News

Wisconsin Man Arrested After Being Part of Capitol Riot

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin man who posted on Facebook that he was among those wanted for illegally entering the U.S. Capitol during last week’s riot has been arrested in Eau Claire and charged with a pair of misdemeanors in federal court. Kevin Daniel Loftus is scheduled to make an initial appearance Tuesday after being arrested for illegally entering…

1-94th Cavalry, 148th Fighter Wing to Support the Presidential Inauguration

DULUTH, Minn. – Soldiers from the 1-94th Cavalry Squadron and Airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing will be reporting to Washington D.C. next week to support presidential inauguration activities. According to a recent press release, more than 130 soldiers and airmen will be assisting for the inauguration. “Every four years National Guardsmen from throughout the country are called to assist…

No More Puny Prizes: Mega Millions, Powerball Jackpots Soar

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — After a long stretch of relatively paltry prizes, U.S. lottery players now have a choice of jackpots that offer combined prizes of more than $1 billion. The jackpot for Mega Millions’ Tuesday night drawing has climbed to $615 million, and the top prize in the Powerball game has reached $550 million ahead of Wednesday’s drawing….

Gov. Walz to Call National Guard to Assist With Threats of Violence at State Capitol

(courtesy: Fox 9) 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 activated for days, he said. There will be a full announcement on Wednesday morning regarding the Guard activation. Walz said he spoke with Michigan Gov. Gretchen…

Midday Update 1-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 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: Tuesday, January 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 438,867 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,724 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,982,456 tests have been completed to date. There…

Minnesota Department of Health Launches Online Dashboard to Track COVID Vaccine

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health has launched a new online dashboard for tracking COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the state. The dashboard shows the number of doses of the vaccine that have been administered as well as the number of doses that have been shipped to Minnesota. MDH says the dashboard will be updated daily at 11 a.m. The dashboard shows 144,503…

Wisconsin Senate Poised to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate is set to pass a pared-down COVID-19 relief package. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders have been trying to hammer out a compromise package for weeks to no avail. Assembly Republicans passed a bill last week, but Evers opposes it. Senate Republicans scaled the measure back. They removed provisions that would…

Minnesota Power Shares Vision for 100% Carbon-Free Future by 2050

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, announced in a Tuesday press release its vision to provide 100 percent carbon-free energy to its customers by 2050. The company says the vision is a continuation of its recent achievement of providing 50 percent renewable energy to its customers and its commitment to climate, customers, and communities. The company will be…

Northland Entrepreneur Develops Crud Cloth for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Crud Cloth was Developed Two Years Ago by Hermantown Resident Tim White

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – If you ever feel the need to freshen up after a long day outdoors or a muddy trip down the bike trail, Northland entrepreneur Tim White is here to help. White developed the Crud Cloth after having dealt with his own messy outdoor adventures. “As a resident of Duluth and enjoyer of the activities here, I developed…

Morning Update 1-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021

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

Officer With Knee to George Floyd’s Neck to Be Tried Alone

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former Minneapolis police officer who held his knee to the neck of George Floyd for several minutes will be tried separately from three other former officers accused of his death. Court documents filed Tuesday show Derek Chauvin will stand trial alone in March while the others will be tried together in the summer. The judge wrote…

US Asking States to Speed Vaccine, Not Hold Back 2nd Dose

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is asking states to speed delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to people older than 65 and others at high risk by no longer holding back the second dose of the two-dose shots, The Associated Press has learned. The Trump administration is expected to recommend opening up vaccines to everyone older than 65 and to get…

Eased Restrictions Allow Duluth Bars, Indoor Entertainment to Welcome People Back In

The Caddy Shack in Lincoln Park and Incline Station Downtown said they're excited to reopen for the first time since November.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota bars and restaurants are allowed to open with a limited indoor capacity, businesses with entertainment features said they’re looking forward to have people inside again safely. “Being able to open the bar is equal parts exciting and, I think we’re a bit wary,” said Katherine LaFleur of the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The Caddy…

Bent Paddle Reopens Indoor Seating While Unveiling Heated Outdoor ‘Patio Camp’

In addition to the roughly 120 people they can safely have inside the brewery, management said the patio is a big help for those who not be ready to sit indoors yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- While reopening their indoor seating per Gov. Tim Walz’s loosened restrictions Monday, Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood also unveiled their new patio seating. “Patio Camp” as they call it is a pet-friendly, heated patio covered in a tent from Frost River down the street. Heat lamps warm the 20-24 people that can sit socially distanced….

Duluth Indoor Sports Center Continues to Welcome Those Looking to Get Active

The DISC includes an indoor tennis facility, pickleball courts, a fitness center and space for other recreational sports.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Indoor Sports Center has been in the community since the 1970s and continues to be popular for anyone looking to get active. “It’s great that we can play pickleball here all year round, otherwise I’d have to find other things to do with my time,” pickleball player Ben Strege said. The DISC includes an indoor…

Northland Restaurants Open Back Up For Indoor Dining With Some Restrictions

"We're very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy," said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota restaurants now can reopen for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity. The change comes after Governor Tim Walz announced his plans to scale back some COVID-19 restrictions last week. “We’re very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy,” said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth….

A New Housing Option Planned For Central Hillside Neighborhood Helps Homeless Youth

The project is slated to begin construction in the fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing option is being planned for the Central Hillside neighborhood. Brewery Creek Apartments is expected to be developed on site of the former Mobil lube station and the Last Chance Liquor store at the corner of Sixth Avenue East and Fourth Street. The new facility will have 52 apartments. About 10 apartments will be set…

Businesses Excited to See College Students Back in the Area

As the spring semester begins at colleges, businesses are glad to see students back in the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the spring semester begins at colleges, businesses are glad to see students back in the area. The owner of Duluth Vanilla Bean says he couldn’t be happier to see the students as they make up 60 to 70% of his customers. “It’s always good to have that energy from our college students,” said Jason Vincent, the…

Spring Semester Underway, Northland Colleges Prep for Incoming Students

As the pandemic continued through the fall, local colleges had to adapt rapidly to the changing situation and now with the spring semester beginning, educational leadership continues to work to keep their students safe during these unique times.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continued through the fall, local colleges had to adapt rapidly to the changing situation and now with the spring semester beginning, educational leadership continues to work to keep their students safe during these unique times. With the spring semester underway, college leaders are taking steps to ensure a safe experience for both students and…

Minnesota Virus Deaths Continue Decline as Businesses Reopen

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants may resume indoor service with limits on capacity as COVID-19 cases and deaths across the state continue to fall. The eased restrictions on Monday return bars and restaurants about to where they were before Gov. Tim Walz imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. They can resume indoor service at…

Police, Firefighters to get Vaccine Next in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State health officials say police and firefighters in Wisconsin will be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine starting Jan. 18. Gov. Tony Evers estimates in a letter made public on Monday that members of the general public won’t be vaccinated until June. Evers renewed his call for faster distribution of the vaccine from the federal government…

Popeyes Eyeing Possible New Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. – The popular fast-food chain Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is settings its sights on a possible new Duluth location. The City of Duluth has confirmed that Popeyes reached out to the city for inquiries about a potential location going into a new development site which will be located on the corner of Central Entrance and Anderson Road. The city…

House Will Consider Trump Impeachment Wednesday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats say the House will consider the impeachment of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, one week after an angry mob of his supporters invaded the Capitol. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told Democrats on a call Monday that members should plan to return to Washington on Tuesday evening to consider a House resolution calling on Vice President Mike…

Evers Estimates Public Won’t See Vaccine Until June

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Members of the general public in Wisconsin likely won’t be vaccinated for the coronavirus until June, Gov. Tony Evers said in a letter made public Monday as he renewed his call for faster distribution of the vaccine from the federal government and state Republicans introduced a new response bill….

Walz Denounces Minnesota GOP Leaders for Hedging on Vote

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz denounced Minnesota Republican leaders Monday for refusing to clearly state that the presidential election was free and fair. The Democratic governor also disclosed that state troopers had to take his crying 14-year-old son to safety last Wednesday during a protest dubbed “Storm the Capitol” at the state Capitol, which later shifted to the official…

Midday Update 1-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 11, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 11, 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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 11

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 437,552 in the state. Health officials also reported 4 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,711 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,953,863 tests have been completed to date. There…

Republicans Block Measure Calling for Quick Removal of Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke constitutional authority to remove President Donald Trump from office was blocked Monday by Republicans. Trump would face a single charge — “incitement of insurrection” — over the riot at the U.S. Capitol, according to a draft of the articles obtained by The Associated Press. The four-page…

Authorities: Four Arrested in Two Separate Pine River Drug Busts

PINE RIVER, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says four individuals have been arrested in two separate Pine River drug busts over the last month. According to reports, Investigators executed a search warrant as a residence in Barclay Township on December 29 as a part of an ongoing drug investigation. During the search police located a large amount of…

Donations Encouraged for 3rd Annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower

Donations Will Be Collected Throughout January

DULUTH, Minn. – Local radio station Life 97.3 and St. Luke’s Hospital are teaming up to host the third annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. The event is taking place throughout January with a goal of collecting typical baby shower items such as diapers, wipes, and clothing from donors in the community. Life 97.3’s station manager says during these tough times…

Morning Update 1-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 11, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 11, 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

Indoor Service for Bars, Restaurants Resumes in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants may resume indoor service with limits starting Monday, as COVID-19 cases have been declining. The eased restrictions return bars and restaurants about to where they were before Gov. Tim Walz imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. They can resume indoor service at 50% capacity but with 10 p.m. curfews…

8 Arrested in Minnesota Protest Over Line 3 Pipeline Project

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) HILL CITY, Minn. (AP) — Eight people were arrested in a protest to oppose the construction of the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline replacement in northern Minnesota, authorities said. More than 150 people gathered in Aitken County on Saturday to protest the project, the Northern Lights Task Force said in a news release. They blocked…

Brighton Beach to Close for Trail Construction

Work is expected to be completed by Monday, January 25.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting on Monday, Brighton Beach will be closed for the next two weeks. Crews will begin clearing and grubbing the area in preparation for trail construction taking place this spring. The park will be closed to vehicular traffic, in addition to parking lots in the park will also be closed. Traffic control will be set up at…

First Lady Issues Statement on Capitol Riot

Melania Trump says she's “disappointed and disheartened" by the deadly riot at the Capitol by supporters of her husband.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) – Melania Trump says she’s “disappointed and disheartened” by the deadly riot at the Capitol by supporters of her husband. As she breaks her silence, she’s also lashing out at those she says have used the tragic event to spread “salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks and misleading accusations” about her. Her statement on the White House blog…

Formalities, Election of New Officers for First Duluth City Council of 2021 Monday

Councilor Renee Van Nett is set to be elected the first indigenous woman Council President.

DULUTH, Minn.- After 2020 brought more resolutions and ordinances for relief and safety to Duluth City Council’s docket, councilors say they are starting 2021 on a quieter note. The first council meeting Monday, according to Councilor Joel Sipress, will be focused on beginning-of-the-year formalities. Still, after a year of passing ordinances like the mask mandate and COVID-19 related relief to…

Rapid Fire Hockey Holds Tryouts for Girls Team at Superior Ice Arena

The Rapid Fire Hockey Association held tryouts for what they call 10U and 12U girls

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Young girl hockey players in Superior got to try out Sunday for a local hockey organization at the Superior Ice Arena. The Rapid Fire Hockey Association held tryouts for what they call 10U and 12U girls, those born between the years of 2008 and 2011. Owners of the association said that pandemic or not, boys and girls that…

Duluth Six-Year-Old Gets Big-Rig Birthday Parade with Fire, Tow Trucks

The Duluth Fire Department as well as local tow trucks lined the streets in front of Fenix's house.

DULUTH, Minn.- One young boy in Duluth got a special surprise his birthday Sunday — a parade full of trucks. The Duluth Fire Department as well as local tow trucks lined the streets in front of young Fenix’s house on Second Street and 18th Avenue West in the Endion Neighborhood. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, Fenix couldn’t have a…

CHUM Food Shelf Sees Record Demand in 2020, Year Ahead Looks No Better

The food shelf served more than 16,000 people in 2020, and staff expects the need to go up as much as 20% in 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic left more than 15,000 people in the Twin Ports to rely on CHUM’s Food Shelf to put food on the table — an increased demand they haven’t seen in more than a decade. “In my tenure it was a pretty big record setting year on my terms,” Distributive Services Director Scott Van…

Small Town Bars and Restaurants Prep for Indoor Service Reopening

FLOODWOOD & SWAN RIVER, Minn.– Once Monday rolls around, Minnesota bars and restaurants will once again welcome back customers inside. And that’s great news for two small town establishments. “It hasn’t been easy,” said Sheri Young, Manager at Mainline Station Bar and Grill in Floodwood. “It’s time, it’s time.” Sheri Young is the manager of mainline station bar and grill…

Aunt Gives Update On Jayme Closs On Two-Year Anniversary Of Teenager’s Escape From Kidnapper

WISCONSIN – On the two-year anniversary of the day Jayme Closs escaped her kidnapper and her parents’ murderer, Jayme’s aunt is giving an update on how the courageous teenage girl is doing now. Jennifer Smith, who is also Jayme’s guardian, posted this update on the Healing For Jayme Facebook page, which also shares updates on other children who are missing:…

More Contagious Virus Variant Discovered In Twin Cities Area

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have confirmed five cases of a more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the Twin Cities area. The variant, which was first detected late last year in the United Kingdom, was identified in specimens from residents in four Minnesota counties. Although officials aren’t surprised by the discovery and don’t believe it will lead to…

Seats Open on Many City of Duluth Boards, Commissions

Those needing seats filled include the Duluth Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Civil Service Board.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth has openings for citizens to be a part of decision-making on many of their boards and commissions this year. More than a dozen of the City’s boards and commissions have open seats such as the Duluth Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Civil Service Board and more. According to City officials, it’s a…

Birkie Drops Enbridge Energy Sponsorship, Says Relationship Doesn’t Align with Race’s Values

The dissolving of this agreement comes months after Enbridge started its controversial Line 3 Pipeline replacement project.

HAYWARD, Wis.- The largest cross-country ski race in the country, the American Birkebeiner or “Birkie” is taking a stand against what they see as environmental concerns with Enbridge Energy — dropping the corporation as a sponsor for this year’s race. According to a letter on the Birkie website, they are dissolving their previous agreement, after “we heard from some in…

Wild State Combines Donuts, Ice Cream into Sweet Sandwich

DULUTH, Minn.– Well donuts are good and ice cream is also good. On Saturday, at one business in Lincoln Park you could get them both together. Wild State Cider’s ice cream, known as Camp Creemee ice cream, teamed up with nearby Johnson’s Bakery to create what they call a “Donut Creemee.” Chocolate and/or salted maple ice cream were put together…

Sporting Good Stores Anticipate Rise in Business With Youth Sports Returning

With youth sports returning the expectations are for stores to get even busier.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting good stores have seen a rise in business lately. At Play It Again sports located in the Kenwood Shopping Center, managers have seen up to a 45 minute wait to get your skates sharpened on the busiest days. Although that hasn’t stopped customers from coming in during the pandemic, with youth sports returning the expectations are…

Washington Center Gym Reopened for Rental Use

The Washington Center Gym is reopened for rental use after the governor’s most recent orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Washington Center Gym is reopened for rental use after the governor’s most recent orders. Some rules will be enforced if you decide to use it. Face coverings must be worn at all times including during play by all participants in the gym. Practices will be allowed but social gatherings will not be. Participants should arrive and…