News

FDA Advisory Panel Rejects Widespread Pfizer Booster Shots

WASHINGTON (AP) – An influential federal advisory panel has rejected a plan to offer Pfizer booster shots against COVID-19 to most Americans. The vote Friday, 16-2, was a blow to the Biden administration’s plan to shore up people’s protection against the virus amid the highly contagious delta variant. Over several hours of discussion, members of the Food and Drug Administration…

Man Identified in Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Crash in Fond du Lac

FOND DU LAC, Minn. – Duluth Police have identified the man who died Thursday afternoon after crashing his motorcycle into another vehicle in the Fond du Lac neighborhood. According to police, 66-year-old James William Chinn, of Duluth, passed away from injuries he sustained after crashing his motorcycle into the back of another vehicle that was stopped for a school bus…

Midday Update 9-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 17, 2021. 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

Duluth Fall Wedding Show Returns to the DECC

The Duluth Fall Wedding Show is Happening Sunday, September 19 at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fall Wedding Show returns to the DECC Sunday, Sept. 19. This year to help limit crowd size, the show will take place at two different times throughout the day. The first session is from 9 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., and the second is happening from 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. inside Lake Superior Ballroom. “When…

Duluth Fire Crews Responding to Structure Fire in Central Hillside Neighborhood

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Fire Department, two adult dogs and six puppies died in the Central Hillside house fire Friday morning. One adult dog survived the fire and was brought to the Lake Superior Vet Hospital. “Without the lifesaving efforts of the firefighters and oxygen mask the dog wouldn’t have made it,” said City of Duluth…

Morning Update 9-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 17, 2021. 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

Rittenhouse Hearing To Decide on Evidence Allowed at Trial

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A judge is set to decide on several motions ahead of the trial for a man accused of killing two men and wounding a third during a protest over police brutality in Wisconsin last summer. Kyle Rittenhouse’s case became a rallying cry for conservatives frustrated at protests against police killings. The judge’s decisions from Friday’s hearing…

Duluth Public Library Introduces Teen Advisory Board

DULUTH, Minn.– Because so many young kids are brought to libraries with their parents, the Duluth Public Library is finding ways to keep these kids coming back, especially as they get older. The library’s downtown branch held an open house today for its newest installment of a Teen Advisory Board (TAB). They’re hoping teens join this new board to give…

Itasca County Health Officials Concerned as Delta Variant Spreads

Vaccination Rates Continue to Climb, but Health Officials Say More Work Needs to be Done

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Health officials in Itasca County are looking to get ahead of the spread as the Delta variant of COVID-19 is being passed through community transmission. “We have to get back to basics. Everyone is tired of COVID and no one wants to be doing this anymore, but we do know what works,” said Kayla Scrivner, COO…

Duluth Public Library Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month and the Duluth Public Library is celebrating. The downtown library has a display set up with books written by a Hispanic author or a story surrounding one of many Hispanic cultures. Some of the books recognize historical people like Frida Kahlo, who is known for her famous paintings. “It is really important that…

DFD Special Confined Space Training

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department conducts confined space rescue training on the William A. Irvin ship in Canal Park this week. Crew members are put in a scenario to rescue a person stuck in a small tunnel, needing medical attention. The training teaches firefighters how to handle unique situations properly. “Over the week, we have three sites, each of…

Twin Ports Back to School COVID Update

TWIN PORTS- It has been a couple of weeks since students returned to the classroom, and schools across the Northland are continuing their efforts to battle COVID within campuses. School faculty members enjoy seeing campuses full of students again. After an increased number of positive COVID cases moved kindergarten through 3rd-grade classes at a Chisholm elementary school to distanced learning…

Minnesota DNR Order Enbridge to $3.32M For Failure to Follow Environmental Laws

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has ordered Enbridge to pay $3.32 million for failing to follow environmental laws. “Enbridge breached the confining layer of an artesian aquifer, resulting in an unauthorized groundwater appropriation during the construction of the Line 3 replacement project near Enbridge’s Clearbrook Terminal,” Minnesota DNR officials said in a…

One Dead in Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Crash in Fond du Lac

FOND DU LAC, Minn. – Duluth Police say one person has died from injuries they sustained after crashing their motorcycle into the back of another vehicle in the Fond du Lac neighborhood. According to reports, officers responded to Highway 23 and 121st Avenue West around 3:35 p.m. on reports of a motorcycle versus motor vehicle crash. When authorities arrived at…

Man Arrested in Fatal Shootings of 4 Found in Wisconsin SUV

MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) — Police have arrested one suspect and are seeking another in connection with the fatal shootings of four people found in an abandoned SUV in western Wisconsin, sheriff’s officials said Thursday. Darren Lee McWright, 56, from St. Paul, Minnesota, who also uses the alias last name of Osborne, was arrested on a warrant from Dunn County and…

Cloquet Man Charged With First Degree Manslaughter

CLOQUET, Minn. – A 58-year-old Cloquet man has been formally charged with first-degree manslaughter after another man was found dead in his apartment following a physical altercation. According to the criminal complaint, Fond du Lac Tribal Police responded to the apartment of Joel Jay Ammesmaki, 58, at the Veteran’s Housing Complex after he reported that he got into a fight…

Midday Update 9-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Essentia Urologist Explains Importance of Screening for Prostate Cancer

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. – One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Nathan Hoffman, a urologist with Essentia Health in Duluth, explains why it’s so vital to begin routine screening at the right time in your life. “In general, if you’re starting to feel the symptoms, you’re a little bit later on the scale of…

Duluth Lions Club 2021 Pancake Day Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Lions Club has once again canceled its annual pancake day due to COVID-19 concerns. The event was scheduled to be held on September 30 in Pioneer Hall at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The popular event is traditionally held every year on the first Thursday of May but was canceled last year due to the…

Potato Salad Perfection Inside the Kitchen of Howard’s Que

Cooking Connection: Homemade Potato Salad with Howard's Que

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re back at Howard’s Que in this week’s Cooking Connection where we get a sneak peek into Howard’s famous potato salad. While some of the ingredients remain a family secret,  the source of inspiration shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. The amazing potato salad is a great compliment to the delicious, fall of the bone ribs, at…

US Unemployment Claims Rise After Hitting Pandemic Low

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits moved up last week to 332,000 from a pandemic low, a sign that worsening COVID-19 infections may have slightly increased layoffs. Applications for jobless aid rose from 312,000 the week before, the Labor Department said Thursday. Jobless claims, which generally track the pace of layoffs, have fallen steadily for two…

Morning Update 9-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Chauvin To Be Arraigned for Alleged Civil Rights Violation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in George Floyd’s death is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday for allegedly violating a teenager’s civil rights in a separate case that involved a restraint similar to the one used on Floyd. Derek Chauvin was convicted this year on state charges of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s 2020 death….

Duluth Waterfront Expecting Thousands for Packed Weekend of Events

DULUTH, Minn. — The Inline Marathon celebrates its 25th anniversary this weekend, while Oktoberfest returns to Bayfront Festival Park for its 2nd year. But combined, Duluth might see close to 10,000 people between events, and through the weekend. The Inline Marathon kicks off on Friday with an expo starting at noon at the DECC where racers are able to receive…

Local Direct Service Provider Recognized for Quality Care

DULUTH, Minn.– It is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and Trillium Services in Duluth is honoring those who work with patients who have may have physical and-or intellectual disabilities. Trillium Services held a gathering Wednesday to highlight DSP appreciation week and to present one of their own with an award from the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota. Steve Halvorson…

COVID Concerns Forcing Chisholm’s K-3rd Graders Back To Distance Learning

CHISHOLM, Minn. – An “increasing” number of COVID cases is forcing some elementary grades in the Chisholm School District to learn from home for at least the next two weeks. The changes are affecting K-3rd graders at Vaughan Steffensrud Elementary School, according to Adrian Norman, the district’s superintendent. Norman confirms St. Louis County health officials raised the alarm about the…

Vaccine Clinic Held in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.-As COVID-19 concerns grow, more people are being urged to get vaccinated. Earlier today a vaccine clinic was held at the Carlton County Community Services building for anyone 12 and older. The health department says nearly 70 percent of its vaccine eligible population have received at least one shot. “I really think it’s about protecting our community and so…

Apple Collections Begin Again for People’s Cider

DULUTH, Minn.-Wild State Cider has begun collecting apples to make the People’s Cider once again. Every Friday this month, you can drop off your backyard apples which will be turned into cider. “Last year’s cider is going to taste very different than this year’s cider because people are bringing different apples,” said Madison Sabol, the assistant cider maker. Wild State…

Everyday is National Double Cheeseburger Day for Big Daddy’s Burgers

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s National Double Cheeseburger Day, and local Northland burger shops are crowded. Big Daddy’s Burgers on Piedmont Avenue was packed with people getting their burger fix. They are also known for their Belly Buster challenge, including a one-pound double cheeseburger and a large portion of fries. And if you finish the entire dish, the burger spot will hang…

Hermantown Superfund Site is Now Clean

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The United States Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday, Hermantown’s 10-acre Arrowhead Refinery Superfund site is no longer on the Superfund National Priorities List. According to the EPA, the refinery frequently dumped metal-laced sludge into a two-acre lagoon located on the property from 1945 to 1977. The site first landed its spot on the list in 1984. “Used to…

Superior Fuel Opens New Rail Terminal

TWIN PORTS, Minn.- Superior Fuel celebrated the grand opening of a new rail terminal with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, bringing more propane to the Northland. The multimillion-dollar investment will provide propane in the Twin Ports and surrounding areas. The new terminal will hold nearly one million gallons of propane on-site, providing service to thousands of residents. “It’s an investment…

US: Wolves May Need Protections After States Expand Hunting

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) – The Biden administration says federal protections may need to be restored for gray wolves in the western U.S. after Republican-led states made it much easier to kill the predators. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Wednesday that the region’s wolves face new potential perils after a decades-long restoration was capped by their return to state…

Lawyer Asks Judge To Toss New Charge in Daunte Wright Case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Attorneys are asking a judge to dismiss a new manslaughter charge against the former suburban Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright. Former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter says she mistakenly drew her gun instead of her stun gun as Wright was trying to drive away from officers. Prosecutors charged her with second-degree manslaughter. The…

Midday Update 9-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Fall Fest Returns to Duluth’s Chester Bowl This Saturday

Fall Fest Was Canceled in 2020 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The 36th annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest is happening Saturday, Sept. 18 at Chester Bowl in Duluth from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s festival will feature over 130 vendors selling locally and hand-made items, a farmers market, live music, nearly a dozen food vendors, and activities for families and children. The Chester Bowl Improvement Club…

Minnesota Supreme Court Reverses 3rd-Degree Murder Conviction of Former Minneapolis Police Officer

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled to overturn the third-degree murder conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor in the deadly 2017 shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. During his trial Noor testified he feared an ambush when Damond walked up to the squad car and shot across his partner, killing the 40-year-old Australian woman. She had…

Minnesota Judge Rejects Attempt To Force School Mask Mandate

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minnesota judge has rejected a request by concerned parents to force a statewide mask mandate in all schools. Judge Thomas Gilligan said the court was “gravely concerned” about COVID-19 risks for children, but that the court lacks the legal authority to order Gov. Tim Walz to issue the directive that the parents sought. Minnesota Public…

Duluth Art Institute to Mandate COVID-9 Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Friday, the Duluth Art Institute will mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all students, event attendees, renting artists, teaching artists, and staff who enter any DAI spaces. “For the wellbeing of our community, it is necessary to do everything we can to preserve the health of all individuals who utilize our facilities, and setting a mandated standard is…

Visitors Flock to See Fall Migration at Duluth’s Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Hawk Weekend Festival is Happening Friday, Sept. 17 - Sunday, Sept. 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Each fall, millions of birds flock south, migrating to warmer climates for the winter months. Happening now, the natural phenomenon is attracting repeat visitors, and new watchers to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory for the great fall migration. “Would you like to see 10,000 hawks in one day come right over your head?” If you ask the average…

Morning Update 9-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, morning update, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

Shortage on ICU Beds in Twin Cities Has Ripple Effect on Rural Minnesota

(FOX 9) – As more hospital ICU beds fill up in the metro, it’s having a ripple effect on patient care in rural hospitals. Rural healthcare staff says they are scrambling to get patients in critical care the help they need fast enough because the resources are just not there. “Rural hospitals are designed for primary care and general surgery….

House Democrats Oust Embattled Lawmaker From Caucus

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Democrats have voted to expel Rep. John Thompson from their caucus following allegations of domestic violence and questions about his residency. House leaders Tuesday night issued a statement saying that “Thompson’s actions, credible reports of abuse and misconduct, and his failure to take responsibility remain unacceptable for a member of…

Council Bypasses ‘Travel Superior’ For Commission to Handle Future Tourism Tax Distribution

An amendment was also approved stating that anything requiring $25,000 or more of tourism revenue would have to go out for bid to other entities, then approved by council.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City Council decided to shake up the way they allocate tourism tax dollars, voting in favor of establishing a commission put forward by Mayor Jim Paine to handle the city’s tourism revenue, a role currently held by Travel Superior. According to the Mayor, this does not cut out Travel Superior from the equation but opens the…

Oktoberfest Setting Up in Bayfront Park As Volunteers Needed

According to organizers, they are now short about 20 volunteers each day.

DULUTH, Minn.- As setup gets underway at Bayfront Park for this weekend’s Duluth Oktoberfestival or Oktoberfest, event organizers say they’re in desperate need of volunteers. Organizer Ryan Kern says a group had to withdraw today due to an unexpected conflict. They are now short about 20 volunteers each day. Shifts are available during the day and evening and are only…