News

Cloquet Follows Duluth in 30-Day Mask Mandate

CLOQUET, Minn. — It’s been nearly a week after Duluth mandated masks around the city, and a neighboring town is now doing the same. Last week the Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital was “crisis planning”, for a wave of covid patients, and now this week, they were sending letters to the mayor supporting a mask mandate. The Community Memorial Hospital in…

New City Council President Arik Forsman Outlines 2022 Priorities

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth city council’s new president, Arik Forsman, spoke to FOX 21 about some of his priorities for the year ahead. Having served in the council for three and a half years, this presidency allows Forsman to serve another full year from the front of the helm. Forsman said he’s been a long-time Duluth resident and has…

MN Attorney General Ellison Files Lawsuit Against COVID-19 Testing Sites, Lab for Deceiving Consumers

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Wednesday he has filed a lawsuit against two COVID-19 testing sites that allegedly failed to deliver test results or delivered inaccurate or falsified results. The two Illinois-based companies named in the suit are Center for COVID Control, LLC and Doctors Clinical Laboratory, Inc. According to Ellison’s office, there have been…

Homeless Encampment Under I-35 In Duluth Catches Fire Again

The first fire started in this location on Oct. 18, 2021.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire ignited under I-35 in downtown Duluth Wednesday in the exact location a homeless encampment caught on fire just three months ago. Duluth firefighters were called to the scene during the 1 o’clock hour Wednesday near Exit 256-A for Mesaba Avenue and Superior Street. A spokesperson for the fire department said the bulk of the fire was…

June 13 Date Set for State Trial for 3 Ex-Cops in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A state court trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged with the death of George Floyd has been rescheduled for June 13, after both the defense and prosecutors requested a postponement. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao face charges of aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter. Their trial was supposed to start on March…

Vice President Harris Plans Milwaukee Visit Next Week

(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit Milwaukee on Monday, which would be her second trip to Wisconsin since taking office a year ago. The White House said Wednesday that Harris will be joined by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and second gentleman Doug Emhoff for the visit. Additional details were to be…

Midday Update 1-19-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Biden To Give Away 400 Million N95 Masks Starting Next Week

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will begin making 400 million N95 masks available for free to Americans starting next week. The step comes after federal officials emphasized the masks’ better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings. The White House said Wednesday the masks will come from the government’s Strategic National Stockpile, which has more…

Voting Begins in MnDOT’s 2022 “Name a Snowplow” Contest

(courtesy: Minnesota Department of Transportation) ST.PAUL, Minn. – Voting is now open for MnDOT’s 2022 “Name a Snowplow” contest. MnDOT says they received almost 11,000 creative name submissions in December and have narrowed the list down to 50 finalists for public voting. Factors that were taken into consideration when selecting finalists included creativity, uniqueness, frequency of submissions, Minnesota-specific ideas, and…

Morning Update 1-19-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Group Delivers Whistleblower Documents on Clergy Abuse

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An advocacy group working to end clergy abuse in Wisconsin has delivered thousands of documents from Wisconsin’s five Catholic dioceses to the state attorney general, documents it says show a systemic coverup of abuse. The documents were provided to Nate’s Mission by whistleblowers within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Diocese of Madison, La Crosse, Green…

Cloquet Mayor Announces State of Emergency, Mask Mandate

CLOQUET, Minn. –  On Wednesday, the Mayor of Cloquet announced a local state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Cloquet Proclamation and Declaration of Emergency states the decision to declare a state of emergency was made due to cases of COVID, including all variants, continuing to rise to levels unsafe for public gatherings and meetings in…

Spirit Mountain, Depot, Northern Lights Express Included in Gov. Walz’s Bonding Recommendations

Roughly $50 million is proposed to go to different entities in Northeastern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s bonding recommendations for 2022 amounts to $2.7 billion. The largest in the state’s history includes much-needed funding for Duluth and the surrounding area. “They’re very geo-balanced across the state of Minnesota and these are projects that local folks requested. But there are projects in there that enhance our quality of life,” Gov. Walz said…

Walz Bonding Proposal: $1M For Lake Superior College’s Manufacturing Program Expansion Plans

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has put aside $1 million in his bonding proposal to help Lake Superior College develop plans to expand its Integrated Manufacturing program. LSC officials said demand has outgrown the current facility in downtown Duluth.  So in the coming years, the program will be moved and expanded back onto the main campus on Trinity…

Duluth Armory Left Out Of Gov. Walz’s Bonding Recommendations

Mark Poirier, Executive Director of the Armory Arts and Music Center said he is disappointed but not surprised.

DULUTH, Minn.- There were projects that didn’t make the cut on the governor’s list of entities and projects he’d like to see get bonding money, which includes the historic Armory on London Road in Duluth. Mark Poirier, Executive Director of the Armory Arts and Music Center said he is disappointed but not surprised they didn’t get the $7.5 million funding…

St. Mary’s Medical Center to Be Demolished When Vision Northland Completed

The redevelopment will be funded with $12 million in state dollars and headed by SEH local consulting firm.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the new Vision Northland building for Essentia Health goes up in Duluth the decades-old St. Mary’s Hospital will come down. Essentia Health says the Medical Center will be demolished on East Third Street after the new building is ready for care in the third quarter of 2023. The oldest part of St. Mary’s hospital is almost 100…

Public Input Wanted: Hammond Ave. Reconstruction

The city will be fixing the highly traveled road and its storm sewer system from Belknap Street to North 28th Street

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior is asking for public input on proposed reconstruction plans for Hammond Avenue. The city will be fixing the highly traveled road and its storm sewer system from Belknap Street to North 28th Street. It’s set to start in 2023. On Tuesday the city showed different ideas at the Superior Public Library, like widened roadways…

Snowshoeing at Glensheen Mansion is Free for UMD Students

Duluth, MN – Glensheen mansion is a part of University of Minnesota Duluth, and because of that, UMD students get free access to the grounds as well as free tours. Additionally, during the winter months, they also get free snowshoe rentals.  Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity, especially right now with added appeal of it being an outdoors activity. “We…

Great Outdoors: Winter Camping at Jay Cooke State Park

CARLTON, Minn. – People can enjoy plenty of activities year round at Jay Cooke State Park near Carlton, but many may not consider camping once the temperature drops and snow covers the ground.  Still, some people do it. “Winter camping definitely is something that some people do enjoy,” says Park Manager Lisa Angelos, “and also people with RVs as well that…

Duluth Art Institute hosts After School Art Program for Teens

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Art Institute in Lincoln Park hosted an after school art program Tuesday for teenagers around Duluth. The bi-weekly program is free for teenage students who may have an interest in art and are looking for an outlet to learn and express their creativity. Students can work on projects for school or start one from scratch. Supplies and…

Humane Society of Douglas County Exceed Expectations in Betty White Challenge

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Humane Society of Douglas County is thanking everyone who took part in the Betty White Challenge. People were encouraged to donate $5 to a local animal shelter on what would have been the television icon’s 100th birthday, who also advocated for animal rights. Since the challenge began after White’s passing on New Year’s Eve, the Humane Society…

Wisconsin Republicans Seek to Tighten Unemployment Benefits

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Republican lawmakers have introduced a package of legislation that would tighten eligibility for unemployment benefits and Medicaid coverage. Republicans said Tuesday that the bills are designed to get more people into the workforce and address what they maintain is a crippling labor shortage in the state. The sweeping package would require audits of recipients’ work…

Existing Essentia Building to Come Down When Vision Northland Complete

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Tuesday that after construction is complete on the Vision Northland project the current St. Mary’s Medical Center building will be demolished. The current St. Mary’s building will remain open into 2023 with demolition starting after the new SMMC hospital tower is fully operational and all services have been relocated. “The decision to demolish…

Walz Asks Lawmakers to Back Record $2.7 Billion Bonding Bill

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz asked the Legislature on Tuesday to back a $2.7 billion “local jobs and projects” plan that’s considerably larger than the record package that lawmakers passed two years ago. The Democratic governor unveiled his wish list at a news conference outside the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, which is getting a major rebuild…

Website for Free Virus Tests Is Here. How Does It Work?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Under criticism after weeks of shortages, President Joe Biden’s administration is working to make COVID-19 rapid test kits more available and accessible to Americans by boosting supply and lowering costs. A new federal website to request free test kits officially launches Wednesday — but was available to use Tuesday — with the first shipments going out to…

Spirit Mountain, St. Louis County Depot Among Northland Entities in Gov. Walz’s 2022 Bonding Recommendations

According to a spokesperson with the City of Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge was included in a write-up for the Governor's recommended $200 million for the Bridge Replacement Program. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released his bonding recommendation of $2.7 billion, which highlights several Northland and regional entities including Spirit Mountain and the St. Louis County Depot in Duluth. For Spirit Mountain, the Governor recommended $12 million in general fund cash to the City of Duluth “to renew, replace, and improve aged infrastructure.” The total cost…

Wildcat Sanctuary Rescues Starving, Injured African Serval

SANDSTONE, Minn. – A starving and injured African serval found in Massachusetts has made it safely to his new home at the Sandstone Wildcat Sanctuary. Bruno was captured by the MSPCA-Angell after residents in Lincoln, MA reported spotting him in distress in their neighborhood. Bruno was found starving and with a severely broken leg trying to survive extreme weather. “Sadly,…

Midday Update 1-18-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Update: Victim Identified in Duluth’s First Homicide in 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police have identified the victim in Duluth’s first homicide in 2022. On Saturday, authorities were dispatched to the 100 block of N 54th Avenue East around 12:50 a.m. for a medical/assault call. Dispatchers told responding officers a male was punched in the head and unconscious. At the scene, the unconscious 42-year-old man, now identified as Ryan…

Morning Update 1-18-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Playhouse Postpones Upcoming Performances, Productions due to COVID

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse is making adjustments to its current season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In a Monday Facebook post, the Playhouse said it had made the difficult decision to not produce The Spongebob Musical, The Revolutionists, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night during the 2021-2022 season. CLUE has also been postponed…

Collectors Connection Connects To More Hobbyists with New Superior Location

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just in time for the last holiday season a Duluth staple for collectors expanded their connection across the bridge. “We opened on Black Friday which, I was overly optimistic as far as being ready,” Aaron Davis said. Davis, the owner of Collectors Connection by Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, opened up a larger mecca for hobbyists across the…

Bayfield, Winter Destination Hot Spot

BAYFIELD, Wis.-If you’re looking for a fun getaway this winter, Bayfield may be the spot for you. Bayfield has been seeing an uptick in tourism as it’s many recreations attract people to the area. From Nordic skiing at Mount Ashwabay to hiking Myers Beach to see the sea caves, tourists have countless options when it comes to getting out and…

Destination Duluth takes on Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn.-Today, Destination Duluth photographers took on the slopes of Spirit Mountain. Destination Duluth is a non-profit organization that is made up of more than 200 photographers that volunteer their work for select social media platforms. These photos are used to show how unique and beautiful the city of Duluth is, and some have received more than 7 million impressions…

SD-7 DFL Announces Contactless Caucus for 2022

DULUTH, Minn.-The senate district 7 DFL says it’s holding caucuses online again for this election season. In light of the recent spike in Covid cases, the DFL SAYS IT feels this is the best solution to keep people safe while participating in the convention, which will be held virtually between April 8th and April 15th. SD-7 DFL’s 2020 convention was…

Old Town Antiques’ Last Week in Business Before Being Forced Out of Building by Owner

Hall Equities, out of California, sent a letter to Old Town, Huckleberry, and Chinese Dragon restaurant last month saying they all needed to be out by January 31st.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the last week open for Old Town Antiques and Books on Superior Street in Duluth, one of three businesses in that location forced out by the company that owns the building. Hall Equities, out of California, sent a letter to Old Town, Hucklebeary, and Chinese Dragon restaurant last month saying they all needed to be out by…

Missing Pets in the Northland’s Betty White Challenge Raises More than $1K

The Facebook page Missing Pets In The Northland raised roughly $1,800 in one day for its Betty White Challenge.

DULUTH, Minn.- Betty White would have turned 100 Monday. After the screen icon passed on New Year’s Eve, animal humane organizations are receiving donations from her fans in her honor, including ones here in the Northland. The Facebook page Missing Pets In The Northland raised roughly $1,800 in one day for its Betty White Challenge soaring past her thousand dollar goal….

Changes Coming to MN State Fair Admission Fees, Hours

(AP Photo/Jim Mone,File) (FOX 9) – Changes are coming to the Minnesota State Fair, fair officials announced after concluding the 163rd annual meeting of the Minnesota State Fair Agricultural Society. The two main changes are an increase in admission prices and a change in hours. Starting in 2022 the entry fee for an adult will be $17. An increase of…

Midday Update 1-17-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 17, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 17, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Judge Stops Minnesota Hospital From Disconnecting Ventilator

(courtesy: Fox 9) COON RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) – A man who has been suffering from a severe case of COVID-19 and was being kept alive by a ventilator has been moved from a Minnesota hospital to a Texas facility after a judge issued a restraining order stopping the hospital from turning off his machine. Fifty-five-year-old Scott Quiner, of Buffalo, was…

Rep. Pete Stauber Announces Re-Election Campaign for Minnesota’s 8th District

DULUTH, Minn. – Congressman Pete Stauber on Monday formally announced his run for re-election. U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R) who represents Minnesota’s 8th District won his second term against Democratic challenger Quinn Nystrom in 2020. “I am running for re-election because northern Minnesota needs a voice in Washington who will champion our causes built on the foundation of our values…