News

Duluth Municipal Primary Voting Underway

Two at-large city council seats, second district and fourth district seats are up for grabs.

DULUTH, Minn. — Voting for Duluth’s primary is underway. Statistically, there’s usually a low voter turnout for Duluth’s municipal primaries. With the thick fog Tuesday morning people were coming out less frequently to the polls. Precinct judges anticipate more people would show up during the lunch and dinner hours. “Unfortunately, people don’t think that primaries are as important … but…

St. Luke’s Vaccine Clinic Open Multiple Days This Week

St. Luke's will also be providing shots for people on Sunday at Wade Stadium. 

DULUTH, Minn. — Vaccinations have been up in the Northland as of late and St. Luke’s is trying to get the word out for people twelve and up to get their shot. With the new guidelines for St. Luke’s and Essentia employees put in place requiring them to get vaccinated, St. Luke’s is opening up their clinic for a few…

Duluth Shooting Suspect Arrest After Police Standoff

DULUTH, Minn.- A man was shot around 8:30 am on 15th Avenue East near East Superior Street, putting him in the hospital with unknown injuries, and leaving one garage in the neighborhood with multiple bullet holes. According to the Duluth Police Department, multiple shots were fired in the drive-by shooting. The suspect was soon found nearby. “The suspect came into…

Larson Chooses Minneapolis Agency Over ‘Visit Duluth’ For City’s Main Marketing Contract

Visit Duluth is being offered a significantly smaller second contract for "convention and visitor center operations."

DULUTH, Minn. – After 85 years as Duluth’s main tourism marketing arm, Visit Duluth will no longer have that title come 2022, as Mayor Emily Larson continues to scrutinize how millions of dollars in tourism tax revenue is used every year. Mayor Larson made the announcement Tuesday saying her team has chosen Minneapolis-based Bellmont Partners and its partner, Lawrence &…

St. Louis County Requiring Face Masks Inside All County Buildings Beginning Wednesday

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Beginning Wednesday, St. Louis County will require face masks to be worn inside all county buildings. According to a Tuesday press release, this will apply to all employees and visitors regardless of vaccination status. “St. Louis County continues to experience substantial transmission of COVID-19. The CDC defines substantial transmission as 50 or more new cases…

Four Golfers Injured After Being Indirectly Struck by Lightning in Sawyer County

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – Four golfers were injured Tuesday morning after being indirectly struck by lightning at the Big Fish Golf Course in the Town of Hayward. According to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, authorities received a report of multiple people being struck by lightning around 11:26 a.m. When deputies and first responders arrived at the scene they found four…

Minnesota Logs 5,600 Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases, 57 Deaths

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota has seen at least 5,599 breakthrough cases of COVID-19 and at least 57 deaths among fully vaccinated people, health officials reported Tuesday. The Minnesota Department of Health said it will begin reporting breakthrough case figures weekly as cases of the highly infectious delta variant surge across the state and country. But the department cautioned…

Midday Update 8-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 10, 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

Group Sues for Right to Carry Guns at Minnesota State Fair

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A gun owners’ group is suing the Minnesota State Fair and Ramsey County, demanding that permit holders be allowed to carry handguns on the fairgrounds during the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The lawsuit by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus argues that the State Fair’s ban on weapons violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear…

UPDATE: Suspects Arrested in Connection to Tuesday Morning East Hillside Shooting

UPDATE: Duluth police say Tuesday’s shooting stemmed from an altercation the suspect and victim had with each other earlier in the day. The suspect and victim were known to each other and this was not a random shooting. Authorities say the victim is currently listed in stable condition. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available….

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Announces Resignation

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Will Effectively Leave Office in Two Weeks

NEW YORK (AP) – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has resigned over a barrage of sexual harassment allegations in a fall from grace a year after he was widely hailed nationally for his detailed daily briefings and leadership during the darkest days of COVID-19. The third-term Democratic governor is increasingly isolated as state Assembly members move toward impeachment and allies…

Duluth Black Woods Temporarily Closed Due to COVID-19

The restaurant says it will reopen Sunday, August 15

DULUTH, Minn. – DULUTH, Minn. – Black Woods Bar & Grill in Duluth announced Monday that it is temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. In a Facebook post, the restaurant says it will remain closed until Saturday, August 14. Both the Proctor and Two Harbors locations, as well as Tavern on the Hill, will remain open for…

Twin Ports Transplant Kick Starts ‘Too Good Bakery’

The Pop-Up Bakery can be Spotted at a Number of Events in Superior on a Weekly Basis

SUPERIOR, Wis. – They’re a dime a dozen these days – bakeries. However, it’s what each owner does to make their sweet treats special that sets that bar high, and customers coming back for more. “I bake with love and I’m backed by love,” exclaimed Liberty Smith, owner of Too Good Bakery. It’s a secret ingredient that can be hard…

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes GOP Bills to Restrict Absentees

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed bills passed by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature that would have imposed new restrictions on absentee ballots in the key battleground state. The Democratic governor had been widely expected to turn back the bills, which his party had derided as voter suppression. Republicans argued…

Morning Update 8-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 10, 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

One Injured in Tuesday Morning East Hillside Drive-By Shooting, Officers on the Scene

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are one the scene of an apparent drive-by shooting that happened Tuesday morning in the area of 15th Avenue East and Superior Street. Authorities say one person was shot in the incident and is in the hospital with unknown injuries. Officers have identified a suspect and believe the suspect is in the area of the…

Annual Sensory Day Out With Thomas Allows All Guests to Enjoy Tank Engine

Thomas the Tank Engine will be back again this coming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. — Thomas the Tank Engine had an extended weekend on Monday with a sensory friendly day. Tickets for the event were free for kids with autism and a family member. With no loud music and crowds, the smaller event ensured all kids have access to Thomas the Tank Engine at their comfort level. “To know that all kids…

Bayfield Orchards Looking Forward to Apple Fest

Over at Erickson Orchards they are currently finishing up their new processing facility which will help streamline their cider business.

BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Orchards in Bayfield are already looking forward to Apple Fest for a variety of reasons. Despite losing the majority of their strawberry crops in the spring, Erickson Orchards just outside of Bayfield is banking on a healthy apple crop and a large turnout of people during the festival. “We lost 95-100%. The little bit that I got…

Duluth City Council, Boards, and Commissions to Return to Virtual Meetings Aug. 12

DULUTH, Minn.-Effective Aug. 12, the city of Duluth will revert to virtual meetings for city council and boards and commissions. City Attorney Rebecca St. George and Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman sent a determination to the city clerk’s office today that due to the substantial risk in transmission rates within St. Louis County and Duluth, public meetings would again be…

University of Minnesota to Require COVID-19 Vaccine for Students Once it Gets FDA Approval

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota will require students to get the COVID-19 vaccine once it receives full FDA approval, which is expected to happen in the coming weeks, according to a letter from University President Joan Gabel. Gabel said the COVID-19 vaccine will be added to the list of immunizations already required for students, with some exemptions. Details for…

Vehicle Fire at Hermantown U-Haul

Hermantown, Minn.-At about 1 p.m. the Hermantown Police Department and Hermantown Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire at U-Haul Moving and Storage, located on Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown. “Initial reports indicated a GMC U-Haul moving truck was on fire next to the concrete building,” a press release said. “Additional reports indicated that the fire…

REMINDER: Duluth Primary Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth primary election is Tuesday with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The following races are on the ballot: Duluth City Council At-Large (Two Seats) Duluth City Council Second District Duluth City Council Fourth District The St. Louis County Health Division is recommending mask wearing for all indoor, public places in St. Louis County, therefore it’s…

Nebraska Surgeon, Two Family Members Killed in Minnesota Plane Crash

VICTORIA, Minn. (AP)-A relative has identified three people killed in the fiery crash of a small plane in southeastern Minnesota as a surgeon from Omaha, Nebraska, and two of his family members from Wyoming. Jo Mertes, of Mantador, North Dakota, told the Star Tribune Sunday that her nephew, 42-year-old Jacob Mertes and his 37-year-old wife, Sara Mertes, of Libby, Montana,…

Lake County Fair Enjoys Last Day of Event

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – After four days of fun for the community, the Lake County Fair in Two Harbors wrapped up its events with horse relays and carnival games. The county fair was able to continue through this past weekend’s temperamental weather conditions. Bouncy houses, horse shows, and exhibits were among the many activities they had. The community run event…

Bike Duluth Festival Comes to a Close

DULUTH, Minn.- It is the last day of the 7th annual Kraus Anderson Bike Duluth Festival, and cyclists of all ages showed up rain or shine. The three day event marks a successful year at Spirit Mountain, with more than 600 participants overall. “So today is cross country portion, so we’ve got a lot of racers from around the state,…

Day Out with Thomas Sees Record First Weekend Back

Day Out with Thomas has already sold more than 20,000 tickets online for the two-weekend event.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy wrapped up a successful first three days of his return to the Twin Ports, bringing record attendance to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Day Out with Thomas has already sold more than 20,000 tickets online for the two-weekend event, according to Railroad Museum Executive Director Ken Buehler. Monday’s free Sensory…

Decades-Old WWJC Radio Station Heavily Damaged In Early Morning Fire

The former General Manager shares his memories working at WWJC, and his hopes it hits the airwaves again soon.

DULUTH, Minn.- Burned wreckage and memories are all that’s left of the building that housed WWJC radio in Gary New Duluth, after an early Sunday fire took out the nearly 60-year-old station’s transmitters, taking it off the air. “We were the first Christian station in the Twin Ports,” said the Station’s Former General Manager, Ted Elm. “Sad to say that…

Mixed Bag: Erratic Pandemic Olympics Come To A Nuanced End

TOKYO (AP) — It began with a virus and a yearlong pause. It ended with a typhoon blowing through and, still, a virus. In between: just about everything. The Tokyo Olympics, christened with “2020” but held in mid-2021 after being interrupted for a year by the coronavirus, glided to their conclusion in a COVID-emptied stadium Sunday night as an often surreal mixed bag for…

Evers OKs Use-Of-Force Bill, Vetoes Plan To Defund Cities

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that establishes a uniform use-of-force policy for police across Wisconsin. Evers announced he signed the bill on Friday. Under the bill, police can use force based on a situation’s circumstances and whether a suspect is fleeing or resisting arrest. Deadly force is…

Packers WR Funchess Apologizes For Slur Against Asians

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers wide receiver Devin Funchess has apologized for using a racial slur against Asians during a news conference on Saturday night. “I want to apologize for the disparaging remark I used tonight,” Funchess said in a statement posted on Twitter late Saturday night. “It was not OK. I have grown to develop deep personal and…

WWJC Christian Radio Heavily Damaged in Structure Fire

Damage in equipment alone is estimated at over $500,000. Damage costs to the structure are estimated to be around $75,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Christian radio station was left heavily damaged in a structure Sunday, with the cause unknown, according to the Duluth Fire Department. According to a spokesperson with the department, at approximately 3:08 a.m. Sunday morning someone driving by reported that flames were coming from the building housing WWJC AM 850 Radio at 1120 East McCuen Street. On…

Healthcare Workers Among Rally Against Vaccine Mandates Days after St. Luke’s, Essentia Announce Policies

Earlier in the week, St. Louis County Public Health pointed to those who still aren't vaccinated for the recent surge in community spread.

DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens of protesters from across the Northland, including several area healthcare workers, held a rally against COVID-19 vaccine mandates Saturday just days after Duluth hospitals announced new vaccine requirements, and as experts warn the country needs to boost vaccine numbers now more than ever. “This is an anti-mandate rally. I think we have people here that believe in…

Bus Races Back with Special Tricks at Proctor Speedway

DULUTH, Minn.- Midsummer Night of Mayhem at Proctor Speedway is back after a yearlong break. The bus races kicked off at six o’clock Saturday and crowds came out rain or shine. The event mostly brought together by volunteers, showcases a series of races including school busses, reverse racing, and special tricks. “I can’t even tell you it was raining when…

Billings Park Days Comes to a Close After Successful Two Days

After last year's activities were canceled by the pandemic, the community was anxious to celebrate together again.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Billings Park Days was back in Superior with two-day of fun for the community. Billings Park Days kicked off Saturday’s events with a parade where even dogs participated. “My favorite part is just seeing the families and kids coming down with a smile on their face,” said President of Billings Park Days Keith Kern. “This parade this morning…

Ride or Die Pizzeria Holds Grand Opening

Ride or Die upholds the name with motorcycles hanging from the ceiling and local graffiti art on the walls.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new late-night pizzeria and bar just opened up on Broadway Street with its own special biker theme. Ride or Die pizzeria held their grand opening Saturday until 2 a.m., bringing a new late night spot to the area. From pizza to arcade games and slot machines, Ride or Die upholds the name with motorcycles hanging from the…

Duluth Fire Rescues 20-Year-Old Woman from Rip Currents off Park Point

Two rescue swimmers from rescue 1 were able to use a rescue surfboard to reach the victim, and help her to shore.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 20-year-old woman was swept up in those violent waves Saturday and had to be rescued by the Duluth fire Department. Fire officials responded to the report of a woman pulled away 200 yards from shore on the 2800 block of Minnesota Ave around 4:00 p.m. The water was actually too choppy to use the Marine 19 boat,…

Duluth Fire Warns of Dangerous Swimming Conditions Due to High Rip Current Risk

Officials warn to stay out of the water regardless of your swimming experience.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department issued a dangerous swimming condition warning for Park Point beaches Saturday, due to the high risk of rip currents, effective immediately. According to the Duluth Fire Department the warning lasts until 10:00 a.m. August 8. This warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the…