News

Firefighters, Neighbors Keep Voting Going After Power Outage In Gary-New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A power outage in Gary-New Duluth Tuesday evening didn’t stop votes from being counted there. When the Rec Center voting location went dark, Councilor Derek Medved said neighbors brought in generators, coffee and candles to keep the voting going. The Duluth Fire Department showed up with big bright lights, too. The power eventually came back on, and…

Proctor Runners Present Medal to Junior High Runner

PROCTOR, Minn. – This week, Noah Harnell competed in the 2400 meter race at the junior high meet as a special needs athlete. His goal was to run it all the way with no walking. Rails alum and current St. Scholastica runner Annika Voss has been Noah’s pacer for the past two seasons. Knowing that he would reach his goal…

US Gives Final Clearance To COVID-19 Shots For Kids 5 to 11

(AP) — U.S. health officials on Tuesday gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign. The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

New London Cafe Under New Ownership

The renovations are expected to wrap up by early next year.

DULUTH, Minn. — New London Cafe in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood is now under new ownership. They’re wasting no time putting their ideas in motion. The restaurant will be getting a facelift including new coffee equipment, tables, artwork and more. They’re also in the process of getting their liquor license. The renovations are expected to wrap up by early next year….

City Seeing More In-Person Voters

DULUTH, Minn. — With 30% of voter turnout staff with the city say this is a similar election to 2017 with the slate of positions on the ballot. The Duluth city administrator says, more people are getting out to vote in-person. This after last year saw a boost in early and absentee ballot votes. These hyperlocal elections are what can…

Glensheen Mansion is in Decorating Mode for the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s about that time of year again. The historic Glensheen Mansion is decking the halls for the holiday season with Christmas trees, lights, ribbons, and more. The estate workers are decorating both the insides and outsides of the property. Twenty-five Christmas trees are spread throughout the inside of the mansion, coordinating colors with the theme of each room….

Upper Lakes Foods Fall Food Show Comes Back

DULUTH, Minn.- Local and national food vendors gathered at the DECC in Duluth this morning for the Upper Lakes Foods Fall Food Show. The event is back after taking a break for two years due to the pandemic, and hundreds of people attended to learn about the food industry, share tips, and network, all while sampling food. General Mills, Kemps,…

49 Essentia Health Staff Members Fired Over Vaccination Status

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health says 49 employees have been fired after failing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine by the set deadline or not applying for an exemption. The hospital confirmed that the employees were let go on Monday. In August, Essentia Health announced all employees and other contractors who work inside the facilities must get their first vaccine dose by…

Thanksgiving Burrito is Back at Burrito Union

DULUTH, Minn.- Burrito Union in the East Hillside neighborhood has brought back its Thanksgiving burrito and sold 150 burritos in just one day Monday. Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, and cranberry salsa in a tortilla make one of the Northland’s favorite seasonal menu items. The popular burrito spot came out with a burrito 13 years ago and returned as a…

Judge: No Release for GOP Donor Accused of Sex Trafficking

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS – A federal judge says a prominent Minnesota GOP donor charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking must remain in jail as he prepares his defense. U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz cited “very troubling” testimony that Anton Lazzaro threatened law enforcement and prosecutors after he was arrested. Lazzaro allegedly told Minneapolis police officer, Brandon Brugger, he…

US Advisers Urge COVID Shot for Kids 5-11, Final OK Due Soon

(AP) – An influential U.S. advisory panel is recommending that all children ages 5 to 11 should get Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. If the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees with Tuesday’s vote, the U.S. will embark on a major expansion of vaccinations. Pediatricians are getting ready to put kid-size doses into little arms as soon…

Minnesota Opening up Alternate Care Site for COVID-19 Patients

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (FOX 9) – As COVID-19 cases in Minnesota continue to overwhelm hospitals that are already struggling with staffing, Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday the state will open up its first alternate care site. The state will transform Benedictine St. Gertrude’s, a senior care facility in Shakopee, Minnesota, into an overflow facility for COVID-19 patients. The governor’s office says…

Facebook To Shut Down Face-Recognition System, Delete Data

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) MENLO PARK, Calif. (AP) — Facebook said it will shut down its face-recognition system and delete the faceprints of more than 1 billion people. “This change will represent one of the largest shifts in facial recognition usage in the technology’s history,” said a blog post on Tuesday from Jerome Pesenti, vice president of artificial intelligence for…

U.S. Military Weighs Penalties for Service Members Who Refuse COVID Vaccine

(courtesy: U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON (AP) – As deadlines loom for military and defense civilians to get mandated COVID-19 vaccines, senior leaders must now wrestle with the fate of those who flatly refuse the shots or are seeking exemptions, and how to make sure they are treated fairly and equally. The vast majority of the active-duty force has received at least…

COVID-19 Vaccine To Be Ready for Children in Wisconsin Later This Week

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Health care providers and other coronavirus vaccine distributors in Wisconsin say they could have doses that are ready to be administered to younger children by the end of the week. On Tuesday, a special advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet to consider recommendations for administering the Pfizer vaccine to younger…

Midday Update 11-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 11-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Blatnik Bridge Commute to Duluth Diverted for at Least a Year

Crews have also installed a temporary traffic light at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Railroad Street to help control the added traffic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some big road closure signs are dotting the Blatnik Bridge as you drive into Duluth, as the Twin Ports Interchange or Can of Worms reconstruction project will divert traffic onto the Garfield Avenue exit for at least the next year. A big light-up sign greets drivers getting on the Blatnik in Superior, warning them of the big change…

U of M Offering Free, Reduced Tuition to Native American Students on All Campuses

First-year or tribal college transfer undergrads from families making under $75,000 will be eligible to have 100% of their tuition waived. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota will be offering free or reduced tuition for Native American students at all five campuses, including UMD. In the Native American Promise Tuition Program, first-year or tribal college transfer undergrads from families making under $75,000 will be eligible to have 100% of their tuition waived. Students from higher-earning families (up to $125,000 annually) will…

Minnesota Power Requesting 18% Rate Increase to Offset Clean Energy Investments

An interim rate increase of 14% will start January 1st lasting until the Commission approves 18%.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Power is filing a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to increase its annual operating revenue by $108 million. This would mean an 18% increase or about $15 dollars more on customers’ monthly bills. But as the commission takes up to a year to approve their request, the company asked for an interim rate increase of…

New Boutique Opens in Superior

The mother-daughter-run boutique also has home decor with weekly transitions as they gear up for the holidays.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — A new boutique is open in Superior. “We just want it to be kind of like an experience when you walk into the door,” Kindred Stone & Co Part Owner, Jami Konkler says. Kindred Stone and Co first opened their doors in early October. “Whether you’re here for a gift or clothing for yourself or somebody else….

Produce Prices on the Rise Due to Supply Chain Issues

DULUTH, Minn.- The current national supply chain issue is starting to affect grocery stores and shoppers in the Northland. Produce prices are rising as distribution delays and weather have played a considerable role in this year’s harvest season. Not only is there a shortage of product due to rough farming conditions, but with the lack of employees in larger distribution…

Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center Receives New Lung Cancer Detecting Technology

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth is making treatment advancements with new technology. The medical center received a new Monarch Platform machine that detects early lung cancer in patients this past September. Created in 2018, the new technology device helps the hospital catch cancer earlier than they’ve ever been able to do before. Doctors use the machine…

Duluth Taking New Measures for First Snow Emergency

The city of Duluth is taking extra precautions ahead of this winter. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is taking extra precautions ahead of this winter. More than 40,000 brochures will be mailed to residents this week laying out the timeline of a snow emergency. The goal is to provide more information to homeowners about when cars need to be moved, where to park during snow emergencies and snow removal tips….

Lake Superior Brewing Nears Grand Reopening

That neighborhood used to prohibit alcohol up until 2016.  

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the oldest breweries in Minnesota is close to reopening. Since 2019, Lake Superior Brewing has sat idle but recently a couple purchased the company. They decided to relocate to the building formerly occupied by Xcel Xercise and Sun City Tanning Center on superior street That neighborhood used to prohibit alcohol up until 2016. Even though…

General Election Takes Place Tuesday

If you still have your mail-in-ballot they are due at city hall by 3 p.m. tomorrow.

DULUTH, Minn. — The general election gets underway on Tuesday in Duluth. Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning and running until 8 p.m. at night the polls will be open. The municipal primary held back in August had just over 12% voter turnout. It was an increase from the previous primary in an off-year. City staff want to encourage people…

Duluth School District to Start Voluntary Vaccination Clinics for Elementary Students

It would allow students a better chance of not contracting the virus and learning in person.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth school district could become one of the first districts in the state to host voluntary vaccine clinics for 5 to 11-year-olds. Pending FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group on Tuesday, the district is poised to become one of three districts in the state of Minnesota to offer these clinics. The superintendent…

U of M Offering Free Or Reduced Tuition To Native American Students

(University of Minnesota) MINNEAPOLIS, (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota is offering free or greatly reduced tuition for Native American students on any of its five campuses. Starting in Fall 2022, the U of M will provide a scholarship covering full tuition at the Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester or Twin Cities campus for first-year or Tribal college transfer undergraduate…

Midday Update 11-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin Gun Dealers Continue to Struggle with Ammo Shortage

Gun Dealers Report Ammo Continues to be in Short Supply

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin gun dealers continue to struggle with keeping shelves stocked with ammunition. Supply chain disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic and increased demand for guns and ammunition have left shelves empty in some cases. And when a shipment does arrive at local gun stores, ammunition is quickly snapped up. The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates about 8.4…

Minnesota Power Requests 18% Rate Increase

Minnesota Power Files Request for Rate Change to Support Sustainable Energy Future

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power announced Monday it’s filing a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to increase its annual operating revenue by $108 million and adjust rates for its retail electric customers. The company says the approximately 18% increase reflects changes in revenue and expenses related to Minnesota Power’s ongoing EnergyForward clean energy transition, evolving customer demand,…

MNsure Open Enrollment Period Begins Nov. 1

Open Enrollment for MNsure Runs Through Jan. 15, 2022

ST. PAUL, Minn.— Nov. 1 marks the beginning of MNsure’s open enrollment period. Open enrollment refers to the once-a-year opportunity when all Minnesotans can enroll in affordable, comprehensive health and dental coverage through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. This year, Minnesota’s open enrollment will run from Nov. 1 until Jan. 15, 2022, with two important deadlines: Minnesotans must enroll by…

Judge Hopes to Seat Kyle Rittenhouse Jury Within a Day

Rittenhouse Could Face Life in Prison if Convicted of one of the Homicide Counts Against Him

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – The trial of Kyle Rittenhouse has begun with the challenging task of seating jurors who haven’t already made up their minds about the man who shot three people, killing two, during a violent night of protests last summer. Rittenhouse was 17 when he traveled from his home in Illinois, just across the Wisconsin border, during protests…

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Tests Positive for COVID

Lt. Gov. Flanagan Received the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Last Spring

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19, she announced over the weekend. Flanagan says she received the positive test after caring for her 8-year-old daughter Siobhan, who tested positive on Oct. 22. The lieutenant governor received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine last spring. Flanagan said she and her husband, Tom, had…

Morning Update 11-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Trunk or Treat Brings Candy, Smiles to Hundreds in Canal Park

The trunks were open and the candy flew out as 43 vendors and hundreds of families got dressed up for the party in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of families got a head start on Halloween candy-collecting, filling up a Canal Park parking lot for Neighborhood Youth Service’s 2nd annual Trunk or Treat event Sunday. The trunks were open and the candy flew out as 43 vendors and hundreds of families got dressed up for the party in Canal Park. “We can all come together…

DFL Candidates Urge Duluthians to Vote in General Election Tuesday

Duluth's general election is this Tuesday. Polls stay open Monday until 5 pm.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s General Election is just a few days away, and some local DFL endorsed candidates and supporters held a rally before going door to door Sunday, urging people to head to the polls. Candidates for City Council as well as Mayor Emily Larson and State Representative Liz Olson joined campaign volunteers at Enger Tower for a rally and…

Halloween Brings Boost to Local Liquor Stores after Record-Breaking 2020

According to the Minnesota State Auditor, sales at the state's more than 200 municipal liquor stores jumped 10% during the first year of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Halloween weekend didn’t only fill up buckets with candy, it filled up many local liquor stores with customers. Over at Canal Park Liquors, staff say they saw heavy traffic Saturday, which thinned out Sunday. Beverages that were hot this Halloween included single shooters of Fireball and Tito’s, as well as cider to get into the fall mood. This…

Trick or Treaters Going Strong from East to West Duluth

People from all over the city came to 8th Street to check out the events, but there's one house in particular that tends to catch the eye of those who come to visit.

DULUTH, Minn. — It is Halloween night, and thousands of trick or treaters across the Twin Ports are knocking on doors collecting their treats, but West 8th Street in Duluth is the spot to be as these houses put on some of the best Halloween decorations for all ages to enjoy. People from all over the city came to 8th…

Malloween At The Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. — There were hundreds of people in character walking around the mall Sunday afternoon as the Duluth Miller Hill Mall held its annual Malloween. Dozens of stores and kiosks set up with buckets of candy for trick or treaters to stop by and get a treat today. Although its fun for the families and trick or treaters, the…

People, Homes Vanish Due To 2020 Census’ New Privacy Method

The three-bedroom colonial-style house where Jessica Stephenson has lived in Milwaukee for the last six years bustles with activity on any given weekday, filled with the chattering of children in the day care center she runs out of her home. The U.S. Census Bureau says no one lives there. “They should come and see it for themselves,” Stephenson said. From…

Church’s Halloween Walk-Through Takes Families to Magical World of Harry Potter

Before any activities, families had to run through Platform 9 ¾, the portal to the wizarding world in the Harry Potter books.

DULUTH, Minn.- No matter what the Halloween costume, everyone got to be witches and wizards for a day, taking a trip to Hogwarts at Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Harry Potter themed Halloween walk-through in Duluth. Before any activities, families had to run through Platform 9 ¾, the portal to the wizarding world in the Harry Potter books. Then they could tour…

UMD Students Help Connect Hillside Residents to Healthy Food Sources

Organizers say they hope to take steps in improving food security in the Hillside neighborhood which has direct impacts on health and life expectancy.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students hoped to connect some residents of the Steve O-Neil Apartments in Duluth with healthier food options at their Land Lab near Jean Duluth Road, for Healthy Lives Day. Growers from local farms joined families in touring the UMD farm. They hope to improve those families’ access to healthy food from local sources. Organizers say they hope…

Northland Community Comes Out for Superior Spooktacular Parade

SUPERIOR, Minn.- Cartoon characters and candy brought the community to Hughitt Avenue in Superior for the 6th Annual Superior Spooktacular Parade. Crowds of people came together in costumes to join in on the fun. And organizers are glad for the parade’s return after not doing it last year due to the pandemic. The Superior Fire Department and Sterling Silver dancers,…

YMCA, Ursa Minor Brewing Host DiffeRUNce 5k

DULUTH, Minn.- Ursa Minor Brewing and the Duluth YMCA teamed up this morning for an extra spooky, family-fun activity. Kids, adults, and pets participated in the organization’s “DiffeRUNce” 5k and were all dressed in costumes. The Halloween-themed event brought people of all ages together to support increased food access and healthy living. Participant registration fees are going to the Duluth…