News

Despite Event Cancellations, Northern Lights Foundation Continues to Support Families in Need

The Northern Lights Foundation Supports Families with Children Suffering from Life-Threatening Illnesses

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year in January, the Northern Lights Foundation typically hosts one of its biggest fundraisers of the year — More Cowbell. The energetic lineup of performances usually captivates a large crowd inside Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park, but the pandemic is putting a pause on the night of fundraising and entertainment. Dr. Ken Larson founded the…

North Shore Businesses Reopen, Hopeful for Additional Snowfall

During Winter, Businesses Along the North Shore Rely Heavily on Traffic Brought in by Snow Conditions

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Businesses along the North Shore are breathing a sigh of relief after months of being shut down. However, many owners now have to deal with another obstacle – a lack of snow this winter. “We opened in August anticipating that things were going to get better, and then we got a rude surprise in November, and…

Morning 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, morning update, News

FBI Vetting Guard Troops in DC Amid Fears of Insider Attack

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. That concern is prompting the FBI to vet all 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event. The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have…

One Dead, One Injured in Fatal Itasca County Crash

GREENWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol says one man is dead and another suffered life-threatening injuries in a Sunday night vehicle crash in Greenway Township. According to reports, Matthew Jesse Kirkpatrick, 38, was driving a Ford Explorer eastbound on Highway 169 when he crossed the center line and hit a Dodge Ram head-on. The driver of the Dodge Ram…

COVID-19 Concerns Cancel 2021 Park Point Art Fair

  DULUTH, Minn.– As Northlanders wait to get vaccinated to help in the fight against COVID-19 the thought of a normal summer ahead isn’t that clear, especially when it comes to events with large crowds. The longstanding Park Point Art Fair in Duluth, which attracts 100-plus artists from the Midwest and more than 10,000 visitors, won’t be celebrating its 50th…

Facebook Group “Duluth Does Veganuary!” Challenges Locals To Try Plant-Based Diets

DULUTH, Minn. — A Facebook group called “Duluth Does Veganuary!” is challenging Northlanders to try giving up meat and dairy for the month of January. The group, now in its second year, has more than 650 members and encourages everyone to try going vegan for the full month, but also helps motivate those who are curious about the diet, and…

Pandemic Forces ‘Art in the Alley’ to Leave Downtown Duluth, Focus on Miller Hill Mall

The owner says the pandemic is pushing more people to the mall, and therefore her business.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime retailer in Duluth, Art in the Alley was forced out of their location on East Superior Street by the pandemic. The owner, now focusing her attention on sales at the Miller Hill Mall — where she says business is booming. “The thing about being a small business owner, 13 years in may we’ve been through a…

Officials: Extremist Threat To Minnesota Capitol Has Faded

Credit: KMSP/FOX9 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s public safety commissioner says authorities now believe there is no credible, immediate threat from extremists to Minnesota in the runup to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. But Commissioner John Harrington says law enforcement agencies won’t be taking any chances. The FBI this week warned of potential attacks at state capitols following the insurrection at the…

Minneapolis Council To Try Again With Plan To Replace Police

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Some Minneapolis City Council members are preparing a new plan that seeks to replace the city’s police department in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Phillipe Cunningham, Steve Fletcher and Jeremy Schroeder are working on a proposal to create a new public safety department that removes the police department as a standalone department from the city charter….

Wisconsin’s Average Daily Virus Cases Remain Mostly Constant

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin health officials are confirming 1,606 new cases of the coronavirus, out of nearly 7,000 people tested in the last day. Nearly 522,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project reports that over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases in the state…

Minnesota Lists 1,364 New Virus Cases, 40 Additional Deaths

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are confirming 1,364 new cases of COVID-19 and 40 additional deaths due to complications from the virus. The COVID Tracking Project reports that the state’s death count is the 22nd highest in the country overall and the 28th highest per capita at about 107 deaths per 100,000 people. State officials said 24 of the…

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Adjusting to Needs of the Community

Residents are Encouraged to Partner, Donate, or Sign Up to Volunteer with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland, youth across the region haven’t been forgotten about during the global pandemic. In the past year, the five clubs in the region have helped over 1,500 youth. This includes over 2,500 hours of tutoring, and over 100,000 healthy meals and snacks…

Furniture Sales High in Demand During Pandemic

The local furniture market seems to be doing well during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The local furniture market seems to be doing well during the pandemic. Over at Hom Furniture in Hermantown, demand has surged. 2020 was a very busy year and because of COVID-19, people have been purchasing more items for the home office and upholstery furniture for those stuck at home Netflixing. “You know, you want to come home…

Glensheen Mansion Reopens to Big Turnout

DULUTH, Minn.– As entertainment venues were allowed to reopen this week, one Duluth hotspot for tourism opened their doors up again today. Staff at Glensheen Mansion says while expecting 100 people to come by, they saw 300 throughout the day. Since the mansion’s front doors were shut over December, visitors got to browse through their Christmas decorations. They were left…

Local Schools Launch ‘Northland We Can’ Initiative to Encourage Health Guidlines

DULUTH, Minn.– As schools try to navigate reopening through the pandemic, some local schools are sending a reminder to the community follow health guidelines. The Duluth, Superior, and Proctor school districts along with the cities of Duluth and Superior launched the ‘We Can Northland’ campaign. It’s a series of videos from students, staff, and other community members asking the public…

Officials Prepare for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up Monday, there are local and statewide events happening, commemorating him and his legacy.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up Monday, there are local and statewide events happening, commemorating him and his legacy. One of the major ones being planned is a virtual Twin Ports MLK rally hosted by the NAACP. Duluth Human Rights Officer tells FOX 21 that these types of rallies are important, especially during chaotic times…

U Of M Medical School Survey Looks To Address Healthcare Disparities For The Deaf Community

Its believed these gaps are brought on by the communication barrier between the patient and the healthcare provider.

DULUTH, Minn. – A national survey conducted by a student at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth is being used to help further pinpoint areas of healthcare that may be lacking for deaf and hearing-impaired patients. Research over the last few decades shows deaf individuals battle disparities including lower rates of prenatal care and higher rates of mental…

High Temps Bring Many to the Slopes at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn.– Meanwhile Spirit Mountain has been making snow since before Christmas and the warmer temps are now bringing lots of skiers and snowboarders out to the slopes. Officials say all the hills and the Nordic Center are now 100 percent open. This winter has been an interesting winter weather wise we started off with those November temps fairly warm….

Gov. Evers Extends Mask Mandate as Vaccinations Continue In Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.– The state of Wisconsin is preparing to take the first steps into the next phase of the vaccination process as over 213,056 Wisconsinites have received the vaccine. The state will be opening up vaccines to groups like frontline and EMS workers, firefighters and members of law enforcement. Also next week, nine mobile vaccination teams will be sent out…

U Of M Medical School Participating In Novavax Phase 3 Trials

The study for Phase 3 is to determine if the vaccine actually prevents a COVID-19 infection.

DULUTH, Minn. – Clinical trials for Phase 3 of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are starting soon. The University of Minnesota Medical School is one of a hundred institutions participating in the study. Medical researchers say after undergoing the first two stages of clinical trials, Novavax vaccine shows promise. Infectious disease professionals across the nation and internationally, including the U of…

Gov. Walz, Law Enforcement Prepare for Potential Threats on Inauguration Day

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Tensions continue to rise across the country as the Presidential Inauguration nears. Now some states are taking extra precautions to make sure their own capitol buildings are safe. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state leaders laid out some of their plans for next week as they try to protect the capitol and the surrounding area from…

A Cloquet Woman Ensures No Kids In Community Goes Without A Birthday Cake

The goal is to give out up to 20 birthday boxes a month.

DULUTH, Minn. –  A Cloquet woman is making sure no child is left without a cake for their birthday this year. Now she is looking for donations to help keep the train running. Project Birthday Box helps provide items for families to make their own birthday treat including cake mix and icing. The boxes are being donated to local food…

Port Authority Reports Numbers, Year Marked by Resilience

There are several silver linings to 2020's story of total tonnage. With Soo Locks closing on Friday at 11:59 p.m., the numbers speak for themselves as authorities say this past year was one marked by resilience.  

DULUTH, Minn. – There are several silver linings to 2020’s story of total tonnage. With Soo Locks closing on Friday at 11:59 p.m., the numbers speak for themselves as authorities say this past year was one marked by resilience. “The season started, as I said, it started well, but when COVID came, diminishment of demands and that lead to a…

Evers Calls Lack of Second Vaccine Doses “Slap in the Face”

MADISON, Wis. (AP)-Gov. Tony Evers is blasting federal officials for promising to release the remainder of their COVID-19 vaccine stockpile when it apparently had already been exhausted. Evers said Friday that Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar promised governors earlier this week that the Trump administration would release vaccine it was holding in reserve to speed…

Walz Blasts Feds for Uncertainty Over Vaccine Expansion

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has sharply criticized the federal government for the sudden uncertainty over whether states would receive increased shipments of coronavirus vaccines from the national stockpile. The Democratic governor accused the Trump administration of “lying” earlier this week about speeding up supply. Walz said he and six other governors recently sought permission to tap their second…

Bakeries Celebrate National Bagel Day

It's National Bagel Day and some Northland bakeries are celebrating the baked treat.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Bagel Day and some Northland bakeries are celebrating the baked treat. Over at Positively Third Street Bakery, the bagel is held in high distinction and is made fresh every day. “It adds more flavor to the community instead of just having big box stores,” said Kathryn Elliott, a baker at the bakery. “You’re able to…

Motorhead Madness Not Continuing with Shows

After more than 50 years, Duluth's annual Motorhead Madness show is coming to a close.

DULUTH, Minn. – After more than 50 years, Duluth’s annual Motorhead Madness show is coming to a close. Producers say it’s a hard decision to make, but after COVID-19 along with the non-COVID related deaths of show producer’s wife Joyce along with friend David Swanson who were big parts of the show itself, they decided to call it quits. They…

Wisconsin GOP Official Who Made ‘War’ Post Resigns

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The chairman of the St. Croix County Republican Party, who had posted online that his members should “prepare for war,” stepped down on Friday. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that members of the St. Croix County Republican Party Executive Committee asked for John Kraft’s resignation. His post, made before the riot last week at the U.S. Capitol, garnered…

Officials: Extremist Threat to Minnesota Capitol Has Faded

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Authorities now believe there is no credible, immediate threat from extremists to Minnesota in the runup to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said Friday, but he said law enforcement agencies won’t be taking any chances. The FBI this week warned of potential attacks at state capitols following the insurrection at…

Wisconsin Teen Charged With Killing Infant Daughter in Woods

(Wisconsin Circuit Court Access/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) MONROE, Wis. (AP) — A 16-year-old boy has admitted fatally shooting his newborn daughter and leaving her body inside a fallen tree in the woods in southern Wisconsin, according to prosecutors. Logan Kruckenburg-Anderson, of Albany, is charged as an adult with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse. He’s being held on…

Wisconsin Launching Mobile Vaccination Program

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin is launching a mobile coronavirus vaccination program next week. Gov. Tony Evers announced the effort Friday. Evers says nine mobile labs will be dispatched across the state starting Tuesday. They will be staffed by members of the Wisconsin National Guard as well as pharmacy and nursing student volunteers through a partnership with the University of…

Minnesota Lawmakers Introduce Anti-Copper Mining Legislation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers are ramping up efforts to prevent mining companies from gaining a foothold in Minnesota with legislation that aims to slow or ban copper-nickel mining in the state’s northeastern Iron Range. Legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum and a companion state bill seeks to ban copper mining on federal lands in the Rainy River watershed….

Midday Update 1-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,640 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 443,562 in the state. Health officials also reported 33 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,850 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,090,114 tests have been completed to date. There…

Capitol Rioters Included Highly Trained Ex-Military and Cops

WASHINGTON (AP) — At least 21 current or former members of the U.S. military or law enforcement have been identified as being at or near last week’s Capitol riot, with more than a dozen others under investigation. That’s what an Associated Press review of public records and social media found. In many cases, those who stormed the Capitol appeared to…

Morning Update 1-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 21

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Winter Storm Creating Blizzard Conditions, Closing Roads

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A slow-moving winter storm with gusty winds is whipping up blizzard conditions and causing hazardous travel in southwestern Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the region until 6 p.m. Friday. Winds of 30 mph and gusting as high as 60 mph were creating whiteout conditions on area roadways. Forecasters…

Bell Bank Opens in Historic Temple Opera Building

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues to impact many businesses in the Northland, a new bank has opened in the Historic Temple Opera Building in downtown Duluth. That building on East Superior Street is now home to the first Bell Bank location in Duluth. The bank signed an agreement with developer Titanium Partners — leasing all three floors of…

Northlanders Enjoy Warmer Winter at Outdoor Hockey Rinks

With the multiple different outdoor rinks in Duluth and hours of open skate time available, there's plenty of options for people to experience the Northland tradition. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Spending time on the outdoor rinks is a winter tradition in Northern Minnesota. “Everybody loves it. Even if you didn’t grow up playing hockey, people come and they give it their all, you’ve got people of all skill levels, everybody tries and everybody’s just a really great sport about it,” Duluth resident Lee Harvener said. “You don’t…

Vaccinations Continue Through Northland as Providers Eye Next Wave of Doses

DULUTH, Minn.– As vaccinations continue across Minnesota, in St. Louis county 8,377 people have received the shot. While that’s just four percent of the county’s population, those in the health sector are preparing for the next steps. The county is still in phase one of vaccine distribution but Essentia Health has laid out its plans for the next round of…

St. Luke’s Urging People Not To Delay Care During The Pandemic

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. All of these preventative steps we can make can impact somebody's life way more than what we can do once somebody is sick," said Internal Medicine Physician Rachel Gordon.

DULUTH, Minn. – The emergency department at St. Luke’s Hospital is continuing to fill up with patients being admitted for medical conditions other than to be treated for the coronavirus. Health professionals at the hospital are urging everyone to get help as soon as possible instead of delaying care. Its believed many people fear going into hospitals as there is…

Fear Of Needles Could Impact People’s Choice To Get The COVID-19 Vaccine

The phobia typically starts during childhood.

DULUTH, Minn. – Needle phobia can be very common among many people, but this fear is bringing up concerns as those individuals may choose not to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts say identifying individuals with a fear of needles and finding ways to help them overcome the challenge can help increase the chances of them wanting to get the…

Glensheen Mansion Reopens For “Never-Ending” Christmas

Holiday displays are available for viewing through March.

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion is reopening to the public this weekend and the popular tourist attraction is bringing back Christmas. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz gave the green light last week allowing museums and other attractions to reopen. And in anticipation, Glensheen left all holiday decorations up. Starting on Saturday, guests can take a self-guided tour through the “never-ending” Christmas…

Governor Walz Visits War Memorials, Talks Moving Forward and Getting Things Done

Surrounded by city officials and war veterans, Governor Walz came to Duluth to emphasize the power of unity especially during times like these.

DULUTH, Minn. – “I’m asking you to say that to move progress forward, there’s a few things that we’re going to have to compromise on and move forward and get done,” said Gov. Walz. Surrounded by city officials and war veterans, Gov. Walz came to Duluth to emphasize the power of unity especially during times like these. On Thursday afternoon,…

Biden Unveiling $1.9T Plan to Stem Virus and Steady Economy

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is unveiling a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up the vaccine rollout and providing financial help to individuals, states and local governments, and businesses struggling with the prolonged economic fallout. More than 385,000 people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19. Biden hopes his multipronged strategy…

Essentia Plans for Public Vaccination as Minnesota Health Officials Expand Vaccine Eligibility

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health has told hospitals, health care systems, and other vaccination providers that they can now provide coronavirus shots to a broader group of the population, including Minnesotans 65 and older. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said in a statement that the move is meant to free providers to use all available doses as quickly…

Authorities Investigating Lincoln Park Stabbing

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating a stabbing in the Lincoln Park neighborhood Wednesday evening. According to reports, officers responded to the 200 block of South 27th Avenue West just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on reports of a woman who had been stabbed. When officers arrived on the scene they found a 33-year-old woman with non-life-threatening wounds. One suspect…