News

The Latest: Biden Sworn in as Nation’s 46th President

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden has officially become the 46th president of the United States. Biden took the oath of office just before noon Wednesday during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. The presidential oath was administered by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Biden was sworn in using a Bible that has been in his family since 1893 and…

The Latest: Harris Sworn in as 1st Female Vice President

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris has been sworn in as the nation’s first female vice president. The former U.S. senator from California is also the first Black person and the first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency and becomes the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in government. She was sworn in Wednesday by Justice Sonia Sotomayor,…

Best Pet Products to Invest In For Winter Weather

A Place for Fido is Fully Stocked with Products to Keep Pets Safe During Winter Months

DULUTH, Minn. – With the bitter cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing recently, it’s important to remember our pets need extra care during the winter months ahead. Jamie Parent, owner of A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth shares a few products to help keep your pet protected from the elements. The shop recently received a large shipment…

Trump Pardons Ex-Strategist Steve Bannon, Dozens of Others

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned former chief strategist Steve Bannon as part of a late flurry of clemency action benefiting nearly 150 people, including rap stars and former members of Congress. The pardons and commutations for 143 people, including Bannon, were announced after midnight Wednesday in the final hours of Trump’s White House term. The last-minute clemency,…

The Latest: Biden, Harris Arrive at Capitol for Inauguration

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has arrived at the U.S. Capitol ahead of his inauguration as the United States’ 46th president. Biden and his wife, Jill, arrived at the complex on Wednesday morning, about 90 minutes before his noon swearing-in ceremony. They were accompanied by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, and were greeted by U.S. Sen….

Morning Update 1-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Wisconsin Begins Distributing, Receiving At-Home COVID-19 Tests

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state has started distributing and receiving at-home test kits for COVID-19. Wisconsin Department of Health Services spokeswoman Traci DeSalvo says more than 12,000 kits have been ordered and more than 1,600 have been returned as of last week. “People are ordering a kit and having it on hand for when they’re ready,” she said. “It’s…

The Latest: Acting Attorney General Resigns as Biden Enters

WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen will resign when President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office. The Justice Department says Rosen’s resignation goes into effect at noon Wednesday. Rosen has run the department since former Attorney General William Barr resigned on Dec. 23. He was previously the deputy attorney general and deputy transportation secretary. Rosen has kept a…

Trump Leaves White House, Says ‘It’s Been a Great Honor’

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has left the White House for the final time as president. After Trump emerged from the building he spoke briefly to aides and supporters and said, “It’s been a great honor.” After his departure, Trump went to Joint Base Andrews in suburban Maryland, where he had a military sendoff, with four U.S. Army cannons gave…

Duluth Police Begin Vaccinations, Mourn Colleague Who Died Of COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Duluth Police Department have begun getting their COVID-19 vaccinations as they mourn one of the colleagues who recently died of the virus. Some of the department’s employees started getting their shots this past weekend. Shelly Meixsel A spokesperson said while the department is not requiring employees to get vaccinated or report when they do,…

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Hosting Virtual Fundraiser

The Food Bank Hopes to Raise $50,000 During the Virtual Event

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Second Harvest North Central Food Bank in Grand Rapids is looking for your generous support Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Due to the COVID pandemic, the organization will host its first-ever virtual Chef’s Gala. The event typically takes place at the Timberlake Lodge and serves as the Food Bank’s largest fundraiser of the year….

Sen. Amy Klobuchar To Speak At Presidential Inauguration She Helped Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Amy Klobuchar will play a big role in Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. The senator from Minnesota is on the Senate Rules Committee as the lead Democrat, and a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. She will be joining President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris at a small church service in the morning,…

Lack of Snow Leaving Many Northland Snowmobile Trails in Poor Condition

According to the Minnesota DNR, many of the trails around Duluth are labeled "poor."

DULUTH, Minn.- It would seem Mother Nature is not keeping up with the pandemic-fueled demand to get outside and try new winter activities, as a winter lacking in snow has made an ugly scene and poor conditions on Northland ski and snowmobile trails. “We’ve been a little short on snow,” said Rob Waksdahl, Groomer Operator with the Duluth Drift Toppers….

Organizations Helping Veterans Are Facing Their Own Hardships

Staff say they have challenges with outreach as many of the in-person events that help connect veterans to services have been canceled.

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizations that help veterans are facing their own hardships because of the pandemic. The Duluth Veterans Center helps combat soldiers adjust back into civilian life and provides other resources as well. The pandemic has forced the organization to change the way they help those who served, including switching counseling sessions to virtual platforms. “For some of our…

Infinity Skating Rink Opens at Superior Shores Resort

The infinity skating rink is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week and you can register for a time slot on the Superior Shores Resort website.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The infinity skating rink is officially open at the Superior Shores Resort in Two Harbors, capping off a project almost two months in the making. “We were approached by the owner of the resort and he had this idea that he wanted to do a 170 foot by 75 foot infinity shaped skating rink. So we…

City Wants Public Feedback for The Enger Redevelopment Project

The full 10 acres planned for reconstruction runs through a portion of the Enger Park Golf Course.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has selected a developer to help repurpose 10 acres of land in the area of Enger Park Golf Course. Before moving forward both the city and the developer are asking for public input on the best ways to use the site. City officials say this particular site is a prime location with endless…

Boxes Filled with Snow In Preparation for Sculptors in Lincoln Park Craft District

Massive 6-foot tall boxes full of packed snow have popped up in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The boxes will be peeled open later this week so local and regional artists can transform the snow cubes into creative snow sculptures.

DULUTH, Minn. – Massive 6-foot tall boxes full of packed snow have popped up in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The boxes will be peeled open later this week so local and regional artists can transform the snow cubes into creative snow sculptures. Organizers tell us it’s all about getting people out of the house to enjoy winter while also…

Superior School District Provides Meals for Students

With many students attending school in a hybrid format, Northland school districts are trying new strategies to make sure their students get enough to eat.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With many students attending school in a hybrid format, Northland school districts are trying new strategies to make sure their students get enough to eat. Whether it’s chicken alfredo or cheeseburgers, the Superior School District is providing free meals to students not only for the food but also to give a sense of normalcy during these uncertain…

Duluth Realtor Puts Together Guide for Local Homebuyers

A Duluth realtor is putting together a guide for local homebuyers.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth realtor is putting together a guide for local homebuyers. Ayla Dougherty helps out people who are moving to the Duluth area. She says that over the years, some of her clients have come from the Twin Cities area and further away such as the Dakotas and even Canada. This new guide will highlight the best…

Some Minnesota Elementary Students Head Back in School

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Many Minnesota schools are welcoming back some of their youngest students for in-person instruction, with more elementary schools expected to follow in the coming weeks. Some school districts opened for kindergarten, first- and second-grade students on Tuesday and plan to bring back older elementary students next month. Others will begin their reopening process later this month or…

The Latest: 12 Army National Guard Removed From Inauguration

WASHINGTON (AP) – Pentagon officials say 12 Army National Guard members have been removed from securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration after vetting by the FBI, including two who posted and texted extremist views about Wednesday’s event. There was no specific threat to Biden. Two U.S. officials told The Associated Press that all 12 were found to have ties to right-wing…

Fire Crews Respond to Structure Fire in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday afternoon fire crews responded to a structure fire at the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building in Lincoln Park. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the building around 1:00 p.m. Traffic was closed around the building, located at 2102 West Superior Street, while firefighters worked to contain the fire. We will continue to update this…

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Online Appointment Portal Opens Tuesday Afternoon

(FOX 9) – Starting Tuesday at noon, some eligible Minnesotans will be able to sign up online for an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the nine pilot vaccination sites that are opening across the state. Minnesota is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination program to include people 65 years old and above, teachers, and child care workers, but health officials say initial…

Midday Update 1-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide an update on news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 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, News

DNR Board to Consider Mining Fee Increases Next Week

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources’ policy board is expected to reconsider a plan to dramatically increase mining fees in Wisconsin. The new rules would increase fees and costs for nonferrous mining operations by about $502,000 per project. They also would require companies to supply more detailed feasibility and construction plans to the department and establish…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 922 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 448,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 6 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,945 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,188,091 tests have been completed to date. There…

UMD Political Science Professor Discusses Incoming Biden-Harris Administration

Dr. Cindy Rugeley Discusses Transitional Tradition, Unification, and Historical Significance as Biden-Harris Prepare to be Sworn In

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States is one day away from the swearing-in of our nation’s 46th President in Washington, D.C. The inauguration will no doubt look different than in years past, with COVID-19, recent civil unrest, and an outgoing President breaking transitional tradition. Dr. Cindy Rugeley, associate professor and department head of political science at UMD, weighed in on…

Everyone Over 65 Next in Line for Vaccine in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Everyone over age 65 in Wisconsin will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting on Monday. The state Department of Health Services said Tuesday that prioritizing that population will help save lives. However, the department cautioned that how quickly they will be vaccinated depends on how much vaccine the state receives from the federal government. There…

2 National Guard Members Removed From Biden Inauguration Security

WASHINGTON (AP) – Two U.S. Army National Guard members are being removed from the security mission to secure Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration. A U.S. Army official and a senior U.S. intelligence official said the two National Guard members have been found to have ties to fringe right group militias. No plot against Biden was found. The Army official and the intelligence official…

Biden Taps Rachel Levine as Assistant Health Secretary

Levine Would be the First Openly Transgender Woman to be Confirmed by Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be his assistant secretary of health, leaving her poised to become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate. Levine is a pediatrician and former Pennsylvania physician general and was appointed to her current post by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017….

Morning Update 1-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide an update on news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 19, 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

MyPillow CEO: Kohl’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Wayfair Dropping MyPillow

CHASKA, Minn. (FOX 9) – Some retailers are dropping MyPillow products from their stores, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell told FOX 9. This comes following the CEO’s repeated claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Lindell told FOX 9 Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl’s, Wayfair, and HEB have all dropped MyPillow because of public pressure on social media he claims is being…

Joe Biden to Propose 8-Year Citizenship Path for Immigrants

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on Day One of his administration. A person granted anonymity to discuss the legislation says it would provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status. It’s a massive reversal from the Trump administration’s harsh immigration policies….

First Responders Advise Caution As Sledding Injuries Increase

Duluth Firefighters say be careful before sledding as recent warming and freezing cycles have made snow extra slick. 

DULUTH, Minn.-Many people are pent up at home and want to get outside and enjoy the winter, but our fluffy snow has gotten a little slick and hard, causing some kids and adults to get hurt while sledding around Duluth. According to officials with the City of Duluth, emergency personnel have responded to more than a dozen sledding injuries recently,…

Duluth, Proctor Superintendents Disappointed in Slow Federal Vaccine Rollout

Duluth School District is only getting 32 vaccines to start, and Proctor is only getting 10.

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn.- While Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday the state will open up vaccines to the elderly, education and child care workers in the coming weeks, Northland school leaders said they feel disheartened that the vaccines they’re getting to start barely scratch the surface. “Quite honestly I was really hopeful that it would be broader,” said Duluth Schools Superintendent John…

KYN: Sew with Me

Zoom courses are held four to five times a week. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Sew with Me brand name has been around for almost 10 years. “We started in Stillwater and expanded from there to meet the needs of sewers throughout the state,” said Laura Maki, owner of Sew with Me. Although the Piedmont neighborhood location has been open for several years, owners say fabric right now is a hot…

Minnesota Governor Hosts Virtual MLK Day Celebration

It was the 35th annual MLK celebration event.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz hosted a virtual Martin Luther King Jr celebration on his Youtube channel kicking off the 35th annual event. The governor spoke about the pandemic, George Floyd’s death and other racial injustices throughout the country. He says, those highlighted events marked an already urgent need for meaningful change in our community and country….

Superior Police Looks To Add Liaison Position To Work With LGBTQ And Minority Communities

The goal is to have the liaison working with minority and LGBTQ groups by the summer.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is taking a step closer to becoming more inclusive. The department is now looking to add a position to work with people in the minority and LGBTQ communities. Nearly a decade ago, the Superior Police department had a liaison to work specifically with the LGBTQ community and now discussions are in the works…

Mobile Vaccine Units Coming Soon To Counties In Wisconsin

The mobile units will assist local health departments in the next phase of the state's rollout, which includes police officers and firefighters.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – The National Guard and Wisconsin health officials are teaming up… to test a program that offers mobile vaccination clinics across the state. National Guard members and pharmacy volunteers will be deployed, starting on Tuesday, to counties in Wisconsin that have requested to be a part of this pilot program. The mobile units will assist local health…

Superior School Board Gives School Nurses A Pay Raise

The pay will increase by about $2 an hour for LPN's and $5 an hour for RN's.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School board recently approved a pay increase for school nurses in an effort to attract more to work in Superior schools. School nurses have been in high demand for the School District of Superior. The Coronavirus pandemic has only caused the need for school nurses to grow. The district administrator says the pay increase allows…

Martin Luther King Jr. Honored at Virtual Ceremony

Whether it be the pandemic or the continued division in the country, this year’s events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day were sure to look a lot different than in year’s past.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it be the pandemic or the continued division in the country, this year’s events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day were sure to look a lot different than in year’s past. This year’s virtual ceremony gave light to social justice, like the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but also to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19….

Judge Orders Company to Take 3M’s Trademarks off N95 Masks

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has ordered a Florida company accused of selling counterfeit N95 face masks with 3M’s name on them to stop using the Minnesota company’s trademarks and representing itself as a distributor or authorized retailer for 3M. 3M sued Nationwide Source Inc. in late December, accusing the company of selling more than 10,000 of the counterfeit…

Walz Announces Vaccine Pilot Program Amid Supply Concerns

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says the state will open nine community sites this week to vaccinate adults over 65, pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educators, school staff, and child care workers. The program announced Monday expands the rollout beyond the first high-priority group that includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff, who began receiving doses last month….

Wisconsin’s Top Health Official Departing for Federal Job

(AP Photo/Scott Bauer, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s top health official, who has led the state throughout the coronavirus pandemic, is leaving for a job with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President-elect Joe Biden. Andrea Palm, secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, has been nominated as deputy secretary of the federal agency. Palm…

Midday Update 1-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 18, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 18, 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

148th Fighter Wing to Deploy to Washington D.C.

There are about 850 troops and airmen from both the Minnesota National Guard and the 148th fighter wing will be in D.C on Wednesday. 

  DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Minnesota National Guard, and personnel in the 148th Fighter Wing are being deployed to Washington D.C. in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration. There are about 850 troops and airmen from both the Minnesota National Guard and the 148th fighter wing will be in D.C on Wednesday. They will be providing communications, security…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 18

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 980 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 447,349 in the state. Health officials also reported 12 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,939 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,173,664 tests have been completed to date. There…

850 MN Guard Members Among Soldiers Securing Inauguration

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — About 850 members of the Minnesota National Guard are among 25,000 soldiers streaming into Washington from across the country for Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. The number of guard members is at least two and a half times the number for previous inaugurals. Before this year, states rotated sending National Guard soldiers to inaugurations. Fewer than 10 from Minnesota…