News

Mesabi Preschool Academy Collects Items for Food Shelf

In the past years, the preschool has donated about 80 to 100 pounds to the food shelf on Halloween. 

DULUTH, Minn. – About a dozen spooky preschoolers went trick-or-treating in downtown Duluth for a good cause. Students with the Mesabi Preschool Academy walked around the fifth floor of the Tech Village on Superior Street collecting non-perishable food items. Those items will all be donated to the Proctor Food Shelf. Staff with the academy say, the kids are excited about…

Dressed-Up Pets: Canal Bark Hosts Costume Contest

Dogs throughout the Northland are encouraged to dress up and celebrate the Halloween festivities for Canal Bark's pet costume contest. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Dogs throughout the Northland are encouraged to dress up and celebrate the Halloween festivities for Canal Bark’s pet costume contest. If you have a dog, take pictures of your pet in a fall October Halloween costume and put them on Canal Bark’s Facebook or send them via Instagram. “It’s a really awesome stress reliever for us,” said…

Superior Street Reconstruction Project to Continue Into Next Year

Phase Three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project will now be continuing next year after it was expected to be completed this fall. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Phase Three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project will now be continuing next year after it was expected to be completed this fall. Phase three consists of the three-block section from Lake Avenue to Third Avenue West, which includes a new street, underground utilities, sidewalks and lighting. With the winter looming, temporary asphalt will be put on…

Get Your Ballot Counted: Appeals Court Rules Mail-In Ballots Arriving After Election Day Could Be Invalidated

The Minnesota Secretary of State says it's too late to mail in your ballot if you want to make sure your vote counts. After an appeals court ruling that says mail-in ballots arriving after election day could be invalidated, local election judges are scrambling making sure voters know these new rules. 

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The Minnesota Secretary of State says it’s too late to mail in your ballot if you want to make sure your vote counts. After an appeals court ruling that says mail-in ballots arriving after election day could be invalidated, local election judges are scrambling making sure voters know these new rules. Leaders from the City of…

Duluth School District Extends Hybrid, Distance Learning Through End of Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District announced on Friday that Duluth Public Schools will continue with the current learning models through the end of December. Currently, elementary schools are in a hybrid learning model while secondary and middle schools are in a distance learning model. In a recent press release, the district said the decision was made due to…

Minnesota Virus Cases, Hospitalizations at Single-Day Record

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials Friday reported a single-day high of 3,165 new coronavirus infections, with 18 deaths. The state also reported 738 hospitalizations, another single-day high, with 176 people in intensive care. States around the country are struggling with rising cases of the coronavirus. Despite the rising hospitalizations, Dr. Rahul Koranne of the Minnesota Hospital Association told the…

St. Ann’s Purchases Lot of Former Adas Israel Synagogue

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Ann’s Residence has purchased the lot of the former Adas Israel Synagogue according to St. Ann’s Executive Director Scott Johnson. The historic building located on the corner of 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue East was the oldest Jewish Orthodox congregation in Duluth. The building burned down in a fire last September. Johnson says St. Ann’s plans…

Midday Update 10-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, October 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 145,465 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 18 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,437 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,803,338 tests have been completed to date. There are 125,052 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 10,119 patients have required hospitalization…

U.S. Steel ‘Evaluating Potential Restart of Keetac’ by End of Year

KEEWATIN, Minn. – U.S. Steel says they are “evaluating a potential restart of Keetac by year-end.” The site has sat idle since May of this year due to the coronavirus pandemic leaving over 300 workers still without a job. “We continue to evaluate the timing around a potential restart of Keetac. Seasonality is a part of that decision process,” a…

Walmart Removes Guns, Ammunition on Display at U.S. Stores

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart says it has removed ammunition and firearms from displays at its U.S. stores, citing “civil unrest” in some areas. The nation’s largest retailer, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, sells firearms in about half of its 4,700 stores. “We have seen some isolated civil unrest and as we have done on several occasions over the last few…

Illinois Judge to Rule on Rittenhouse Extradition to Kenosha

CHICAGO (AP) — The mother of a 17-year-old accused of killing two demonstrators in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is among those slated to testify at a hearing in Illinois to decide if her son should be extradited across the border to stand trial on homicide charges. During Friday’s hearing, Kyle Rittenhouse’s lawyers also planned to call an expert on self-defense and former…

Minnesota SOS: Too Late to Mail Ballots — but Not to Vote

If you still have an absentee ballot at home you must drop it off by hand to an election office or official drop box

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s secretary of state said Thursday it’s too late for voters to mail back their absentee ballots if they want to make sure their votes count after an appeals court ruling indicated that mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day are at risk of being invalidated. A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled…

Elks Lodge Makes Donation for Socktoberfest

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the winter months getting closer, one Superior organization is offering their support to help people stay warm. The Superior Elks Lodge 403 donated over $1,700 dollars to Socktoberfest of Superior. That money will go towards getting more socks for those in need. After already clearing their yearly goal of collecting 1,000 pairs of socks, organizers say it…

Youth In Action Hosts Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Get your decorating skills ready! Youth in Action is hosting a pumpkin decorating contest, which lasts till Halloween.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Get your decorating skills ready! Youth in Action is hosting a pumpkin decorating contest, which lasts till Halloween. Typically, the organization does a kind of Halloween party at a community center or partners with schools, but this year, because of COVID, the staff decided to do something that is both safe and friendly for all ages….

Senators Smith, Klobuchar Campaign at UMD as Election Day Approaches

DULUTH, Minn.– As Election Day draws near the two presidential candidates aren’t the only ones out on the trail looking to rally voters ahead of Tuesday’s election. Minnesota’s two Democratic senators were out in Duluth hoping to energize their base today. With 1.5 million votes already cast for the 2020 election in Minnesota, Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar were…

You Can “Spoil” Your Mailed Ballot And Vote In-Person If You’re Worried It Won’t Make It In Time

MINNESOTA — With the latest court ruling that Minnesota absentee ballots that are mailed in will not be accepted past 8 p.m. on November 3rd, voters who have already dropped their ballots in the mailbox may worry that it won’t arrive in time to be counted. However, there is a way to find out if your ballot has been counted….

Superior Homes Turn Spooky For Halloween

SUPERIOR – The city of Superior is showing signs of horror throughout the community these days with homes turning into haunted houses. Some of the decorated homes are very elaborate and part of a “Haunt Your House” contest with Superior Spooktacular. You can check out the entries on Facebook. The entry with the most “likes” will win People’s Choice. Below…

Animal Allies Stresses Importance of Microchipping Your Pet at Free Event

Staff at Animal Allies say if you still need to microchip your pet, give them a call and set up an appointment at their clinic. 

DULUTH, Minn- Another free opportunity to get your pet microchipped was hosted by Animal Allies Thursday outside the Damiano Center in Duluth. Animal experts say no matter how cold it may be for you, your pet may still try to get out and the microchip is the number one way to locate them quickly. “All times of year animals they…

Rambler Food Truck Helps Life House Collect Winter Supply Donations

The food truck gave free food to anyone who donated coats, socks, hats, gloves, or toiletries like toothpaste, body wash, or deodorant. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On the last day of their season, the Northland’s Rambler Food Truck, decided to lend a hand to a local winter supply drive. The food truck parked outside of Life House in Downtown Duluth, giving free food to anyone who donates coats, socks, hats, gloves, or toiletries like toothpaste, body wash, or deodorant. Rambler staff say before they…

Record-Breaking Growth in COVID-19 Cases Causing Concern in Northland

St. Louis County Health Officials said in the last two months, half of the county's coronavirus cases have been a result of community spread.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the state of Minnesota reported their highest daily COVID-19 case amount since the pandemic began City of Duluth officials, St. Louis County Public Health, School leaders and top doctors from St. Luke’s and Essentia say that upward trend is visible in the Twin Ports as well. Since Wednesday, St. Louis County is reporting a record jump of…

Hermantown and Proctor Prepare for Election Day

Election day is just five days away, and cities throughout the country are preparing for the upcoming day.

NORTHLAND – Election day is just five days away, and cities throughout the country are preparing for the upcoming day. Hermantown and Proctor are both approaching November 3rd in a careful and thoughtful manner when it comes to making sure voters are safe. In Hermantown, there will be screen shields for election judges between them and the voters. Hand sanitizer…

Wisconsin to Open 71 More Free COVID-19 Testing Sites

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will open scores of additional COVID-19 testing sites to help deal with the state’s surge in coronavirus cases. Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday that the state’s health department will open 71 more community testing sites and operate them through Dec. 10 using federal coronavirus relief dollars. Wisconsin National Guard troops will staff the sites and…

Minnesota Reports Record-High 2,800 New Virus Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health reported 2,872 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, the most reported in a single day since the pandemic began. The state’s health department also reported 32 deaths, three shy of the highest reported in a day, and the second time this month single-day deaths climbed over 30. Minnesota’s totals now stand at 142,311…

Biden to Campaign in St. Paul, Trump Rally Moves to Dodge Center

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Both presidential candidates will campaign in Minnesota on Friday, just four days before Election Day. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has scheduled a drive-in campaign event in St. Paul at 3:45 p.m. The Biden campaign hasn’t answered questions about the event’s exact location. President Donald Trump has moved his early evening rally to McNeilus Steel in Dodge Center, according…

DTA to Offer Free Rides on Election Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority announced on Thursday that it will be offering free rides to the public on Tuesday, November 3 for election day. The DTA says no fares will be required throughout the service day and passengers will be able to take advantage of the free service to and from any destination in the system. “We…

Trump Officials End Gray Wolf Protections Across Most of US

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — The Trump administration has removed gray wolves in most of the U.S. from the endangered species list. Thursday’s action ends longstanding federal safeguards for the predators in the Lower 48 states, except for a small population of Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest. The announcement just days ahead of the election could allow the hunting of…

Midday Update 10-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, October 29

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 142,311 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 32 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,419 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,770,450 tests have been completed to date. There are 124,379 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,991 patients have required hospitalization…

Duluth Woman Shares Battle With Breast Cancer at Early Age

Nicole Elysian Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the Age of 34

DULUTH, Minn. – Hearing you’ve been diagnosed with cancer is never fun, at any age. For 35-year-old Duluthian Nicole Elysian, Halloween of 2019 is a day she will never forget. After experiencing abnormalities on her breast, she made the decision to set up an appointment with medical professionals at Essentia Health. She was 34-years-old at the time of her diagnosis….

Jobless Claims Fall to 751,000, but New Infections a Threat

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 751,000, the lowest since March but a figure that remains historically high and indicates the viral pandemic is still forcing many employers to cut jobs. Rising confirmed virus cases in nearly every state, along with a cutoff in federal aid, are threatening to weaken the economy…

Busy Halloween Weekend Ahead? Hundreds of Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas Are Ready to be Baked

Cooking Connection: Keeping Halloween Dinner Stress-Free with Papa Murphy's

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Meteorologist Ken Slama is helping take the stress out of dinner on Halloween. The West Duluth Papa Murphy’s location is expected to create more than 600 pizza on Halloween night, including their famous Jack-O-Lantern pies. The Papa Murphy’s is located at 4602 Grand Avenue Suite 400 in Duluth. Have a happy, safe…

Morning Update 10-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020

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

GOP Campaigns Asks That Late Absentee Ballots Be Separated

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The campaigns for President Donald Trump and Republican state legislative candidates are petitioning the Minnesota Supreme Court to separate all mailed ballots received after Election Day in case of legal challenges to their validity. The petition filed Wednesday is the latest challenge to Minnesota’s seven-day extension for absentee ballots. It comes a day after a federal appeals…

Judge Recognized for Helping Those in Court System Battling Drug and Alcohol Addictions

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, a judge in Duluth received an award for his work helping those in the court system who are grappling with addictions and facing crimes related to drug and alcohol abuse. 6th District Court Judge Shaun Floerke was given the Gary P. Olson Visionary Award from the Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment over Zoom. Judge…

Spirit Mountain, Mont du Lac Anticipate Adventurous Winter Season

Snowmaking Has Begun at Both Resorts, with Mont du Lac Already Opening One Run on Oct. 24

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland recently experienced its first blast of winter weather, and while many aren’t yet welcoming the change of season, it has ski and snowboard enthusiasts thrilled to hit the slopes. The cooler weather is also kick-starting the snowmaking season at two recreational areas in the Twin Ports. “Here we are in October and we’re already seeing…

Duluth Tells Homeowners, Businesses To Step Up Snow Removal; City to Focus on City-Owned Streets, Sidewalks

No longer will city crews accept special requests from homeowners and businesses to clear snow a certain way for their liking.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth held a press conference on Wednesday to address the coming year of snow after last year’s historic storm on Thanksgiving Weekend. Mayor Larson’s office tells Fox 21 the city is refocusing its plowing operations to help avoid any road-crippling backups after a snowstorm and also to avoid wasting resources on a budget tightened…

$135,000 Potentially Headed to Maintain Kozy Building

The building which is now owned by the Duluth Economic Development Authority went up in flames in 2010.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority, also known as DEDA has voted to use $135,000 to help prevent the condemned Kozy Building on East First Street from continuing to fall apart. The building which is now owned by DEDA went up in flames in 2010. The city wants it demolished for a developer, but the former Kozy owner…

Hogwarts Halloween Provides Safe Alternative

The event goes from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Halloween.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Pilgrim Church in Duluth is putting on a unique drive-by event for Halloween inspired by Harry Potter. The theme is Hogwarts. There will be plenty of fun wizard-inspired activities, such as a potions table and a wand giveaway. A flying car will also be set up for Halloween-goers to take a ride and of course plenty…

A Google Trend Shows An Increase Of People Searching How To Change Vote

Wisconsin voters will have until Thursday to utilize this option through a mail-in ballot.

SUPERIOR, Wis. –  A recent Google trend showed a spike in the number of people searching how they can change their vote. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin allow voters to make that choice. Unfortunately, the deadline has since passed for Minnesota voters, but there is still time for Wisconsin residents. Depending on how they wish to make the change, voters will…

Ammunition Shortage Not Good For Deer Season

A recent survey showed ammunition sales increased by nearly 140% in the first half of this year compared to 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – The nation has seen dramatic supply shortages for certain goods throughout the course of the pandemic. As deer season approaches, there is a strong decline in the amount of available ammunition. At the beginning of the pandemic, many gun shops started seeing ammunition shortages. Reasons for this included panic buying by gun owners and the lack of…

Superior Salvation Army Brings In Toys For Folks In Need

The Salvation Army branch in Superior is bringing in toys for those in need during this holiday season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – No need to have Santa deliver toys this year. The Salvation Army branch in Superior is bringing in toys for those in need during this holiday season. Those interested in signing up or dropping off an item can stop by their store between November 2nd and December 3rd. The captain of the Superior location tells us that…

“Don’t Box Out Bookstores”: Zenith Bookstore Brings National Campaign To Light

A local bookstore is participating in a nationwide campaign to encourage people to buy local.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local bookstore is participating in a nationwide campaign to encourage people to buy local. The Don’t box out bookstores campaign was organized by America’s bookseller’s association, working with independent bookstores across the country to bring attention to how large corporations are monopolizing the book business. Managers at Zenith bookstore say it’s important to invest, especially in…

St. Louis County Gives Back, Providing Money to Organizations in the Area

Issues like mental health, youth substance abuse and food insecurity are persisting in the Northland. Now St. Louis County is stepping up by providing more than $350,000 to five organizations that can help.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Issues like mental health, youth substance abuse and food insecurity are persisting in the Northland. Now St. Louis County is stepping up by providing more than $350,000 to five organizations that can help. The funds will be distributed throughout the county, including $90,000 to the Stone Soup Partnership and $62,000 to Recovery Alliance Duluth. The Stone…