News

US Jobless Claims Hit 52-Year Low After Seasonal Adjustments

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits plummeted last week to the lowest level in more than half a century, another sign that the U.S. job market is rebounding rapidly from last year’s coronavirus recession. Jobless claims dropped by 71,000 to 199,000, the lowest since mid-November 1969. The drop was much bigger than economists expected. The…

Morning Update 11-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Former Middle School Principal Found Dead in Minnesota Jail

MINNEAPOLIS – A former middle school principal serving a prison sentence was found dead in a Minnesota jail. Christopher Jerome Endicott had previously been sentenced to prison for identity theft, stalking, and burglary, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. Crow Wing County Sheriff Scott Goddard says that Endicott was found unresponsive at the jail in Brainerd and efforts to save…

UMD Goaltender Zach Stejskal Reveals Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

Stejskal said he noticed something was not quite right in October and went to the doctor. After the diagnosis, he had surgery and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The Cohasset native added he is feeling pretty good and he does plan to play hockey this season. 

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been over a month since we last saw goaltender Zach Stejskal take the ice for the UMD men’s hockey team. And on Tuesday afternoon, Stejskal opened up about his health and where he’s been. In this month’s “UMD Bulldogs Bark and the Bite”, Stejskal revealed in a sit down interview with Athletic Director Josh Berlo that…

‘One Roof’ To Flip East Hillside Building Into New Affordable Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — One Roof Community Housing has announced some big plans to combat the housing crisis plaguing Duluth, along with the issues that do happen in some affordable housing complexes. The focus is on a vacant and boarded up apartment building on the 600-block of E. 4th Street that started on fire Nov. 20.  One Roof has chosen to…

Shops Gearing Up for Small Business Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Local businesses in the Twin Ports and beyond are hoping to cash in for small business Saturday this weekend. It’s a day to encourage shoppers to buy local and support local one day after Black Friday when larger retail stories end up getting a lot of business on big deals. Small shops like ‘Bailey Builds’ in West…

Juice Pharm Makes Shepherd’s Pies That Are Vegan, Gluten-Free For Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. — The Juice Pharm in Duluth has created gluten-free and vegan Shepherd’s Pies for the holidays. It’s the first time the business has tried it, and it’s been pretty successful in its first run. The general manager said she was expecting about 25 orders, but instead 56 came in. Personal-sized pies are $10, while family-sized ones are $35….

CSS Volunteers Preparing Over 5,000 Meals for Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn. — The smell of Thanksgiving is flowing through the DECC. It’s the place where volunteers with The College of Scholastica are cooking thousands of meals for the community. The traditional in-person Thanksgiving buffet at the DECC won’t be happening for the second year in a row because of Covid-19. More than 5,000 meals will be handed out at…

AICHO Moves Up Food Distribution Day For Thanksgiving Preps

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a special Thanksgiving food distribution day at the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. Every two weeks on a Wednesday, AICHO gives out 200 bags of food to whoever needs it in the community. They moved this week’s distribution ahead a day to help with Thanksgiving preps for families. “It is certainly important…

Man Charged With 5 Homicide Counts in Deadly Waukesha Crash

(AP) – Prosecutors in Wisconsin have charged a man with intentional homicide in the deaths of five people who were killed when an SUV was driven into a Christmas parade. Prosecutors say a sixth person, a child, has died and additional charges are pending. Darrell Brooks Jr. was charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the crash Sunday…

Suspect in 2018 Fatal Hibbing Shooting Sentenced to Life in Prison

HIBBING, Minn. – The 32-year-old Hibbing man found guilty of the 2018 murder of Jeryel Octavious McBeth has been sentenced to life in prison. According to the St. Louis County Attorney’s office, Jerome Dionte Spann waived his right to a jury trial opting for a trial to the Court. In September, Judge Rachel Sullivan found Spann guilty of premeditated first-degree…

Minnesota Lawmakers Report Progress Toward Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The top Republican in the Minnesota Senate says he’s willing to postpone a debate over the confirmation of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to help break the stalemate over a special session. Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller says if Democrats agree to discuss Republican proposals on coronavirus measures, the GOP would drop threats to oust Malcolm….

Update: Sprinkler Pipe Break in Duluth Apartment Building Displaces Over 20 People

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department says over 20 people have been displaced after a sprinkler pipe broke in an apartment building in the Observation Hill neighborhood Tuesday. Crews responded to the building around noon after a resident reported that her ceiling collapsed due to flooding. Crews investigating the cause of the flooding found additional units with ceiling damage…

Brian Laundrie Autopsy: Forensic Anthropologist Says Laundrie Died of Suicide

(Fox News) – Deceased fugitive Brian Laundrie died of suicide, a forensic anthropologist told Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino on Tuesday. Laundrie took his own life with a gunshot wound to the head, Bertolino said. “Chris and Robert are still mourning the loss of their son and are hopeful that these findings bring closure to both families,” he said. Laundrie…

Duluth Fire Crews Responding to Apartment Building Sprinkler Malfunction

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Fire Crews are responding to a sprinkler malfunction at an apartment building in the Observation Hill neighborhood. Crews were called to the building located on the 1300 block of West 3rd Street around 12:00 p.m. Tuesday. According to a recent Twitter post, the sprinkler malfunctioned in the building causing the ceiling in one of the apartment…

Midday Update 11-23-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Extra Holiday DWI Patrols on Minnesota Roads Starts Wednesday

COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota drivers will start seeing extra DWI enforcement on the roads this weekend as part of a statewide effort to crack down on drunk driving this holiday season. The Department of Public Safety’s extra DWI holiday patrols campaign starts Wednesday and runs through Dec. 31. During that time, law enforcement officers will be looking…

Morning Update 11-23-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

US to Release 50 Million Barrels of Oil To Ease Energy Costs

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden has ordered 50 million barrels of oil released from the strategic reserve to help bring down energy costs, in coordination with other major energy-consuming nations, including China, India, and the United Kingdom. The move is aimed at global energy markets but also aimed at voters who are coping with higher inflation…

No Concern: Duluth Whole Foods Co-op Has Plenty of Turkeys, Options Available

With National Supply Chain Issues Impacting the Thanksgiving Table, Whole Foods Co-op Explains Why They're Prepared

DULUTH, Minn. – The two Whole Foods Co-op locations in Duluth are preparing to help you secure the final menu items on your list ahead of Thanksgiving. After hearing nationally of turkey shortages, and a spike in the price for your Thanksgiving bird, we’re learning local might be your best option this holiday season. The Co-op offers frozen and fresh…

Pedro’s Grill & Cantina Settling in to New Location

Pedro's Grill & Cantina is Now Located at 7 8th Street in Cloquet, Minnesota

CLOQUET, Minn. – Throughout the past 20 months amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed multiple businesses that were forced to shut their doors or change the way they operate just to make ends meet. This week’s Knowing Your Neighbors shines the spotlight on one success story from the community of Cloquet. “We love the atmosphere! It’s really nice in here,”…

Three Duluth Elementary Schools Showcase New Nature Playscapes

Students will use the Nature Playscapes Throughout the Academic Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The preschool program at Duluth Public Schools is celebrating a big outdoor milestone. Three new nature playscapes are being unveiled to students under the age of five this week. The campuses receiving the new spaces include Myers Wilkins, Piedmont, and Laura MacArthur Elementary Schools. For the Duluth Public Schools early childhood coordinator, this opportunity is about providing…

Glensheen Mansion’s “Spirit of The Lights” and Self-Guided Candlelight Tours Kick Off This Week

DULUTH, Minn. — The “Spirit Of The Lights” and self-guided candlelight tours are bringing holiday cheer to the Glensheen Mansion starting this week. Both open to the public on Friday, but on Monday, Glensheen members were the first to be able to take it all in. The mansion closed down for two weeks so the inside and outside of it…

Emmanuel Evergreens Begins Christmas Tree Sales

DULUTH, Minn. — Emmanuel Evergreens tree lot along Grand Avenue in West Duluth has been in business for five years. They decided to get their trees out a little earlier this year. The lot has hundreds of balsam firs, fraser firs and white pines, Christmas wreaths and more. With the lot open seven days a week, owners say this gives…

Depot Foundation Announces Depot United Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Depot will be getting an added boost in its fundraising efforts to support programs within the building. The Depot United Campaign will raise money to be equally distributed among all the organizations and non-profits housed in the depot. The campaign falls under the depot foundation which has been around since 1979. They are…

CHUM Hosts Pre-Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday, chum kicked off its thanksgiving holiday season giving away 150 meal boxes and turkeys at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in West Duluth. It’s a big event all about making sure families have a warm turkey dinner instead of nothing on the table. Start looking at the planning process way back in June in an…

John Shuster Leads Team Shuster to Win at USA Curling Olympic Trials

This will be John Shuster's fifth straight Olympics. He'll be joined by his gold medal winning teammates Matt Hamilton and John Landsteiner, plus Duluth native Chris Plys. 

OMAHA, Neb. – Four years ago, John Shuster and his team began to take the curling world by storm. Team Shuster fought back in the trials to be named to Team USA. Then, they fought through the Olympics on their way to winning the Olympic gold medal. Now, they’ve done it again. After dropping the first game of the USA…

Official: More Than 90% Of Fed Workers Got Shots by Deadline

WASHINGTON (AP) – More than 90% of federal workers have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday’s deadline set by President Joe Biden. Biden announced in September that all federal workers were required to undergo vaccination, with no test-out option, unless they secured an approved medical or religious exemption. A U.S. official said the vast majority…

Police: Parade-Crash Suspect Was in a Domestic Disturbance

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — The man suspected of plowing his SUV into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring 48, had been in a domestic disturbance just minutes before, Waukesha’s police chief says. Police Chief Dan Thompson says there is no evidence the crash on Sunday was a terrorist attack. He says police are…

Midday Update 11-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 22, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 22, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Walz Activates 400 National Guard Members To Help Staff Nursing Homes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he is activating the Minnesota National Guard to form skilled nursing “response teams” that will provide support to long-term care facilities experiencing staffing shortages amid the state’s COVID-19 surge. Over the next week, 400 National Guard members will start training as certified nursing assistants and temporary nursing aides over…

Harris To Announce $1.5B Investment in Health Care Workforce

WASHINGTON (AP) – Vice President Kamala Harris will announce the Biden administration is investing $1.5 billion from the coronavirus aid package to address the health care worker shortage in underserved communities. The funding being announced Monday will go to the National Health Service Corps, Nurse Corps, and Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery programs. They’re all federal programs that offer…

Morning Update 11-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 22, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 22, 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

St. Luke’s Updates Visitor Policy Due to Increasing Positive COVID Rates

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s has updated its visitor policy citing growing COVID-19 cases in the community and rising test positivity rates. Changes to the policy went into effect Saturday. Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 will not be allowed visitors until the patient is no longer contagious. Exceptions include one adult support person during labor and delivery, two parents…

SUV Driver in Wisconsin Parade Crash May Have Been Fleeing a Crime

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) – A person taken into custody after an SUV plowed into a crowd of holiday parade marchers in Wisconsin, killing at least five people, has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks. Police haven’t yet identified the “person of interest” they are holding. But two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter provided the identification to The Associated…

Historic St. Louis County Jailhouse Getting New Life as Apartment Building

Developers hope to have the building complete and open for tenants by the end of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- After sitting unused for more than a decade the historic St. Louis County Jailhouse in downtown Duluth is getting new life as mixed rate apartments. “It’s over 10 yrs in the making since the stay of demolition of this building in 2010,” said Jason Hale, Senior Housing Developer with the City of Duluth. “So this has been a…

Minnesota COVID-19 Hospitalizations Top 1,400 Amid Surge

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The number of Minnesota patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has surpassed 1,400 for the first time since last December, before vaccines became available. According to state health department statistics released Friday, Minnesota hospitals were caring for 1,414 patients with complications of the coronavirus, including 340 patients in intensive care. Only 2% of adult intensive care unit…

CHUM Will Begin Handing Out Thanksgiving Boxes Full Of Food On Monday

DULUTH, Minn. — Beginning on Monday, the CHUM Food Shelf will be handing out 300 boxes of Thanksgiving meals in Duluth with everything you need for a feast. They will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. On Monday, boxes will be distributed at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. The address is 4831 Grand Avenue. Then,…

Expect To Pay More For Christmas Trees, Experts Say

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (AP) – Add Christmas trees to the list of items facing shortages and higher prices this year. Several factors are driving the trend, Newsday reported. These include over-the-top sales last year during the first Christmas during the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues this year. Experts said tree buyers should expect to pay between 10% and 30% more…

Researchers Assessing Restoration On Minnesota Trout Streams

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A team of northern Minnesota researchers is evaluating the results of millions of dollars of major restoration work on dozens of trout streams across the state in the last decade. In addition to finding out whether the trout have returned, the state needs to know if realigning creeks has upset their natural connection with groundwater or if…