Minnesota

2,000-Plus Saliva Tests Given in First Week of Pilot Program at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – The first week of COVID-19 testing by saliva in Duluth is complete and thousands showed up. St Louis County confirmed to FOX 21 Monday that 2,374 tests were given out between Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 27. There was no immediate word on how many tests came back positive, but county officials said they were working…

Owner of Duluth Storefront Smashed by SUV: ‘It Could Have Been A Lot Worse’

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department says an SUV crashed into a storefront in downtown Duluth Monday morning. According to police, officers responded to the incident around 7:30 a.m. in the 100 block of West 1st Street. The 53-year-old male driver told police he lost his brakes at the stop sign on 3rd Street while traveling down 2nd Avenue…

MDH Warns Against Large Unsafe Gatherings as State Nears 100,000 COVID-19 Cases

Seven new deaths were also reported Monday, meaning 2,015 Minnesotans have now lost their lives to the virus, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Department of Health leaders spoke out Monday, as the total COVID-19 cases statewide gets closer to 100,000. After reaching a milestone over the weekend of 2,003,115 tests performed so far, 936 new cases were reported Monday, bringing the total to 97,638 since the pandemic began. Seven new deaths were also reported Monday, meaning 2,015 Minnesotans have now…

SUV Crashes Into Building in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department says an SUV crashed into a storefront in downtown Duluth Monday morning. According to police, officers responded to the incident around 7:30 a.m. in the 100 block of West 1st Street. The 53-year-old male driver told police he lost his brakes at the stop sign on 3rd Street while traveling southbound on 2nd…

Council Approves Funds to Re-Open Spirit Mountain This Winter, Tables Lakewalk Extension Talks

The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to fork over $300,000 to Spirit Mountain to help it re-open this coming winter, and tabled a resolution which would cancel work on the Lakewalk by Beacon Pointe.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to fork over $300,000 to Spirit Mountain to help it re-open this coming winter. Council also tabled another resolution Monday night which proposed leaving some homes and condominiums along the lake disconnected from the main Lakewalk. The $300,000 to Spirit Mountain is to reimburse most of the $340,000 the Mountain spent on…

8th District Candidates Hold Virtual Debate

The Hibbing Chamber of Commerce hosted the virtual debate between the candidates.

HIBBING, Minn. – One of the other high profile political races in the Northland involves the Congressional seat in the 8th District. On Monday, incumbent Republican Pete Stauber and Democratic challenger Quinn Nystrom took part in an online debate. The Hibbing Chamber of Commerce hosted the virtual debate between the candidates. Stauber and Nystrom fielded questions on topics ranging from…

WLSSD Accepting Fall Leaves, Garden Debris to Turn into Compost

Any of your grass clippings, leaves, garden debris and even fresh-cut holiday trees can be dropped off for free and turn into compost to purchase for your gardening next year.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Fall leaves and garden debris pile up in your yard, WLSSD is accepting that yard waste to turn into compost. The drop-off site is on Courtland Street, off I-35 at 27th Avenue West. Any of your grass clippings, leaves, garden debris and even fresh-cut holiday trees can be dropped off for free and turn into compost to…

President Trump Pushes Back Wednesday’s Duluth Rally to 8 P.M.

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) DULUTH, Minn. –  President Donald Trump will now be campaigning a little later in the day Wednesday in Duluth. Doors will open at 5 p.m. at the Duluth International Airport with his “Make America Great Again” speech starting at 8 p.m. People interested in attending are required to pre-register here. You can only register up to two…

Court: Separate Locker Room Violated Transgender Boy’s Right

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Monday that a suburban school district violated the rights of a transgender student who identified as male when it kept him from using the boys’ locker room. The parents of the boy identified as N.H. sued the Anoka-Hennepin School District last year, claiming the district violated his rights to…

Itasca County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public’s Help Locating Missing Man

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating 29-year-old Jeremiah Uti. Authorities say Jeremiah was last seen around Pine Landing Drive in the Grand Rapids area on Sunday. He was wearing tan khaki pants, a black shirt, and possibly ‘Vans’ shoes. Jeremiah has tattoos on both arms. He is described as…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, September 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 97,638 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,015 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,003,115 tests have been completed to date. There are 87,330 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,546 patients have required hospitalization…

Update: Victim Identified in Mesaba Avenue Fatal Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has released the name of the female killed in Saturday afternoon’s two-vehicle crash on Mesaba Avenue. Authorities identified the victim as 63-year-old Angela Joyce Wanta. According to reports, officers were dispatched to the area of Mesaba Avenue and 7th Street around 4:30 p.m. Saturday for a two-vehicle crash with injuries. When police arrived…

2020 Watch: How Much Do Debates Matter This Year?

NEW YORK (AP) — Presidential politics move fast. What we’re watching heading into a new week on the 2020 campaign: Days to the general election: 36 Days to first debate: 1 The race is tightening in some states, but Joe Biden is maintaining a remarkably stable lead over President Donald Trump in most polls five weeks before Election Day. Still,…

Cleveland-Cliffs to Acquire ArcelorMittal

The deal is worth roughly $1.4 billion. 

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Cleveland Cliffs has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with ArcelorMittal to acquire all of the operations of ArcelorMittal and its subsidiaries. The deal is worth roughly $1.4 billion. Once the deal closes, Cleveland-Cliffs will be the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America. The company will also be the largest iron ore…

Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day Hits Home for Duluth Firefighter Who Lost Father in Line of Duty

Duluth Fire Equipment Operator Dylan Mills remembers his father Captain Robert Mills, while also spreading awareness of the many issues firefighters face.

DULUTH, Minn,- Flags flew at half-staff throughout the state of Minnesota Sunday, ordered by Governor Tim Walz to remember the firefighters across the state who have given their lives to keep the public safe, on Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. “It’s a day that’s honored every year,” said Duluth Fire Equipment Operator, Dylan Mills. “Just kind of a time of…

One Dead, Two Injured in Two Vehicle Crash On Mesaba Avenue

DULUTH, Minn.- One person is dead and two others sustain non-life threatening injuries after a fatal car crash in Duluth Saturday. Duluth police officers were dispatched to the area of Mesaba Ave and 7th St at 4:30 p.m, for a two vehicle crash with injuries, according to a spokesperson with the department. Upon arrival officers learned that an SUV traveling…

Duluth Police Respond to Shots Fired in Lincoln Park Saturday Morning

Authorities say they received reports of shots fired in the area of the 500 Block of 27th Ave W at 7:30 Saturday morning.  

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Duluth Police Department, officers responded to shots fired in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Saturday — the 30th shooting incident this year, and 20th since July. Authorities say they received reports of shots fired in the area of the 500 Block of 27th Ave W at 7:30 Saturday morning. Upon arrival officers located evidence consistent with…

Duluth City Council to Vote On Proposal Monday to Fund Spirit Mountain Through Winter

The proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system, snow-making equipment and alpine coaster over 2018, 2019, and 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- Spirit Mountain could see life this coming winter, if Duluth City Council approves a new proposal to use money from the city’s half-and-half tourism tax to cover operation costs. Heard at an agenda session Thursday, the proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system,…

St. Louis County Sees Highest Daily Jump in COVID-19 Cases; Many Linked to College Students

Of Friday's 73 new cases, 19 involve college-aged individuals.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County reported it’s highest jump in COVID-19 cases Friday, and what’s alarming health officials — much of those new cases are college students. On Friday the county reported 73 new confirmed cases; the previous highest jump was 50 just last week. With this spike, there were more cases over one day than there were over the entire…

Halloween Costumes May Be In Limited Supply In Stores Due To Covid-19

DULUTH, Minn. – If you are on the hunt for your Halloween costumes, this year some of your favorite stores may not have such a large supply. Savers, one of Duluth’s popular locations to find Halloween gear, is only carrying a small selection of costumes and accessories this year. The reason for the change is to help ensure the safety…

COVID-19 Survey Crews Pulled Out of Minnesota After Facing Racism, Armed Intimidation

(FOX 9) – The CDC has pulled its COVID-19 door-to-door survey teams from Minnesota following multiple incidents of alleged verbal abuse and intimidation, according to the Minnesota Department of Health and a CDC spokesman. The surveys were part of the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response or CASPER project, which was created to better understand the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota. However,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, September 25

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 94,189 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,994 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,924,020 tests have been completed to date. There are 84,256 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,391 patients have required hospitalization…

Red Flag Warning Issued Until Saturday Morning on Park Point

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are no lifeguards on Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate the…

Cromwell Woman Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash Near Brookston

BROOKSTON, Minn. – Authorities say a 42-year-old Cromwell woman was killed Thursday night in a head-on crash near Brookston. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, 54-year-old Tony Lee Northrup, from Cloquet, was traveling east on Highway 2 around 8:50 p.m. Authorities say Northrup crossed the center line striking a Honda Odyssey, driven by Melissa Maria Kalinoski, head-on. According to reports,…

Donations Needed To Provide Feminine Products To Young Girls In Superior Schools

The organization is halfway to reaching their goal.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior .project is looking for the community’s help with restocking supplies top provide feminine products to young girls at Superior area schools. Last year, the organization provided 400 bags filled with the necessary feminine supplies to girls at all six superior elementary schools. They are aiming for that goal again this year. A few items needed…

Public Hearing Scheduled To Discuss Plans For The Historic Old Central High School

DULUTH, Minn. – The Historic Old Central High School has been on the market for a potential buyer after the Duluth school board approved a proposal to put it up for sale back in January. Several buyers have already shown interest in purchasing the historic old central high school since it was listed for sale. If there is an offer…

Minnesota Governor Activates National Guard for Pence Visit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s governor has called in the National Guard to help provide security and keep the peace as Vice President Mike Pence and Ivanka Trump visit the Twin Cities. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said 100 Guard soldiers were mobilized at the request of the city of Minneapolis. Pence and President Donald Trump’s eldest daughter planned to meet with…

2 Republicans Challenge Minnesota Plan for Late Mail Ballots

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Republican state representative and a GOP activist are challenging an agreement to accept mail-in ballots in Minnesota that arrive up to a week after the November election. The lawsuit adds to the nationwide legal fight over voting rules before the presidential election. Rep. Eric Lucero and Ramsey County activist James Carson, who both participate…

Frost River Trading Co Holds Grand Reopening

DULUTH, Minn. – After being closed for six months Frost River Trading Co held its grand reopening Thursday morning. The retail store, located in the Lincoln Park Craft District, had been closed due to COVID-19 and extensive renovations. “We closed our retail location and shifted operations to produce PPE masks and shields back in March and saw this shutdown as…

Meals Made Easy with Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages

Cooking Connection: Ledge Rock Grille Now Offering Dozens of Grill Kits for Delicious Dinners

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages. This week, Executive Chef Richard Selz is chatting with FOX 21’s Brett Scott about new grill kits they offer. These boxed meals come complete with salad, bread, dessert, and an entree that can be picked up, carried home, and cooked to perfection with…

Va Bene Caffe Temporarily Closes After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Va Bene Caffe has temporarily closed due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. The restaurant made the announcement on their Facebook page Wednesday saying the employee last worked on Friday, September 18. Va Bene says they will remain closed until next week at the earliest. “To be cautious we plan to close until at least Friday,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 24

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 93,012 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,988 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,895,302 tests have been completed to date. There are 83,862 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,335 patients have required hospitalization…

Several Hundred Demonstrate in St. Paul for Breonna Taylor

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Several hundred demonstrators rallied at the state Capitol in St. Paul before marching onto an interstate to protest a grand jury’s decision not to indict Louisville, Kentucky police officers in Breonna Taylor’s death. Protesters denounced what they said was a criminal justice system that has failed to hold the officers accountable for the death of…

Some UMD Physics Students Took A Break From Virtual Class

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the pandemic, many students at the University of Minnesota Duluth are participating in online classes. Some professors are getting creative to help those students build more personal connections. Some students for a physics class finally had a chance to meet for a hands-on experiment at the campus football field. They tested out how far an…

Duluth Fire Department Brings Awareness To Fire Prevention

In Duluth, there were more than 30 kitchen fires in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – October is fire prevention month. Every year members of the Duluth Fire Department visit area schools to teach students about potential fire dangers. The Duluth Fire Department is hoping by getting the message out community members and students will continue to think about fire prevention all year long. Kitchen-related incidents are one of the most common causes…

Pokegama River Launch Site Will Soon Get Needed Upgrades

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A boat launch site off of Pokegama River in Superior will soon receive some needed improvements. A grant for more than $100,000 from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration was awarded to the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve to help provide residents better access to the river. Other additions include bathrooms, a newly paved road, and a…

Duluth Police Investigating Potential Pipe Bomb Discovered in Essentia Health Parking Lot Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, Duluth police responded to reports of a “small suspicious item” discovered at the north edge of the Essentia Health downtown campus parking lot. Duluth police say they responded to the call around 11:48 p.m. on the report of a possible improvised explosive device. When officers arrived at the scene they found what appeared to be…

Male Seriously Injured in Alleged West Duluth Assault

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say they are actively investigating a possible assault that left a male victim seriously injured. According to police, officers responded to the area of the 5900 Block of West Main Street around 2:30 a.m. on reports of a possible stabbing. When police arrived at the scene they learned that a 29-year-old male had been taken…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, September 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 92,100 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,985 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,873,867 tests have been completed to date. There are 83,507 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,303 patients have required hospitalization…

Voter Registration Pop-Up Helps Ex-Offenders Exercise Their Right

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Voter Registration Day and pop-up registration events across Duluth are helping ex-offenders qualify to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming presidential election. It is common for many former felons to be unaware of their legal status to vote in elections. Rules do vary from state to state, but in Minnesota, ex-offenders are entitled…

Grant Helps UMD Look Into Impacts Plastic Has On Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – A professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at UMD recently received a grant for more than $100,000 from the Minnesota Sea Grant to look further into the impacts plastic has on Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Estuary. The research will provide solutions for unanswered questions such as how plastic in Lake Superior can…

University Of Minnesota Medical School Of Duluth Tests Campus Sewage For COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Several colleges and universities have already seen a large number of COVID-19 cases hit their campuses. Now researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School of Duluth are conducting a study to further examine COVID-19 through sewage waste. A couple of times a week, wastewater from residence halls on both U of M Duluth and Twin Cities…

OB-GYN Offices Seeing Increase In Pregnant Patients

Patient visits for prenatal care are up by more than 30% at St. Luke's Hospital compared to August of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – While more people are staying home due to the global pandemic, St. Luke’s Hospital is seeing a surge in the number of newly pregnant moms visiting for prenatal care. Patient visits are up by more than 30%  compared to August of 2019. Pregnant moms going in for regular check-ups can be very beneficial for helping to keep…