News – Latest News

Hibbing Girl Injured in FedEx Truck vs. Bike Crash

HIBBING, Minn. – Authorities say a juvenile girl from Hibbing was injured Tuesday morning when a FedEx truck struck the girl as she was riding her bike. Police say the accident happened around 11:37 a.m. at the intersection of 31st Street West and 5th Avenue West. Authorities say the girl suffered serious injuries and was transported to Fairview Range Medical…

Judge Shuts Down Energy Pipeline in Michigan’s Great Lakes

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File) DETROIT (AP) — A judge has shut down an energy pipeline in Michigan’s Great Lakes, granting a request from the state. The move comes after the owner reported problems with a support piece deep below the surface of the Straits of Mackinac. The judge told Enbridge to close Line 5 as “immediately as possible”…

Midday Update 6-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, June 25

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 34,123 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,406 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 542,696 tests have been completed to date. There are 29,854 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,943 patients have required hospitalization…

Essentia Health Announces Plans for First Ronald McDonald House in Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – The Essentia Health Foundation announced plans on Thursday for the first Ronald McDonald house in the Northland. The five-bedroom Ronald McDonald House Northland will be located on the fourth floor of the 5th Avenue Building and will “feed and provide respite for families of pediatric patients at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center.” “We know our pediatric families…

Morning Update 6-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Segway to End Production

(AP) — Segway says it will end production of its namesake two-wheeled personal transporter, popular with tourists and police officers but perhaps better known for its high-profile crashes. The company, founded in 1999 by inventor Dean Kamen, will retire the Segway PT on July 15. The company said 21 employees will be laid off. In 2017, Segway got into the…

Disney Delays Southern California Theme Park Reopenings

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Disney is postponing the mid-July reopening of its Southern California theme parks until it receives guidelines from the state, the company announced Wednesday. Disney had hoped to reopen Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim on July 17 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus. But the state has indicated it won’t issue guidelines until…

Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division Reinstates Some Staff — For Now

Only three-quarters of staff will be brought back.

DULUTH, Minn. – In April the City of Duluth laid off nearly 100 full-time, temp and seasonal employees, including park maintenance staff. The parks and recreation division announced Wednesday some of the park maintenance crew are being partially reinstated. City staff say with more people visiting the parks and trails, it is causing a need for continuous upkeep. Only about…

A Task Force Is Being Assembled To Help Spirit Mountain Through Financial Problems

Application closes on July 8th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain in Duluth has suffered many economic blows within the last year. The City of Duluth is working in partnership with spirit mountain to put together a task force to help find solutions for the tourist attraction’s financial problems. Currently, the city is accepting applications to fill up to 11 positions on the task force. It…

City of Duluth Introduces New City Attorney

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Mayor Emily Larson introduced the city of Duluth’s newest attorney, who she says will bring a unique perspective to the position. Rebecca St. George was introduced during the city’s weekly presser earlier today. She has spent over six years as an attorney for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Some of St. George’s other…

Indigenous Leaders Discuss COVID-19 Impact, CARES Act Funding

Leaders from Minnesota’s Indigenous communities are discussing the impact of COVID-19 on their communities. It happened at a virtual gathering today along with state and federal leaders. Senator Tina Smith and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan held a virtual roundtable with leaders from Indigenous tribes around the state to discuss COVID-19’s impact and problems they are having with the CARES Act….

Maurices Brings Back Furloughed Employees

6,000 retail employees and 54 corporate office employees were temporarily laid off during shutdown

DULUTH, Minn. – Maurices has brought back almost all its employees who were temporarily laid off during the shutdown. The Duluth-based women’s clothing chain has already reopened most of its stores. The remaining stores are opening in the next week or so. 6,000 retail employees were furloughed in March. Maurices tells us they are all being hired back. The store…

Paddlers Hit the St. Louis River Near Oliver

OLIVER, Wis. – Paddlers hit the water near Oliver Wednesday. The Northland Paddlers Alliance brought a group on the St. Louis River. The group gives opportunities for fans of all paddle sports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Members say it’s a great way to see the water because you can get places power boats can’t. “I actually last week…

UWS Offers An Alternative Online Program For First-Year Students

DULUTH, Minn. –  A recent national survey discovered one out of six high school seniors are unsure about their fall college plans as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a threat to health. This statistic is pushing the University of Wisconsin Superior to create alternative options for students to begin their college education. The university is introducing planU, which is…

Northlanders Visit Loved Ones in Nursing Homes

For months, restrictions have prevented visitors at group care facilities in Minnesota like nursing homes, but now, Northlanders are allowed to visit their loved ones in a limited fashion.

DULUTH, Minn. – For months, restrictions have prevented visitors at group care facilities in Minnesota like nursing homes, but now, Northlanders are allowed to visit their loved ones in a limited fashion. For weeks, Richard Smith and his wife Ronene have been regularly traveling more than 100 miles from their home on the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais to…

Socially Distanced Storytime

Despite the pandemic, the Duluth Public Library is finding new ways to have storytime.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, the Duluth Public Library is finding new ways to have storytime. Over at Leif Erikson Park today, the library hosted an event where kids were able to come with their parents and read a book in a socially distanced manner as they strolled around the park. Participants were also able to take home craft…

St. Luke’s Visitor Policy Upgraded

St. Luke's is now allowing patients to see loved ones in the hospital while also being able to attend appointments with them.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is now allowing patients to see loved ones in the hospital while also being able to attend appointments with them. For instance, one adult visitor is allowed for inpatient visitors, and for critically unstable inpatients, two visitors are allowed per day. “But at this time, things are going well,” said Kevin Nokels, the president and…

Wisconsin Governor Activates National Guard After Violence

(Emily Hamer/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s governor has activated the National Guard to protect state properties after a night of violence that included the toppling of two statues outside the state Capitol and an attack on a state senator. Protesters also threw a Molotov cocktail into a government building and attempted to break into the…

Minnesota Sues Oil Companies, Institute Over Climate Change

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, and the American Petroleum Institute, alleging they deceived and defrauded Minnesotans about climate change. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in state court in Minnesota accuses the oil companies and trade group of consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices. “We’re here suing these defendants — API, ExxonMobil,…

Data: Minnesota Will See Increase in Food Insecurity

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — More Minnesota residents will lack access to sufficient food in the coming months in wake of a disrupted economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Food assistance needs will peak in September to 735,000 Minnesota residents who are “food insecure,” according to projections released Wednesday by Second Harvest Heartland and consulting firm McKinsey & Co. That number reflects 13%…

City of Duluth: Applications Now Open for Spirit Mountain Task Force

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced on Wednesday that they will be creating a Spirit Mountain Recreation Task Force to assist in drafting “a set of recommendations intended to help achieve financial stability” for Spirit Mountain moving forward, and applications are now open. In a recent press release, the city said Mayor Larson will be appointing nine to…

Midday Update 6-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 24

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 33,763 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,397 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 529,643 tests have been completed to date. There are 29,707 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,897 patients have required hospitalization…

St. Luke’s Updates Policy to Allow Visitors

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is updating its visitor’s policy so patients will, once again, be allowed to see loves ones. The hospital says the updates will allow also allow loved ones to accompany patients to appointments. “We take the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community very seriously,” St. Luke’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Van…

Crowds Tear Down Statues, Attack Wisconsin State Senator

(credit: Fox 9/Storyful) MADISON (AP) – Crowds outside the Wisconsin State Capitol tore down two statues and attacked a state senator amid protests following the arrest of a Black man who was at a restaurant with a megaphone and a baseball bat. Video released by the Madison Police Department shows the man talking through the megaphone Tuesday while walking near the restaurant’s…

Local Food Truck Serves Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grilled cheese fans tasted some gourmet creations while listening to live music at the Cedar Lounge in Superior. Guests enjoyed culinary creations from the K&B Grilled Cheese Food Truck. The local business serves several original sandwiches like a bacon and cheddar grilled cheese, a spinach and artichoke grilled cheese, and a buffalo chicken grilled cheese. “No one…

Subaru of America Donates Over $100,000 in Automotive Equipment to Lake Superior College

Most graduates of the automotive program typically remain in the region to fill a growing demand.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is sending a big “thank you” to Subaru of American and Miller Hill Subaru for donating more than $100,000 worth of equipment for the automotive program. The extra equipment will help to further expand training for students to allow them to have a long-standing career. The automotive industry took a hit due to the…

Central Hillside Farmers Market Opens for the Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Central Hillside Farmers Market is open for the season. This year, the market is located outside the Damiano Center. It will host around eight local vendors every week selling fruits, baked goods, ceramics, and more. Kids will get $4 at each market to buy healthy veggies. Purchases made with EBT cards will be matched up to…

UMD Moves To No Longer Require ACT Or SAT Scores For Enrollment Applications

This new admissions option is available for applicants starting in the spring and fall of 2021.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth is making an effort to help remove barriers for students applying to attend the school. The university is testing a new admissions model, which would no longer require ACT or SAT scores to be submitted. Instead, students are being given the choice to decide whether or not they want the scores to…

First “Yappy Hour” of Summer Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– For the first time this year, Duluth residents and their dogs could enjoy a night out together. Yappy Hour was held for the first time this summer. The store A Place for Fido teamed up with The Boat Launch to host the event on the restaurant’s outdoor patio at Fitger’s in downtown Duluth. The event had dog-themed drinks…

Mayor Larson Gives Update on City Budget

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says most of the city’s COVID-19 budget shortfalls projections from April are in their predicted range right now. Larson and her team made headlines when they said the city could see a budget shortfall of $20-40 million for 2020. And with two additional months of data, the predicted loss of revenue is now around…

St. Luke’s Hospital Uses Technology To Identify Bacteria And Viruses Faster

"It allows us to deliver the right treatment and right therapy much soon than we have in the past," said Infectious Disease Physician Andrew Thompson.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is the first healthcare facility in the region to utilize a spectrometer to help identify microorganisms much faster. Traditional methods to classify bacteria, viruses, and fungi typically take days to return results. The equipment uses a laser to break down the microorganisms for identification in a matter of minutes. “It allows us to deliver…

Play It Again Sports Sees Increase in Sales as Sports Practices Resume

The new and used sporting goods store reopened fully to the public a little over a month ago and has been busy helping athletes get the gear they need.

DULUTH, Minn. – Play It Again Sports is mostly back to business as usual. “We closed down on March 27th and then offered curbside delivery/outdoor service and then reopened fully to the public the week after,” general manager of Play It Again Sports Steven Holappa said. The store, located in Kenwood Village in Duluth, is a new and used sporting…

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar Says Get Your Kids Up-To-Date With Vaccinations

Measles vaccinations administered to children in Minnesota dropped by 70%.

DULUTH, Minn. – Recent studies show there has been a significant decrease in the number of vaccinations being given to children during the pandemic across the nation. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is pushing to address the troubling decline in the state. Doses of the measles vaccine administered in the state have dropped by 70% compared to last year. Health officials…

Cloquet Country Club Continues to Welcome Members Back to the Course

The Cloquet Country Club is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is asking members to request their tee times in advance. 

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Country Club has been filled with golfers over the past two months. The Country Club had to put in safety and social distancing measures like limiting carts and only doing outside drink service at first. But with being one of the few courses open locally, Cloquet immediately saw old and new members hitting the links….

Superior School District Hopes to Open for In-Person Learning This Fall

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issued guidelines for how schools can best reopen Monday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District hopes to open schools for in-person learning in some capacity this fall. That announcement comes after the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issued guidelines for how schools can best reopen during the pandemic. Wisconsin’s Education Forward plan includes examples for how schools may have to change scheduling this fall. Plan examples include four-day…

Cloquet Skatepark Busy With Skateboard Riders

The skatepark has been open for just under two years but has been filled with kids who have been riding for years or some trying something new.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Skatepark has been busy with riders since summer started. The skatepark has been open for just under two years but has been filled with kids who have been riding for years or some trying something new. Those using the park say it gives kids a safe place to practice their hobby while also having fun…

MLB Plans 60-Game Slate, Shortest Since 1878

NEW YORK (AP) – Major League Baseball plans to unilaterally issue a 60-game schedule for its shortest season since 1878 after the players’ association rejected a negotiated deal of the same length, putting the sport on track for a combative and possibly unhappy return to the field amid the coronavirus pandemic. Six days after baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and union…

MN Trooper Charged After Taking Woman’s Phone, Sending Himself Nude Photos

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minnesota State Patrol trooper was charged with felony stalking for taking a woman’s cell phone and using it to send himself nude photos of her, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday. Albert Kuehne, 36, was charged with two counts of stalking with bias due to the fact the victim was a woman. According to the criminal complaint,…

Minntac to Restart Production Lines Next Month

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Steel says they plan to restart production lines at its Minntac mine as early as next month. United Steelworkers Local 1938 representatives confirmed on Tuesday that production lines 6 and 7 are expected to restart on July 27. Operations for the lines were originally planned to be stalled until August. Union reps also say maintenance workers…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 33,469 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,393 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 520,045 tests have been completed to date. There are 29,399 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,860 patients have required hospitalization…

Amazon’s Fulfillment Center in Shakopee One of Larger Warehouse COVID Outbreaks

  (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) – State health officials say the Amazon fulfillment center in Shakopee has one of the larger coronavirus outbreaks in a warehouse or distribution plant setting. At least 88 of its approximately 1,000 workers have tested positive for the disease caused by the virus. Another 99 workers at other Amazon sites in the…