News

Judge Dismisses 3rd-Degree Murder Charge Against Derek Chauvin, Other Charges Remain

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Hennepin County judge has dismissed the third-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin but denied the defense’s motions to dismiss the other charges against him. Chauvin remains charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Judge Peter A. Cahill issued several critical rulings Thursday….

Gop-Led Senate Panel Advances Barrett Despite Dems’ Boycott

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate. Republicans powered past a Democratic boycott of the session Thursday to keep confirmation of President Donald Trump’s pick on track before Election Day. Democratic senators refused to show up in protest of the GOP’s rush to install Trump’s nominee to…

Maple Schools Among Area Districts Facing Substitute Teacher Shortage

The district recently increased substitute teacher pay from $100 a day to $150.

MAPLE, Wisc. – The Maple School District is under pressure to add more substitute teachers. “If there were about half of our total population of subs before who said no, I’m not willing to do it even though I love kids. I don’t know what amount of money it’s going to take. I would be thrilled if we get all…

Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth Helps Bentleyville Crews Deck the Halls

The Rotary Club members' job: putting up the "5th Avenue Tunnel" lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow’s not the only thing getting Duluth in the winter spirit –setup is continuing at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, and they are continuing to receive help from the community. About 15 volunteers from the Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth came ready to deck the halls at Bayfront Park. Normally they help out with other parts of the…

Early Snow Creating Buzz for Snowmobiling

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.– This early snowfall can be a headache for some but it’s also creating some excitement for snowmobilers looking to get out on the trails. Moose Lake Implement and Sport says they’ve been seeing a lot more buzz for this year’s snowmobile season. The shop has been putting their winter vehicles out on the floor in preparation for…

St. Luke’s New 3D Mammogram Machine Makes More Detailed Breast Cancer Scans Accessible in Superior

The first 3D system in Superior allowing patients to get more detailed scans without traveling as far as Hibbing or Mountain Iron.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new machine unveiled at St. Luke’s Mariner Medical Center in Superior will now provide more detailed 3D mammograms, which are known to detect cancer earlier. The new Hologic 3D Mammography system captures 15 different images for each scan and divides them into one milometer layers so doctors can scan the breast tissue for abnormalities — detecting cancers…

Ministry Group Raises Money for Hurricane Relief Down South

Jesus is Life Ministries will be in the Hobby Lobby parking lot until Sunday raising money to bring supplies to Florida and Alabama.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth church is once again collecting donations to give aid and supplies to those impacted by the hurricanes that have decimated the Southern United States. Every year Jesus is Life Ministries raises money in parking lots of various stores on Miller Hill. They will be in the Hobby Lobby parking lot until Sunday when they go to…

Duluth Police Advise Slow, Cautious Driving Ahead of More Snow

Police also remind drivers to leave room behind other to provide enough distance to brake in slippery conditions.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland prepares for another blast of snow officials with the Duluth Police Department want to remind people that driving is going to have to change with the road conditions. They say that when there’s snow, drive slow. Many road accidents can be avoided just by doing that, they say, especially with Duluth’s hilly terrain. Police also…

COVID Deaths Tie Record Daily High in Minnesota

The commissioner of the Department of Health calls the number of 35 deaths tragic, but it's not unexpected with the state seeing a continued surge of cases.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting 35 more COVID-19 deaths in the state which matches the previous statewide daily high. The commissioner of the Department of Health calls the number of 35 deaths tragic, but it’s not unexpected with the state seeing a continued surge of cases. Just last Friday, Minnesota hit a record high…

Carlton County Preps for Another Round of Early Snow

CARLTON, Minn.– Crews were out all over the Northland clearing out roads for one of the earliest snowfalls in recent years. Those in Carlton County say they are ready to take on the snow in October. After the first snowfall earlier this week, crews in Carlton County are prepping for the next round of upcoming snow. The county has a…

Churches Collaborate To Offer Safe Halloween Alternative

DULUTH, Minn. – Trick or treating this Halloween, may not be the safest activity as the pandemic continues to cause health concerns. Several places of worship in the Twin Ports, including Coppertop Church and First Lutheran Church in Duluth, are partnering to provide a safer alternative for Halloween. Each church will host its own drive-thru event at the same time…

Flu Shots Available At Essentia Health Vaccination Clinic At Miller Hill

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is now offering a flu shot clinic at the Miller Hill Mall, to help accommodate the need for more people to be vaccinated. Patient volumes for Essentia Health’s walk-in vaccination clinic at the mall have been a little slower than anticipated so far. Health officials are expecting a surge to start soon. The pandemic poses…

US Officials Call Out Iran, Russia For Election Interference

BOSTON (AP) — Iran is responsible for emails meant to intimidate American voters and sow unrest in multiple states, U.S. officials said Wednesday night in calling out both Tehran and Russia for activities meant to interfere in the upcoming presidential election. The announcement at a rare news conference just two weeks before the election underscored the concern within the U.S….

New Solar Garden in Superior

Superior is getting a new solar garden aimed at providing energy to more than 100 homes.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is getting a new solar garden aimed at providing energy to more than 100 homes. Earlier this month, the Public Service Commission approved the Superior Water, Light and Power plans for the site on Hammond Ave. near Heritage Park, which will be funded by the organization’s customers. “Not everybody owns a home or has the roof…

Local School Hosts Theatre Production

After sending a plan to the administration and getting permission from the school board, students at Duluth East are putting on a show that is both physically distanced and timely with Halloween closely approaching. 

DULUTH, Minn. – After sending a plan to the administration and getting permission from the school board, students at Duluth East are putting on a show that is both physically distanced and timely with Halloween closely approaching. The play is called “The Drowning Girls,” which is a ghost story filled with bathtubs and a murderous husband. Performers won’t be wearing…

Rotary International Celebrates World Polio Day

A celebration was held in Duluth today for the rotary club for all the progress made in the fight against polio.

DULUTH, Minn. – A celebration was held in Duluth today for the rotary club for all the progress made in the fight against polio. For the past 32 years, Rotary International has raised $2.1 billion to help fund research and provide polio vaccinations. Rotary members tell us they are proud to be a part of such an important cause. “It’s…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s K9 Diesel Passes Away

St. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – According to a Tuesday Facebook post by the Northland K9 Foundation, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a second K-9 Officer within a week. K-9 Diesel passed away Tuesday morning after being off duty for several months due to a degenerative spinal issue. The post said Diesel had almost reached…

Wisconsin Records Record-High Virus Deaths With 48

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin recorded its highest one-day total of new COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday and the first patient was admitted to a field hospital near Milwaukee that opened last week to help hospitals coping with the influx of patients. The surge that began in early September showed no signs of slowing with 48 new deaths reported Wednesday and…

Bars, Restaurants Can Host Sports Leagues Under New Guidance

(FOX 9) – Bars and restaurants in Minnesota are allowed to host leagues for sports like darts, pool, or beanbags amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new guidance released Wednesday. The Minnesota Department of Health updated its guidance for bars and restaurants amid the COVID-19 pandemic to allow bars and restaurants to host leagues under certain conditions. Under the new guidelines, bars and restaurants must…

Minnesota Traffic Fatality Numbers Up This Year State-Wide

According to the department of public safety, more than 90 of those fatalities are a result of speed-related incidents which they say are up by more than 50 percent from this time last year.

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Traffic fatalities are up this year in Minnesota which is why those who work in public safety got together in Rochester on Tuesday to remind drivers that getting behind the wheel and making bad choices can be life-changing for the worse. So far in 2020, 314 people have died compared to 288 at this time last year….

Wisconsin Gov. Evers Discusses CARES Act Funding in COVID Update

As of October 9, the state has spent $476 million and committed an additional $479 million for COVID related relief.

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers provided an update on Wisconsin’s fight against the COVID pandemic on Tuesday during a press conference in Madison. Gov. Evers discussed where the federal CARES Act funding has gone which was spread out between public health and emergency response initiatives, plus economic relief for residents, communities, and businesses. As of October 9, the state…

Great Outdoors: Into the Wild Artography Gallery Opening in Aurora

Aaron Jordahl started taking pictures around 10 years ago and got so good that people started requesting portraits and prints.

AURORA, Minn. – Minnesota’s natural beauty is no secret and photographer Aaron Jordahl is using that beauty to open his own art gallery called Into the Wild Artography in downtown Aurora. “Everybody dreams about being an artist when they grow up I’m trying to make that dream a reality,” says Jordahl. Jordahl and his camera can be found most often…

Francis Becomes 1st Pope to Endorse Same-Sex Civil Unions

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to endorse same-sex civil unions. The comments drew cheers from gay Catholics and demands for clarification from conservatives, given the Vatican’s official teaching on the issue. The remarks came in the documentary “Francesco,” which premiered at the Rome Film Festival. In the documentary, the pope says: “Homosexual people have the…

In Tennessee, Final Presidential Debate Puts Surging Virus in Spotlight

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — When President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden arrive in Nashville for their final debate, they’ll be greeted by a city with rising coronavirus case counts. Tennessee is also embroiled in a debate about mask-wearing. Thursday’s in-person presidential debate is at Belmont University, which also hosted the 2008 debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, October 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 126,591 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 35 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,281 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,560,520 tests have been completed to date. There are 113,158 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,147 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 10-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020

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

Salvation Army: 20 Who Went to Minnesota Event Test Positive

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Salvation Army says 20 of its staff members from Minnesota and North Dakota tested positive for the coronavirus after 62 people attended a recent conference in northern Minnesota. “Despite adherence to the health guidance, we fully acknowledge that COVID-19 is formidable and highly contagious,” Salvation Army spokesman Dan Furry said in a statement Tuesday, the Star Tribune…

Us Officials: Oxycontin Maker to Plead to 3 Criminal Charges

(AP Photo/Douglas Healey, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department officials told The Associated Press that Purdue Pharma, the company that makes OxyContin, will plead guilty to three federal criminal charges as part of a settlement of more than $8 billion. OxyContin is the powerful prescription painkiller that experts say helped touch off an opioid epidemic. The officials say Purdue will…

A Place for Fido Expanding in Duluth’s Fitger’s Complex

Jamie Parent, Co-Owner of A Place for Fido, is Aiming to Open the New, Bigger Location by Mid-November

DULUTH, Minn. – Expanding a business is no easy task, but for the owners of one local pet supply store, this year has been full of first-time adventures. The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t putting a pause on expansion plans at A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s complex. “One thing that’s super exciting is we’re going to have a lake view,”…

Morning Update 10-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020

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

More Than 75,000 People Voted in-Person in Wisconsin

(Angela Major/The Janesville Gazette via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 75,000 people cast their ballots in-person on Tuesday, the first day that was available in battleground Wisconsin, the state elections commission reported. Mail-in absentee voting has been available since September and more than 1 million people have already returned their ballots that way. Taken together with the 75,518 who voted…

Parts of Minnesota Get Record Snow for This Early in October

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A record-setting October snowstorm dumped heavy snow in Minnesota and parts of northern Wisconsin and the eastern Dakotas, causing slippery driving conditions. It was the heaviest snow this early in October for many Minnesota locations and some in northwestern Wisconsin. The National Weather Service said Lakeville and some other southern Twin Cities…

Pumpkin Patch in Superior Raising Money for Church Community Outreach

Faith United Methodist Church is selling pumpkins in the Hardee's parking lot off Belknap. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A pumpkin patch outside a local church in Superior is raising money for community outreach. Faith United Methodist Church is selling pumpkins in the Hardee’s parking lot off Belknap. They’ve sold about 600 of the roughly 1,000 they’ve been selling since the beginning of October. “We got a lot of carving pumpkins, we got a lot of different…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office: Multiple Accidents As Road Conditions Are Slick

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says its deputies and other emergency crews have responded to multiple accidents because of the dangerous driving conditions. One accident that was noted in a press release happened at 5 p.m. in Rice Lake, where two cars collided near the Martin Road and Howard Gnesen Road intersection. According to…

New Black-Owned Beauty Salon in Central Hillside Aims to Serve Diverse Hair Types

"Without our hair being valued the way it is significant to us then it's almost like who are we?" the owner said. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A new black-owned salon in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood is hoping to bring a new style and hair care catered to a more diverse part of the community. Natural Braiding and Beauty on East 4th Street opened this past week. While barbers work on all types of hair, owner Denisa Ford-Washington braids and cares for the African American…

Wrong-Way Driver With Alcohol In System Hits MNDOT Plow Truck in St. Louis County

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — A 44-year-old man who was driving the wrong way on Highway 53 hit a plow truck that belongs to the Minnesota Department of Transportation on Tuesday evening, and the Minnesota State Patrol says alcohol was involved. According to State Patrol, the accident happened around 7:30 p.m. south of the city of Cook, while roads were…

‘Snow’ Place Like Home: Early Big Blast of Winter Brings Northlanders Out

The few inches that fell Tuesday was enough to blanket cars, driveways, parks -- pretty much everything.

DULUTH, Minn.- Whether enjoying the freshly fallen snow, clearing it off or preparing for more to come, Northlanders were out and about after the first big snowfall of the season. It was beginning to look a lot like winter at Leif Erickson Park Tuesday evening, the falling snow obscuring the Aerial Lift Bridge in the distance. But that didn’t stop…

Sacred Heart Music Center Needs Help Replacing Items Stolen After Break-Ins

A GoFundMe Page is set up to help raise $7,500.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Sacred Heart Music Center is looking to raise $7,500 to recover their losses after several break-ins during the pandemic. Some of the items stolen include a computer, speakers, several tv monitors, and a few guitars. Sacred Heart typically runs musical concerts, weddings, and youth programs at the facility several times a month. The pandemic has forced…

In-Person Early Voting Begins In Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As election day inches closer, the opening of polling locations in Wisconsin for in-person early voting is part of ensuring the opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard. The polling site at the government center in superior typically sees a strong turn out for elections, but this year is different. So far, the Superior City Clerks office…

Toppers Opens in Superior

The opening brought more than 30 jobs to Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The popular pizza shop, Toppers, is officially open in Superior. The goal was to open back in March, but it wasn’t the right time. Unfortunately, the global pandemic put a pause on the plan for opening. Now that the restaurant is open to the public, it is providing job opportunities that may be desperately needed during this…

Small Crowds and Low Prices for Travelers

With winter coming up and the holidays fast approaching, some people are getting out and taking the chance to book their vacations.

DULUTH, Minn. – With winter coming up and the holidays fast approaching, some people are getting out and taking the chance to book their vacations. Because the crowds are so low at the moment, experts at local travel agencies say it’s a great time to go on your bucket list adventure. Prices are likewise low during this time for things…

Tire Shops Ready for Customers

While locals are anticipating more snow, tire shops are getting swamped with customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – While locals are anticipating more snow, tire shops are getting swamped with customers. Duluth Tire on West Superior Street is providing a free service check on tires. People can come to the store and get their tires checked in case they need more air, a rotation or possibly even new all-season tires depending on the make and…

Real Estate Market Makes Records In September During Pandemic

It's been kind of an odd year when it comes to the real estate market, especially with the changing conditions resulting from COVID. However, the market did reach new records this past September.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been kind of an odd year when it comes to the real estate market, especially with the changing conditions resulting from COVID. However, the market did reach new records this past September. When COVID made its presence known, uncertainties began coming forward for the real estate market and whether people were willing to risk buying a…

2020 UMD Homecoming Underway

This year they have an added focus on safety during the pandemic while still providing the same atmosphere Bulldogs are used to. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Kirby Student Board have put together a variety of events for current students complete with discounts and other giveaways during homecoming. This year they have an added focus on safety during the pandemic while still providing the same atmosphere Bulldogs are used to. “We have pretty much all the same events we’ve done in…

State Patrol Reports 346 Crashes, 345 Spinouts as Fall Snowstorm Hits Minnesota

(FOX 9) – Roads are snow-covered and slippery in much of Minnesota as of Tuesday afternoon as a fall snowstorm hits the state. The Minnesota State Patrol is reporting troopers are responding to a number of crashes, spin-outs, and vehicles off the road in central Minnesota along Interstate 94. State Patrol says drivers in the area may encounter some standstill traffic due…

First Significant Snowstorm Could Set Records in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The season’s first significant snowstorm of the year was dumping heavy amounts of precipitation in Minnesota and Wisconsin Tuesday and causing slippery driving conditions in the Dakotas. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning until early evening for portions of central Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin. Snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches were expected with…

Minnesota Reports Record Number of New COVID-19 Hospitalizations

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported 1,120 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday and seven more deaths from the disease. Minnesota has now seen a total of 125,531 COVID-19 cases and 2,246 deaths since the onset of the pandemic, according to the latest state Department of Health data. The 1,120 newly reported cases were out of 13,903 completed tests in a 24-hour…

Cough Keeps Melania Trump off Campaign Trail

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump’s return to the campaign trail will have to wait. Her chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, said Tuesday that Mrs. Trump continues to feel better every day following her recent recovery from COVID-19 but has a lingering cough. Grisham says the first lady has decided not to accompany President Donald Trump to a campaign rally Tuesday…

Lawsuit: City, County Officials Violated Rights of Homeless

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A lawsuit accuses officials in Minneapolis and Hennepin County of violating the civil rights of people in homeless encampments when they conducted sweeps that displaced them and put their health at risk. The federal complaint filed Monday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is asking a judge to declare class-action status…