News

Caravel Autism Facility Ready for Clients

A facility dedicated to kids on the autism spectrum will be ready to treat children starting next week.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A facility dedicated to kids on the autism spectrum will be ready to treat children starting next week. The Caravel Autism Facility in Hermantown takes clients from 18 months to 18 years and provides evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of autism. According to management at Caravel, there is a higher rate of autism in Minnesota 1 in 44…

Dentists Could Administer COVID-19 Vaccine Under Bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Dentists in Wisconsin could administer the COVID-19 vaccine under a bill the state Legislature is scheduled to pass on Tuesday, a step being taken as the push to increase people for the coronavirus accelerates. It was one of several coronavirus-related proposals up for votes. While it has broad bipartisan support, other Republican-backed measures are opposed by…

Judge Denies Duluth Officer’s Motion to Dismiss Shooting Case Against Him

2015 photo on City of Rosemount’s website congratulating Officer Tyler Leibfried on his new job with the Duluth Police Department. DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Judge Sally Tarnowski has denied a Duluth police officer’s request to dismiss charges against him in a shooting that injured an unarmed man. Tyler Leibfried, 28, is facing two felony firearm charges, including one…

Duluth Airshow 2021 Scheduled for June

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow is back this summer and will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team. Last year the Airshow, scheduled for July 2020, was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. According to a recent Facebook post, the Airshow will take place on June 26-27 and will allow up…

Portion of Old Hartley Road to Close Temporarily

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation department says the eastern terminus of Old Hartley Road at the Hartley Nature Center trailhead in Hartley Park will be closed to the public for soil borings in preparation to install a new bridge over Tischer Creek. This work is expected to be completed no later than Wednesday, March 17….

Duluth Salvation Army Participates in Minnesota FoodShare Month

This month is Minnesota FoodShare Month and the Duluth Salvation Army is hoping it will help drive up donations to their food shelf.

DULUTH, Minn. – This month is Minnesota FoodShare Month and the Duluth Salvation Army is hoping it will help drive up donations to their food shelf. From now until April 11th, money and food given to the Duluth Salvation Army will be matched by the Minnesota FoodShare March campaign. The goal is to get $9,000 and 8,000 items of food…

Few COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Have Been Wasted in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Fewer than 2,400 doses of the precious and highly sought-after coronavirus vaccine were wasted or spoiled in Wisconsin through February, with the single largest case happening when an employee did it on purpose. That is according to data that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services provided to The Associated Press. The data shows that through February,…

Defense in Ex-Cop’s Trial Fears Impact of $27M Settlement

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The defense attorney for a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death says he’s “gravely concerned” that last week’s announcement of a $27 million settlement for Floyd’s family makes it impossible for his client to get a fair trial. Attorney Eric Nelson asked for a continuance Monday and also raised the possibility of renewing his previously unsuccessful…

Midday Update 3-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Mar. 15, 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

2 Charged in Assault of Capitol Officer Who Died After Riot

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials have arrested and charged two men with assaulting U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick with bear spray during the Jan. 6 riot, but they do not know yet whether it caused the officer’s death. Thirty-nine-year-old George Tanios, of Morgantown, W.Va., and 32-year-old Julian Khater, of Pennsylvania, were arrested Sunday. They were expected to appear in…

Essentia OB-GYN Breaks Down Questions, Answers Surrounding COVID-19 & Vaccines

Dr. Michael Kassing with Essentia Health Discusses the Common Questions & Concerns He Receives from Expecting Mothers Amid the Pandmic

DULUTH, Minn. – Expecting a newborn is stressful for parents at any time, then toss in a global pandemic, and anxiety can soar through the roof. Dr. Michael Kassing is an OB-GYN with Essentia Health in Duluth. He says many of his patients are coming in with questions regarding whether or not they should receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant….

Activist, Actress Jane Fonda Joins Line 3 Protest in Park Rapids

(courtesy: Facebook/Jane Fonda) PARK RAPIDS, Minn. – Academy and Emmy award-winning activist actress Jane Fonda is in Park Rapids today to protest Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline replacement project. Fonda is joining Indigenous women leaders, Winona LaDuke (Honor the Earth), Tara Houska (Giniw Collective), and others to “investigate rising civil rights and constructional rights violations connected to Enbridge’s Line…

Vatican Bars Gay Union Blessing, Says God ‘Can’t Bless Sin’

ROME (AP) — The Vatican has decreed that the Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions, saying that God “cannot bless sin.” The Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, issued a formal response Monday to a question about whether Catholic clergy can bless gay unions. The answer, contained in a two-page explanation published in seven languages…

Morning Update 3-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Mar. 15, 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

Local Gyms and Fitness Centers Ready for Expanded Capacity

DULUTH, Minn.– Governor Walz’s easing of restrictions on places gyms and fitness centers will take effect on Monday. It will take them from 25 percent capacity up to 50 percent. Those at the Duluth Indoor Sports Center on Rice Lake Road are excited to welcome more people back inside. Recent restrictions have been tough for their fitness center. Now with…

33rd Annual Wedding Show Fills Ballroom at DECC

Event planners say any way to bring a big event back to Duluth felt like a big step to returning to normal again.

DULUTH, Minn.- The DECC hosted one of its busiest events since the pandemic began, with the 33rd Annual Duluth Wedding Show. Organizers say the event has changed a lot due to the pandemic. For example, this year there was no wedding gown fashion show. Instead local brides and grooms past and present partnered with bridal shops, walking around modeling different…

Dubh Linn Brew Pub Ready for St. Patrick’s Day with Restrictions Loosening in Minnesota Monday

Social distancing will be in effect, and the bar will be at no more than 75% capacity to comply with the Governor's new orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s loosened restrictions take effect on Monday — just in time For St. Patrick’s Day in Duluth. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is hosting an in-person family friendly event starting at 11:00 Wednesday morning with live music, corned beef and cabbage made from scratch, and more. Owner Mike Maxim says after a year stuck inside…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Talks Grants For Restaurants, More Aspects of American Rescue Plan in Duluth Visit

Minnesota Senator Klobuchar stopped by The Boat Club Restaurant in Duluth's Fitger's Complex to talk about the multi-billion dollar Restaurant Act.

DULUTH, Minn.- As stimulus checks start landing in the accounts of Americans this weekend, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar stopped by Duluth today to talk with the mayor and restaurant owners about the federal aid they’ll now receive from the American Rescue Plan. It’s a part of President Biden’s new COVID relief bill called the Restaurants Act. “This is focused on…

Fauci: Trump should urge his followers to get vaccinated

Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday he wishes former President Donald Trump would use his popularity among Republicans to persuade more of his followers to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In a round of interviews on the morning news shows, the government’s top infectious disease expert lamented polling showing that Trump supporters are more likely to refuse to get vaccinated, saying politics…

DFD Sends Reminder for Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors Ahead of Daylight Saving Time Change

DULUTH, Minn.– As we start turning our clocks back tonight for daylight savings time, the Duluth Fire Department is reminding people to check on some other important household safety devices. Fire officials say it’s important for everyone to check or replace batteries inside smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries need to be changed every 6 months to make sure…

8th Annual St. Fennessy 4K Runs Again After Last Year’s Race Fell to Pandemic

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– It’s race day in Hermantown as Grandma’s holds their first race for 2021. “Just to be back and to see some friendly faces is great,” said Marketing and Public Relations Director for Grandma’s Marathon Zach Schneider. It was a sea of green on Saturday as around 500 people participated in the St. Fennessy 4K in Hermantown once again…

CVS Health, Goodrich Join Pharmacies Administering Vaccine

Three CVS in-store pharmacies at Target stores in Duluth, Rochester and Eden Prairie will receive 3,510 vaccine doses this week.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – CVS Health and Goodrich Pharmacy have been added to the expanding network of pharmacies vaccinating Minnesotans across the state. Three CVS in-store pharmacies at Target stores in Duluth, Rochester and Eden Prairie will receive 3,510 vaccine doses this week. The announcement Saturday by Gov. Tim Walz means Minnesota now has five pharmacies with dozens of…

Restrictions Loosened at Salons

With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business.

DULUTH, Minn. – With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business. At Rue 48 in Canal Park, owners say they’ve been taking extra precautions to help keep people safe and comfortable no matter how many people can be in the business…

Local Girl Scout Raising Money for Camping Trips

DULUTH, Minn.– One Duluth Girl Scout is setting a big goal to try and do some good for her troop. Rosalie is from Girl Scout Troop 4240. She’s trying to sell 5,000 boxes of cookies to help send her troop to horse camp and swim camp. She’s been selling cookies at the end of her driveway along north shore drive…

Local Economists React to $1.9 Trillion Federal Relief Package

DULUTH, Minn.– With President Biden’s signing of the American Rescue Plan yesterday, many Americans are expecting stimulus payments in the coming weeks. But economists here say there’s more to the bill to serve local economies. Monica Hayes, an economic expert at UMD, says the nearly $2 trillion federal relief package doesn’t just give checks to Americans. It includes funding for…

Nordic Crowns Exhibit Showcases Different Cultures for International Women’s Month

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s International Women’s Month and over in downtown Duluth, one organization held an exhibit aimed at making everyone feel like a queen. The Nordic Center on Lake Avenue held an exhibit on Nordic crowns. Artists from around the Northland made crowns of all shapes and sizes inspired by a variety of cultures. Artists say they wanted the exhibit…

Iron Range Businesses React to Capacity Increase

"I think that's an excellent win for restaurants and bars. I'm extremely happy to be at that capacity now," Sawmill Saloon Owner, Alyssa Horan says. 

VIRGINIA, Minn. –  Several local businesses on the Iron Range gathered at the Sawmill Saloon and Restaurant in Virginia to voice their concerns about how the pandemic has impacted their revenue. “Turning of the dials came as a surprise which is hard to plan for. Businesses have a plan. They have their own plan and Minnesota should have a plan…

Local Career Expert Weighs in on Extension of Unemployment Benefits

Duluth's CareerForce is Ready and Willing to Help Unemployed Residents Move Forward

DULUTH, Minn. – This week President Biden signed the new American Rescue Plan into law. The 1.9 trillion dollar stimulus plan includes money for unemployment benefits through Sept. 6, 2021. Locally, St. Louis County reports 3,500 residents continue to file for weekly unemployment benefits, which are down significantly from the peak of 15,000 workers when the pandemic first began. Those…

Substitute Teachers Provide Sense of Support

At Duluth Public Schools, the district hired a pool of floating subs to support the schools, having ten people work the different buildings. They are currently stationed at the elementary schools but are flexible to support wherever the subs are needed.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many schools are back in form of in-person learning. Some districts are providing unique ways to use substitute teachers. At Duluth Public Schools, the district hired a pool of floating subs to support the schools, having ten people work the different buildings. They are currently stationed at the elementary schools but are flexible to support wherever the…

DECC Anticipating Hopeful Future

With restrictions loosening, management at places like the DECC is hopeful for the future, bringing in big events that can draw in more revenue to the site.

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning April 1st, seated outdoor venues can allow up to 10,000 people at their venues while seated indoor venues can allow up to 3,000 people. With these restrictions loosening, management at places like the DECC is hopeful for the future, bringing in big events that can draw in more revenue to the site. “It’s exciting,” aid Roger…

Businesses Respond to Loosened Restrictions

As restrictions continue to be loosened, Duluth bars and restaurants are breathing a sigh of relief.

DULUTH, Minn. – As restrictions continue to be loosened, Duluth bars and restaurants are breathing a sigh of relief. Both Duluth Grill and Bent Paddle are businesses impacted by the recent announcement and they are excited and hopeful for what the future brings. Management at Duluth Grill says that the past year has been a rollercoaster of a ride due…

Evers: Everyone in Wisconsin Will Be Vaccine Eligible May 1

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers says everyone in Wisconsin will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine on May 1. State health officials said Thursday that everyone in the state would be eligible sometime in May. Hours later, President Joe Biden said he wanted states to make everyone eligible by May…

George Floyd Settlement: $27 Million Approved by Minneapolis City Council

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a $27 million settlement Friday in the civil lawsuit brought by the family of George Floyd. The vote was 13-0. The settlement includes $500,000 to be spent on community efforts near the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, which has become known as George Floyd Square. Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family…

Midday Update 3-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Mar. 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

UMD Plans Return to Full On-Campus Operations This Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth students will return to full on-campus learning this fall according to a Friday University of Minnesota press release. “Given projections on the number of Minnesotans who will be vaccinated, and relying on continued guidance from our public health colleagues, we are increasingly reassured that we can bring students, faculty, and staff back to…

Local Financial Professional Explains Latest COVID-19 Relief Bill

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Explains What the American Rescue Plan Means for Individuals Moving Forward

DULUTH, Minn. – Congress has passed a third relief bill, known as the American Rescue Plan. So, what’s included in this third stimulus package? Local financial professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial breaks down the details of the bill for consumers, small businesses, and the unemployed. What’s included in the American Rescue Plan? $1,400 Stimulus Payments • Lawmakers have…

Morning Update 3-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Mar. 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Walz Announces Big Rollback on COVID-19 Restrictions

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – Friday morning Gov. Tim Walz announced further easing of COVID-19 restrictions as Minnesota continues to make progress with vaccinations and slowing the spread of COVID-19. As of March 15 Minnesotans can begin safely gathering with more friends and loved ones, supporting Minnesota’s small businesses, and visiting large venues. “Minnesotans should continue to take simple steps…

Pandemic Hits One Year Anniversary, Health Officials Update on Current Trends

On this pandemic anniversary, we caught up with a St. Louis County health leader to learn more about where the county sits right now.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – On this pandemic anniversary, we caught up with a St. Louis County health leader to learn more about where the county sits right now. Currently, cases are trending downward. In November, there were about 330 cases reported per day in St. Louis County while right now, there are about 15 to 22 cases reported per day….

Welding Program Encourages Female Applicants

DULUTH, Minn.– Some Duluth-based organizations have teamed up to work on bridging the gender gap in certain male-dominated career paths. Through the Fired Up About Welding program, Altec and Lake Superior College are teaming up to offer free welding courses for women in the area. The program’s founder says she hopes this incentive can show women they are welcome in…