News – Latest News

2020 Itasca County Fair Canceled

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The 2020 Itasca County Fair has been canceled, according to a Wednesday Facebook post from the Itasca County Agricultural Association President. Itasca County Agricultural Association President Melissa Johnson wrote: “This has not been an easy decision to make, but circumstances beyond our control have made it necessary. While disappointed that our gathering of friends and neighbors…

Judge: $750K Bail for Three Ex-Officers Accused in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge set bail at $750,000 apiece Thursday for three fired Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting in the killing of George Floyd, as a memorial service took place just blocks away. Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng made their first appearances in Hennepin County District Court as friends, relatives and celebrities gathered to memorialize…

Watch Live: George Floyd Memorial Service in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Organizers of a Minneapolis memorial for George Floyd placed floral arrangements around a golden casket as mourners prepared to pay their respects. Memorial services to honor Floyd are taking place in three cities over six days. The first is Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis. The organizers want to acknowledge the meaning Floyd had in life to his large…

Midday Update 6-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

3 of 4 Charged Minneapolis Police Officers to Make First Court Appearances

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Three Minneapolis Police officers charged with aiding and abetting the murder of George Floyd will go before a judge for their first court appearances Thursday afternoon. J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao will go before the judge at 12:45 p.m. for their first appearances since being taken into custody Wednesday. The three men were charged with aiding…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, June 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 26,273 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 29 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,115 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 275,622 tests have been completed to date. There are 21,490 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,253 patients have required hospitalization…

Update: Superior Landfill Fire now Extinguished

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior firefighters battled a fire at the landfill on Wisconsin Point Wednesday night. Smoke could be seen billowing in the air from the shorelines across Lake Superior in Duluth. Superior Mayor Jim Paine said the landfill has caught on fire in the past, so firefighters are experienced in getting it under control. Authorities say dozens of heavy…

Morning Update 6-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather, William Seay

Superior Residents to Protest George Floyd Murder, Racial Violence Thursday

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) SUPERIOR, Wis. – Residents in Superior will hold a peaceful protest in the parking lot of the Government Center Thursday afternoon to protest the murder of George Floyd and demand an end to racial violence. In a recent Facebook post, Mayor Jim Paine said he and Police Chief Nicholas Alexander have been in contact with…

Cloquet 4th of July Festivities Cancelled; Pinehurst Park Pool Closed

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coronavirus continues to claim summer events throughout the Northland. Added to the list: the 4th of July fireworks and parade in Cloquet, along with the city’s Pinehurst Park natural ground pool. City officials decided to cancel the popular Independence Day festivities Tuesday, saying that it would be near impossible to limit the usual crowd of hundreds to whatever…

Veteran Cloquet Officer Named New Police Chief

After serving many roles including Commander and Interim Police Chief, Derek Randall is the new top cop.

CLOQUET, Minn.-. The Cloquet Police Department now has a new Police Chief. After a nine month search interviewing candidates from across the country, it is the former Commander and Interim Chief Derek Randall who is shedding the “interim” from his title and stepping into the top role. “It’s a breath of relief for sure,” Randall said. Cloquet City Council voted…

Protests May Cause Surge in COVID-19

Doctors say that outbreaks are expected even without protesting but there's a chance of the virus making a presence in the community through protesting.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts say mask-wearing and keeping distance from others seems to be the best way to approach protesting during this pandemic. Doctors say that outbreaks are expected even without protesting. With more crowds of people gathering together, there’s a higher chance of the virus making a presence in the community. “So it’s likely and we are expecting to…

Farmers Market Opens in Superior

A local farmers market is back open in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A local farmers market is back open in Superior. Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market is now open every Wednesday until the end of October. They have lots of garden plants, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, flowers, and baked goods for everyone to enjoy. Organizers say this year there is a bit of a change because of the pandemic. “This is…

Local Businesses Show Support for Twin Cities Protests

Pizza Luce drawing attention by suspending police discounts at all nine of its restaurants

DULUTH, Minn., and SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some businesses across the Northland are showing support for the protests happening in the Twin Cities, and some are turning heads with that support. Pizza Luce is one company that drew a lot of attention with a social media post made Tuesday night. The Minnesota-based pizza chain announced on Facebook it is suspending police…

Greater Downtown Council Plants Flowers at Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.– The Greater Downtown Council in Duluth continued their annual tradition of beautifying the community today. The council, local businesses and other volunteers were in Canal Park today. They were planting flowers in over 20 pots they placed around the area. Normally all volunteers would be planting in one spot but to stay social distant, they were doing it…

Duluth City Hall Partially Reopens to Public

DULUTH, Minn.– The process of reopening Duluth City Hall to the public started today. It’s been closed for several weeks because of COVID-19 concerns. After a long wait, the city of Duluth is letting people back inside city hall. But that doesn’t mean safety precautions have ended. Duluth City Hall is now open again for the public in a limited…

St. Louis County Auditor’s Service Center Opens

The St. Louis County Auditor's Service Center located on the backside of Miller Hill Mall has been quite busy since reopening this week.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Auditor’s Service Center located on the backside of Miller Hill Mall has been quite busy since reopening this week. Right now, they are only allowing six people into the building at a time, making for a long line for those needing driver’s license renewals, tabs, or even paying your property taxes. “We have…

Prosecutors Charge Three More Officers in George Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors on Wednesday expanded their case against the police who were at the scene of George Floyd’s death, charging three of the officers with aiding and abetting murder and upgrading the charges against the officer who pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck to second-degree murder. The most serious charge was filed against Derek Chauvin, whose caught-on-video treatment…

Duluth K9 Luna Receives Donation of Body Armor

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Department’s K9 Luna has received a donation of a bullet and stab protective vest from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The donation came with a special sentiment embroidered on the vest which read, “In memory of K9 Haas, Duluth Police Department, MN.” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc was established in 2009. The…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Announces Additional Charges Coming in George Floyd Case

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin. According to a recent tweet from Sen. Klobuchar, Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to second-degree murder and will also be charging the other three officers involved in the killing of George Floyd. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing…

Midday Update 6-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, weather, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 25,870 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,086 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 265,718 tests have been completed to date. There are 21,169 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,203 patients have required hospitalization…

Duluth City Hall to Begin Reopening Process

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced today that it will begin the process of reopening City Hall to the public on an appointment-only basis. According to a recent press release, starting today the building will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for residents needing to meet with City staff. Anyone needing to meet with City staff…

Experience ‘Summer Camp in a Box’ with Great Lakes Aquarium

Due to Coronavirus Concerns, The Great Lakes Aquarium Remains Closed to the Public

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in April, the Great Lakes Aquarium was forced to furlough 46 employees after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses. Currently, 11 staff members report to work daily. Around 80 percent of the aquarium’s funding comes from ticket sales and field trips. Donations are being accepted through the attraction’s website to help…

Morning Update 6-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Judge Blocks Sit-Down Dining at Central Minnesota bar Chain

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — A judge on Tuesday blocked a chain of central Minnesota bars and restaurants from offering sit-down dining in violation of Gov. Tim Walz’s peacetime emergency order during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Stearns County judge issued a temporary injunction sought by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison against the owner of the “Shady’s” chain….

Bong Veterans Historical Center Reopens

Museum had been closed since March

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is back open after being closed since March because of the pandemic. The museum reopened Monday. We’re told it’s been slower than usual, but staff are excited to have guests back in the building learning about veterans and military history in the Northland. “To allow people to learn some of…

Wisconsin Point Busy on Warm Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. – People were enjoying the warm temperatures on Wisconsin Point in Superior. Families spent the day swimming and building sandcastles out on the beach. “We don’t get it very often so, when we do, I like to take advantage of it,” said beachgoer Karen Sislo. “It doesn’t matter if it’s humid or really, really hot, I just like…

Small, Peaceful Protest In Superior As Businesses Board Up For Potential Unrest

A rumored protest taking over the Blatnik Bridge didn't happen.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At the corner of Belknap and Hammond in Superior Wednesday, a dozen or so young people peacefully held signs against the death of George Floyd and police brutality, cheered on by drivers honking their horns in support–amid rumors of protests and unrest in the city swirling for a few days. There was even talk of a protest overtaking…

Salvation Army Gives Away Free Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer refills are offered Monday through Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – As hand sanitizers is still in high demand, the Salvation Army in Duluth is helping the community continue to have better access to it. The organization is offering free refills of liquid hand sanitizer to people who may need it. Anyone can is welcome to fill up their own container. Each person is allowed up to sixteen…

Lakewalk Reconstruction Closes Lakewalk Galley, Lighthouse Parking Lot For Season

DULUTH, Minn.  – A popular parking lot along the Lakewalk will be closed for the summer season starting Wednesday, June 3. Along with the parking lot closure, the owner of a popular eatery, the Lakewalk Galley, formally known as Crabby Ol’ Bill’s, is choosing to remain closed for the season as well. The owner says he has been in communication…

Shooting Summer League Season Underway at Old Vermilion Trail

Summer league started on Tuesday, June 2 and goes for 12 weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Old Vermilion Trail normally opens the Tuesday after Memorial Day, and now that the hunting preserve is up and running, many people are heading outdoors to take their best shot with their summer league. “Just need to shoot one score a week for 12 weeks. Can be shot on any day of the week or you can…

Campers Return As Minnesota Campgrounds Reopen

CARLTON, Minn.– A combination of nice summer weather and loosening of state guidelines means some busy campgrounds in the Northland. On Monday, campgrounds in Minnesota reopened under phase II of Governor Walz’s Stay Safe Minnesota order. And campers didn’t waste any time, filling up different campgrounds around the area. “We just enjoy the outdoors and being able to camp,” said,…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine Looking To Promote Change

A meeting of the Mayor's Commission is scheduled for this Thursday at 5:30 pm.

SUPERIOR, Wis.  – The tragic death of George Floyd and the injustice plaguing people of color is motivating the City of Superior to reflect on change. The Mayor of Superior is asking the minority community to provide feedback to help build a stronger community. A lot of pain and fear continues to be felt among communities of color throughout the…

Support for George Floyd Drawn On Lakewalk with Chalk

DULUTH, Minn.– Peaceful demonstrations continue to pop up in Duluth. This time, it was in the form of sidewalk chalk along the Lakewalk. A path there has been covered in messages expressing justice for George Floyd. The writing also includes the names of other victims of police brutality with the phrase ‘say their names.’ Categories: News, News – Latest News

New Motorcycle Repair Shop Opens In Hermantown

Ape Hangers Customs is hosting an official grand opening this Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A new motorcycle repair shop has opened in Hermantown. Ape Hangers Customs offers a variety of services including full engine and transmission repair. The owner, who is originally from the twin cities, has 10 years of experience working on motorcycles. While there aren’t many shops like this in the area, he says it took a leap of…

New LED Sign Celebrates Denfeld Graduates

Some local seniors at Denfeld High School are being recognized by their old elementary school.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some local seniors at Denfeld High School are being recognized by their old elementary school. Those who went to Stowe Elementary and are now graduating have their names and pictures being displayed on an LED sign on Commonwealth Avenue as a way to honor and celebrate them. Organizers say that this year has been really tough on…

Outdoor Seating Available at Duluth Cider

With bars and restaurants being allowed to open using outdoor seating, some are expanding their patios like Duluth Cider in Lincoln Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – With bars and restaurants being allowed to open using outdoor seating, some are expanding their patios like Duluth Cider in Lincoln Park. That business already has a smaller patio, but now they’ve built it to fit 50 guests in a seating area that’s comfortable. One of the owners told us that it’s nice to be open again…

Tattoo Parlors Open for Business

Owners of Anchors End Tattoo in downtown Duluth say that it's exciting to finally open up the shop to the public.

DULUTH, Minn. – Owners of Anchors End Tattoo in downtown Duluth say that it’s exciting to finally open up the shop to the public. “We want to work,” said Joseph John, the owner of Anchors End Tattoo. “We don’t want an industry to shut right back down again so we’re just going to take every precaution. We want our clients…

Prosecutors Delay Case Against Man Who Drove Into Crowd

(Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The case against a man who drove his semitrailer into a crowd of protesters on a closed Minneapolis freeway has been delayed pending further investigation, prosecutors said Tuesday. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in a statement Tuesday that the case against the man has been deferred and that he’ll be released…

Minnesota Files Complaint Against Minneapolis Police Department in Floyd’s Death

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The state of Minnesota filed a human rights complaint Tuesday against the Minneapolis Police Department in the death of George Floyd by an ex-Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes, even after he stopped moving. Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 25,508 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 22 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,072 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 258,747 tests have been completed to date. There are 20,381 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,134 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 6-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay