News

Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Six Candidates for Sixth Judicial District Vacancies

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced it is recommending six candidates for two vacancies in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. The first vacancy in the Sixth Judicial Court is a seat chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County. This seat was previously held by the Honorable Shaun R. Floerke. The candidates recommended for the Duluth seat…

3 Students Cited in Theft of Rare Tree in Wisconsin

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Police who were stumped by the theft of a rare pine tree in November from the University of Wisconsin Arboretum said Friday that they have cracked the case. UW-Madison police said three 19-year-old university students stole the tree as part of a “pledge” activity for the former Chi Phi fraternity, which hasn’t…

Minnesota, Wisconsin Health Centers to Receive Millions in Funding to Expand COVID Vaccine Access

DULUTH, Minn. – Health centers in Cook, Duluth, and Grand Marais, Minnesota as well as Iron River, Wisconsin will receive nearly $10 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan is part of President Biden’s continued efforts to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines and services in underserved communities. According to a recent White House press release,…

Midday Update 3-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Mar. 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 26 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Dominion Voting Sues Fox for $1.6B Over 2020 Election Claims

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dominion Voting Systems has filed a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News, arguing the cable news giant falsely claimed in an effort to boost faltering ratings that the voting company rigged the 2020 election. Friday’s defamation lawsuit is the first filed against a media outlet by the Denver-based company at the center of false claims spread…

Morning Update 3-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Mar. 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

One Man Dead, One Injured in Apparent Rock Climbing Fall

TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — One man was killed and another was injured in an apparent rock climbing accident in eastern Minnesota, authorities said. The Chisago County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to the lower landing at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls Thursday at about 4 p.m. on a report of a rock-climbing fall with unknown injuries. Deputies…

Vaccines May Offer Good Protection Against Certain COVID Variants, Not Others

DULUTH, Minn. — The COVID-19 vaccines were all designed to protect people against the virus, but they may not be as effective against some of the variants spreading throughout the world right now. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the vaccines may offer less protection against certain variants such as B.1.351, the variant first discovered in South Africa,…

6 Arrested After Locking Themselves To Line 3 Construction Site

FLOODWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Six people are under arrest in St. Louis County after locking themselves to the Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline construction site. The arrests happened Thursday in Floodwood Township, just east of the city of Floodwood. When deputies arrived, as many as 30 anti-pipeline demonstrators were there. Four of them were locked to heavy machinery and two…

Zoomobile Goes Virtual Because of Pandemic

The Lake Superior Zoo’s Zoomobile is going virtual this year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo’s Zoomobile is going virtual this year. In a typical year, the Zoomobile goes across the Northland to reach educational programming to thousands of people. However, because of the pandemic, this year’s Zoomobile will be a virtual experience and is free of charge to all schools, families, and anyone who wants to learn about…

Americorps Volunteers Needed for Local Organizations

More than 700 individuals are needed throughout Minnesota beginning in June through the Minnesota Americorps Emergency Response Initiative.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 700 individuals are needed throughout Minnesota beginning in June through the Minnesota Americorps Emergency Response Initiative. The initiative was launched in the spring of 2020 to help Minnesota organizations affected by COVID-19. Starting in June, Americorps members will be helping in a variety of ways, including with students attending summer programs. They will also help…

Silver Bay, Hayward Communities Mourn the Loss of Beloved Pastor

Pastor Stew was 41-Years-Old, A Cause of Death is Unknown

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Two Northland communities are mourning the loss of someone who gave so much and supported those around him. Stewart Carlson, better known as Pastor Stew, unexpectedly passed away earlier this week at the age of 41. He started his work in the small Minnesota community of Lamberton. His calling eventually led him to the North Shore…

Motorcycle Shops Begin Spring Tune-Ups

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– As we head into spring here in the northland, local motorcycle shops are reminding riders to make sure their ride is ready to go. The business Ape Hangers Customs in Hermantown is beginning to see bikes coming into the shop for spring tune -ups. Those at the shop are putting on new tires, checking fluids, and making other…

Essentia Health Launches Program to Help Patients Connect With Community Resources

DULUTH, Minn.– Essentia Health is partnering with other healthcare groups to launch a program to connect people with community groups. By going to their website and typing in your zip code, it will find local organizations for things like food, transportation, and housing. Those at Essentia are excited to help connect people to the program, especially during the pandemic. “Wanting…

Duluth Police Officer Sustains ‘Minor Injuries’ In Kenwood Avenue Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth police officer is being treated for minor injuries at a local hospital after colliding with a car in the Kenwood neighborhood Thursday afternoon. According to the police department, the crash happened at the intersection of College Street and Kenwood Avenue around 4:15 p.m. The Duluth police squad car was traveling northbound on Kenwood Avenue with…

Walz: Minnesotans 16 Years Old and Older Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tomorrow, Governor Walz will announce that all Minnesotans 16 years of age and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination beginning Tuesday, March 30. The final eligibility expansion comes as the federal government has promised an increased supply of vaccines by April, and as Minnesota has become a national leader in getting shots. According to the…

Blue Angels Preparing for 2021 Duluth Airshow

This year, the show will be bringing back fan favorites and also an updated version of the Blue Angel planes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow is back in 2021 after its cancellation last year due to the pandemic. The headliners, the U.S Navy Blue Angels, were in town on Thursday to talk about some of the different things they are doing this year. Now, both Grandmas Marathon and the Duluth Air and Aviation Expo will kick off back-to-back weekends…

Damiano Center Opens Hygiene Facility

The Damiano Center has set up its six-unit hygiene facility after getting it over the winter.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Damiano Center has set up its six-unit hygiene facility after getting it over the winter. Each unit has a shower and toilet and people can stop by during operating hours or schedule an appointment to use one of the units. Workers there say they’re happy to serve the homeless and to help people with their overall…

Food Boxes Distributed to Those in Need

Earlier today, multiple organizations came together in Duluth to help those in need during a special event where thousands of pounds of food were given away.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier today, multiple organizations came together in Duluth to help those in need during a special event where thousands of pounds of food were given away. Hot dogs, taco meat, and plain yogurt. People came to the DECC parking lot to get their fair share of food. About 2,500 gallons of milk and 2,500 boxes of food…

COVID Cases Rise in Northern St. Louis County

Places in northern St. Louis County have experienced high numbers of COVID cases, specifically during the last couple of weeks.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Places in northern St. Louis County have experienced high numbers of COVID cases, specifically during the last couple of weeks. Health officials say these cases have been active in places like Hibbing, Aurora, and Ely. About 15% of total county cases were in Ely last week. Those cases have been connected to social gatherings, sports, and…

Bayfield County Sees Increase in COVID-19 Cases

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The Bayfield County Health Department says there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks despite rising vaccination rates in the community. New cases have been seen particularly in Washburn, Herbster, Iron River, Bayfield, Red Cliff, and Cable with a noticeable increase in children and young adults. The health department says many…

Michigan Sees Virus Surge, but Tighter Restrictions Unlikely

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan, which not long ago had among the country’s lowest COVID-19 infection rates, is confronting an alarming spike that some public health experts worry could be a harbinger nationally. The resurgence is being fueled by loosened restrictions, a more infectious variant, and pandemic fatigue. While rising vaccination rates provide protection for seniors, the upswing is boosting…

The CDC Is Tracking a Recent Uptick in COVID-19 Cases

(CNN) – Top US health officials say they’re encouraged by the accelerating Covid-19 vaccinations. But not enough Americans are fully vaccinated yet to suppress the spread of the virus — and eased restrictions across the country coupled with spring break crowds could spell trouble, one expert said Wednesday. “What concerns me is the footage of what’s happening in spring breakers,…

Congress to Press Big Tech CEOs Over Speech, Misinformation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The CEOs of social media giants Facebook, Twitter, and Google are giving an accounting to Congress of actions against the use of their platforms to spread falsehoods and incite violence. The stakes have ratcheted ever higher: The Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the rise in COVID vaccine misinformation, and Democrats now in control of Congress…

Midday Update 3-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Mar. 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Mar. 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Justices Say Accident Victims Can Sue Ford in State Courts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has ruled the Ford Motor Co. can be sued in the state courts of people who were killed or seriously injured in accidents involving Ford vehicles. The justices on Thursday unanimously rejected the Michigan-based company’s argument that its ties to Minnesota and Montana were too tenuous to allow it to be sued in those…

Savoring the Flavors of Spring With Key Lime Pie from Lady Meg’s Cakes

Cooking Connection: Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What started as a passion has now turned into a small-scale profession for Superior resident Meghan Gobel. Over the past few months, Gobel, the creator of Lady Meg’s Cakes, launched a Facebook page to promote her hobby of baking and sharing the goodies with customers in the Twin Ports. She’s overjoyed to see the outpouring of support she’s…

Morning Update 3-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Mar. 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Mar. 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Damiano Center Announces Opening of Hygiene Facility

DULUTH, Minn. – Damiano Center announced on Thursday the opening of its six-unit hygiene facility which will be available to anyone who visits the center during regular operating hours or schedules an appointment. The Damiano Center says appointments can be scheduled through the Community services program. In a recent press release, Damiano Center officials said, “We have chosen this approach…

Dozens of Fully Vaccinated Minnesotans Have Gotten COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials report dozens of fully-vaccinated people have contracted COVID-19 in Minnesota, a development that wasn’t unexpected. The state has identified 89 coronavirus infections in people who have received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. State infectious disease director Kris Ehresmann said the fraction of fully…

Us Jobless Claims Fall to 684,000, Fewest Since Pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 684,000, the fewest since the pandemic erupted a year ago and a sign the economy is improving. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims fell from 781,000 the week before. It is the first time that weekly applications for jobless aid have…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Opens in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.- Gordy’s Hi-Hat opened for its 61st season today. This year is quite different than past years due to the pandemic, as the restaurant continues its carhop service, along with a window outside where you can order. Check out the story above from Fox 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich on opening day, which was quite busy. Categories: News, News –…

Man Arrested After Shooting In Duluth Heights

Investigator witnessed the suspect shoot from a vehicle.

DULUTH, Minn. – One man was taken into custody Wednesday evening after a shooting in the Duluth Heights neighborhood involving several rounds. A spokesperson for the Duluth Police Department said the shots were fired around 5 p.m. at the intersection of Baylis Street and Pecan Avenue. An investigator witnessed the shooting go down while under surveillance for a different case…

CSS Returning to Full In-Person Learning this Fall

DULUTH, Minn.– The college of St. Scholastica is preparing to bring students back to the classrooms. This comes after CSS has been in a hybrid learning model all school year. The plan is for all students and faculty to return this fall for in-person learning. “About a year ago, we were transitioning all of our classes to an online format…

$2.9 Million Proposal Would Better Prepare Minnesota Communities for Effects of Climate Change

The Proposal of $2.9 Million Would Provide Grants to Roughly 15 Communities in Central, Northeastern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Climate change is expensive, and now with a new proposal from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), funding for preventative planning and infrastructure repairs could become a reality. The proposal is for $2.9 million in grant money to be spent over the next two years. According to the MPCA, funding would help…

Port Authority Leaders Anticipate Great Shipping Season

The shipping season officially begins today as the Soo Locks have already opened.

DULUTH, Minn. – The shipping season officially begins today as the Soo Locks have already opened. Leaders at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority are expecting a great 2021 season, anticipating a rebound from the pandemic-induced lows of the 2020 season. Iron Ore is the number one cargo by tonnage through the port. The indicators for that cargo are positive. They…

Downtown Duluth Inn to be Converted into Permanent Housing

As the need for housing the homeless grows in the Northland, multiple organizations are now coming together to convert a motel downtown into a new housing facility.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the need for housing the homeless grows in the Northland, multiple organizations are now coming together to convert a motel downtown into a new housing facility. The Downtown Duluth Inn will soon be converted into housing for the homeless after a $2.6 million purchase agreement was signed on Tuesday. The motel itself was used throughout the…

Justices: Drunk Rape Victim Was Not ‘Mentally Incapacitated’

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A person who is sexually assaulted while intoxicated does not fit the designation for a more serious charge if he or she consumed the alcohol or drugs voluntarily, the Minnesota Supreme Court said in a ruling released Wednesday. The opinion stems from the case of Francois Momulu Khalil, a Minneapolis man who was convicted of third-degree criminal…

Records Suggest Defendant Called 911 During Minnesota Attack

BUFFALO, Minn. (AP) — A man charged with carrying out a mass shooting at a Minnesota health clinic last month allegedly called 911 during the attack and told the dispatcher he was the shooter and to send “a lotta ambulances,” records show. Medical assistant Lindsay Overbay was killed and four other staff members were wounded in the Feb. 9 shooting at the…

Minnesota Power Employee Dies From Injuries Sustained While Working on Electrical Equipment

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power announced on Wednesday afternoon that an employee has died after sustaining injuries Tuesday while working at a substation near Bovey. Company officials say the employee “experienced an electrical contact while working on electrical equipment at the substation.” The employee was quickly transported to Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital by local emergency responders and was later…