Center aiming to open this fall in the William Kelley School

SILVER BAY, Minn. – A childcare shortage across much of the Northland has become even more urgent during this pandemic, especially in less populated towns. Now, a childcare center is expected to open in Silver Bay to help with the growing demand. Little Mariners Child Care Center is on course to open this fall. The center is expected to greatly…

Thrift Stores Are Becoming Another Resource For Back-To-School Shopping

Studies show parents across the country spend an average of about $700 per child during the back to school season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The school year is quickly approaching, and many parents may be facing some challenges as they work to get their kids prepared. Many are turning to thrift stores as the pandemic continues to create financial struggles. Studies show parents across the country spend an average of about $700 per child during the back to school season. Due…

UWS Awarded Grant for Lake Superior Microplastics Research

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A UW-Superior professor has been awarded more than $40,000 to study microplastics in the St. Louis River and Lake Superior. The grant is from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. It awarded research money to three UW campuses: Madison, Eau Claire, and Superior. UWS students and chemistry professor Lorena Rios will use the grant money to study how…

It’s National Hot Dog Day

On average Americans eat more than 5 million hot dogs between Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

CLOQUET, Minn. – If you want to relish in the joys of a good old fashion hot dog, here’s your chance because it’s National Hot Dog Day. The holiday is celebrated every year to pay homage to the popular summer fan favorite. On average Americans eat more than 5 million hot dogs between Memorial Day to Labor Day. One of the…

Duluth School Board Votes to Keep Resource Officers and Further Evaluate Their Role in Schools

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite some pushback, the Duluth School District is moving forward with the Duluth Police Department to negotiate a new one-year contract for school resource officers. The school board approved that decision last night after hearing some opposition from current and former students along with community members who don’t want officers in schools because they say it creates a…

Cloquet Mayor Reacts To Passing Of Mask Ordinance

CLOQUET, Minn. – Less than 24 hours before Governor Tim Walz made his announcement the Cloquet City Council approved an ordinance requiring residents to wear masks while at indoor businesses. Cloquet Mayor Roger Maki initially had some concerns the vote would fail. He says although the vote was not unanimous he is grateful for the councilors who changed their minds….

UMD Bookstore Busy Preparing for Students for the Fall

As the fall semester nears, local college bookstores are finding new ways to accommodate students.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the fall semester nears, local college bookstores are finding new ways to accommodate students. UMD bookstores have been pushing discounted shipping to their students while also having curbside pickup. Much of the textbook materials are also being converted to a digital model where students don’t have to pick up a printed textbook. Management says they expect…

Head of the Lakes Fair Begins

The Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds have opened in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds have opened in Superior. One competition took place today where kids got their animals judged. Fair organizers tell us they are glad they got to have the competition for the participants who have put a lot of effort into these animals. “The kids have been working hard all year to make…

Superior Businesses Prepare for New Mask Ordinance

Superior businesses are preparing for the new mask ordinance that officially starts next Monday.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior businesses are preparing for the new mask ordinance that officially starts next Monday. Some of the businesses we spoke today are all for it, while others believe it will be difficult to manage with how they currently operate. “I completely understand where it’s coming from,” said Shannon Johnson, owner of Shannon’s Stained Glassery. “It’s not going…

Ex-Cop Charged in Floyd’s Death Faces Tax Evasion Counts

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd was charged Wednesday with multiple felony counts of tax evasion. Derek Chauvin and his wife, Kellie May Chauvin, were each charged in Washington County with six counts of filing false or fraudulent tax returns for the tax years 2014 through 2019 and three…

Walz Signs Order Requiring Minnesotans to Wear Face Masks

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Gov. Tim Walz is requiring Minnesotans to wear face masks to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Walz signed an executive order Wednesday requiring Minnesotans to wear a face-covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. The order takes effect Saturday. Walz said in a statement “there’s no better way to demonstrate our Minnesotan values than…

Midday Update 7-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 22, 2020

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 47,961 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,552 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 888,551 tests have been completed to date. There are 42,234 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,771 patients have required hospitalization…

Pet Food Donations Wanted for Dog, Cat Owners in Need

Donations Are Being Accepted at Petco in Duluth, and Dan's Feed Bin in Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is not only impacting humans but animals as well. Recently Duluthian Tina Marcella, founder of PJ’s Rescue, was approached by an anonymous donor who wanted to start a pet food collection drive to help animal owners in the Duluth region who may be having a financially difficult time due to the ongoing pandemic. Pet…

Minnesota Governor Prepares to Announce Masking Decision

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce a statewide face mask mandate on Wednesday to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The governor has scheduled a news conference with health officials and business owners to announce his “next steps in the state’s response to COVID-19.” His spokesman said it will be an announcement…

Morning Update 7-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Science Museum of Minnesota to Reopen in September

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Science Museum of Minnesota is making plans to reopen on September 4, but will do so with 39 percent less of its staff, according to museum officials. According to an update released by the museum Tuesday evening, 158 employees will be laid off following the five-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the museum closed in…

Northland Natives Formulate Healthy Boost with Boomerang Energy

Duluthians Donny and Will Pearson Wanted to Create a Healthier Alternative to Traditional Energy Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. – We’ve all been there – Long days at work making for sleepy afternoons waiting for the clock to strive five. Each year millions of energy drinks are sold in the United States. Now the Northland has a local option for those looking to sip on a healthier boost of energy. “You throw it out, it comes back,”…

Mayor Larson Responds to Criticism Over Ordinance to Remove ‘Chief’ From CAO Title

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson responded Tuesday after Duluth city councilors voiced their frustrations at Monday night’s council meeting involving an ordinance to remove the word “chief” from the Chief Administrative Officer title that failed to pass.  If passed, the new title would have been City Administrator. “I really think the title should have been changed. And you know,…

Cloquet City Council Passes Mask Mandate; Votes to Take Effect August 1st

While some councilors supported the language of the ordinance, others thought enforcement would be an issue.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A mask mandate for indoor public places was passed by the Cloquet City Council Monday evening, taking effect August 1st. Unlike Duluth, the vote was not unanimous — the council, it seems, as divided as they said the community is on the issue. The Council passed the ordinance 5-2, the only change being making it effective August 1st….

Wisconsin Sets Single Day High for New COVID-19 Cases

MADISON, Wis.– As cases continue to increase across the country, Wisconsin announced today they have a new daily high with over 1,000 new cases of COVID-19. State health officials recorded 1,117 new cases Tuesday, breaking their previous high. These positive cases come after nearly over 14,488 tests were performed. They also recorded 13 deaths from Tuesday, the highest for a…

Superior School District Approves Three Reopening Scenarios; Asks Parents to Submit Preferences

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior School District has approved their possible plan for how students will be taught this fall. The coming school year will either be all virtual, all in-person, or a hybrid of at-home and in-school learning. The district is still waiting to pick a final option. They say they hope to have a set plan in place by…

Brule River Canoe Rental Busy With Paddlers

The shop has canoes and kayaks to rent and shuttles customers to the landing to get them set for their adventure.

BRULE, Wis. – If you’re looking for a new place to go kayaking, the Brule River is the place to try. “You’ll see a lot of wildlife, we’ve seen eagles out and about, bears, I saw one today,” manager of Brule River Canoe Rental Jeffrey McClure said. And Brule River Canoe Rental is ready to help those get out on…

Superior City Council Votes to Require Masks in Indoor Public Areas

City Council passed resolution 9-1, it takes effect July 27th

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior City Council has voted to require masks in indoor public areas across the city. Masks will be required in places like restaurants, bars, retail stores, public transportation, gyms, fitness studios, and entertainment venues. The city council passed the resolution with a 9-1 vote. “In the middle of a global pandemic we have to take some…

Construction Of Mixed-Use Space At Board Of Trade Building Nears Completion

The housing units are about 50% full.

DULUTH, Minn. – The transformation of the historic Board of Trade building in downtown Duluth is inching closer to completion. In October, construction crews began renovating the century-old building to turn it into the next mixed-used space in the city. The building will offer more than 80 mixed-income housing units and commercial space. Nearly 20%of those are affordable units. Each…

Duluth Fire Department Issues Red Flag Warning

Due to the high risk of rip currents today, the Duluth Fire Department is issuing a warning for dangerous conditions for Park Point beaches effective until 10 a.m. tomorrow.

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the high risk of rip currents today, the Duluth Fire Department is issuing a warning for dangerous conditions for Park Point beaches effective until 10 a.m. tomorrow. So far this year, first responders say it’s been a normal year for water emergencies in the area as fewer people have been coming to the region due…

Northland Businesses Prepare for School Year

Despite all the uncertainty, around the upcoming school year, Northland businesses are still seeing customers come in to get their kids ready for school.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all the uncertainty, around the upcoming school year, Northland businesses are still seeing customers come in to get their kids ready for school. Businesses are preparing for the uptick in sales from both parents and students in preparation for the school year. For instance, at Boxtronics on Mountain Shadow Drive in Duluth, more and more people…

Senator Klobuchar Urges Northlanders to Donate Plasma

As the pandemic continues, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to remind the public about the importance of donating plasma.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to remind the public about the importance of donating plasma. Recently, she introduced the Plasma Donation Awareness Act, which is a bipartisan effort to require the secretary of health and human services to have a public awareness campaign about plasma donation during the pandemic. People who have recovered…

Gov. Walz Strongly Hints he Will Impose Statewide Mask Mandate This Week

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is strongly hinting that he will impose a statewide mask mandate this week. “I think you can expect an announcement in the next day or two,” he said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, telling reporters that, “the businesses tell us we do” need a statewide…