News

FDA Head Expects Vaccine Emergency Use Soon

(AP) – The head of the FDA says his agency has told Pfizer it “will rapidly work” to grant emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine following a positive recommendation by government advisers. Many FDA observers predict action by Saturday ahead of a Sunday meeting by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal officials plan to allocate the first 6.4…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, December 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,773 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 370,968 in the state. Health officials also reported 94 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,292 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,789,829 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Driver in Fatal Hibbing Crash Charged With Criminal Vehicular Homicide

HIBBING, Minn. – The driver in a fatal head-on crash in Hibbing last month has been charged with one count of criminal vehicular homicide – operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner and one count of criminal vehicular homicide – operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, according to the Hibbing Police Department. According…

Wisconsin State Court Judge Rules Against Trump Lawsuit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) –A judge in Wisconsin has ruled against President Donald Trump’s lawsuit seeking to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s win in the state, another in a string of defeats in the president’s extraordinary attempts to undo his loss. Reserve Judge Stephen Simanek ruled following a virtual hearing on Friday. Trump’s federal lawsuit remains alive. Trump has been urging lower…

Zup’s to Purchase Ely Northland Market

(courtesy: Zup’s Food Market) ELY, Minn. – Zup’s Food Market announced on Wednesday its plans to purchase Ely Northland Market in the early part of 2021. The two major grocers in Ely say the partnership will result in one large grocery store located in the now vacant Shopko building. According to a recent press release, both stores will continue to…

Handmade in the Northland: Northern Exposure Art & Sjofn’s Musings

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of many…

Essentia Doctor Details COVID Reality in the Northland, Vaccine Progress

Dr. Melissa Simonson Encourages All Northland Residents to Receive the COVID Vaccine When Available

DULUTH, Minn.  – At Essentia Health in Duluth, capacity is stretched thin with both COVID patients and the normal patient population. Dr. Melissa Simonson, section chair of hospitalist services at Essentia Health, says over the last two weeks they have seen a slight improvement in the number of COVID patients. Right now,  20-25 percent of regular medical patients are COVID…

Morning Update 12-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Parents Sue Walz to Lift ‘Pause’ on Youth Sports Over Virus

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group of parents has sued Gov. Tim Walz, seeking to throw out his order that put high school sports on hold as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But lawmakers agreed Thursday on $216 million in grants for businesses hurt by the four-week “pause” that Walz imposed…

Big Menorah Lit for First Day of Hanukkah

DULUTH, Minn.– On this first day of Hanukkah, a small group of Jewish people got together to celebrate the holiday. The first candle of the menorah was lit today in front of the Duluth Civic Center. Normally, the celebration is a big event for the local Jewish community but due to the pandemic, it was a livestream for people to…

‘Gingerbread City’ Turns Into Downtown Walker Tour

DULUTH, Minn.– The annual “Duluth Gingerbread City” display that’s normally housed inside the Nordic center is being spread out for the first time for a COVID-friendly walking tour in multiple storefronts downtown. Decorated gingerbread houses will be all it up starting this Saturday in the windows of not only the Nordic Center but places like the Zeitgeist Arts Building and…

Gov. Evers Encouraging More COVID-19 Testing as Hospitals Continue to Surge

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin is still clocking in with a high number of COVID-19 cases each day, but the cases are slightly dropping. However, the strain on hospitals and healthcare workers is still as bad as ever. Governor Tony Evers says the state continues to be a ‘national hotspot’ for COVID-19 with thousands of new cases coming in again today. Wisconsin…

A Portion Of Lincoln Park Drive Closes For Pedestrian-Only Access

The road will be closed starting from the bridge on Lincoln Park Drive up to 10th street.

DULUTH, Minn. – A portion of Lincoln Park Drive will close on Friday to be used as a pedestrian-only trail for the winter. The road will be closed starting from the bridge on Lincoln Park Drive up to 10th street. Vehicle access will also be restricted at 6th street. This is the second time the city closed down a portion…

LSC Hosts Manufacturing Career Night

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior College opened its doors earlier today to give potential students an inside look at the campus. LSC hosted more than a dozen students for manufacturing career night. The visits were spread out individually throughout the day to keep everyone distant. Those visiting were able to get a look at current students in programs studying welding and…

Holiday Gatherings Still Discouraged Even As A Vaccine Nears Approval

More than 50% of the total COVID-19 cases in the county since March were reported last month.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Coronavirus vaccine could be available in the Northland within the next few weeks. Although a treatment is on the way health officials are still urging the community to avoid holiday gatherings to help slow surges in COVID-19 cases. Demand for a Coronavirus vaccine in the northland is expected to be far greater than the doses available….

Fan Cutouts Available For Purchase For UMD Bulldog Hockey Games

The cutouts costs $75 each.

DULUTH, Minn. – This season, the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldog hockey fans won’t be allowed into Amsoil Arena to watch any of the games, but you still have a chance to show your support for the teams in a creative way. Fans can now purchase a cardboard cutout of themselves to be displayed in the arena during the home…

Bakeries Adjust to Changing Times

With COVID-19 changing the way social gatherings are held, some area bakeries are feeling the impact.

NORTHLAND – With COVID-19 changing the way social gatherings are held, some area bakeries are feeling the impact. Bakeries throughout the region are having to be flexible in the way they distribute their treats with the pandemic changing the way they do business. At Johnson’s Bakery on west 3rd street in Duluth, business has changed drastically mainly because its catering…

U.S. Panel Endorses Widespread Use of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. government advisory panel endorsed widespread use of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday, putting the country just one step away from launching an epic vaccination campaign against the outbreak that has killed close to 300,000 Americans. Shots could begin within days, depending on how quickly the Food and Drug Administration signs off, as expected, on the expert…

Evers Hints Wisconsin Schools Should Consider Reopening

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers is hinting that Wisconsin schools should consider re-opening after the winter break. Evers’ administration has left it up to individual school districts to decide whether to hold virtual classes or open for in-person instruction in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. But concerns about the long-term effects of isolation on children and the…

Minnesota’s New COVID-19 Deaths Include 2 Victims in 20s

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two Minnesotans in their 20s are among the 89 new deaths from COVID-19 reported by state health officials Thursday. It’s an unusual development in a pandemic that mostly claims the lives of elderly patients. The Minnesota Department of Health says they included someone 25 to 29 years old in Ramsey County and someone between 20 and 24…

House, Senate Strike Apparent Deal on $216 Million in Business Relief, Not on Unemployment Benefits

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers have struck a deal to send $216 million in cash relief to businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic and mandatory shutdowns, but there’s no agreement to extend unemployment benefits to laid-off workers. The Legislature is set to convene for a special session Monday, and lawmakers have been racing to reach an agreement. It’s unclear whether Democrats who…

Second COVID-19 Related Death Reported at Moose Lake MNSOP Facility

(photo: AP news) MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – A second COVID-19 related death has been reported at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program’s Moose Lake facility. According to a recent press release from the facility, the client died Wednesday, December 9 and the family has been notified. The first COVID-19 related death at the facility was on December 2. “We offer our…

Midday Update 12-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. 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: Thursday, December 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,523 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 367,218 in the state. Health officials also reported 89 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,198 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,731,719 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Enjoy Handcrafted Grab-And-Go Lunch Options with Yellow Bike Coffee

Cooking Connection: Lunch with Yellow Bike Coffee

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown where they “Shmo Me The Love” by sharing how they make two of their house-made sauces. The smoke sauce is made with smoked tomato paste, smoked garlic, smoked paprika and honey. Each ingredient is carefully selected including the smoked tomato paste which comes from the…

Walz Pushes Announcement on Extending COVID-19 Restrictions to Monday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is delaying until Monday an announcement on extending business closures due to COVID-19. Walz had initially planned to make that call on Friday, but the decision is still in the planning stages, a spokesperson told FOX 9. Last month, Walz initiated a four-week pause on indoor dining at bars and restaurants and youth…

Five Injured After Vehicle vs. Horse and Buggy Crash

WASHBURN COUNTY, Wis. – A man was arrested Monday afternoon for driving drunk and rear-ending a horse and buggy injuring five children in Washburn County. According to the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened around 3:36 p.m. Monday on County Highway M near Church Road. Authorities say the horse and buggy were traveling northbound on County Highway M and…

Judges Reject Suits Over Trump Losses in Arizona, Wisconsin

PHOENIX (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to decertify Democrat President-elect Joe Biden’s win over Republican President Donald Trump in Arizona. Judge Diane Humetewa said the lawsuit’s allegations “are sorely wanting of relevant or reliable evidence” and that granting the relief it sought would disenfranchise millions of voters. The challenge alleged the state’s election systems have…

Handmade in the Northland: Sprig Design Co.

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of many…

33rd Annual Duluth Wedding Show Postponed to March

DULUTH, Minn. – The 33rd annual Duluth Wedding show has been postponed to March due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Lundeen Group announced on Thursday that the show, originally scheduled for Saturday, January 9 at the DECC, has been pushed to Sunday, March 14. “We have reviewed the latest State of Minnesota guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and, as…

Morning Update 12-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Us Jobless Claims Jump to 853,000 Amid Resurgence of Virus

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people applying for unemployment aid jumped last week to 853,000, the most since September, evidence that some companies are cutting more jobs as new virus cases spiral higher. The Labor Department said Thursday that the number of applications increased from 716,000 the previous week. Before the coronavirus paralyzed the economy in March, weekly jobless…

Biden Picks Former Obama Chief of Staff Mcdonough for VA

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is nominating Denis McDonough, who was President Barack Obama’s White House chief of staff, as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The sprawling agency has presented organizational challenges for both parties over the years. Biden is continuing to stockpile his incoming administration with prominent members of Obama’s team. Biden plans to make the…

First Responders Are Feeling Strained From Impacts Of COVID-19

NORTHLAND, Minn. – First responders have been strained by this pandemic, especially ambulance crews that may respond to someone having symptoms. Communities rely on first responders when emergencies happen, but as coronavirus case numbers surge in the region, the job is becoming more challenging. “We need some help in being able to respond to the emergencies,” said Virginia Mayor Larry…

Wis. Health Officials Promoting Higher Rates of Flu Vaccinations in Communities of Color

MADISON, Wis.– As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the country and in Wisconsin, cases of the flu have been another story. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is rolling out a new campaign to help encourage all Wisconsinites to get the flu vaccine. With the COVID-19 vaccinations now starting around the world and on the way here soon…

Donations Up for Superior Toy Drive

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the financial impacts of the pandemic, there has been a decrease in donations this Christmas but not in Superior. The Superior Fire Department, along with the Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots are getting ready for their annual toy drive. Thanks to donations from around the community, they will be able to provide toys for nearly 600…

Bong Center to Give Meal Kits for Veterans

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Veterans who are in need of food in the Twin Ports will have the chance to get a unique kind of meal. The Bong Veterans Center in Superior will be giving away over 1,300 read-to eat meal kits to veterans. A veteran’s museum in Texas got in touch with the Bong Center and local businesses helped get the…

Mont Du Lac Resort Fully Opens for Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– This year hasn’t looked like much of a winter wonderland so far, but the Mont Du Lac resort in Superior is now open for its regular season hours. The resort has been open the last few weekends while the snow guns are busy keeping the hills covered so Mont Du Lac could open fully. Those at the resort…

Highlighted Disparities During Pandemic Still Leaves People Of Color Uneasy About COVID-19 Pandemic

A recent survey shows only about 50% of African Americans are open to taking the coronavirus vaccine.

DULUTH, Minn. – A roll out for a coronavirus vaccine is expected before the end of the year. Beyond the issue of who gets the vaccine first, there is another obstacle many health professionals say still needs to be addressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a brighter light on health disparities for people of color. A recent study shows about…

Ursa Minor Puts Together Take-Home Kits for Customers

With the governor’s shutdown of bars and restaurants, some local establishments are being a bit more creative with the products they sell.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the governor’s shutdown of bars and restaurants, some local establishments are being a bit more creative with the products they sell. Ursa Minor in Lincoln Park has begun selling make your own pizza kits and Duluth Best Bread’s pretzels to-go. Owners say it’s all about innovation and being flexible during these unique times. “Everyone’s been forced…

Increased Demand for Technology Repairs During Pandemic

With kids doing distance learning and adults working from home, there has been an increase in the number of repairs being done at tech shops throughout the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – With kids doing distance learning and adults working from home, there has been an increase in the number of repairs being done at tech shops throughout the area. As more and more people either work or learn from home, local electronic repair shops have been busier than usual, fixing up Northlanders’ devices. Over at Box Tronics in…

Duluth Flower Farm Sells Homeschool Kits for Students of All Ages

Distance learning is becoming the norm for students but that doesn’t mean they have to be bored during these times. Duluth Flower Farm now has different homeschool kits for students of all ages.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Distance learning is becoming the norm for students but that doesn’t mean they have to be bored during these times. Duluth Flower Farm now has different homeschool kits for students of all ages. Kids can come to the store and buy their own homemade crafts, which range from winter decorated pots to wreath kits. “I just think…

Mike’s Cafe and Pizzeria Opens in Esko

ESKO, Minn. – A familiar restaurant has moved into the building previously occupied by Eskomo Pizza Pies in Esko.  Mike’s Cafe and Pizzeria, which spent nearly four decades in western Duluth as Mike’s Western Cafe, opened up in early November. With the owner growing up in the town, he says that despite the pandemic, the community response has been uplifting…

US Govt, States Sue Facebook for ‘Predatory’ Conduct

(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government and 48 states and districts sued Facebook Wednesday, accusing it of abusing its market power in social networking to crush smaller competitors and seeking remedies that could include a forced spinoff of the social network’s Instagram and WhatsApp messaging services. It marks the second U.S. offensive against a Big Tech…

Gov. Walz Calls Special Session to Pass COVID-19 Relief

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that he will convene a special session of the Minnesota Legislature on Monday in order to provide COVID-19 relief in the state. Additionally, Gov. Walz says he intends to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by another 30 days. “Minnesota’s small businesses and workers are bearing a large burden of the…

Great Outdoors: Giant’s Ridge

Giant's Ridge is officially open despite the pandemic to help Northlanders get outside to enjoy some beautiful scenery while getting some exercise. 

BIWABIK, Minn. – Giant’s Ridge is officially open despite the pandemic to help Northlanders get outside to enjoy some beautiful scenery while getting some exercise. Fred Seymour, the general manager at Giant’s Ridge, says that with COVID, it has been difficult adjusting to the different precautions, but visitors are likewise being flexible as well. While skiers enjoy all Giant’s Ridge…

Wisconsin Launches Campaign to Get Flu Shot to Minorities

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Wednesday launched an education and awareness campaign designed to help bolster vaccination for the flu among the state’s minority communities. Health officials recommend flu vaccinations every year, but particularly this year because hospitals are under stress from the coronavirus pandemic. As of Tuesday, there were 1,556 people hospitalized due…

Minnesota Reports 4,539 New Coronavirus Cases; 82 New Deaths

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported 4,539 new coronavirus cases Wednesday and 82 new deaths, the state’s third-highest one-day total of the pandemic. The new cases raise Minnesota’s total case count to 363,719 and its cumulative death toll to 4,109. But hospitalizations are continuing a slow decline. Minnesota had 1,545 people hospitalized with COVID as of Tuesday, with 358…

One Dead in Itasca County Logging Truck Crash

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A Deerwood man is dead after crashing into the side of a logging truck Tuesday morning, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Reports state the accident happened on Highway 169 near Itasca County Road 450 around 10:13 a.m. Authorities say a 2015 Ford Explorer, driven by Michael Alan Brandt, 69, was traveling north on Highway 169…