News – Latest News

Morning Update 8-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Us Jobless Claims Fall Below 1 Million but Remain High

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of laid-off workers applying for unemployment aid fell below 1 million for the first time since the pandemic intensified in March, though applications remain at an extraordinarily high level. The Labor Department said that applications fell to 963,000, the second straight drop, from 1.2 million the previous week. The decline suggests that layoffs are slowing,…

New Scenic Cafe Hitting the Road with ‘Scenic 61’ Food Truck

Restaurant owner adds food truck to methods of staying afloat while dine-in restaurant remains closed.

DULUTH, Minn.- After months shut down due to the pandemic, food is available at New Scenic Cafe on Highway 61 again — this time on wheels, as the Scenic 61 food truck opened Wednesday. Originally set up to carry food down to the now canceled Minnesota State Fair, Scenic 61 is now carrying the business through the summer as its…

Mayor Larson: 29-Percent Voter Turnout In Duluth For Primary Election

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Tuesday’s primary election brought out a larger number of voters than a typical primary. Larson took to Facebook Wednesday to post a video saying more than 16,000 ballots were cast in Duluth, which is a 29-percent turnout from registered voters. She says a typical primary in Duluth usually sees between a 9…

African Heritage Commissioners Needed

The City of Duluth is looking for people to serve on the Duluth African Heritage Commission.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is looking for people to serve on the Duluth African Heritage Commission. The commission will help educate those who are people of color, but they will also look at housing and work on having equitable transportation or those who need it. Leaders say because black indigenous people of color face more inequalities and…

Governor Walz Extends Peacetime Emergency Powers for Another 30 Days

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Earlier today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced an extension of his emergency powers that he has held since the beginning of the pandemic in March. This comes as lawmakers are in St. Paul for a third special legislative session. The governor is extending his emergency powers through September 11, streamlining the handling of the pandemic through the…

Rep. Tom Tiffany Visits Superior, UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Wisconsin State Representative Tom Tiffany is getting ready for November’s general election. Earlier today, he made a visit to UW-Superior to meet with university officials. The District 7 representative talked to the UWS administration about the challenges of educating students during the pandemic. Tiffany also met with other businesses around Superior. In his short time in congress, Tiffany…

New Guidelines For Long Term Care Facilities Released By MN Dept. Of Health

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health recently released new COVID-19 guidelines for longterm care facilities in the state. Long term care centers can be in either level one or level two. Each facility must factor in if they have had a case within the last 28 days before restrictions for visitation can be relaxed. Other factors such as…

Carnegie Library Looking For Tenants Before Starting Construction

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After being bought nearly two years ago by a North Carolina-based architectural company, the Carnegie Library in superior is a step closer to starting construction. The plan for the historic landmark is to turn it into a co-working space. There has been a growing need for commercial space in Superior, which has helped expand the plans for…

St. Louis County Approves Plan To Distribute CARES Act Funding

St. Louis County has approved a plan to distribute $24.5 million in federal coronavirus aid funding, also known as the CARES Act.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County has approved a plan to distribute $24.5 million in federal coronavirus aid funding, also known as the CARES Act. The goal is to give out the funds to help people and businesses that were impacted by the pandemic. The funding’s purpose is to provide assistance to organizations that support individuals in the community…

New Dance Studio Opens

Despite the pandemic, a new dance studio has opened on Grand Ave.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, a new dance studio has opened on Grand Ave. 218 Dance Project is a full-serve dance studio that provides classes at the recreational and competitive levels. One of the owners tells us this new business is a dream come true and they expect to be very busy for years to come. “We are beside…

State Files Motion to Join All Four Cases in George Floyd Killing

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The State of Minnesota filed a motion Wednesday to join the cases of the four Minneapolis police officers charged in the police killing of George Floyd into one prosecution. The move means there would be one trial for all the officers, rather than four separate trials. Floyd died on May 25 while being…

Uw-Madison Chancellor: ‘We’re in a Real Financial Crisis’

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank delivered a sobering message Wednesday about the state’s flagship campus as the fall semester looms, saying “we’re in a real financial crisis” due to the coronavirus pandemic. How bad the crisis will depend on several factors, Blank said in an online presentation at the Rotary Club of Madison. Those include…

Duluth Police Respond to Shots Fired Incident in Duluth’s Central Hillside

  DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say officers responded to a shots fired incident Wednesday afternoon in the Central Hillside neighborhood. Police responded to the 100 Block of the West #4 alley around 12:00 p.m. and found evidence consistent with reports of shots fired in the area. According to police, one person was taken to the Essentia ER with a…

Walz Names New Budget Chief With State Facing $4.7b Deficit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz named Jim Schowalter as his new commissioner of management and budget Wednesday to replace Myron Frans, who left his administration for a senior post at the University of Minnesota. Schowalter is returning to an agency he led in Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration. He also served as budget director under Gov. Tim Pawlenty….

1 of 2 Girls Convicted in Slender Man Stabbing Loses Appeal

(Michael Sears/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — One of two Wisconsin girls who repeatedly stabbed a classmate because she believed a fictional horror character named Slender Man would attack her family if she didn’t kill the girl has lost an appeal. Morgan Geyser was 12 at the time of the attack in 2014. Geyser pleaded guilty…

Midday Update 8-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 12, 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, August 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 62,303 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 12 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,678 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,188,288 tests have been completed to date. There are 55,855 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,711 patients have required hospitalization…

Who: Avoid Dental Cleanings and Other Routine Visits to the Dentist for Now

NEW YORK (FOX 9) – You should delay your routine dental cleaning until the coronavirus pandemic eases, according to new guidance from the World Health Organization. Dentists, hygienists, and other oral care providers have a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 and passing it to patients because “they are in close contact with their patients’ mouths, use spray-generating equipment that produces airborne particles,…

Proctor Golf Course Clubhouse Temporarily Closed After Employee Tests Positive for COVID

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor Golf Course has temporarily closed its clubhouse after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The golf course made the announcement on its Facebook page Wednesday morning saying that the employee worked on August 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. According to the post, the employee was asymptomatic and is “doing well.” Check-ins will be…

ATF: Fire that Destroyed St. Paul Hotel Project was Arson

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A massive blaze that destroyed a hotel project under construction in downtown St. Paul was arson, authorities said. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives announced that determination Tuesday, along with the St. Paul Fire Department, St. Paul Police Department and Minnesota state fire marshal’s division. Investigators concluded the…

Morning Update 8-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Superior’s A&W Having Busy Summer

After laying off several staff members, they were so busy they have been able to welcome everyone back, plus hire more staff to keep up with the rush.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The A&W restaurant in Superior is having a busy summer despite COVID-19. The restaurant offers drive-in service where they bring the food right to customers’ cars. At times this spring, the restaurant even had a hard time getting certain food, but people still keep coming. The owner says they weren’t sure what to expect when the dining…

Aquarium Seeing ‘Steady Flow’ of Visitors This Summer

The aquarium opened again on June 1 and there is a one-way flow throughout the building to help people stay distanced from each other.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium has been seeing a steady flow of visitors this summer even with restrictions in place. The aquarium opened again on June 1 and there is a one-way flow throughout the building to help people stay distanced from each other. Some of the attractions are still closed, but two of their touch pools, the…

Dry Cleaners Feeling Vast Impacts of COVID-19

Dee Independent Cleaners on East Superior Street in Duluth has been getting tough stains out of clothes for nearly 40 years, but the hurdle of COVID-19 is like nothing they've seen before.

DULUTH, Minn. – The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic can be crippling for many business sectors including local dry cleaners. Dee Independent Cleaners on East Superior Street in Duluth has been getting tough stains out of clothes for nearly 40 years, but the hurdle of COVID-19 is like nothing they’ve seen before. Owner Shari Swenson says the need for…

Fishing Stores Staying Busy Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Ever since the fishing opener back in May, shops like Marine General and Northwest Outlet have been busy with customers. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With fewer things to do this summer, it’s already been a busy fishing season. “People wish they could go more but they have things like kids sports, right, jobs, all these things that got in the way of going but this year they’re not in the way so they’re going fishing,” owner of Marine General Russ Francisco…

Republican Candidates Rally Supporters in Hinckley

Rep. Pete Stauber, Jason Lewis among Republican candidates to speak at rally

HINCKLEY, Minn. – Republican candidates spoke to voters at a rally in Hinckley Tuesday. Rep. Pete Stauber and senate candidate Jason Lewis were among Republicans rallying supporters to vote in the upcoming general election. Despite recent statewide races having been won by Democrats, Minnesota Republicans believe they have the momentum needed to turn the state red this fall. Rep. Pete…

Static Clean Duluth Gives Back To Non-Profits

The company is planning to offer its services to the Damiano Center next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Static Clean Duluth is giving back to local non-profits in the area to help them stay safe during the pandemic. The company uses electrostatic technology to disinfect surfaces in establishments like bars and restaurants. Each month static clean will choose one organization to receive its service free of charge. Chester Creek Academy in Duluth is the lucky…

Simonson, McEwen Race for State Senate Nomination

DULUTH, Minn.– One of the more interesting races Tuesday night is for the DFL State Senate District 7 seat. Incumbent Erik Simonson, a more moderate democrat with nearly a decade in the legislature, is running against attorney Jen McEwen. Simonson has the endorsement of Governor Tim Walz but McEwen has the endorsement of the DFL. Simonson, who is currently in…

A 36-Year-Old Man Dies In Fire In Hillside Neighborhood

"He is going to be sadly missed. I just can't believe it. It's not real to me. It just doesn't seem real," said Amy Granholm, friend of the victim.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 36-year-old Duluth man has died after an overnight fire at an apartment building in the East Hillside neighborhood. The man has been identified as Michael Simone. Fire crews responded to the fire early Tuesday morning. They found smoke coming from the first and second floors of the apartment building where the victim lived. Before the fire…

Zenith Auto Glass Holds Grand Opening

DULUTH, Minn.– While businesses try to navigate through the pandemic, one auto body shop in Duluth is just starting up. Zenith Auto Glass along Highway 53 in Duluth held their grand opening today. Located in the former Hanson’s Building, they offer auto glass replacement and repair along with a car’s advanced driver assist system. Management at the shop says they…

Polls Open for Primaries During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– Primary elections are being held in both Minnesota and Wisconsin today. But due to COVID-19, things are looking a lot different than usual at polling places. Traffic at polling places has been fairly light with many voters casting absentee or mail-in ballots. But in-person voting is also happening, with the goal of keeping everyone safe. “That’s our number…

Big Ten Postpones Fall Sports Season due to COVID-19

(AP) – The Big Ten won’t play football this fall because of concerns about COVID-19, becoming the first of college sports’ power conferences to yield to the pandemic. The move announced Tuesday comes six days after the conference that includes historic programs such as Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Penn State had released a revised conference-only schedule that it hoped…

MN Department of Health Issues Beach Advisory Alert

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lake advisories have been put in place today by the MN Department of Health for two Two Harbors beaches. According to the advisory, the Agate Bay Beach and Burlington Bay Beach have a ‘water contact not recommended’ alert in place until further notice. The advisory was put into place due to elevated E.coli bacteria that were…

Evers, Baldwin Among Wisconsin Speakers at Democratic Convention

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin are among the Wisconsin officeholders who will speak during next week’s Democratic National Convention, which will be based out of Milwaukee. The four-day event to formally nominate Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for president has been scaled back to a nearly all virtual event due to the…

Minnesota to Open Nursing Home Visitation During Pandemic

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Long-term care facilities in Minnesota soon will be allowed to open up more to visitors during the coronavirus pandemic but will have to follow the state’s strict guidance. The Minnesota Department of Health on Monday outlined the new visitation guidelines, which take effect Aug. 29. The guidance includes several factors, such as the latest COVID-19…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 61,839 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,666 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,177,935 tests have been completed to date. There are 55,151 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,661 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 8-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

City of Duluth, DECC Cancel Labor Day Weekend Fireworks

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth, in partnership with the DECC, announced on Tuesday that the Labor Day weekend fireworks display has been canceled. In May, the city announced that the annual Fourth of July fireworks at Bayfront Park would be postponed until Labor Day due to COVID-19 concerns. “When we postponed the Independence Day fireworks earlier this year,…

Early Morning Duluth Fire Leaves One Man Dead

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department says one man is dead after an early morning fire in the Duluth East Hillside neighborhood. Fire crews responded to a fire at an eight-unit apartment building on East 3rd Street just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. When crews arrived on the scene they found smoke coming from the first and second floors of…

Spirit Mountain Excecutive Director and General Manager Resign, Interim Director Named

Spirit Mountain Executive Director Brandy Ream and her husband Jody who is the general manager will complete their employment at the end of the month as the attraction faces one of the most financially challenging times since it opened in 1974.

DULUTH, Minn. – A major leadership shake-up has been announced at the cash-strapped Spirit Mountain Resort in Duluth that’s been shut down since COVID-19 hit. Spirit Mountain Executive Director Brandy Ream and her husband Jody who is the general manager will complete their employment at the end of the month as the attraction faces one of the most financially challenging…

Virtual Roundtable Gives Insight On Joe Biden’s Plans For Manufacturing Industry

DULUTH, Minn. – Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tammy Baldwin for Minnesota and Wisconsin hosted a virtual roundtable discussion to speak on presidential candidate Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” initiative. It is a plan to help revitalize manufacturing in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and across the nation. In the discussion, both senators explained how this is Biden’s effort to create millions of new…

Youth Singing Camp Gives Hope

DULUTH, Minn. – Several kids in Duluth learned how to make beautiful sounds with their voices during the Lake Superior Youth Chorus’ “Summer Sing” camp. Youth singers learned basic music concepts and movement-based activities to help them develop their voices. This year students were required to wear face masks and to social distance. The theme for this week’s group of…

Safety Protocols Put In Place For Primary Elections

DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the uncertain times of the pandemic, the primary elections in Minnesota and Wisconsin must carry on. On Tuesday, voters will be heading to the polls for these elections. Duluth city officials are spreading the word on what to look out for as this year’s primary might look a little different. The city has…

2 Teachers Ask for Release Ahead of 2020-21 School Year

SUPERIOR, Wis.– As the Superior School District prepares for the 2020-2021 school year in a hybrid model, two teachers will not be joining them this year as they worry about getting sick from the virus. Last month, the Superior School District decided its students will spend part of their time in the classroom, and the rest online in a hybrid…