News – Latest News

Liquor Stores Busy Amidst Coronavirus

While bars are closing in the Northland, liquor stores are experiencing an uptick in business to accommodate those who want a drink or two.

DULUTH, Minn. – While bars are closing in the Northland, liquor stores are experiencing an uptick in business to accommodate those who want a drink or two. Lake Aire Bottle Shoppe in Duluth is currently open. It says it’s having a steady stream of people coming into the business. The store says all kinds of hard liquor are currently being…

St. Luke’s Scaling Back Nonessential Appointments, Elective Surgeries, Procedures

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Thursday, March 19 St. Luke’s will be scaling back on nonessential clinic appointments, elective surgeries, and procedures.  The hospital says they will be rescheduling many of these appointments through April 1.  St. Luke’s says they will contact patients to let them know if their appointment is going to be rescheduled and patients with questions can contact their…

First Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Minnesota House of Representatives

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The first case of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been confirmed at the Minnesota House of Representatives, officials say. Right now, it’s not clear if the case is among a lawmaker or a staffer and officials say, due to privacy laws, they won’t release further information about the individual. “It is possible that…

UWS Students Will Continue Online Courses Through end of Semester

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Superior students will continue alternative delivery of their courses through the end of the spring semester.  The announcement to continue online courses through the end of the semester, including finals, was made Wednesday afternoon in a campus update from Chancellor Renee Wachter.  In addition to the extension of online courses, the University is asking students who…

Update: Miller Hill Mall to Temporarily Close

DULUTH, Minn. – Simon Property Group announced Wednesday afternoon that it will be closing all of its malls in the U.S. in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  The measure means that Miller Hill Mall will close tonight at 7 p.m. and open Monday, Mar. 30.  “The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers, and employees are…

Duluth Diocese Suspends Mass to Help Stem the Spread of COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Diocese announced on Wednesday that they will be suspending masses through April 20 to help stem the spread of COVID-19.  The suspension takes effect Friday, March 20.  According to the press release, All gatherings of more than 10 people will also be canceled.  Father Bissonette says confessions and office hours should continue to be made available…

Stocks Plunge Amid Recession Fears

NEW YORK-Stocks fell 7% on Wall Street and triggered another temporary halt to trading as fears spread that the coronavirus is causing a global recession. The Dow has lost all its gains since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The price of crude oil dropped more than 15% as traders anticipate a sharp pullback in demand for energy. Even prices for longer-term…

Midday Update 3-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Minnesota Unemployment Claims Jump as COVID-19 Cases Rise to 77

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota saw a sharp jump in applications for unemployment insurance after Gov. Tim Walz ordered restaurants, bars, theaters, fitness clubs and other places of public amusement closed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Department of Employment and Economic Development took more than 2,000 applications per hour Tuesday, compared with about 40…

Animal Allies Taking Precautionary Measures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth Postpones Humane Education Activities, Volunteer Trainings Until End of April

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is now impacting the animals up for adoption in the Northland. Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth announced Wednesday morning on FOX 21 Local News that all humane education activities and volunteer trainings will be postponed until the end of April. Michelle Carter, Development Officer at Animal Allies, said the shelter is experiencing shifts…

Miller Hill Mall Modifies Operating Hours Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Miller Hill Mall is temporarily changing its operating hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  The mall says the changes were made to support retailers and the community and are in accordance with CDC guidelines.  Operating hours will now be 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday.  The changes went into…

Emergency Steps Eyed to Help Wisconsin Deal With Outbreak

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers was expected to issue an executive order Wednesday to speed up unemployment benefits for workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as he meets with legislative leaders to discuss a more far-reaching emergency plan to help all of those struggling due to the outbreak. The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered schools, colleges, universities, bars, restaurants…

Morning Update 3-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

US, Canada to Close Borders to Nonessential Travel

TORONTO (AP) — The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump made the announcement on Twitter, saying the decision would not affect the flow of trade between the countries. “We will be, by mutual…

Judge Backs Minnesota’s Twin Metal Mines in Lease Dispute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by environmental groups against the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the Interior Department had the authority to reverse itself and renew the project’s federal mineral rights leases. The Obama administration rejected the company’s application to renew its leases, citing the risk of acid mine drainage…

Grandma’s Marathon Still on for June, Officials Discussing Further Action

Officials recommend participants should look into cancellation plans for lodging in case race is postponed or cancelled.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon has not decided yet if the race of more than 9,000 runners will be cancelled because of the Coronavirus. Race officials told us they are right now discussing whether they need to cancel or postpone the race in June 19th. As for now, the race is still on. But officials are urging runners and spectators to…

Gov. Evers Shocks Bar, Restaurant Owners with Sudden Statewide Closure

Owners given just three hours notice, after being told they could close Wednesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wisconsin business owners had just three hours to get ready for a 5 p.m. hard shutdown of bars and restaurants ordered from the very top in Madison. “We all thought it was kind of a short notice, we all probably should’ve got a 24 hours notice,” said Superior Flame Nightclub owner Alvin Berg. “We’re gonna comply and we…

Instructors Get Creative as Colleges Move to All-Online Classes

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – Colleges and universities are switching to all-online classes as the coronavirus spreads. That can be a big challenge for teachers who have to change their curriculum to fit the current situation. Annie Dugan is teaching in a unique space for the rest of the semester. “Right now we have this big open greenhouse that I can…

Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Offers Grant for Artists Impacted by Cancellations

Artists could be awarded $750 for projects that can be effective under social distancing practices

DULUTH, Minn. – Artists could face dire situations in the coming months as performances and art shows are being cancelled across the world. The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council now has a grant to help local artists impacted by the shutdowns. The grant is for artists who have had a performance or gig canceled. They can get up to $750 if…

Minnesota Businesses Shut Down Due to Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– Governor Walz laid out his plan for Minnesota businesses to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. On Tuesday, that plan was put into action. The new measures taken by the state require bars and restaurants to be closed to dine-in customers by 5 p.m. Tuesday and continue through at least 5 p.m. March 27. This leaves a big…

Essentia Health Postpones Routine Appointments, Elective Procedures

DULUTH, Minn.-Essentia Health is postponing all routine appointments and elective procedures for two weeks, beginning Wednesday. The decision affects appointments and elective procedures scheduled at any Essentia hospital or clinic from March 18 to April 1. Decisions about appointments and procedures after April 1 will be made later. The decision was made to protect patients and staff during the COVID-19…

Salvation Army Provides Box Lunches to Area Residents

Instead of shutting down its lunch program, the Salvation Army is now providing box lunches for area residents.

DULUTH, Minn. – Instead of hosting lunch in a room with several dozen other people, the Salvation Army is now providing box lunches for area residents that they can now take on the go. The Salvation Army’s lunch box program provided meals at its Duluth location. For some people, it might be the only meal they can get all day….

Duluth Loves Local Group Helps Local Businesses Amidst Coronavirus

Duluth Loves Local is helping business combat the changes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The group Duluth Loves Local is helping city businesses stay afloat during coronavirus-related closures combat by letting them advertise on their Instagram page for free. Leaders from the group say it’s a good way to give back during a dire situation. “It is, it is because small businesses don’t have a lot to lean back on in…

A Duluth Bar Is Doing “St. Patrick’s Day To-Go”

The bar is hoping to begin selling growlers and offer delivery during the mandated closure.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants are now closed to dine-in customers after being ordered to do so by Governor Walz on Monday. That’s not stopping a Duluth bar from taking a new approach to St. Patrick’s Day. Dubh Linn’s Irish Pub is improvising by offering “St. Patrick’s Day To-Go,” where customers can still order all their Irish favorites. St….

Coronavirus Impacts on Local Real Estate

Despite the spread of coronavirus, there are still lots of listings and lots of real estate traffic in the Northland.

TWIN PORTS – The mass closures due to the coronavirus have not dampened the housing market in the Northland, according to real estate agents. Experts are calling it a seller’s market in this area, meaning demand is exceeding supply, whether it be in Duluth, Cloquet, Hermantown or Proctor. Even in this market, the virus is unpredictable by the day, even…

Donations Help Feed Students With Food Insecurities During Covid-19 School Closures

 About 100 bags of food is being given out to Piedmont Elementary students and their families.

DULUTH, Minn – With schools being mandated to close during the Coronavirus pandemic, it brings into question the potential limited access to food for many people dealing with food insecurities. Piedmont Elementary in Duluth put out a call to action for the community to help minimize the impact on children suffering from food insecurities during the Covid-19 school closure. The…

Latest Worldwide Coronavirus Numbers: Approximately 196,000 Cases, more than 7,000 Deaths

According to the Johns Hopkins University & Health Center Coronavirus Resource Center, there are 196,640 confirmed cases of the coronavirus worldwide as of Tuesday afternoon. Other worldwide confirmed coronavirus numbers include 80,840 recoveries, and 7,893 deaths. The United States has seen 5,894 cases so far, with 97 deaths and 17 recoveries. China still has the highest number of cases at…

Free Breakfast, Lunch Available to Duluth Students Starting Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Free breakfast and lunch will be made available to Duluth students starting Wednesday, March 18. According to a press release from ISD 709, Duluth public schools will have free breakfast and lunches available to Duluth students 18 years of age and younger. The meals will be available weekdays from March 18 through March 27. District officials say…

Duluth Mayor Declares Local Emergency

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson has declared a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City says this declaration will allow the mayor and the City’s emergency manager to request and coordinate aide and resources from surrounding jurisdictions and the State as needed. The declaration also means “that in-person meeting of the City Council and any other…

DTA Announces Service Reductions in Response to COVID-19 Concerns

UPDATE: The DTA, under the guidance of the Board of Directors and Senior Management, has made the decision to begin offering free bus service on all of our routes beginning Wednesday. “This decision comes in a response to our evaluation of the current efforts and needs in response to the Covid-19 (coronavirus), and best-practices deployed by other agencies,” the DTA…

Black Bear Casino, Fond-du-Luth to Temporarily Close in Response to COVID-19

FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa announced on Tuesday that they will be temporarily closing the Black Bear Casino and Resort in Carlton as well as the Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closures will take effect March 18 at 5:00 p.m. The closures will…

Midday Update 3-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 17, 2020

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

Health Officials Confirm 60 Cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota, 47 in Wisconsin

(FOX 9) – Minnesota now has 60 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the state, according to state health officials. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Health announced that the state now has 60 cases of COVID-19, with 2,336 people tested. The counties with cases include Anoka, Benton, Blue Earth, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Renville, Stearns, Waseca, Washington, and Wright counties….

Vikre Distillery Gives Out Homemade Sanitizer

The sanitizer is free, you just need to bring a spray container up to 16 ounces to fill it up.

DULUTH, Minn. – Vikre Distillery in Canal Park has created their own sanitizer and is giving it out to the public. It’s a sprayable sanitizer with 70 percent denatured alcohol. The sanitizer is free but you need to bring a spray container up to 16 ounces to fill it up. Vikre says because it’s a spray, to not use it…

Morning Update 3-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Six-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady Leaving Patriots

(AP) – Tom Brady is poised to leave the New England Patriots. Brady posted on social media “my football journey will take place elsewhere.” LOVE YOU PATS NATION pic.twitter.com/lxSQZmnjPL — Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020 The comments by the 42-year-old quarterback were the first to indicate he would leave the franchise he’s led to six Super Bowl titles and…

Yarn Harbor Implements Curbside Pickup

As the coronavirus continues to spread, businesses like Yarn Harbor in Duluth are implementing new ways to deliver products to customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the coronavirus continues to spread, businesses like Yarn Harbor in Duluth are implementing new ways to deliver products to customers. The business has introduced a new curbside pickup. Customers can order and pay ahead of time before picking up their supplies in front of Yarn Harbor. Leadership from the business say this new business model will…

Duluth International Increases Santization for Passengers Coming Through

Officials say depending on numbers, a processing/screening center could be a possibility.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport is also taking measures to keep its facilities safe, as Coronavirus spreads nationwide. Airport officials said that traffic through the airport has dropped a bit recently, though a steady flow of passengers are still coming through. While there are no plans to quarantine or screen passengers or even airline staff as they come from…

Duluth Restaurant Owners Brace Themselves as Gov. Walz Announces Statewide Closure

Closure affects only dine-in customers, takeout and delivery services continue.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz has ordered bars and restaurants across Minnesota to temporarily close to customers who dine in, as the number of Coronavirus cases in the state reaches 54–a dramatic jump in just a few days. This follows an increasing number of states across the country closing their bars and restaurants. The San Francisco Bay Area has gone…

Superior, Douglas County Declare State of Emergency Over Coronavirus Concerns

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Douglas county and the city of Superior are taking another step to prepare for the potential of the Coronavirus spreading to northwestern Wisconsin. Due to concerns over the Coronavirus, Douglas County and the city of Superior declared a state of emergency this afternoon. “Think of your friends and neighbors,” said Superior Mayor Jim Paine. “Think of the people…

COVID-19 Testing Centers Expected To Open

Health officials say tests for Coronavirus are in limited supply.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Northland prepares for the coronavirus outbreak, both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are planning to set up separate testing centers. This service will only be available to those who have been pre-screened by their primary care physician or through a virtual medical consultation such as Essentia’s e-visit. Those individuals would be able to schedule a…

Public Buildings And Sites Shut Down Starting Tuesday

The city will be pushing for non-essential city staff to work from home or remotely.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Tuesday, city buildings will be closed to the public as a precaution against the coronavirus threat. The city will now be pushing for non-essential city staff to work from home or remotely as much as possible to help protect themselves and the public’s health. Essential employees will still work on-site as the city want to minimize…

Duluth Public Schools Will Use Time Of Closure To Help Make Future Plans

ISD 709 schools will close from March 18-27.

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz recently ordered all Minnesota K-12 schools to close starting on Wednesday. The Duluth Public School District is speaking out about how this time of closure will be used to plan for the future as coronavirus concerns continue to grow. District officials say they are standing ready by looking into precautions with the best interest…

Gov. Walz Orders Bars and Restaurants Across Minnesota to Close to Dine-In Customers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9)-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered bars and restaurants to close to dine-in customers by 5 p.m. Tuesday and continue indefinitely, a move Walz said was necessary to control the spread of coronavirus. The order also closes theaters, museums, fitness centers and community clubs across the state. The governor announced the changes at a Monday evening…

Daycares Serve Communities During Coronavirus

Governor Walz has ordered that schools provide childcare for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers...

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With schools and other institutions being shut down, daycare for young children is in high demand in the Northland. Laugh and Learn Childcare Center opened its Hermantown location in October, well before anything like the coronavirus was a concern. So far, the center is not experiencing much change from normal business. While the infant room is currently…