News

Senate GOP Blocks Democratic Push for Trump’s $2k Checks

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has blocked Democrats’ push to immediately bring President Donald Trump’s demand for bigger $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks up for a vote. The GOP leader said the Senate would “begin a process” to address the issue. But the next steps are highly uncertain. Trump has been pushing to more than triple the $600…

Midday Update 12-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Evers Administration Plans to Simplify Unemployment Claims

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers’ administration is looking for public feedback on simplified applications for unemployment benefits. The state Department of Workforce Development announced Monday that it’s planning to simplify initial and weekly claim applications starting this spring to feature what the agency is calling “plain language” as much as possible. The department says the language is intended…

Morning Update 12-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

500 Vaccine Doses Discarded at Wisconsin Clinic Due to ‘Human Error’

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Clinicians had to discard about 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine after vials were kept unrefrigerated for too long at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. Advocate Aurora Health officials said someone removed 50 vials from a refrigerator to access other items and failed to put them back overnight Friday. Each vial contained 10 doses of vaccine. The…

Fate of Trump’s $2,000 Checks Now Rests With GOP-Led Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Whether most Americans will receive $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks is now in the hands of the Senate. President Donald Trump has been pushing to more than triple the $600 payments approved by Congress, reluctantly signing into law the massive relief bill that authorized the smaller checks. On Monday the House voted overwhelmingly to meet the president’s demand,…

Line 3 Pipeline Opponents Sue To Shut Down Minnesota Construction

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Opponents of a pipeline project that crosses three states have asked a federal court to halt construction in Minnesota on allegations that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to address several environmental issues when it approved a water quality permit. Two Minnesota Ojibwe bands and two environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday that asks for a preliminary…

Now Hiring! Workforce Development Center Hosting Upcoming Job Training Classes in January

Many Employers Are Hiring Amid the Global Pandemic, and Workforce Development is Looking to Help You Prepare for a New Career

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re in need of a job or simply looking for a change of pace amid the global pandemic, Duluth Workforce Development wants you to know many local employers are hiring. In January, Workforce Development will be hosting three Career Pathway training classes. The trainings are at no cost to those who are eligible to participate. The…

KYN: McQuade’s Pub And Grill

"Before the shutdown, we were slamming busy," said Frank McQuade, the owner of McQuades Pub and Grill.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – McQuade’s Pub and Grill is continuing to adjust to new normals while settling into its new digs. This popular restaurant was once nestled in the heart of Two Harbors. In November it relocated taking over the building of the former Carmody 61. “We expanded our kitchen size a lot. That was a big thing for us,…

Local Businesses Prepare For Customers Starting Winter Activities

Whether you're looking to ski, ice fish or find some new winter gear, retailers like Trailfitters, Marine General and Ski Hut are ready to help anyone enjoy the outdoors.

DULUTH, Minn. – The snow is falling and the cold has arrived, but that hasn’t stopped Northlanders from spending time outside, especially as the pandemic continues. “It’s very easy to get outside but in the situation we’re in, it’s also very easy to not take advantage of those opportunities so we want people to come in and get excited about…

Benedictine Health Center Gets First Shipment of Vaccine

"It's the big first step towards the final end of this pandemic," said Brian Pattock, the administrator for Benedictine Health Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 vaccinations have started at long-term care facilities in Minnesota, including here in the Northland. Benedictine Health Center in Duluth received and distributed doses of the Moderna vaccine to its residents and staff. BHC, like many other long-term care facilities, has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “We’ve had a couple of outbreaks within our community….

St. Louis County Public Health Get Doses Of Moderna Vaccine

As of Monday, 150 people have been vaccinated.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis Public Health has received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The public health department held a vaccination clinic on Christmas Eve to distribute some of the 500 doses received. As of Monday, 150 people have been vaccinated. Priority is being given to public health nurses and local emergency medical response workers such…

Snowmobiles in Demand During Winter Season

With the snow finally blanketing the ground in parts of the Northland, more people have been getting outside to enjoy winter activities.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With the snow finally blanketing the ground in parts of the Northland, more people have been getting outside to enjoy winter activities. At R J Sport & Cycle, there have been more people buying snowmobiles, especially this year when there’s less to do. The sales team there says that there are six snowmobiles still in stock with…

Fire Officials Urge Public to Stay Safe

Over the past week, there have been several structure fires and fire officials want to remind the public to stay safe by checking your space heaters and appliances during these times.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the past week, there have been several structure fires and fire officials want to remind the public to stay safe by checking your space heaters and appliances during these times. Officials say a lot of fires are coming from space heaters, which happens frequently during this time of year. They say it’s important to check your…

Bentleyville Continues Amidst Previous Difficulties

Bentleyville was hit by the winter storm last week but luckily, management and volunteers were able to put everything back together for the final week of the Tour of Lights.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville was hit by the winter storm last week but luckily, management and volunteers were able to put everything back together for the final week of the Tour of Lights. This year’s extended season will be going till midnight on New Year’s Eve. Management says to still check it out even if you’ve already been. “Four days…

Live Entertainment, Performing Arts To Receive $15 Billion in Relief

With the new stimulus relief package signed, $908 billion in COVID relief money will be distributed throughout the country. The legislation also includes $15 billion in relief for struggling live entertainment and performing arts venues. 

NORTHLAND – With the new stimulus relief package signed, $908 billion in COVID relief money will be distributed throughout the country. The legislation also includes $15 billion in relief for struggling live entertainment and performing arts venues. Leaders from places like the DECC are anticipating financial relief, specifically through the Save Our Stages Act and the Payroll Protection Program. “We’re…

Authorities Investigating Death of 16-Year-Old on Fond du Lac Reservation

  FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – Authorities say they are investigating the shooting death of a 16-year-old male early Monday morning on the Fond du Lac Reservation. According to police, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputies and Fond du Lac Police Officers responded to Giiniw Road on reports of someone being shot around 1:19 a.m. Monday. When authorities arrived on…

CVS, Walgreens Begin Wisconsin Nursing Home Vaccinations

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two pharmacy chains have launched an effort to inject tens of thousands of Wisconsin nursing home residents with a COVID-19 vaccine. Rick Abrams, president of the Wisconsin Health Care Association/Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living, says CVS Health and Walgreens began injecting residents and staff on Monday with the Moderna vaccine. Abrams says the campaign could take…

Pipeline Opponents Sue to Shut Down Minnesota Construction

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Opponents of a pipeline project that crosses three states have asked a federal court to halt construction in Minnesota on allegations that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to address several environmental issues when it approved a water quality permit. Two Minnesota Ojibwe bands and two environmental groups filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for…

Second Stimulus Check for $600 Could Disperse Within Weeks

(FOX 9) – Many Americans will receive their second stimulus check after President Donald Trump signed a $900 billion COVID relief bill Sunday. Checks have been approved for $600, though Congress could still vote to bolster the amount. The Democratic-led House is set to vote to boost the payments to $2,000, sending a new bill to the Senate. There, Republicans…

Minnesota Nursing Homes See Large-Scale Vaccination Effort

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pharmacy chains CVS Health and Walgreens launched a large-scale effort on Monday to help vaccinate residents and staff of Minnesota long-term care facilities for coronavirus. CVS Health plans to vaccinate more than 63,000 residents and staff of nearly 600 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Minnesota during a 12-week effort that began in several states last…

Nearly 1.3M Traveled Through US Airports Sunday

WASHINGTON — Nearly 1.3 million people went through U.S. airports on Sunday, the highest level of air travel in more than nine months, despite the fear that travel will lead to more cases of COVID-19. The Transportation Security Administration said it screened 1,284,599 on Sunday, the highest total since March 15. More than 10 million people have traveled by air…

Midday Update 12-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. 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, December 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,087 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 410,138 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,160 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,493,773 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Tips for Improving Your Finances in 2021

Barry Bigelow, Lead Advisor at Great Waters Financial, Offers Advice For Improving Your Finances in 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – 2020 has impacted all of us, and the New Year brings an opportunity for a clean slate financially. Financial professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial recently spoke with FOX 21’s Brett Scott about ways to improve your finances in 2021. Cut Costs Where You Can Bigelow says one of the biggest money mistakes you can make…

Lori Loughlin Released After Prison Term in College Scam

(AP) – “Full House” actor Lori Loughlin has been released from prison after spending two months behind bars for paying half a million dollars in bribes to get her two daughters into college. Loughlin was released Monday from the federal lockup in Dublin, California, where she had been serving her sentence for her role in the college admissions bribery scheme….

US Officials: Suspect in Nashville Explosion Died in Blast

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Federal authorities identified on Sunday the man they say is responsible for the Christmas Day bombing and said that he died in the explosion. Investigators used DNA to link the man, identified as Anthony Quinn Warner, to the blast. They said they believe no one else was involved. Federal officials now turn to explore the monumental task…

Morning Update 12-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

AstraZeneca: Shot Will Be Effective Against COVID-19 Variant

LONDON (AP) – The head of drugmaker AstraZeneca, which is developing a coronavirus vaccine widely expected to be approved by U.K. authorities this week, says researchers believe the shot “should remain effective” against a new variant of the virus driving a rapid surge in infections in Britain. AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told the Sunday Times that more tests are…

Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show Features Songs From Movies

DULUTH, Minn. – The Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show is now featuring songs from movies. Between now and Dec. 31, people can drive through the neighborhood on Exhibition Drive to see lights synchronized to music from “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” “Polar Express” and “The Greatest Showman.” The show kicks off each night at 5 p.m. and runs through 10…

Trump Signs Measure Funding Government, COVID Relief

(AP) – The massive, year-end catchall bill that President Donald Trump has signed into law combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care. In one highlight, the package revives supplemental federal pandemic unemployment benefits but at $300 per week – through March 14…

Free Range Day Provides No Cost Shooting For Patrons

Whether it be simply getting practice with a gun or learning how to defend yourself, Free Range Day provides an opportunity for people to shoot at no cost.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Whether it be simply getting practice with a gun or learning how to defend yourself, Free Range Day provides an opportunity for people to shoot at no cost. Dead On Arms Indoor Shooting Range in Cloquet has been providing this free service on the last Sunday of the month during the pandemic so people didn’t have to…

Pets and Visitors Enjoy Keene Creek Dog Park

The weather was warm enough for the dogs to come out and play.

DULUTH, Minn. – The weather was warm enough for the dogs to come out and play. This at the popular Keene Creek Dog Park along Grand Avenue in West Duluth, which recently reopened after some construction there. Couple Ben Lowen and Erin Cullen usually come here every Sunday before football. “For me, it’s really important because we live so far…

Wisconsin Drunken Driving Convictions, Related Offenses Down

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin Legislative Bureau report shows that yearly convictions for drunken driving and other related offenses dropped by nearly 18,000  between 2004 and 2018. The study also shows that alcohol-related fatal crashes have also declined in Wisconsin in the past 12 years, which mirrors a trend seen nationwide. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the Wisconsin Department…

MN COVID-19 Cases As Of Sunday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are reporting 2,534 positive COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths from data recorded over the past two days. The update that combined Friday and Saturday confirmations increased the total of number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 409,061. The cumulative amount of fatalities stands at 5,147, of which 3,332 were in long-term…

Local Churches Host Drive-By Nativity Scenes

DULUTH, Minn. – This holiday season, Northlanders can travel through nativity scenes set up at Duluth area churches. Families can drive to five different scenes of this Christmas story. There they can view an online video that provides a guided tour of the scenes, bible readings, and reflection from the artists, who helped create this nativity experience. Some of the…

Federal Agents Search A Person’s Home As Part Of Nashville Explosion Investigation

Local police believe Friday's explosion was intentional.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Christmas morning explosion rocked the downtown area of Nashville, Tennessee. Several buildings were damaged as a result of the explosion. On Saturday, federal authorities searched a person’s home in Antioch, Tennessee as part of their investigation into the explosion. Local police believe Friday’s explosion was intentional. It’s being reported officers responded to the scene after receiving…

Wisconsin Reports More Than 600 New Cases On Saturday

Currently, the state is averaging more than 1,800 new confirmed cases and 41 deaths weekly.

WISCONSIN – 632 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were being reported on Saturday by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. There were also four more people who have died from the virus. This brings the state’s total confirmed cases to more than 460,000 and nearly 5,000 deaths. Currently, the state is averaging more than 1,800 new confirmed cases and 41 deaths…

More COVID-19 Deaths Reported in St. Louis County

Total deaths are now up to 189.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Three more people in St. Louis County have now died from COVID-19. On Saturday, 98 new cases have also been reported in the county, creating a total of more than twelve thousand for the northland. Total deaths are now up to 189. The Minnesota Department of Health is also reporting there are 2,170 new cases…

Businesses Experience Exchanges and Returns After Christmas Season

With Christmas shopping being over, local stores throughout the Northland are having to deal with exchanges and returns of holiday gifts.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas shopping being over, local stores throughout the Northland are having to deal with exchanges and returns of holiday gifts. At DLH Clothing in Duluth, the store had its best holiday season to date, even during the pandemic. However, people have started to email and call about their Christmas gifts, specifically to give them back or…

Wild State Cider Announces New Cider

A local cidery has a special drink that was just released today that incorporates community involvement.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local cidery has a special drink that was just released today that incorporates community involvement. This past fall, Wild State Cider in the Lincoln Park Craft District asked people to donate apples from their local trees and make what’s called the Peoples’ Cider. Those who dropped off apples can now stop by the cidery to get…

Spirit Mountain Brings In Skiers and Snowboarders to Recreate

It's the day after Christmas, and people were outside, ready to take on the hills by skiing and snowboarding.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the day after Christmas, and people were outside, ready to take on the hills by skiing and snowboarding. Whether it be being outside with loved ones or going down the snowy slopes, skiers and snowboarders alike came to spirit mountain to recreate. “We’ve been having a blast,” said Jon Regenold, the co-director of Resort Services at…

Those Traveling To US From UK Must Test Negative For Covid-19

Beginning Monday, passengers headed for the United States must test negative within 72 hours of their departure.

(AP) – A new virus strain in Great Britain creates new restrictions for passengers headed to the U.S. Anyone flying to the U.S. from the United Kingdom must test negative for the Coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the new order late Thursday in response to a new strain of the virus in the UK, one with…