News

High Court Divides 5-4 To Leave Texas Abortion Law in Place

WASHINGTON (AP) — A deeply divided Supreme Court is allowing a Texas law that bans most abortions to remain in force. The court’s action, for now, strips most women of the right to an abortion in the nation’s second-largest state. In an unsigned order just before midnight, the court voted 5-4 to deny an emergency appeal from abortion providers and…

Cirque-Italia, United States’ only Travelling Circus Lands in Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn.– The only traveling water circus in the United States is in Duluth through the weekend, showcasing 8 shows of European performers. Cirque-Italia is set up under massive tents in the parking lot of the Miller Hill Mall, and is a unique experience on a stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water. You’ll see people swinging from ropes, dancing,…

Wheeler Athletic Sports Complex Updating Courts

DULUTH, Minn.– Wade Stadium and the Wheeler Athletic Complex have seen about $1.6 million dollars in athletic improvements as a result of the West Duluth Sports Corridor Plan set back in 2015, today, Duluth Parks and Rec began another major improvement there. The Wheeler Athletic Complex Sport Courts have needed a little update for quite a while now. What were…

Companies to Classrooms Providing Teachers with Free Supplies

DULUTH, Minn.– Teachers spend close to $700 dollars a year trying to stock their classrooms, but a local store called Companies to Classrooms is supplying what they need for free. This non-profit store has been providing these services to teachers from 15 different local school districts for the past 9 years, and on Wednesday, they opened it for its 10th…

University of Wisconsin Superior Staff Attend Inclusivity Training

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The first day of the semester is coming up for University of Wisconsin Superior students and teachers. Before Wednesday’s first day of classes, campus staff is doing their part in preparing with an all-day educational development conference. Instructors from all departments gathered for the 15th annual UWS Enhancement Day. Attendees met in the Yellow Jacket Union with the…

After Ida, Small Recovery Signs Amid Daunting Destruction

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Residents of Louisiana communities hit hard by Hurricane Ida are seeing small signs of progress amid the need for a monumental recovery. About 11,000 people in New Orleans saw their lights come back on early Wednesday. But officials say full restoration could still take weeks, and more than 1 million homes and businesses in Louisiana and…

‘Favorable Weather’ Continues To Help Greenwood Fire Fighting Operations

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn. – Fire officials say moderate weather has helped firefighters make progress on the Greenwood fire containment efforts. As of Wednesday morning, the fire has burned 26,028 acres and is 37 percent contained. The John Ek and Whelp fires burning in the BWCA are reported at 1,350 acres and 50 acres with no containment. Priorities for Wednesday are…

Midday Update 9-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 1, 2021

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

Esko Public Schools Provides Updates to COVID Mitigation Strategy

ESKO, Minn. – On Tuesday, Esko Public Schools provided an update to the district’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies which will now include requiring face coverings while indoors for all students Pre-K through 6th grade. Additionally, staff, visitors, and volunteers who work with Pre-K through 6th-grade students will be required to wear a face-covering while indoors regardless of vaccination status. The district…

Paul Gazelka Resigns as Senate Majority Leader as Governor’s Race Looms

Republican State Senator Michelle Benson Tosses Hat into Governor's Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – State Sen. Paul Gazelka said Wednesday he’s resigning his position as Senate majority leader, a likely precursor to joining the 2022 Minnesota governor’s race. Gazelka’s move stole some attention from fellow Republican state Sen. Michelle Benson, who is launching her own campaign for governor at a 10 a.m. event in Blaine. Already in the GOP primary:…

Essentia Health-Moose Lake Clinic Opening Sept. 7

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is opening a new clinic in Moose Lake later this month. The hospital says the new clinic will be opening on September 7 in the existing Moose Lake hospital. The Moose Lake Clinic will have two family medicine physicians, solely dedicated to the clinic, with plans to eventually expand to four physicians and will also…

‘H2O: Watersheds at Work,’ Set to Replace Aging Water Table Exhibit at Great Lakes Aquarium

Demo Will Begin After Labor Day; The New Exhibit is Expected to be Open by November 20

DULUTH, Minn. – Chances are if you’ve visited the Great Lakes Aquarium over the past 21 years of its existence, you’ve submerged yourself in the interactive water table exhibit, learning firsthand why H2O is so important to life on earth. Now since opening in 2000, change is coming to one of the aquarium’s most engaging displays. “It supports life, it…

City Crews Responding to a Water Main Break in Mount Royal Market Parking Lot

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Mount Royal Market parking lot. The break was reported just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and is located at 1600 Woodland Avenue. City officials say water has been shut off in the nearby Mount Royal Pines apartment buildings at the address of 50…

Morning Update 9-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 1, 2021

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

Split Rock Lighthouse to Require Masks Indoors Starting Today

DULUTH, Minn. – Split Rock Lighthouse announced on its Facebook page Tuesday, along with the Minnesota Historical Society, that face masks will be required indoors beginning September 1. MNHS says the decision was made to reinstate the mask mandate, regardless of vaccination status, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the state. “According to the Centers for Disease Control…

Parents Find Use for Kids’ Old Clothes at Swap in Superior  

People could bring their old baby clothes, toys, or big kid clothes to donate, and then pick out some new ones.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Over in Superior some parents and community members got together to make sure people’s kids’ old clothes could go to good use. A clothing swap was held at Earth Rider Brewery on Tower Avenue. People could bring their old baby clothes, toys, or big kid clothes to donate, and then pick out some new ones. Organizers hope it…

Retiring Carlton County Judge Macaulay Sent Off with Surprise Police Escort to Work

About 9 bikers and four police squad cars met him and escorted him to the Courthouse where more than 40 people welcomed him with cheers.

CARLTON, Minn.- One of the longest-serving judges in northeastern Minnesota Rob Macaulay of the Sixth District of Carlton County was given a special sendoff as he retired after more than 20 years at the bench Tuesday. Macaulay was surprised by his co-workers with a special police escort on his last morning bike ride into work. About 9 bikers and four…

Northland Hospitals Near Capacity as COVID Cases Surge, Vaccination Rate Lags

There were 273 new cases in the County last week, and St. Mary's Hospital saw the number of patients with severe COVID cases double over the past two weeks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local health leaders say the Delta Variant is beginning to overwhelm their systems just like last year. Now it’s being fueled by the amount of people in the region who refuse to get vaccinated, as healthcare workers begin to burn out — continuing to fight the virus for far longer than they anticipated last year. “We were moving…

Duluth Police Looking For Suspects Accused Of Burglarizing Bluestone Apartments

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police are looking for two people they believe burglarized two of the Bluestone apartment buildings early Sunday morning. Investigators say the man and woman stole tools from maintenance rooms, and also walked away with a bike rack and a mountain bike from an underground parking garage. Police are trying to figure out how the pair got…

St. Luke’s Seeing More Young People get Vaccinated

With students getting ready to go back to class, northland hospitals are seeing an increase in youths coming in to get their covid-19 vaccine.

DULUTH, Minn. —  With students getting ready to go back to class, northland hospitals are seeing an increase in youths coming in to get their covid-19 vaccine. Staff at St. Luke’s say that they have seen a significant amount of young people come in to get the vaccine as some area colleges and grade schools will be requiring vaccines for…

Great Northern Classic Rodeo Preps Begin

After having one of their biggest years in 2019, the rodeo was canceled last year due to Covid-19 concerns.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The 30th annual Superior Great Northern Classic Rodeo will kick off this Friday. After having one of their biggest years in 2019, the rodeo was canceled last year due to Covid-19 concerns. This year, organizers are expecting another large crowd throughout the weekend with people coming to enjoy some of the western flair and something new this…

Duluth Fire Department Cancels Annual Pinning Ceremony

The department isn't ruling out rescheduling the pinning ceremony later on this year.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth fire department will be recognizing 33 firefighters who have received a promotion or completed probation in a different way this year. Because of covid-19 concerns, the department officially canceled their pinning ceremony Tuesday night. It’s typically held at the DECC. Instead, there will be a smaller internal celebration while still allowing members of the department…

Minnesota Reopens Free Testing Sites As Delta Variant Surges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota officials are reopening four free coronavirus testing sites this week as circulation of the highly contagious delta variant renews demand for testing. The reopened sites include the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul and a former Department of Motor Vehicles building in Bloomington, augmenting existing metro area sites in Brooklyn Park and at the Minneapolis-St. Paul…

City Council, Boards and Commission Meetings To Continue Meeting Virtually

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Tuesday that the Duluth City Council and Boards and Commissions will continue meeting virtually as St. Louis County is classified as high or substantial risk for the spread of COVID. According to a recent press release, on August 12, City Attorney Rebecca St. George and Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman sent a…

Mike Richards Is Out As Producer of ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Richards is out as executive producer of “Jeopardy!”, days after he exited as the quiz show’s newly appointed host because of past misogynistic and other comments. Richards is also no longer executive producer of “Wheel of Fortune,” according to a memo to staff that was confirmed by Sony, which produces both of the shows. “We…

Midday Update 8-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 31, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines across the region. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin School Board Reverses on Opting Out of Free Meals

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin school district has reversed a decision to leave a federal free meals program following widespread criticism and loud protests from parents and others. Waukesha school board members said they received threats in the wake of national attention after voting to opt-out of the program that was providing free breakfast and lunch to all students in response…

Animal Rights Groups Plan Suit To Stop Wisconsin Wolf Hunt

(AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A coalition of animal rights groups is planning to file a lawsuit Tuesday to stop Wisconsin’s wolf hunt this fall. The action comes after the state Department of Natural Resources board this month set the quota for the fall hunt at 300 animals, disregarding pleas from multiple groups to cancel the season after…

Morning Update 8-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 31, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines across the region. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Finland Businesses Take Care of Greenwood Fire Crews from Incident Command Post

Firefighters have been coming through the Finland Co-Op for daily essentials like snacks, clothes, and coffee they get for free.

FINLAND, Minn.- Other businesses in the small town of Finland have seen more firefighters coming through after the Eastern Area Incident Command Post moved there from Isabella while fighting the Greenwood Fire. The Finland Co-Op a staple of the community since the 1900s, has been there for the firefighters’ daily essentials like snacks, clothes, and coffee they give them free….

Several Northland Red Cross Volunteers Assisting in Hurricane Relief

Volunteers must be 18 years and older and 21 to drive a red cross vehicle.

DULUTH, Minn. — Hurricane Ida made landfall Sunday on the gulf coast, and one northland organization has sent people down to help. Seven volunteers from the Northern Minnesota Red cross have been dispatched to assist in the hurricane relief. Some volunteers will spend two weeks or more at a given location on a natural operation. “Initially we will expect to…

COVID-19 Pandemic Brings Spike in Business for Discoverpc.NET

The Locally Owned Computer Solutions Center Offers Tech Assistance on Various Platforms

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If there’s one thing the past year and a half has taught us, it’s that we’re living in a technologically advanced world. Throughout that time, Discoverpc.NET in Superior has been helping to keep residents connected to the cyber world. “When I got into computers, it was pretty much a green screen commodore,” said Travus Elm, PC support…

Greenwood Fire Now 37% Contained as Incident Command Post Works from Finland

The boots-on-the-ground operations crew remains in Isabella, burning tactical fires to eliminate potential fuel to keep the main fire boxed in.

FINLAND, Minn.- Fire crews hope to continue the momentum against the 26,000 acre Greenwood fire, now 37% contained as of Monday evening thanks to recent rainy weather, and now moving their Incident Command Post to Finland while operations remain in Isabella right near the blaze. “In terms of wildland fire, the goal is to be mobile, adaptable, resilient,” said Clark…

Return of UMD Students and its Business Impact

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota Duluth students and teachers kicked off their school year Monday morning, and business is picking up for local shopping centers. Businesses in the Bluestone and Mount Royal strip malls are excited to see campus life return to normal after many students attended their college classes online last year. Bulldog Pizza and Grill is one of…

Expert Fire Safety for your Home

DULUTH, Minn.- It is important to practice fire safety with all of the fires happening in the Northland. There were 141 fires in Duluth last year, and officials say the pandemic played a part in this statistic. The pandemic kept many people at home last year, leading to more house fires than usual. Negligent use of cooking materials and candles…

UMD Students Return to Campus

In the food court, there are some new signs up and even a new sushi restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a familiar sight at UMD Monday afternoon as thousands of students could be seen walking the halls of campus headed to class. We caught up with one student who says it’s great to be back, especially for the new students who finally get that college experience of being on campus. “Just to see a lot…

St. Louis County Announces Logging Restrictions Due to Wildfire Risk

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Due to ongoing drought conditions and wildfire risk St. Louis County is implementing logging restrictions in the northern part of the county. County officials say the restrictions include cutting and logging operations on all county-managed lands and apply to the same area where no open burning and no campfires are allowed. In a Monday news…

Taliban Guard Says Last US Planes Have Left Kabul

(AP Photo/Wali Sabawoon) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A Taliban guard at the Kabul airport says the last U.S. planes have flown out after 20 years of war in Afghanistan. Hemad Sherzad tells The Associated Press the last five planes departed just after midnight on Tuesday. Celebratory gunfire erupted across the city. U.S. officials have not yet confirmed the withdrawal of…

Minnesota Court Deals Yet Another Setback to Pipeline Foes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Court of Appeals has affirmed a decision by state pollution regulators to issue a water quality certification for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 crude oil pipeline. It’s the latest setback for opponents as the project nears completion. The court ruled that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s approval was “supported by substantial evidence in the record.” Under…

Midday Update 8-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 30, 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