News

Colorado Shooting Leaves 10 Dead in Latest Mass Tragedy

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Police say 10 people have been killed in a shooting at a Colorado supermarket, including a police officer. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said Monday night that a lone suspect is in custody and is getting medical treatment. Police refuse to speculate on a motive and say the investigation has just begun. Herold identified the slain…

9-Year-Old Minnesota Boy Survives Shark Attack in Miami

(FOX 9) – A Minnesota boy vacationing in Florida with his family survived a shark attack Sunday in Miami Beach. Nine-year-old Jay Weiskopf was rushed to the hospital where he received treatment for injuries to his right shoulder, including surgery. He received more than 100 stitches on his side and shoulder. The family was waiting for their hotel room to be available…

Essentia Health Donates To CHUM Food Shelf’s Produce Partnership With Local Farmers

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health donated $7,500 to the CHUM Food Shelf in Duluth on Monday. CHUM partners with the Community-Supported Agriculture Guild by buying fresh produce from local farmers, which is then distributed to people in need through the food shelf. Essentia’s donation will go toward that program, with the locally-grown fruits and vegetables adding more nutritional value to…

Superior Public Library Card Holders Can Now Check Out Free Area Museum Passes

Once checked out, the passes are good for six weeks.  

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In Superior it now pays to have a library card, which will get you free passes to area museums. The library is restarting an initiative from 2019. Library card holders in good standing can get up to four passes to Superior’s different museums: Fairlawn Mansion, the SS Meteor Maritime Museum at Barker’s Island, The Bong Veterans Historical Center,…

Former Cloquet Hardware Store Turning into New Thrift Shop

NorthStar Community Services Will Soon Open a Thrift Store in the Former Space of Wood City Lights and Hardware

CLOQUET, Minn. – A longtime hardware store in Cloquet will soon be shutting its doors for good. But new hope is on the horizon for the space. “It’s just wonderful to be part of the community,” said Linda Erickson, former owner of Erickson Hardware in Cloquet. Erickson has a love for helping residents in her community fix just about anything…

Planning Moves Forward For 2022 Seawall Reconstruction, Walkway Redesign Behind DECC 

Duluth Council gave the go-ahead to begin looking at designs for reconstructing the aging seawall and the surrounding greenspace from the Slip to Bayfront.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council passed two resolutions for pre-design and pre-engineering work for Phase II  of seawall construction and rehabilitating the pedestrian walkway along Harbor Drive between Canal Park and Bayfront. Councilors say they expect construction to begin on the seawall in 2022. They plan to use some of the $13 million in state bonding bill money the city…

Health Department Assists Rural Minnesota Town with Covid-19 Testing Site

East Range Communities and the city of Aurora are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

AURORA, Minn. – A temporary COVID testing site is now open at the Aurora Community and Senior Center. Due to the recent spike in cases in the area, the Minnesota Department of Health got the go-ahead to open up a facility in the East Range Area. “What we noticed over the last few weeks specifically in town here and kind…

4th Of July Fireworks To Return To Duluth’s Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has approved up to $50,000 to bring back the annual 4th of July fireworks display down at Bayfront Park. The city and DECC will work together to adapt the event within Bayfront Park as new state and federal guidelines are released involving COVID. “We would encourage people to come up, we would encourage…

People Make Spring Travel Plans

Some travel agencies are seeing more people booking getaways.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some travel agencies are seeing more people booking getaways. Because many flights were canceled last year, people received an airline voucher to purchase a ticket for this year. Travel agencies like Divine Destinations in Duluth say that right now, they’re seeing half of their clients book domestic flights, and the other half looking to go international. “They’re…

Police: 10 People Killed In Colorado Supermarket Shooting

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A shooting at a Colorado supermarket killed 10 people Monday, including a police officer who was the first to respond to the scene, authorities said. Police arrested a suspect, but didn’t reveal his name or any details about the shooting at an evening news conference where Boulder police Chief Maris Herold fought back tears. Investigators had…

Greenhouse Workers Excited for Spring

Spring is here and greenhouses throughout the Northland and are preparing for customers.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Spring is here and greenhouses throughout the Northland and are preparing for customers. At Lilac Hill Greenhouse in Hermantown, spring is its busiest season. Spring trends include hanging baskets and container gardens, especially with annuals and perennials filled with colors. Colors that are most popular during the spring are bright colors that are attractive, including reds, yellows…

Duluth Native Comes Up With Vials for Vaccine Containment and Distribution

One Duluth native is helping come up with vials for vaccine containment and distribution.

NEW YORK – One Duluth native is helping come up with vials for vaccine containment and distribution. Joe Mattson graduated from Duluth Central High School in 2009 and UMD in 2013 and is currently based in New York, working for Corning, a technology company. He helped put together Corning Valor Glass, which is one of several vials that are used…

Plans to Distribute CARES Act Funding to Nine Organizations, City Council Still Needs to Approve Final Plans

A second round of federal CARES Act funding is on the way to Duluth. City leaders are now finalizing how to use that money to address various needs related to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – A second round of federal CARES Act funding is on the way to Duluth. City leaders are now finalizing how to use that money to address various needs related to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. About $1.2 million of this funding will be emergency solutions grant funds. Another half a million will be community development block grants….

Chippewa Tribes Blast Wolf Hunt, Say It Was About Killing

(AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Chippewa tribal officials in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan are blasting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for allowing state-licensed wolf hunters to blow past their quota in just four days last month. Hunters killed 216 wolves, nearly double their quota of 119 animals. The Chippewa view the wolf as sacred and oppose…

Prison Death Investigated as a Homicide, Inmate in Custody

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The death of an inmate at the Rush City prison is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Officers were doing regular rounds at the Minnesota Correctional Facility and found James Francis Howard with face and head injuries in his cell about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, correction officials said Monday. Staff…

Evers OKs Dentists To Vaccinate as Millions Become Eligible

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill that allows dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccinations on Monday, the same day that more than 2 million more people became eligible for shots. The Republican-authored bill allows dentists who complete eight hours of training on vaccine protocols and record-keeping to administer shots. Dentists in neighboring Minnesota and Illinois are already…

14th Juror Seated for Ex-Officer’s Trial in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 14th juror has been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. At least one more juror is needed before opening statements next week. Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter. The juror chosen Monday is a social worker who says she has talked with friends about police…

Midday Update 3-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 22, 2021

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

One Person Injured in Eveleth Garage Explosion, Fire

EVELETH, Minn. – One person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for burns following an explosion and fire that engulfed a garage in Eveleth Monday morning. According to the Northland FireWire, the explosion happened just after 7:30 a.m. on the 600 block of 17th Avenue West. Fire crews from Eveleth, Fayal Township, Mountain Iron, and Virginia were dispatched…

After Virtual Hiatus, Nearly Naked Ruck March Bounces Back in 2021

The Nearly Naked Ruck March is Happening Saturday, Mar. 27, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland residents are invited and encouraged to march for a great cause on Saturday, Mar. 27 starting at 10 a.m. along Skyline Parkway near Enger Tower. After a virtual hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 23rd Veteran is proud to be bringing back the in-person version of the Nearly Naked Ruck March. The march is a way…

Minnesota Tops 505,000 Virus Cases Since Start of Pandemic

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Sunday confirmed 956 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to more than 505,000 since the start of the pandemic. The update showed five deaths in the last day due to complications from the coronavirus, for a total of 6,782 fatalities statewide. The ranking for the number of cases in comparison…

Morning Update 3-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 22, 2021

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

Jury Selection in 3rd Week for Ex-Cop’s Trial in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jury selection enters its third week Monday for a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. Thirteen jurors have been seated for Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder and manslaughter charges, with the judge saying two more will be seated ahead of opening statements expected March 29. Only 12 will deliberate; the others will be alternates….

Court Could Reimpose Boston Marathon Bomber’s Death Sentence

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider reinstating the death sentence for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, presenting President Joe Biden with an early test of his opposition to capital punishment. The justices agreed Monday to hear an appeal filed by the Trump administration, which carried out executions of 13 federal inmates in its final six months in office….

Two Harbors Dealing With February Natural Gas Price Surge, But Not The Only City With Problem

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Back in mid-February, many natural gas customers across America were slammed with surging prices as southern states like Texas and Oklahoma were hit with a historic winter storm. That temporary surge in natural gas demand just became clear to residents in Two Harbors opening their utility bills this month. It’s also happening to other natural gas…

Skiers, Snowboarders Fill Spirit Mountain on Last Day of Season; Officials Excited for Summer Activities

After a much warmer winter coupled with financial hardships worsened by the pandemic, officials say Spirit has fared the roller coaster of a season well.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite Sunday’s spring-like temperatures, many headed to the Northland’s slice of winter for Spirit Mountain’s last day of the season for skiers and snowboarders — one officials there called a roller-coaster. “We’ve got sunshine, we’ve got warm temps, we have smiling faces, families that are having a blast,” said Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold. The last day…

Outdoor Stores Prepping for Spring Season

DULUTH, Minn.– This warm weather is motivating some local outdoor stores to start planning for the spring and summer. Great Lakes Gear Exchange on 4th Street in downtown Duluth has been putting its winter gear on sale to try and make room for summer products. They say bikes, paddleboards, backpacks and camping gear are all going to be popular again…

Minnesota Officials Link Variant To Recent Rise In Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials suspect that a coronavirus variant is driving a recent increase in the state’s case rate. Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann said during a media briefing Friday that more than 300 cases of the B117 variant first detected in the United Kingdom have been found in Minnesota. Cases have been detected in various parts of…

46th Annual St. Urho’s Day Takes New Look During Pandemic

FINLAND, Minn.– One of the first signs of spring up the north shore is the St. Urho’s Day celebration here in Finland, Minnesota. And you better believe Northlanders were ready to enjoy the day. “It feels like we really survived a year,” said St. Urho’s Day Event Coordinator Honor Schauland. While the festivities looked different, the good vibes survived for…

UMD Continues STEM Discovery Day with Take-Home Experiment Kits

Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow catapults for engineering and physics.

DULUTH, Minn- UMD’s STEM Discovery Day, their annual student-led day of middle and high schoolers exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math continued this year — a little differently. Swenson College of Engineering students offered free STEM Discovery Day home experiment kits. Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow…

Regulators Suspend PolyMet’s Wetlands Permit for Mine

The suspension means five major permits for the $1 billion PolyMet project are now stayed or under review.

  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal regulator has suspended the PolyMet Mining Corp.’s permit to dredge more than 900 acres of wetland for Minnesota’s first copper mine. The ruling is a victory for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa which attempted to protect Indigenous water quality standards as a “downstream state” under the Clean Water Act. The…

Officials Want Public to Stay Safe During Spring Fire Season

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeastern Minnesota including in St. Louis and Carlton counties as gusty winds and low humidity means fires can spread quickly.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeastern Minnesota including in St. Louis and Carlton counties as gusty winds and low humidity means fires can spread quickly. Minnesota traditionally has two active fire seasons – once in the fall and once in the spring. The spring fire season starts as soon…

LSC Holds Open House for Aviation Programs

DULUTH, Minn.– Students looking to start a career in aviation got to learn more about the skies today at Lake Superior College. More than 100 potential students attended LSC’s annual aviation open house at their facility on Airport Road, showcasing their Pilot and Aviation Maintenance Programs. The students got a close-up look at equipment something they couldn’t do last year…

Local Unions Picket for Amazon Union Vote

DULUTH, Minn.– A Duluth local labor union met to express their views on an Amazon distribution center in Alabama deciding whether or not to unionize. Voting for or against the union at an amazon facility in Bessemer, Alabama is underway. Demonstrators showed up at the corner of London Road and 21st Avenue Friday to raise awareness for the vote. “These…

Local Impact of Asian Discrimination During Pandemic

We talked to local residents of Duluth about their thoughts on the shooting in Atlanta. 

DULUTH, Minn. – We talked to local residents of Duluth about their thoughts on the shooting in Atlanta. Pakou has lived in Duluth for the past 15 years with her family and is part of the group, Asian Women of the Twin Ports. She says that she and her family have experienced micro-aggressions in the past. For instance, people asking…

Catalytic Converters Stolen Throughout Duluth, Similar to Last Year’s Trends

Catalytic converters continue to be stolen throughout Duluth, which is on par with last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Catalytic converters continue to be stolen throughout Duluth, which is on par with last year. Steven is a Duluth resident, and he went to his car on Sunday night to change parking from one side of the street to the other. However, he discovered that someone had taken his catalytic converter. He says that he needs $2,300…

AICHO Hosts Vaccination Clinic

DULUTH, Minn.-Earlier Friday, the American Indian Community Housing Organization held a vaccination event for minority communities. The event was open to people of color, the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities or a person experiencing homelessness. Organizers say events like this are needed to make sure everyone gets vaccinated. “None of us live in a vacuum, as much as we want…

National Social Workers Month Celebrated in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-Local social workers are being celebrated in the region for all they do during National Social Workers Month. Those in the field say the pandemic has made things challenging, just like many other professions. A social worker at St. Luke’s says those problems range from things like communicating with patients to getting patients into the proper rehabilitation facility. “Just…

Minnesota Man Charged in Connection With Capitol Siege

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal prosecutors have charged a Minnesota man in connection with the U.S. Capitol siege. The U.S. attorney’s office tweeted Friday that 31-year-old Jordan K. Stotts with trespassing in connection with the Jan. 6 incident. FBI agents took him into custody Friday. He was set to make his initial court appearance in Bemidji later Friday afternoon. The tweet…

CDC Changes School Guidance, Allowing Desks To Be Closer

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are relaxing social distancing recommendations for schools, now saying students can sit as close as 3 feet to each other in classrooms. The new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, announced Friday, signal the agency’s turn away from the 6-foot distancing recommendation that had forced some schools to remove desks, stagger scheduling…

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Parts of Northeastern Minnesota

(FOX 9) – The National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeast Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This watch impacts Aitkin, Carlton, St. Louis, and Pine counties. Gusty winds and low humidity are expected Saturday afternoon, creating “critical fire weather conditions,” according to the DNR. Fires would likely spread quickly. The DNR is discouraging…

Midday Update 3-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 19, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 19, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, weather

One Arrested in Connection With Shooting Incident in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – One man was arrested Thursday evening in connection to a shots fired incident in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. According to police, officers responded to the 2000 block of West 2nd Street around 8:20 p.m. Thursday on reports of shots fired. Officers were told two vehicles had already left the scene quickly. When officers arrived at the location…

Regulators Let Ban on Utility Disconnections Expire

MADISON, Wis. – Tens of thousands of households in Wisconsin could lose utility service after state regulators voted against extending a moratorium on disconnections. It would be the first time in nearly 18 months that utilities could disconnect service to customers who are behind on their bills. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted unanimously Thursday to let the moratorium expire…