News – Latest News

Minnesota Lawmakers Will Reconvene to Bolster COVID-19 Fight

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are preparing to return to the Capitol to beef up the state’s fight against COVID-19 and help residents cope with the economic disruptions. House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka notified legislators late Tuesday they will reconvene Thursday. The House meets at noon while the Senate gathers at 2…

Veterinary Clinics Open Amid COVID-19 Concerns, New Protocols In Place

Local Vet Clinics Are Using Curbside Services to Continue Seeing Clients' Pets

DULUTH, Minn. – With several business owners closing their doors, Northland veterinary clinics are also seeing the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19). This reality is because more people are choosing to keep their pets home instead of receiving nonessential care. At Duluth Veterinary Hospital, they have protocols in place for a curbside service, where staff comes out to retrieve the pet…

Morning Update 3-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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

White House, Congress Agree on $2 Trillion Virus Rescue Bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House and Senate leaders of both parties announced an agreement early Wednesday on an unprecedented $2 trillion emergency bill to rush sweeping aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. Top White House aide Eric Ueland announced the agreement in a Capitol hallway shortly after midnight early Wednesday, capping…

Essential Businesses Currently Hiring in the Northland During the Pandemic

Many workers in the Northland have been laid off from jobs due to the response to the coronavirus pandemic. If you are currently looking for work, there are businesses still hiring in our region. If you are a business looking to hire workers during the coronavirus pandemic and would like to be added to this list, email news@fox21online.com with the…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine Reacts to Gov. Evers’s ‘Safer-at-Home’ Order

Mayor recognizes grocery stores as essential, but asks the public only go when they need to.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine spoke out after Governor’s Shelter-in-Place order was announced. His main message: stay home and limit your trips unless absolutely necessary and that means even grocery stores. While Governor Evers has labeled grocery stores as essential, Mayor Paine wants residents to avoid those stores if you can. This comes after one of the four people…

More People Plug-In To Video Games While Stuck at Home

Games Then and Now in Superior sees increase in sale, but hope that continues as they move completely online.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As more families deal with life stuck at home, video game stores have seen sales go up. But after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s safer-at-home order, they hope those sales continue online. Last week the owners of Games Then and Now on Tower Avenue said they saw a huge jump in people buying games. It’s not just kids buying…

SuperOne Helps Social Distancing with New Plastic Barriers at Check-Out

Barriers installed at all 41 stores across three states, at over 270 stations.

DULUTH, Minn.- As SuperOne grocery stores across the Northland remain packed with people shopping for essentials, the store has installed acrylic barriers at cashier stations to limit the spread of Coronavirus. At the end of Tuesday, the new barriers were outfitted at all 41 grocery and liquor store locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Products scan and carts screech by…

Virus Outbreak Halts Damaged Husky Refinery Rebuilding

SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) – Husky Energy has suspended rebuilding its oil refinery in Superior that was damaged by an explosion two years ago because of the coronavirus outbreak. A spokeswoman for the Alberta, Canada-based company said Tuesday that Husky has “begun a systematic and orderly suspension of major construction activities related to the Superior rebuild project.” The fire and explosion…

Great Outdoors: Practicing Social Distancing at Jay Cooke

While a majority of businesses are shut down to COVID-19, state parks staying open gives people the chance to get out of the house and enjoy the nicer weather.

ESKO, Minn. –  It’s been one week since a majority of businesses have shut down due to COVID-19, but many state parks have remained open, giving people a chance to get outside. “The sun is shining and social distancing is a little boring, so we thought we’d make it interesting,” Kate Spaulding, who was visiting Jay Cooke with her kids,…

“Bear Hunt” Helps Entertain Families in Proctor As Pandemic Continues

Its just kind of a nice community feeling of warmth at a distance," said Proctor resident Colleen Barriere.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Folks in Proctor have found a fun way to help entertain youngsters in the neighborhood during the extended school closures. The neighborhood has set up a “bear hunt.” Participating residents and business owners have been putting different types of teddy bears in their windows. It’s creating a fun game for kids and families while they are out…

Duluth Fitness Studio Offers Free Live Video Classes During Pandemic

Ignite Studio offering classes in dance cardio, yoga, fuse, and zumba

DULUTH, Minn. – Health and fitness studios are closed across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Now, local studios are offering online classes to promote healthy lifestyles and keep their businesses going during the coronavirus pandemic. Ignite Studio in Duluth has been offering live fitness classes on Facebook and their website for free to keep people moving and active while they’re stuck at…

Blood Donations Needed During Coronavirus Pandemic

American Red Cross tells us the need for blood is not higher, but number of donations has gone way down

DULUTH, Minn. – Blood donations are severely needed across the country because many blood drives have been canceled during the pandemic. The American Red Cross tells us the need for blood is not higher, but the amount of donations has gone way down. Red Cross workers are committed to make donating a safe experience for everybody involved. Both donors’ and…

St. Luke’s Changes Portion of First Street to Two-Way

First Street between 8th and 12th Avenues East is now a two-way.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, St. Luke’s and the city of Duluth changed a portion of First Street between 8th and 12th Avenues East into a two way. St. Luke’s had been trying to make this change for a while, but was able to accelerate the process due to the coronavirus outbreak. This change is a proactive step to help…

Superior Police Respond to Gov. Evers “Safer at Home” Order

Chief Alexander stressed the police will not be pulling citizens over to ask about the nature of their business.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After Governor Tony Evers’ “Safer at Home” order on Tuesday, Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander spoke about what this means for citizens of Superior. Chief Alexander stressed the police will not be pulling citizens over to ask about the nature of their business. He added that the bridges would remain open to traffic. The order also does…

Two Harbors Culvers Donate Food to Northland Food Shelf

The Two Harbors Culvers gave big donations to that city's food shelf today.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Two Harbors Culvers gave big donations to that city’s food shelf today. More than 650 pounds of food was donated, and experts say about 60 to 80 pounds of food lasts for a family of three for about two weeks. “This is immediate and this is wonderful. This is probably going to have a ripple…

A Local Fabric Shop Works With The Community To Make Fabric Masks For Healthcare Workers

Hundreds of masks have been donated to local hospitals and nursing facilities.

DULUTH, Minn. – Face masks are an essential item for healthcare workers across the globe. As the shortage of masks impacts the Northland, a community effort to create fabric masks is one way to help minimize the need. Janet Anelli, owner of Hannah Johnson’s Fabrics in Duluth, was prepared to close up the shop and work from home like the…

North Shore Tourism Impacted by Coronavirus

A change in routine, a change in lifestyle...but how will this change impact North Shore tourism in the future?

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A change in routine, a change in lifestyle…but how will this change impact North Shore tourism in the future? “It’s odd. It’s kind of awkward. Super quiet, kind of uncomfortable but you get used to it,” said Carl Ehlenz, owner of Betty’s Pies. With the change in policies, Betty’s Pies is taking extra precautions. The restaurant…

City Closes Duluth Playgrounds, Issues New Guidelines for Parks and Trails

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has closed 38 city playgrounds and released new guidelines for city parks and trails amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  In a Tuesday afternoon press release, the city announced that the 38 playgrounds will close effective immediately. The City will also be removing all portable toilets. “At this unusual moment, there is no acceptable safe…

Boy Roasts Mom in Hilarious Journal Entry on First Day of Homeschooling: ‘It is Not Going Good’

(courtesy: Candice Hunter Kennedy) VERONA, Ky. (FOX 5 DC) – Leave it to kids to be brutally honest about their experiences– especially if it’s about their parents. Like 8-year-old Ben from Verona, Kentucky who wrote a hilariously honest journal entry about his first day of homeschooling with his mom. In a viral Facebook post by Candice Hunter Kennedy, she shared…

Midday Update 3-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Gov. Tony Evers: ‘Safer at Home’ Order to go Into Effect Wednesday

(AP Photo) MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers issued his “Safer at Home” order Tuesday morning which prohibits all nonessential travel, with some exceptions, throughout Wisconsin. The order will go into effect Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 a.m. and will remain in effect until Friday, April 24 at 8:00 a.m. “I know the COVID-19 outbreak has been difficult and has…

Glensheen Mansion Goes Digital Amid COVID-19 Closure

Glensheen Mansion Takes Part in 'MuseumFromHome' Movement

DULUTH, Minn. – With the new normal of connecting via Skype, Facebook Live, and other social media platforms, Glensheen Mansion is making changes as well. Jane Pederson, Marketing Manager at Glensheen, connected via Skype with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Tuesday morning to let residents know how they can still have an interactive experience with the mansion. Staff has launched Glensheen…

Local Musician Turns to Virtual Concerts for Fans

Musician Todd Eckart Can't Put the Guitar Down, So He's Getting Creative During the Coronavirus Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Local musicians are having to cancel dozens of gigs they had planned but it’s not stopping one talented soul from keeping toes tapping in the Northland. Duluthian Todd Eckart has already created a studio in his home to keep his performances alive. The musician says he has no income right now after all of his upcoming concerts…

Morning Update 3-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Tokyo Olympics Officially Postponed Until 2021

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics were postponed until 2021 on Tuesday, ending weeks of speculation that the games could not go ahead as scheduled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The International Olympic Committee made the decision after speaking with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and local organizers. The IOC said the games will be held “no later than summer…

New COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis, Douglas Counties

Experts say while it's not confirmed, they are sure there is community spread.

The cases of Coronavirus continue to climb in the Northland. A second case has been discovered in St. Louis County, along with three others in Douglas County, bringing the total there to four–with one case in Superior. There remains one confirmed case in Bayfield County The newest case in St. Louis County is a woman in her early 60s who…

As Coronavirus Impacts Grocery Stores, Duluth City Councilors Postpone Plastic Bag Fee

DULUTH, Minn. – Councilors took action Monday to help ease extra anxiety on grocery store workers during the COVID-19 outbreak by postponing the implementation of the 5-cent plastic bag fee. Councilors voted unanimously to wait until January of 2021 to enforce the new law that will charge customers 5 cents for each plastic bag used. Councilor Barb Russ was absent…

Bakeries Busy Amidst Coronavirus

Some businesses are still seeing a steady stream of customers during this time.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some businesses are still seeing a steady stream of customers during this time… While restaurants that bakeries serviced previously may not be ordering from them anymore, bakeries like Positively 3rd Street Bakery are experiencing business from cooperative grocers and from those in the community. “We also service a lot of cooperative grocers in the Midwest and they’re…

U-Haul Rental Services Busy as College Students Head Home

With online classes and nowhere to go, students head home.

DULUTH, Minn.- With colleges and universities across the Northland moving all classes online for the rest of the year and asking students to leave dorms, many are heading to their nearest U-Hauls to pack up and head home. The only truck that Complete Auto Repair Service (CARS) has left is a cardboard model that sits on their front desk. Their…

Knowing Your Neighbors: GeaCom

Since last week, GeaCom put 400 units of their Phrazer/Kitsune devices into service and started developing another 1500 units.

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth-based company has found a way to help with the screening process of the COVID-19 outbreak in the hopes of flattening the curve. “Can you imagine having 100 new patients arrive that you would not normally see and not having a way to communicate directly with those patients because you don’t have masks, you can’t stay…

Texas Roadhouse Offering Curbside Food Service

Customers are encouraged to order ahead, pull up, and get their food.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many restaurants around the Northland are doing what they can to stay open and keep their employees working, at least on a limited basis. Texas Roadhouse in Duluth is one of those restaurants and they are trying to make things easy for their customers to get the food they want curbside. They also say they are going…

Lines Forming Down the Sidewalk for Free Vikre Distillery Sanitizer

Those in line were carrying jars, Tupperware, spray bottles, and even old jugs that once held windshield wiper fluid, all to fill up on the sanitizer that Vikre is giving away.

DULUTH, Minn. – People are lining up in a socially distanced way for Vikre Distillery’s free sanitizer. Employees have been giving away their sprayable sanitize for a week now and it has been quite a hit. Those in line were carrying jars, Tupperware, spray bottles, and even old jugs that once held windshield wiper fluid, all to fill up on…

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland Offering Dinner to Kids

Starting Monday evening and continuing every weekday until supplies run out, the Boys and Girls Club located in Lincoln Park will be giving out a "grab-and-go"dinner for children who need it.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland is doing what it can for kids in the community who are hungry. Starting Monday evening and continuing every weekday until supplies run out, the Boys and Girls Club located in Lincoln Park will be giving out a “grab-and-go” dinner for children who need it. Normally the Boys and…

Gov. Walz Issues Executive Order to Create Small Business Emergency Loan Program

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a series of executive orders Monday to help curb COVID-19’s spread through the state and mitigate its effects on the economy. One of those orders authorized the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to create a small business emergency loan program for those who have…

President Trump Says He Intends to Reopen Country in Weeks, Not Months

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday that he wants to reopen the country for business in weeks, not months, and he claimed, without evidence, that continued closures could result in more deaths than the coronavirus pandemic. “We can’t have the cure be worse than the problem,” Trump told reporters at a press briefing, echoing a midnight Sunday tweet….

Coronavirus Cases Rise in the Northland

The cases of coronavirus continue to climb in the Northland.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The cases of coronavirus continue to climb in the Northland. At this hour, we are learning three more people have been reported positive in Douglas County for a total of four – with one case in Superior. There remains one confirmed case in Bayfield County and a second person has tested positive in St. Louis County. Right…

YMCA Provides Childcare for Tier 2 Emergency Workers

Two World Wars, the Great Depression and the Spanish Flu: the Duluth area YMCA has been serving the community since 1870.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two world wars, the Great Depression and the Spanish Flu: the Duluth area YMCA has been serving the community since 1870. “We owe a debt of gratitude to front-line healthcare workers and other types of essential workers every day, all year long, but especially in times like these, I think we realize how important those folks are,”…

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is Imposing A “Safer At Home” Order Beginning Tuesday

"We need people to look for ways to alter their lives to protect the health of their neighbors and fellow citizens," said Superior Mayor Jim Paine.

SUPERIOR, Wis – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is taking the next steps to help slow down the spread of the coronavirus across the state. He is imposing a “Safer at Home” order, beginning on Tuesday. This will cease the operations of non- essential businesses and make people stay home during the pandemic. The “Safer at Home” order isn’t something Governor…

The Global Pandemic is Causing Growing Concerns For The Safety Of Domestic Violence Victims

"Isolation is a tactic an abuser uses," said Community Engagement Coordinator Jill Hinners.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Coronavirus is causing families to spend more time at home and now many domestic violence agencies in the nation are concerned about what this could mean for victims of abuse. Some organizations in the U.S. have seen a significant increase in the number of phone calls from victims looking to escape their situation. The Center Against…

Wisconsin: 416 Confirmed COVD-19 Cases, 5 Deaths

MADISON, Wis. (FOX 9) – There are now five deaths in Wisconsin linked to the novel coronavirus, according to an update Monday from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The state now has 416 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which is an increase of 135 cases from Sunday. On Monday, Governor Tony Evers ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses starting Tuesday in order…

MN Department of Health Confirms Second Case of COVID-19 in St. Louis County

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed a second presumptive case of COVID-19 in St. Louis County.  The individual is a woman in her early 60’s and is currently recovering at home.  According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the woman was tested on March 19 and her infection is linked to domestic travel  It is…

Sen. Rand Paul Kept Working for Six Days after Virus Test

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) WASHINGTON (AP) — Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was tested a week ago for the novel coronavirus, but continued working at the Capitol because he “felt that it was highly unlikely” he was sick since he had no symptoms of the illness, he said Monday. Paul also said he did not have direct contact with anyone…

Minnesota Court of Appeals Sends PolyMet Permit Back to MPCA

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals sent an air-emissions permit for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine back to state regulators for further review on Monday, giving another victory to environmental groups who oppose the project. The appeals court found that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not adequately evaluate whether the air permit requested by PolyMet was…

Douglas County Confirms Three More Cases of COVID-19

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis – Public health officials in Douglas County have confirmed three more cases of COVID-19, all associated with the first person confirmed to have the virus last week.  Douglas County Public Health says the individuals are all self-isolating and are doing well. In a press release on Monday, the Public Health Office says the individuals are both men…

Midday Update 3-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Monday, March 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, ryan johnson

Gov. Walz to Self-Quarantine After Learning Bodyguard has Coronavirus

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will self-quarantine and work from home for 14 days after a member of his security detail tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday. “Though I’m feeling healthy and not showing any symptoms, I’m going to work from home and model the protocol we are asking all Minnesotans to follow,” Walz…