News

Target Requiring Employees to Mask up in Areas With High COVID-19 Infection Rates

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Beginning Tuesday, Target says it will require employees who work in stores in certain areas to mask up again. The Minneapolis-based retailer will require masks for employees at stores in areas with a substantial or high risk of transmission of COVID-19, as defined by the CDC, according to a statement. Currently, over 40 Minnesota counties are…

Midday Update 8-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 2, 2021

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

University of Minnesota Reimposes Indoor Mask Mandate

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota is reinstituting its indoor mask mandate for everyone on campus, regardless of vaccination status, starting Tuesday. University President Joan Gabel sent an email to students, faculty, and staff on Monday informing them of the change. Gabel said the decision comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new guidance on…

‘Best Christmas Ever’ Aims to Set New World Record During City on the Hill Music Festival

The City on the Hill Music Festival is Happening Aug. 6 & 7

DULUTH, Minn. – The excitement is building to see how many candy canes can be hung on the giant Christmas tree erected at Bayfront Park between August 5 – 7 during the City on the Hill Music Festival. The goal is to reach 8,000 candy canes to get Duluth, Minnesota in the record books. Community members can get involved by…

Morning Update 8-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 2, 2021

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

Evictions Expected to Spike as Pandemic Moratorium Ends

BOSTON (AP) – Housing courts around the country are ramping up work following the end of the federal eviction moratorium. Housing advocates fear the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moratorium over the weekend will result in millions of people being evicted. But most expect the wave of evictions to build slowly over the coming weeks and…

“The Great Twin Ports Get Together” Scheduled for August 15th

DULUTH, Minn. — “The Great Twin Ports Get Together” is coming to Wade Stadium in Duluth on August 15th, according to a press release from the organizer. It will include live music featuring five bands playing throughout the day and fun activities for kids, such as bouncy houses and games with prizes. The event will also have beer, popcorn, and…

Triathlon Part of Summer Comeback for Island Lake Inn

Staff at the small business say they appreciate the crowds the triathlon brings in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many triathletes were hungry after putting in the work at the Brewhouse Triathlon Sunday, and packed the nearby Island Lake Inn bar to refuel. Staff at the small business say they appreciate the crowds the triathlon brings in. And this year the event is just part of a summer comeback for their customers, after last year’s season of…

Hundreds Swim, Bike, Run Through 34th Brewhouse Triathlon at Island Lake

Organizers say conditions couldn't have been better with cooler temps, and break in the smoky haze.

DULUTH Minn.- The weather was perfect Sunday for bikers, runners and swimmers to compete in the 34th Annual Fitgers’ Brewhouse Triathlon at Island Lake. “You can feel the tension in the air and then once the gun goes off — it’s just go time,” said triathlete Mike Ward. More than 400 athletes signed up to compete in this year’s Brewhouse…

More Bears Are Stealing Food From Campers As Drought Impacts Berry Supply In Northern Minnesota

(FOX 9) – As drought conditions linger in Minnesota, Superior National Forest is warning campers to secure their food as reports of bears seeking out food from humans are on the rise. According to wildlife officials, the drought has led to a poor berry crop, a major food source for black bears. As a result, the forest has seen increased incidents of…

Five Arrested in Hibbing Saturday in Connection to Meth Distribution on Iron Range

Three of the five were arrested after a traffic stop in Itasca County yielded "a large quantity of Methamphetamine."

HIBBING, Minn.- Five Hibbing residents were arrested Saturday night, in connection to a month-long investigation into meth distribution on the Iron Range, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. According to a spokesperson with the Sheriff’s Office, three of the five were arrested after a traffic stop in Itasca County yielded “a large quantity of Methamphetamine.” They were lodged…

Duluth Resident Holds BBQ Benefitting Homeless

The organizer Airlea Defoe, herself a recovering addict who was homeless, says she wanted to make the homeless community feel more accepted. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth resident who overcame homelessness decided to give back to that population with a barbecue to raise money and donations Saturday. The event took place in the Central Hillside Park next to One Roof Community Housing. Anyone in need could come take a hot meal or supplies for free. Donations of those items such as toothpaste and…

All Pints North Summer Brewfest Brings Hundreds of Breweries, Beer-Lovers to Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn.- We’re here at All Pints North Summer Brewfest where hundreds of people get to try more than 120 different types of beer from local Minnesota breweries. Several breweries had games and novelty items for people to enjoy. Hippie and construction inspired themes were among the many breweries like Bent Paddle took part in. “We just love that so…

‘Duluth Farmers’ Market Jam Band’ Plays On

DULUTH, Minn.- The unofficially named Duluth Farmers’ Market Jam Band is a group of strangers who first met at the market years ago and now play music together at pop-ups each season. “It’s just the weekly jam band,” said local Gerhardt Moster-Beard. “People who wanna play come down here. The numbers vary week to week. It’s playing music together. I’m…

Duluth Farmers’ Market Celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Farmers’ Market celebrated National Farmers’ Market Week this morning with special treats products. From fresh produce to raw honey vendors across the Northland showed up for a busy Saturday morning. “My favorite part is actually being down here and selling and seeing the people we haven’t seen in a while,” said Lois Hoffbauer. “Farmer Doug and…

Minnesota Trappers Convention Returns to Barnum for 62nd Year

BARNUM, Minn.- The 62nd Annual Minnesota Trappers Association Convention returned this weekend after a pandemic pause in 2020, continuing their work of “helping to perpetuate the nation’s oldest industry – the fur trade…to preserve the trapping heritage and your right to trap.” FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich shows us the sights and sounds of the 2021 show. Categories: Community, Entertainment,…

Duluth Police: Suspect Arrested Following Shooting, ‘Short Standoff’

Investigators said the 46-year-old shot at someone after a dispute before walking to his home where a standoff ensued.

DULUTH, Minn.- One male suspect is in custody following an early morning shooting in Duluth’s Spirit Valley neighborhood, and a standoff in Morgan Park Saturday, according to the Duluth Police Department. According to a spokesperson with the Department, around 2:30 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 4700 block of Grand Ave. At the scene,…

100th South St. Louis County Fair Returns with New Look

This weekend marks the return of the South St. Louis County Fair here in Proctor. Fair organizers have pulled out all the stops to create a fun and unique experience for the fair's 100th year.

PROCTOR, Minn.– This weekend marks the return of the South St. Louis County Fair here in Proctor. Fair organizers have pulled out all the stops to create a fun and unique experience for the fair’s 100th year. A record turnout greeted the South St. Louis County Fair’s return, organizer say they’re making up for lost time in 2021 after missing…

Experts Warn Of Health Impacts from Smoky Conditions

FARGO, N.D.– The extension of those air quality alerts means those smoky conditions are going to stick around longer in the Northland. Local medical experts say to “use common sense and avoid prolonged exposure outdoors”. Children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung disease are particularly susceptible to ash particles and should take extra precautions over the next few…

UPDATE: Water Rescue Underway Off Park Point

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn.- The swimmer was taken aboard Marine 19 and transferred to shore. He is not injured and in good spirits. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ DULUTH, Minn.-A water rescue is underway on Park Point. The rescue is happening off the 4200 block of Minnesota Avenue and was reported at about 5:45 p.m. According to a spokesperson for the Duluth Fire Department, they…

Female Arrested in Ashland County for Allegedly Stabbing Husband Multiple Times

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – A female has been arrested in Ashland County for allegedly stabbing her husband multiple times during an altercation. According to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to an “open-air” call of a male and female screaming around 2:09 a.m. Friday. When authorities called the number back they were told by a male that he had…

East Superior Street Reconditioning Project to Begin on August 2

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the East Superior Street Reconditioning Project will begin on Monday, August 2, according to the City of Duluth. The project work area will take place between 45th and 60th Avenue East. Traffic control signs will be placed throughout the work area. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained for most of the project. Construction crews…

Smoky Air Expected to Linger in Minnesota Until Tuesday, Worsen Over Weekend

(FOX 9) – The unpleasant, record-poor air quality that Minnesota has faced in recent days as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts down to Minnesota isn’t going anywhere this weekend. On Friday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency extended its air quality alert, saying that smoky conditions will linger and worsen over the weekend. The pollution control agency says the worse will…

CDC Team: ‘War Has Changed’ as Delta Variant Dangers Emerge

(AP) – New evidence showing the delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox has prompted U.S. health officials to consider changing advice on how the nation fights the coronavirus. Recommending masks for everyone and requiring vaccines for doctors and other health care providers are among measures the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering. That’s according to internal documents…

Midday Update 7-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Weather Service Confirms at Least 4 Tornadoes in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The National Weather Service has confirmed at least four tornadoes caused widespread damage in Wisconsin and contributed to at least one death. Quinn Boehning, 29, was killed after crashing into a fallen tree and power line near the town of Ripon about 6 a.m. Thursday, according to the State Patrol. The severe weather began Wednesday evening in…

Two Arrested, Charged in April Hibbing Drug Bust

HIBBING, Minn. – Two people have now been federally indicted for trafficking and distributing controlled substances after Hibbing police, with the help of K9 Chase, located drugs in their vehicle during a traffic stop in April. According to authorities, Hibbing officers conducted a traffic stop on an SUV around 1:50 a.m. on the morning of April 20. During the traffic…

President Biden, Vice President Harris Meet With Governors to Hold a Discussion on Wildfires

(AP) – President Joe Biden is sounding the alarm about the need for more resources to fight a series of wildfires in Western states. The president met Friday with governors of western states to discuss the resulting supply shortages as the fires have worsened. Biden says climate change is to blame for the spread and ferocity of the blazes. Washington…

Treasure Hunt! Jay Cooke State Park Provides Geocaching Opportunities

Active Adventures: Geocaching at Jay Cooke State Park

CARLTON, Minn. – This week’s Active Adventures takes Meteorologist Ken Slama on a treasure hunt in Jay Cooke State Park. All 75 Minnesota State parks have a geocaching challenge through the fall to collect trading cards and to find the one at Jay Cooke, there is a simple and fun puzzle to solve along the way. The trails used are…

The Cool Kind of Camping Tech

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re in the wild this summer – you’re not alone. The number of first-time campers during the pandemic reached more than 10 million and access to cellular/Wi-Fi while camping, glamping or doing the RV/van adventures was top of mind for 57 percent of those folks. If you want your devices to multitask on the road, check…

Morning Update 7-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

‘Happy Tears’: Lee’s Gold Sparks Joy at Home in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Family and friends in Minnesota broke into cheers and screams for Sunisa Lee. She was one of their own, and the 18-year-old gymnast had captured the women’s all-around gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Her triumph delighted all of Minnesota but carried special resonance in the state’s large and close-knit Hmong American community. Dozens of Lee family…

Canadian Wildfires Causing Air Quality Concerns in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An air quality alert remained in effect for most of Minnesota as the state deals with smoke from Canadian wildfires that has created some of the highest particulate readings on record. Gov. Tim Walz and several other governors plan to talk virtually with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris about the nation’s growing wildfire crisis…

Worker, Supply Shortages Continue for Duluth Businesses

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s continued to be a busy summer for businesses here in Duluth but establishments are still struggling to find workers. Tacos Tacos Tacos on Superior Street in the HART District downtown has been dealing with worker and supply shortages. The establishment’s owner says that it’s causing prices on certain items to climb and slower wait times along with…

Thickest Wave Yet of Wildfire Smoke Covers Northland

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s another busy day along the Lakewalk in Duluth. But as air conditions change due to the wildfires, health officials are urging some extra caution. The smokiest air yet from the Canadian wildfires taking over the Northland Thursday, creating unhealthy air for anybody breathing it. “So you’re breathing that in, and that material can be very irritating to…

Businesses are Expecting Crowds

HAYWARD, Wis.- It has been a tough year for a lot of businesses across the Northland but those at the Lumberjack World Championships are happy to see people return to these large events. “It’s good for business, people like hotels, restaurants, everyone’s busy for like four to five days before the event and will be busy a few days after…

The Lumberjack World Championships Returns

HAYWARD, Wis.- The 61st annual Lumberjack World Championships and festival in Hayward, Wisconsin, where competitors, fans and vendors are gathering for all things wood. Although last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic people are happy for its return at the Lumberjack Bowl. “I’m very thankful to be having this event this year,” said competitor Ben Hansen. “All the…

Sidewalk Sales in the District Begin

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Sidewalk Sales in the District is back in Superior, and various stores are featuring discounted prices on some of Superior’s best downtown products. 14 different stores are participating, and offering discounts up to 50% off. Northwest Outlet located on the corner of Belknap Street and Banks Ave is one of those stores and offers a variety of…

USDA Issues Drought Disaster Declaration in Parts of Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a natural drought disaster designation for 14 Minnesota counties due to worsening drought conditions in the state. According to the USDA website, “This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters…

DTA Announces Temporary Service Reduction Due to Parts, Labor Shortages

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA announced Thursday that it will be temporarily suspending four routes effective this Sunday, August 1. Officials say the reason for the suspensions are due to challenges in obtaining parts for buses, and a Bus Operator labor shortage. The routes suspended beginning Sunday include: Route #4 – West Duluth (alternative service available on routes 1,2,&3) Route…