News – Latest News

Officer Involved in Breonna Taylor Shooting to be Fired

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville’s mayor said Friday that one of three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor will be fired. Mayor Greg Fisher said interim Louisville police Chief Robert Schroeder has started termination proceedings for Officer Brett Hankison. Two other officers remain on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated. Fischer said officials could not…

Twins Remove Ex-Owner Griffith Statue Over Racist Remarks

(AP Photo/Paul Battaglia, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have removed a statue of former owner Calvin Griffith at Target Field, citing racist remarks he made in 1978. Griffith’s statue was one of several installed when the team opened its ballpark in 2010. Griffith moved the Washington Senators to Minnesota for the 1961 season, and the team was renamed…

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Doctor on Public Preparedness: “I Think There’s Room For Improvement”

St. Luke's Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Andrew Thompson Speaks on COVID-19 Preparedness in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – “I think there’s room for improvement, at least here in our local community,” said Dr. Andrew Thompson, Infectious Disease Specialist with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. Dr. Thompson made this statement when asked about his personal view on how safe and cautious residents in the Northland have been during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan…

Duluth YMCA on Mask Protocol, More Phased Reopening Details

The Downtown Branch of the Duluth Area Family YMCA Officially Reopened Monday, June 15

DULUTH, Minn. – The downtown branch of the Duluth Area Family YMCA officially reopened to the public Monday, June 15. Since then, new developments have come forth in the facility’s phased reopening, along with safety measures and protocols. Staff is required to wear a face mask at all times according to the Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. There are some…

Regents Select Tommy Thompson as Interim UW president

(courtesy: UW System) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin System regents announced Friday they have selected former Gov. Tommy Thompson as the system’s interim president, another twist in what’s become a messy search to replace outgoing President Ray Cross. Regents President Andrew Petersen asked Thompson to jump into the position, according to a system statement. Thompson will take over…

Morning Update 6-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, June 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, June 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Bishop-Elect Appointed by Pope for Dioceses of Duluth

(courtesy: Diocese of Duluth) DULUTH, Minn. – A Bishop-elect has been appointed for the Diocese of Duluth. According to a Friday press release, Pope Francis has appointed Father Michael. J. Mulloy, from the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota, to be the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Duluth. Mulloy’s episcopal ordination and installation will be held on Thursday, October…

Great Lakes Aquarium Reopens

This season the aquarium celebrates its 20th anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium has reopened for the first time since March. “Everybody that I’ve seen come in this building, it just brings a big smile to my face,” said executive director Jay Walker. “It just feels like getting back to some level of normalcy.” Guests are asked to ‘follow the flow’ and give themselves around the…

More Disease-Carrying Ticks Being Found in Minnesota

30-40 percent of adult deer or black-legged ticks have Lyme Disease

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Minnesota Department of Health, more ticks that carry Lyme disease and other illnesses are being found across the state. 30-40 percent of adult deer or black-legged ticks have Lyme disease. Health experts are more concerned with that species than the larger and more common wood or dog tick. Ticks can only transmit disease if…

Terese Tomanek Sworn in to Duluth City Council

Tomanek replaces Barb Russ, who recently resigned for medical reasons

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth officially has a new city councilor. Terese Tomanek was sworn into the council Thursday. She’s replacing Barb Russ, who recently resigned for medical reasons. Tomanek lives in the Congdon neighborhood and works as an on-call chaplain at Essentia Health. Prior to that, Tomanek was a chiropractor for 27 years and served as a campus minister at…

Logging Industry Professionals Weighing Options Amid COVID-19 Related Setbacks

All this comes after paper manufacturing company, Verso, announced its indefinite shutd0own in Duluth by the end of June, having a domino effect on the industry.

GARND RAPIDS, Minn. – Logging industry professionals gathered to discuss COVID-19’s far-reaching and detrimental impacts on their industry on Thursday. All this comes after paper manufacturing company, Verso, announced its indefinite shutdown in Duluth by the end of June, having a domino effect on the industry. Loggers, truckers, plus county, state, and federal land management officials among other industry workers…

Grand Opening for New King of Creams Location

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– One popular restaurant in Duluth is adding a second location up in Hermantown. The King of Creams opened their second location in Hermantown earlier this week. And there is a grand opening on Saturday. While COVID-19 did delay the opening of the new spot, management at the restaurant says they are excited to be open again and to…

Minnesota Lays Out School Reopening Plan

DULUTH, Minn.– K-12 schools in Minnesota wrapped up their distance learning for the spring. But there still is uncertainty about what schools should do in the fall amid the pandemic. Thursday, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Department of Education have started laying out initial plans to schools for the fall. “Ultimately, we know that schools and families are…

City of Duluth Delays Adding 2800 Snow Removal Signs

DULUTH, Minn.– Financial shortfalls because of the pandemic have caused the city of Duluth to make budget cuts in several areas, including the city’s Snow Emergency Plan. The city is going to hold off from buying 2,800 new snow removal signs, saving over half a million dollars. Last fall, the city of Duluth updated its Snow Emergency Plan and found…

City Plans To Remove “Chief” From Job Titles

Two positions within the city would be first to reflect the new initiative.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will be considering a language change for certain job titles held by city staff. The intent is to allow the city to more accurately reflect an inclusive community. The city is considering new plans to drop the word “chief” from all city employee job titles. The goal is to help move away from…

City Moves to Change New Duluth Flag Statement To Provide More Inclusion

"I think our administration values how diverse our community is and focuses on not erasing those voices specifically for people of African heritage or people of color," said City Planner Mollie Hinderaker.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is it taking another step forward towards being more inclusive. The city is changing to the wording of a statement associated with the new Duluth flag design. Last year, the City of Duluth created a contest to help find a new design for the city flag after much of the community requested a…

Local Steelworkers Union Use Billboards To Send Message Regarding Essentia Layoffs

More billboards are expected to go up throughout the Northland including Ely, Spooner, and Ashland.

DULUTH, Minn. – New billboards may catch your attention the next time you are traveling on the Blatnik Bridge or on I-35. The  United Steelworkers Union Local 9460 is using the platform to send a strong message to the community for support and to Essentia Health as they are planning to lay off nine hundred employees in the northland. The…

Local Church Hosts Rummage Sale

Despite the pandemic, rummage sales are still popping up in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, rummage sales are still popping up in the Northland. Norton Park United Methodist Church hosted the five-day event from Wednesday to Saturday of last week and today. The church implemented social distancing guidelines and the wearing of masks to keep people safe. The money raised would help the church. It had a tough past…

Delivery Orders Keep Restaurants Busy

In recent months, Northland restaurants have been incredibly busy as delivery orders have stayed pretty consistent during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – In recent months, Northland restaurants have been incredibly busy as delivery orders have stayed pretty consistent during the pandemic. At Domino’s Pizza in West Duluth, there has been a 30% to 35% increase in deliveries. The lobby to the store is closed so guests have to either call ahead of time or order online to get their…

Duluth Mayor Larson to Recommend New City Attorney

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson announced Thursday that she will nominate Rebecca St. George as Duluth’s new City Attorney. For the past six years St. George has served as the staff attorney to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. City officials say the City Council will vote on the nomination at the City Council meeting on…

Level 3 Predatory Offender Relocates in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say a level 3 predatory offender has moved to the West Duluth neighborhood earlier this month. According to the police, 47-year-old James Demetrius Redd has a history of sexual conduct and contact with known female teenagers. The conduct has included taking sexually explicit pictures of victims. The contact did include penetration. Redd is described as…

Midday Update 6-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 18, 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 18

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 31,675 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 19 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,344 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 460,879 tests have been completed to date. There are 27,566 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,718 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Officials Prepare to Announce Fall School Plans

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — State health and education officials will announce plans Thursday for how Minnesota schools will conduct classes this fall after they were shut down this spring to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller will join the Minnesota Department of Health officials at an afternoon briefing to discuss “the new fall planning guidance for…

Superior, Sponsors Ready to Launch ‘Sweet Streets’ Bike Safety Program

The Launch Will Happen Saturday, June 20 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Superior Public Library

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After many months of hard work and dedication behind the scenes, Jenny Van Sickle, Superior city council member, and many fine sponsors are thrilled to be launching a new bike safety program called ‘Sweet Streets.’ The launch is happening Saturday, June 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Superior Public Library. Families are welcome and encouraged…

Morning Update 6-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Justices Reject end to Protections for Young Immigrants

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump’s effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants. For now, those immigrants retain their protection from deportation and their authorization to work in the United States. The outcome seems certain to elevate the issue in Trump’s campaign, given the anti-immigrant rhetoric of his first presidential run in…

1.5 Million More Laid-Off Workers Seek Unemployment Benefits

WASHINGTON (AP) – About 1.5 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, a historically high number, even as the economy increasingly reopens and employers bring some people back to work. The latest figure from the Labor Department marks the 11th straight weekly decline in applications since they peaked at nearly 7 million in March as the coronavirus…

Itasca County Tourism Industry Impacted by COVID-19

Businesses and organizations ready to serve tourists despite the unprecedented circumstances

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Downtown Grand Rapids is bustling with summer in full swing. “Outdoor recreation is not closed and, in Grand Rapids, we are a mecca for outdoor recreation,” said Megan Christianson, Executive Director of Visit Grand Rapids. With a million acres of public forest and more than a thousand area lakes, tourism is the heart of the local…

Loaves And Fishes Shelter Still Serving Homeless Community

"We want to be a place guys can come to during this time and be a resource for them. We try to carry out that job to the best of our ability. So far so good," said Volunteer Maweja Henderson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Loaves and Fishes Dorothy Day House is continuing to help those in need in Duluth. Throughout the pandemic, the organization has remained open as a resource for the homeless community. The many health risks of Covid-19 has caused the organization to make a few changes. Those who currently live at the home must remain in separate areas…

Petition Calls For Resource Officers Be Removed From Duluth Public Schools

School Boards in Minneapolis and Portland have already taken up discussions to pull resource officers out of the schools.

DULUTH, Minn. – A petition has now been started by several former Duluth Public School students. Those students want the school board to dismiss the district’s relationship with the Duluth Police Department. The petition is also demanding all resource officers be removed from the city’s public schools. There are now four resource officers in Duluth Public Schools. The petition outlines…

St. Louis County Rescue Squad Ready for Summer Water Emergencies

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Rescue Squad responds to wilderness, water, and first aid rescues across the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the squad has responded to less vehicle accidents than normal, but woodland and water rescues are happening a little more frequently. Every year, there are about 7.5 water deaths in St. Louis County. The…

Volunteers Chalk The Walk At Twin Ports Hospitals

"I think just seeing a nice message and putting a smile on someone's face for the day, that's all that matters," said Northwestern Mutual's Director of Operations and Development Lindsey Dueland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Patients and staff at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth are receiving the gift of joy through street art. Interns and staff at Northwestern Mutual, a local insurance company, spent the afternoon chalking the sidewalks at Essentia and St. Luke’s. They drew beautiful pictures and wrote encouraging messages. “We hope it means as much to…

National Weather Service Looking to Streamline Warning System

The NWS is looking at getting rid of advisories and using plainer language.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service is looking to streamline the way they are warning people of inclement weather after reported confusion with the way it’s currently done. They want to make sure people know what’s coming and can be prepared. Currently, advisories are issued for low-end weather threats, warnings are issued for life or property threatening hazards, and…

Head of the Lakes Annual Giving Day Going Virtual

Most years, hundreds of volunteers give their time to the community on this day to complete projects at Northland nonprofits, but this year families were encouraged to participate within their own neighborhoods.

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Day of Caring for the Head of the Lakes United Way is being observed virtually this year. Most years, hundreds of volunteers give their time to the community on this day to complete projects at Northland nonprofits. Wednesday marked this year’s yearly event and in light of COVID-19, the Day of Caring has gone virtual….

Second Harvest Marks 3 Months of COVID-19 Response with 20,000 Boxes of Food Packed

The food bank has provided more than 1.7 million pounds of food for community members in need throughout the Northland since just the middle of March.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week marks 3 months of Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank’s COVID-19 response effort. The food bank has provided more than 1.7 million pounds of food for community members in need throughout the Northland since just the middle of March. This week the food bank will hit the important milestone of packing their 20,000th box of…

City: East Superior Street Reconditioning Project Construction to Begin Tomorrow

DULUTH, Minn. – Tomorrow the City of Duluth says they will begin construction on the East Superior Street Reconditioning Project. In a recent press release, the city says a temporary traffic signal will be activated tomorrow at the 60th Avenue East and London Road intersection. The road closures for this project will begin at Lester River and Highway 61. The…

Minnesota State Trustees OK Fall Tuition Freeze, Spring Hike

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Students at Minnesota State colleges and universities will get a tuition freeze this fall with a 3 percent hike following in the spring, under a budget approved by system trustees Wednesday. The trustees approved the fall tuition freeze as a way to retain students and attract new ones. Administrators previously proposed a tuition increase of…

Officer who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged with Felony Murder

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks in the back after the fleeing man pointed a stun gun in his direction is going to be charged with felony murder and 10 other crimes. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard made the announcement about Garrett Rolfe during a news conference Wednesday. Howard said Rolfe kicked Brooks while…

Hibbing Taconite to Extend Layoffs Another Month

HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing Taconite will be extending layoffs for 650 employees and idling operations for another month according to union leaders. The United Steelworkers Union says employees are now be expected to be brought back the week of July 26 with full production starting on August 6. ArcelorMittal USA first announced the decision to idle the plant at the…

Midday Update 6-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 31,296 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 12 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,325 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 448,587 tests have been completed to date. There are 27,404 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,689 patients have required hospitalization…

Northern Lights Cutting Center Sparks Equestrian Interest in the Northland

Talmadge River Ranch, home of Northern Lights Cutting Center, is Open for Private Lessons

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s something you may have taken part in as a kid at least once or twice – horseback riding. FOX 21’s Brett Scott digs deeper into the competition world of cutting and shows how one local family is looking to share their talent with adventure seekers living in the Northland. “I think they’re shocked that it’s something…

Morning Update 6-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay