News

Line 3 Protesters Chain Themselves Together in Piece of Pipe

BACKUS, Minn. (AP) — Two people accused of chaining themselves together inside a piece of pipe to protest the construction of the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline replacement in northern Minnesota were arrested Thursday morning, authorities said. Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch said the incident took place about 10:30 a.m. in McKinley Township, west of the town of Backus….

Midday Update 1-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday Jan. 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News

Ex.-Michigan Gov. Snyder Charged in Flint Water Crisis

(Paul Sancya/AP Photo) LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has been charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty in the Flint water crisis. Residents’ tap water became tainted by lead. A legionella outbreak has been connected by experts to ruinous decisions that turned a river into the city’s water source in 2014-15. The indictment filed…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,598 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 441,935 in the state. Health officials also reported 43 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,817 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,043,802 tests have been completed to date. There…

Pharmacist Accused of Spoiling Vaccine Has License Suspended

(Ozaukee County Sheriff via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) — A state board has suspended the license of a Wisconsin pharmacist accused of ruining more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine because he thought it was unsafe. Steven Brandenburg was working at Advocate Aurora Health in Grafton, about 20 miles north of Milwaukee when he was arrested last month. The arrested followed…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Participants Capped at Half Capacity

There will be around 10,000 race participants for Grandma's Marathon weekend. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon announced Thursday morning that in-person capacity for the 2021 race weekend will not be increased due to public health concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials with the race have capped the event for in-person runners at half capacity. In October when registration opened, there was hope that the guidelines would improve allowing for more participants…

Shaking Your Way Into the New Year With London Road Nutrition

Cooking Connection: London Road Nutrition

DULUTH, Minn. – With healthy eating on the minds of many in the New Year, London Road Nutrition is looking to help you cut down on calories and receive an extra boost of energy. The business offers a wide variety of meal replacement shakes in over 30 different flavors. The shakes are roughly 200-250 calories, and include 24 grams of…

Morning Update 1-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday Jan. 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, morning update, News

US Unemployment Claims Jump to 965,000 as Virus Takes Toll

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people seeking unemployment aid soared last week to 965,000, the most since late August, and evidence that the resurgent virus has caused a spike in layoffs. The latest figures for jobless claims, issued Thursday by the Labor Department, remain at levels never seen until the virus struck. Before the pandemic, weekly applications typically numbered…

Sheriff Litman Ready For Any Threat To St. Louis County Amid FBI’s Inauguration Warning

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Sheriff Ross Litman says he’s confident his office is prepared to handle any potential violence against county government buildings, amid an FBI warming of “armed protests” at all 50 state capitols before, during or even after President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Litman told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Wednesday that his deputies are on a “heightened…

Red Cross Seeking Blood Donors, Anticipate Drop in Winter Donations

With their added push for blood donations in this critical time period, the Red Cross is also testing blood for Covid-19 antibodies.

DULUTH, Minn- It’s National Blood Donor Month and the Red Cross is continuing to look for extra support as they typically see a drop in donations around the winter months. With their added push for blood donations in this critical time period, the Red Cross is also testing blood for Covid-19 antibodies. They started doing this back in June and…

Goodwill In Need of Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – Goodwill in Duluth is running out of some items to sell like pots, pans and smaller appliances. Management says all their locations are continuing to follow COVID protocol, and donations are quarantined for 72 hours before being sold. “Goodwill is doing well overall,” said Scott Vezina, the communications and training manager at Goodwill. “This is our slower…

Gov. Walz Visiting Duluth On Thursday To Call For Civility After U.S. Capitol Riot

DULUTH, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz will be in Duluth on Thursday “to call for reflection, civility, and peace” after the riot at the U.S. Capitol last week, according to a press release from his office. The FBI has warned the country to plan for “armed protests” at all 50 state capitols and Washington, D.C. ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s…

New Semester Begins at UMD Amid Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– Classes are starting up again at the University of Minnesota-Duluth as students and faculty tries to navigate another semester with COVID-19 still around. The spring semester is still mostly virtual for students with only a small number of in-person classes. Students say still feels a little weird to not see as many people in the halls, but added…

COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin from Douglas County Health Dept.

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Vaccination efforts continue across the country, including in Wisconsin, where more than 123,000 people have been vaccinated so far. Hospitals and local health officials have been trying to distribute the limited amount of doses as best as they can, including in Douglas County. Earlier this month, vaccines were given out to employees at Essentia Health’s hospital in Superior….

Opening Week At Great Lakes Aquarium Brings Strong Turnout

The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium reopened to the public this week after being shutdown due to state guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. During the shutdown, aquarium staff have been polishing up exhibits and making sure safety protocols were up to date in order to prepare for the reopening. Just in the last few days of…

Animal Allies Needs Help Paying For Heart Surgeries For Two Young Pups

The surgeries are estimated to cost $8,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies in Duluth is asking for some community support. A pair of recently rescued pups both need a pricey operation to help save their lives. Animal Allies is looking for donations to pay for the surgeries. Gus and Precious are two dogs waiting to have a life-saving procedure. Animal Allies is hoping community members can help…

A New Pop-Up Restaurant Set To Open At Zeitgeist

Hotbox Duluth is expected to open for takeout on January 27th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hotbox Duluth has called Zeitgeist a home since January 27th. “Right now we’ll just to to-goes and try to give people a good time,” HotBox Duluth Owner, Rob Abrahamson says. The restaurant has a nostalgic, throwback feel. “We’re going to elevate the food a little bit. Like the term that we came up with at home is…

Ursa Minor and One Less Guest Team Up to Support Sacred Heart

Ursa Minor Brewery is teaming up with a local band, creating the new beer Forbidden Fruit, to raise funds for the Sacred Heart Music Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ursa Minor Brewery is teaming up with a local band, creating the new beer Forbidden Fruit, to raise funds for the Sacred Heart Music Center. The band One Less Guest has performed at the brewery a number of times and the band approached Ursa Minor about raising money for the center. The goal of the fundraiser is…

Harbor House Homeless Ministry Celebrates 20 Years of Service

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Superior homeless shelter Harbor House homeless ministry.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Superior homeless shelter Harbor House homeless ministry. Harbor House homeless ministry in Superior has been a part of the community for the past two decades, welcoming, housing, and working with homeless women and families throughout Douglas County. “If you can imagine, a mom with her kids and trying to…

Walz Activates National Guard for Minnesota Capitol Security

(Courtesy: Twitter/MN National Guard) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard to protect the state Capitol amid rising fears of violence ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. The activation comes amid growing concern about potential attacks at state capitols across the country following last week’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. A recent memo from the…

Mcconnell Blocks Quick Trump Trial, Unsure How He’ll Vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is blocking a quick Senate trial of Donald Trump. But with the House voting on Wednesday to impeach Trump for a second time, McConnell isn’t ruling out he might eventually vote to convict him. A spokesman for McConnell says McConnell informed Democrats that he would block an effort by Senate Democratic leader…

Majority of House Members Vote for 2nd Impeachment of Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) – A majority of the U.S. House has voted to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time, just a week after he encouraged loyalists to “fight like hell” against election results – a speech that was followed by a mob of his supporters storming the U.S. Capitol. The House vote on an article of impeachment for “incitement…

The Latest: House Begins Voting on 2nd Trump Impeachment

WASHINGTON (AP) – Voting is underway in the House on impeaching President Donald Trump over the violent siege at the U.S. Capitol last week by a mob of his supporters. Lawmakers are voting Wednesday on impeaching Trump on a single charge, incitement of insurrection. If it passes, Trump would be the first president to be impeached twice. The impeachment proceedings…

St. Luke’s Updates Its Visitor Policy

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on Wednesday that it has updated its visitor policy due to the arrival of the highly transmittable variant of COVID-19 in the state. Under the updated inpatient visitor policy, no visitors are allowed at St. Luke’s Hospital. Limited exceptions will be made. Visitor exceptions include: Pediatric patients will be allowed one parent/guardian All other…

Walz Extends Minnesota’s Coronavirus State of Emergency

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s peacetime state of emergency by another 30 days so he can continue to use executive orders to direct the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. With the Legislature in session, the governor no longer needs to call special sessions to give lawmakers a chance to rescind those extensions. Health Commissioner Jan…

Midday Update 1-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,504 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 440,354 in the state. Health officials also reported 50 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,774 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,006,711 tests have been completed to date. There…

Contagious COVID Variant Detected in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin health officials said Wednesday a new, more contagious form of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in the state. The Department of Health Services announced the variant was detected through routine genome sequencing of specimens collected during testing. The department did not say where it was found or when it was confirmed. An agency spokeswoman…

Animal Allies Expands Goal of Rescuing Animals from Dire Situations

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society Would Like to Complete More Transport Rescue Missions in 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you imagine taking a road trip across the country with 14 animals in the back of your vehicle? For the staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth, it’s a sight they’re thrilled to see happen more often as the New Year begins. “It’s not cheap, but it’s something we want to invest in,” said Nicole…

Morning Update 1-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

UMD Men’s Hockey Series Against Miami Postponed

The series is now re-scheduled for January 29th and 30th in Oxford.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team announced Wednesday that their upcoming road series at Miami (OH) has been postponed. According to a press release, the decision was made due to a combination of positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and subsequent quarantining of players within the program. The series is now re-scheduled for January 29th and 30th in Oxford….

State of State: Evers Targets Broadband, Fixing Unemployment

(Amber Arnold/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers in his State of the State speech is calling on the Legislature to update Wisconsin’s antiquated unemployment payment system and spend nearly $200 million to expand broadband access. Those were both problem areas that the coronavirus pandemic laid bare last year. Evers pre-recorded the speech, which was…

Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $750 Million After No Winner

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lottery players will have a shot Friday night at the fifth-largest jackpot in U.S. history after no tickets matched all the numbers in the latest Mega Millions drawing. The jackpot for Tuesday night’s Mega Millions was $625 million and lottery officials say it’s rising to an estimated $750 million. The Mega Millions of numbers drawn…

Trump on Verge of 2nd Impeachment After Capitol Siege

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is on the verge of being impeached for a second time. He faces a single charge, “incitement of insurrection,” after telling a mob of loyalists to, as he put it, “fight like hell” against election results. The subsequent attack on the U.S. Capitol turned deadly and delayed finalizing Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory. While…

Superior Councilor Raises Ethical Concerns Over Marriage of Mayor Paine, Councilor Van Sickle 

In a letter to City Attorney Frog Prell, Sutherland worried votes by Van Sickle could inappropriately benefit Mayor Paine. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland is raising conflict-of-interest concerns with the City Attorney’s office over the recent marriage between Mayor Jim Paine and Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. Letter from Councilor Craig Sutherland to City Attorney Frog Prell “I strongly believe we need some guidance on what to do moving forward,” Councilor Sutherland said. In a letter to City…

Wis. Gov. Tony Evers Promises $200M for Broadband Access in State of the State Speech

After the pandemic was "unrelenting" in 2020 according to the Governor, he said to the people of Wisconsin "we aren't defeated." 

MADISON, Wis.- In his virtual State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers called on an increased focus on expanding broadband access statewide in the next biennial budget. After the pandemic was “unrelenting” in 2020 according to the Governor, he said to the people of Wisconsin “we aren’t defeated.” However he did highlight how, for distance learning, doctor tele-health…

Wisconsin Authorizes State National Guard, Boards Up Capitol Building

MADISON, Wis. – Windows of the Wisconsin Capitol are now boarded up as the FBI continues its warning to lawmakers around the country about the threat of armed protests and violence directed at government buildings this week and next week. There’s also been more capitol police in the area since Wednesday’s violence in Washington, D.C. The Wisconsin National Guard has also…

Minnesota Dept. of Health Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose.

MINNESOTA- The Minnesota Department of Health has launched an online dashboard, to stay up to date on the state’s vaccination rollout. The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose. It will be updated daily. “It provides Minnesotans with confidence…

Gov. Walz Calls On National Guard To Handle Threats Of Violence At State Capitol

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he will call up the Minnesota National Guard to deal with threats of violence at the state Capitol. The Guard will be called up for several days, he said, likely through President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. The official announcement will happen Wednesday. The FBI has warned that the Minnesota State…

Renee Van Nett Becomes Duluth’s First Indigenous Council President

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is making history by electing the first Indigenous woman to serve as council president. Councilor Renee Van Nett was unanimously elected during Monday’s meeting. She says this achievement shows young girls of color that anything is possible. “I didn’t believe that native people, women especially, belonged in society like this because I never…

Antique Stores Experience Growth in Traffic During Pandemic

Antique stores throughout the Northland are experiencing an increase in demand.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Antique stores throughout the Northland are experiencing an increase in demand. At Allouez Antiques in Superior, management says they’ve had their best sales in more than five years. They believe it’s because people want to get rekindled more with their past especially during the pandemic. “Nice to just kind of walk through and reminisce,” said Curtis Zamzow,…

Families Enjoy Warmer Winter on Proctor Sledding Hill

During winter, the Proctor Golf Course becomes a popular spot for families to go sledding down.

PROCTOR, Minn. – There’s nothing quite like hopping on a sled and going down a big hill. “It’s great, it’s just what the doctor ordered,” Sandra Benney and her family said. Many families have decided to hit the Proctor sledding hill to enjoy some time outside. “With the kids distance learning, we call this gym class, physical education. We come…

Carlton County Public Health Works To Keep Up With Challenges During Vaccination Process

Public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The COVID-19 vaccine has been going into arms around the Northland for a few weeks now. Over in Carlton County, public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups. Vaccine administration continues to be a top priority across the state and in the region, but getting the…

Minnesota Discovery Center Reopens With Optimism for Brighter Year Ahead

MDC Will Be Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursdays

CHISHOLM, Minn. – The doors are officially back open for business at the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in Chisholm. Staff was thrilled to welcome back guests to their campus which features more than 650 acres of space to explore. The center is kicking things off with five-dollar snowshoe rentals and encourages visitors to use the Redhead Mountain Bike Park which…

MN Power Pushes To Provide More Clean Energy

Minnesota Power has set a goal to reduce carbon emission by 80% by 2035 and be 100% carbon-free by 2050.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power plans to provide more clean energy in the future for the region. The energy company is looking to go carbon-free. The plans include adding about 400 megawatts of wind and solar energy resources. They will also be transitioning from using coal at one of its energy centers. “We hit a key milestone. We hit 50%…

Minnesota Movie Theatres Reopen Per Governor’s Orders

Attention movie buffs: Minnesota theaters are now reopened as the governor has loosened restrictions.

DULUTH, Minn. – Attention movie buffs: Minnesota theaters are now reopened as the governor has loosened restrictions. Whether it’s Wonder Woman or Tom Hanks’ new film, Marcus Theatres in Duluth is ready to bring both action and drama to the big screen for its patrons. “We’re back!” said Shawn Fennessey, general manager at Marcus Theatres Duluth cinema. “It’s been a…

Northforce Launches Student Connect Program

A job recruiting initiative called Northforce has launched a program to connect students with employers and organizations who want to invest more in the community.

NORTHLAND – A job recruiting initiative called Northforce has launched a program to connect students with employers and organizations who want to invest more in the community. A dozen colleges from around the area are involved with the goal of retaining talent that could otherwise move out of the area. Organizers say it’s all about making students feel welcome while…