News – Latest News

YMCA to Open Next Week

Local Northland organizations continue to prepare to reopen after many of governor's restrictions were lifted today.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local Northland organizations continue to prepare to reopen after many of the governor’s restrictions were lifted today. Leadership from the Duluth Area Family YMCA is opening up its downtown Duluth facility Monday as they work to keep their staff and guests safe. The organization is following strict hand-washing guidelines while also wearing face masks and keeping social…

Fond-du-Luth to Reopen Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Fond-du-Luth Casino announced Wednesday that they will be reopening next week. The casino said in a recent press release that they will open their doors once again at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15. Face masks will be made available to guests on opening day while supplies last. Casino staff says some temporary adjustments have been made…

Mall of America Reopens After Nearly 3 Months of Being Shut Down

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — The Mall of America was back in business on Wednesday, nearly three months after the Minnesota tourist attraction shut down because of the coronavirus. About 150 of the 500 stores in the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington reopened their doors to a new shopping experience that included signs encouraging social distancing, reduced seating, touchless hand sanitizer stations,…

Itasca County Board Approves Plan for new Jail

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – On Tuesday, the Itasca County Board approved in a 3-2 vote one of the plans for a new jail facility. According to the Itasca County Sheriff, the plan calls for taking over three downtown Grand Rapids businesses for expansion which include North Print, Northland Flooring, and Vanity Cleaners. Earlier this year a special jail task force…

Midday Update 6-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 10, 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 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 28,869 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 19 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,236 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 369,795 tests have been completed to date. There are 24,675 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,482 patients have required hospitalization…

Minneapolis Police Chief Announces Withdrawal From Contract Negotiations With Police Union

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced Wednesday he is withdrawing from contract negotiations on the unfinished contract with the police union and restarting an effort to identify troubled officers through early warning signs. The chief held a news conference Wednesday morning to discuss structural and policy changes he is planning for the police department in the wake of the death…

Lake Superior Zoo Plans ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ Reopening

Indoor Exhibits Will Remain Closed as the Zoo Takes a Phased Approach to Reopening

DULUTH, Minn. – Under the latest phase of Minnesota’s ‘Stay Safe’ executive order, many public facilitates are allowed to reopen with health restrictions in place. On the list to reopen is the Lake Superior Zoo. Staff is breathing a sigh of relief after losing roughly $500,000 in earned revenue since being forced to close doors almost three months ago. Before…

Morning Update 6-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Duluth YMCA to Reopen Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Family YMCA announced Wednesday that they will be reopening the facility next week. According to a recent press release, the YMCA will open for members on June 15. “While many of the things you love about the Y will be the same, you will notice some changes as well,” said Duluth Area Family YMCA…

St. Louis Co. Commissioner Nelson Exited Moment of Silence For George Floyd Because He Felt Sick, He Says

Vice Chair Beth Olson: “He had other chances to speak to this issue and to express his support and express his respect for Mr. Floyd's life. He did not take those opportunities.”

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Gov. Tm Walz issued a proclamation for George Floyd Tuesday morning calling on Minnesotans to observe a moment of silence at the start of Floyd’s funeral for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, which is the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer was filmed with his knee to Floyd’s neck before he died. One example of this…

Terese Tomanek Voted Unanimously to City Council

Last night the Duluth City Council approved a new city councilor after at-large councilor Barb Russ left her post due to health reasons.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last night the Duluth City Council approved a new city councilor after at-large councilor Barb Russ left her post due to health reasons. Terese Tomanek was voted unanimously by the council. Tomanek lives in the Congdon neighborhood and works as an on-call chaplain at Essentia Health. Tomanek says she is excited to focus on issues of equity…

Verso Corporations Shutting Down Operations At Duluth Paper Mill

The pandemic has caused many industries to move to a digital platform creating a big drop in demand for paper.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the leading producers in the paper industry is falling victim to the financial strains of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Ohio-based Verso Corporation announced it is stopping production at its mills in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids, indefinitely. Verso Corporation’s decision to cease production in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids is due to the growing decline in…

Ski Hut Sees Increase in Outdoor Equipment

Due to COVID-19 and the nicer weather, many outdoor stores like Ski Hut are struggling to keep up with the high demand of outdoor gear.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the short Duluth summer approaches, people are getting outside in any way they can. “We’ve got a great outdoor scene, there’s so many trails and forests and lakes and rivers and streams to go explore,” Ski Hut manager Dave Neustel said. “There’s a lot of cabin fever. Now that we have warmer conditions and we’re loosening…

Small Town Restaurants Ready to Reopen Dine-in Service

Restaurant owners call the shutdown a 'learning experience' but say they're excited to return a little closer to normal

SCANLON, Minn., and ESKO, Minn. – Restaurants across Minnesota can open at 50 percent capacity for dine-in service starting Wednesday, June 10. Local restaurants have been without a big portion of their business during the COVID-19 shutdown. Restaurant owners call it a “learning experience” but say they’re excited to return a little close to normal. “We miss our family, we…

Minnesota Gyms Prepare for Reopening on Wednesday

Gyms will now be able to open at 25 percent capacity.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, Phase III of the “Stay Safe MN” plan will go into effect, and that means gyms and fitness studios can finally reopen. They can open at 25 percent capacity. Local gyms have spent the past few days deep cleaning and creating enough space for social distancing. Gyms like Personal Best Pilates in Duluth and Breakthrough…

Bridgman’s Restaurant Adds A New Patio

The new patio is expected to open within a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s in Duluth is adding a new feature to its restaurant, just in time for summer. Coming soon, the popular restaurant will have a brand new patio. It will give customers a chance to take part in outdoor dining or have a quick sit down to enjoy some of Bridgeman’s delicious ice cream. Adding a patio was…

Ely’s Peak Tunnel Closed for Maintenance

This is all part of the DWP trail mini-master plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The Ely’s Peak tunnel has been going through maintenance recently. The portion of the trail is closed to remove any dangerous or loose rocks. This is all part of the DWP trail mini-master plan. Hikers and climbers are asked to steer clear of both the tunnel and walking routes close to the work area. Construction is expected…

Northland Greenhouse Stays Busy

It has been an exceptionally busy spring for greenhouses.

DULUTH, Minn. – It has been an exceptionally busy spring for greenhouses. The weather has certainly cooperated in the month of May and in the first part of June. Over at Lilac Hill Greenhouse in Hermantown, workers tell us that with the pandemic, people are staying home and not traveling, which means they are working in their yards, beautifying their…

Local Brewery Hosts Soft Opening

Restaurants and bars in Minnesota have been able to have outdoor seating for the past week but tomorrow is the first day customers will also be allowed inside.

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants and bars in Minnesota have been able to have outdoor seating for the past week but tomorrow is the first day customers will also be allowed inside. Duluth’s Bent Paddle, in the Lincoln Park Craft District, is having a safe and sanitary soft opening today with an open outdoor patio. All employees are wearing the required…

Glensheen Reopens After Being Closed For Months

More historic sites are opening up to the public in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – More historic sites are opening up to the public in the Northland. Glensheen is now opening its historic grounds to the public after two months of closure. All staff is required to wear masks and disposable masks are available for guests when they come in. Tours are currently not available as today’s grounds opening is part of…

FDL Band Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

CLOQUET, Minn. – Minnesota health officials announced on Tuesday that a Fond du Lac Band member has tested positive for COVID-19. The Fond du Lac Human Services Division says they were notified late afternoon on Monday and that the member lives at Mino-Bimaadizi Waakaa’igan in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Department of Health says they will be working with the Human Services…

Wisconsin Campgrounds Opening, but with Changes due to COVID-19

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin campgrounds closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic reopen starting Wednesday, but it won’t be business as usual. Campers will have to make reservations ahead of time, won’t be able to purchase firewood on-site and all buildings, observation towers, playgrounds, concessions, and rentals will be closed. But bathrooms will be open as will the…

Midday Update 6-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

WHO Expert Clarifies Remarks on Virus Spread

GENEVA — A top World Health Organization expert has tried to clear up “misunderstandings” about comments she made that were widely understood to suggest that people without COVID-19 symptoms rarely transmit the coronavirus. Maria Van Kerkhove, the U.N. health agency’s technical lead on the virus pandemic, insisted Tuesday that she was referring only to a few studies, not a complete…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 28,523 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 20 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,217 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 360,991 tests have been completed to date. There are 24,221 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,441 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 6-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Terese Tomanek To Serve Remainder Of Barb Russ’ Duluth City Council Seat

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted Monday on who will serve the remainder of Barb Russ’ at-large council seat after she recently resigned for health reasons. In a unanimous vote, councilors chose Terese Tomanek. Tomanek lives in the Congdon neighborhood and works as an on-call chaplain at Essentia Health. Some of Tomanek’s top priorities include a focus on…

Moose Lake’s Theater and Bowling Alley Opening Soon

Moose Lake's Lake Theatre and Gamper's Food, Liquor, and Bowling are getting ready to finally reopen after being closed for months due to COVID-19.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – After Governor Walz’s announcement, businesses such as movie theaters and bowling alleys are preparing to open their doors after being shut down for more than two and a half months. The movie theaters and bowling alleys can open up at 25 percent capacity. Moose Lake’s Lake Theatre and Gamper’s Food, Liquor, and Bowling are getting ready…

Kendahl Mini Golf in Cloquet Opens for 55th Season

CLOQUET, Minn.– With summer coming up and school ending for the year around the area, families are going out to try and find activities to do during the summer. That means places like Kendahl Mini Golf in Cloquet are opening up for the season. What started as a mini golf course in a backyard has become a popular summer spot…

Spirit Bay Trading Company Shutting Its Doors After More Than 20 Years

"I guess I'm getting up there where I want to spend time just to enjoy life," said Owner Terry Smith.

DULUTH, Minn. – The growing number of business owners choosing not to reopen as the pandemic is becoming more of a reality in the Northland. Spirit Bay Trading Company in Duluth is shutting its doors. For nearly a quarter of a century, Spirit Bay has been one of the only retail businesses in Duluth specializing in spreading the Native American…

Police Address Use of Force Procedures

DULUTH, Minn.– In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death while he was in the hands of Minneapolis Police, city leaders from across the country and right here in Duluth are addressing policies and procedures. While no policies were announced to be changed, the city of Duluth talked about what goes into policies like the Use of Force policy. “We know…

Students Return Laptop After School Year Ending

More than 1,000 laptops were issued to elementary and middle school students.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Families and students at the Superior Middle School returned their borrowed laptops. More than 1,000 laptops were issued to elementary and middle school students. Upon return, the devices will be evaluated and updated for use next year. Superior Middle School was already allowing the use of laptops before the pandemic, but once the school moved to long…

Pier B Expands For A More Fun-filled Experience

"We just added another amenity. It's just another reason to stay in Duluth and at Pier B," said General Manager Jon Driscoll."

DULUTH, Minn. – Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth is expanding to help give guests a more fun-filled experience during their stay. Pier B has now added a new sports court. The 5,00 square foot space will offer guests the chance to take part in activities such as corn hole or pickleball. The space also offers a courtside bar and…

Taste of Duluth Postponed to September

Taste of Duluth was originally scheduled for July 25 and will now take place on September 12 at Bayfront Festival Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – While things are starting to open back up, many events are still getting postponed or canceled, including this year’s Taste of Duluth at Bayfront Park. Taste of Duluth has been postponed to September 12. The event, which was originally scheduled for July 25, lets people walk around and enjoy food, live music, crafts, beers and other products….

George Floyd Mural Painted at Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial

The community painted a mural of a black power sign, as well as ones of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, an African American woman who was shot and killed while sleeping in her home in Louisville. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth community was given the opportunity to heal outside the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on Monday through the creation of a mural. The community painted a mural of a black power sign, as well as ones of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, an African American woman who was shot and killed while sleeping in her home…

Free Meals Begin for Students

A free breakfast and lunch program kicked off today for Duluth students.

DULUTH, Minn. – A free breakfast and lunch program kicked off today for Duluth students. Students 18 years and younger can pick up free meals during the weekdays. The meals are something simple for them to bring home to heat up, along with the essentials, like a vegetable, fruit and milk. “A lot of parents…aren’t working right now, they haven’t…

Classroom Mourns Loss of Drowning Victim

Everett Eastvold had a big impact on many people during his short life.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was last week when a six-year-old Duluth boy drowned while swimming in Wisconsin. Everett Eastvold had a big impact on many people during his short life and today, a big group of classmates from his kindergarten class came together to honor his memory. Students at Homecroft Elementary in Duluth are remembering Everett Eastvold this week. They…

Local Non-Profits Lend Helping Hand During Pandemic

Local foundations are doing what they can to support nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local foundations are doing what they can to support nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis. The Ordean Foundation has been prioritizing non-profits hat are on the front lines that are working with vulnerable populations on issues including poverty, and basic needs such as food and shelter. “I would encourage folks who have the means that are continuing to…

With Recovery of Last Case, New Zealand has Eradicated Virus

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand appears to have completely eradicated the coronavirus — at least for now — after health officials said Monday the last known infected person had recovered. The announcement was greeted with joy around the country and means the nation of 5 million people will be among the first to welcome throngs of fans back…

Bond Raised to $1M for Officer Charged in Floyd’s Death

UPDATE: (Fox 9) – The judge set Chauvin’s bail at $1.25 million with no conditions and $1 million with conditions that include no police or law enforcement work, no firearms, and no contact with Floyd’s family. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge on Monday set $1 million bail for an ex-Minneapolis police officer charged with second-degree murder in George Floyd’s death….

Authorities: Tree Intentionally Cut to Block Traffic to Cook County

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The Cook County Sheriff’s Office believes someone intentionally cut down a tree to block both lanes of traffic on Highway 61. According to a recent post on the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, deputies responded to reports of a large tree blocking the highway around 1:52 a.m. Monday. The Sheriff’s Office believes the tree was…