News

Barrett Vows to Interpret Laws ‘as They Are Written’

WASHINGTON (AP) — At her confirmation hearing, Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has declared that Americans deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets the Constitution and laws “as they are written.” That statement encapsulates her conservative approach that has Republicans excited about the prospect of her taking the place of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day….

Midday Update 10-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Oct. 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Oct. 12, 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, October 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 113,439 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,144 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,337,122 tests have been completed to date. There are 101,376 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,421 patients have required hospitalization…

Watch: Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing Opens

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing has begun as the Republican-led Senate is charging ahead to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with President Donald Trump’s pick before Election Day. Barring a dramatic development, Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm the 48-year-old conservative appellate judge to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court….

Minnesota Legislature to Convene for 5th Special Session

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House and Senate convene Monday for their fifth special session of 2020 and what’s likely their last chance to pass a public works construction package known as a bonding bill this year. A Senate committee met Monday morning to walk through a package that would borrow $1.36 billion in general…

Wisconsin Judge Upholds Mask Order for Enclosed Spaces

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge has upheld Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate in the face of a conservative challenge. St. Croix County Circuit Judge R. Michael Waterman ruled Monday that Evers did not overstep his authority by issuing multiple emergency orders on the coronavirus. Evers says the mask order was within his power and that he has followed…

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Expert Discusses COIVD-19 Severity, Holiday Concerns

Dr. Andrew Thompson is an Infectious Disease Physician at St. Luke's in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Daily COVID-19 testing data released by the Minnesota Department of Health shows a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in recent weeks, and it’s prompting local health experts to speak out with a reminder for residents. “The recent rise in COVID-19 cases is definitely causing concern,” said St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Dr. Andrew Thompson. Thompson…

Morning Update 10-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Oct. 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Federal Judge Upholds Minnesota’s Extended Ballot Counting

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has upheld a Minnesota state court agreement that allows counting of absentee ballots received up to seven days after Election Day as long as they are postmarked by Election Day. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel ruled late Sunday night that the plaintiffs in the case don’t have standing and denied their motion for a…

Canal Park Staying Busy During Fall Season

DULUTH, Minn.– Canal Park continues to be busy with tourists even as more people stay home during the pandemic. Both tourists and locals battled the chilly air and strong winds today to walk around the area. One tourist from New Mexico came with his friends in tow to visit Duluth and the North Shore for the first time. “It’s definitely…

The Haunted Shack Opens for 2020 Season

CARLTON, Minn.– The pandemic isn’t stopping a longtime Northland haunted house from creating screams this Halloween. This weekend, the Haunted Shack in Carlton opened for its 27th season with some changes. Masks and temperature checks are required. Smaller groups of people head into the Haunted House at a time and the waiting area is split up into three sections to…

Pro-Trump Mining Rally Held in Virginia as Presidential Election Approaches

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Minnesota has become a state both presidential candidates have spent a lot of time campaigning in ahead of November’s election. More specifically, President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden have been hoping to appeal to voters on Minnesota’s Iron Range as a key area in the state. Trump voters gathered in Virginia on Friday to give a…

Duluth Council to Vote Monday on Leaving Lakewalk’s Missing Link Disconnected

Councilors say the shoreline behind the Ledges and Beacon Pointe is too washed out to try and make changes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council is expected to vote on whether to scrap plans to connect a missing link to the popular Lakewalk behind some shoreline properties. At their last meeting two weeks ago, the council tabled the resolution that would reallocate $915,695 in FEMA funds. Those funds were granted to repair the 2018 storm-damaged trail behind the Ledges Townhomes…

Duluth Family’s Dog, Wild Deer Become Unlikely Furry Friends

Frank, a year-and-a-half-old Black Labrador, and a wandering doe have regular morning playdates.

DULUTH, Minn.- One family’s dog in Duluth is proving that man may not be dog’s only best friend — a deer has taken that spot. In a video recorded from the Miller house’s window, a black lab and a doe carefully watch each other, each rearing to go. But this was not a vicious hunting or attack video. The dog…

Historical Marker Unveiled at CJM Memorial

DULUTH, Minn.– The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial has stood as a sign of remembrance for lynchings in Duluth of three men in 1920. Saturday, community members came together dedicating a new part of the site they say to help people reflect on the event more as they look towards the future. The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial stands as a reminder…

Bentleyville Christmas Tree Installed in Bayfront Park

Volunteers worked four hours to install the 128-foot tree in front of Bayfront Pavilion.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s apparently never too early to get into the Christmas spirit for Bayfront Park, as the Bentleyville Christmas Tree went up Saturday. Volunteers worked four hours to install the 128-foot tree in front of Bayfront Pavilion. The hardest part of installing the tree, crews said, was moving the bottom piece — weighing over 16,000 lbs — from its…

Earth Rider Brewery Brings German Culture to Superior with Annual Oktoberfest

The whole-day event included music, stein-holding and hammer-striking competitions, and of course plenty of beer. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The sounds of polka filled Earth Rider Brewery in Superior for their annual Oktoberfest celebration Sunday. The whole-day event included music, stein-holding and hammer-striking competitions, and of course plenty of beer. Some changes to this year’s festival included requiring masks in certain areas, and limiting attendance to only 200 advanced tickets. But staff at the brewery said it was…

Duluth Police: Man Pulled Gun During Argument at Dunkin Donuts

According to Police two males got into a verbal argument inside Dunkin Donuts, and one man left to get a firearm from his car before leaving.

DULUTH, Minn.- One man is in custody, according to the Duluth Police Department, after pulling a firearm on another man during an argument at a Dunkin Donuts. A spokesperson with the Department said around 11 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a report of a person with a gun at the Dunkin Donuts on Central Entrance Road. According to the spokesperson,…

The Second Presidential Debate Is Officially Off

The decision comes one day after it was announced the debate would be held virtually.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The second presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden is officially being scrapped. The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed Friday the October 15 faceoff is no longer happening. This decision comes one day after the commission announced the debate would take place virtually due to President Trump’s diagnoses with the Coronavirus. Trump resisted…

Spirit Mountain Begins Selling Season Passes

The resort has the goal of opening in late November depending on the weather. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is gearing up for the skiing season. The ski hill has opened up eligibility to purchase season passes for the winter. After shutting down for the entire summer season due to the pandemic, management says that they have a plan for the hill in place and are ready to re-open. “We’re really excited to be…

Harbor House Adds Permanent Housing for Homeless

The Tabitha Apartments on Harris street in Superior recently announced they are opening up four rooms.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior now has more options for permanent housing for the homeless. The Tabitha Apartments on Harris street in Superior recently announced they are opening up four rooms. Although residents still haven’t moved in yet, directors of the organization say this is a big step in reducing the homeless population in the community. “We’re just trying to help…

Trump Supporters Protest Mayor Larson at City Hall

DULUTH, Minn.– Last week, a group of Trump supporters drove down the street of Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s home after her remarks calling President Trump a ‘white supremacist.’ This time, they are voicing their frustrations at City Hall. A group of people gathered at Duluth City Hall Friday to protest Mayor Larson’s statement regarding the line of cars that drove…

Items Needed for Pet Supplies Drive

Two local businesses are partnering to provide pet supplies to those who need them.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two local businesses are partnering to provide pet supplies to those who need them. Canal Bark along with Anytime Fitness in West Duluth are putting together a pet supplies drive and accepting donations throughout the month of October. Things like dog food, medical supplies, cat litter, or anything else considered essential are encouraged. “It’s super important just…

One Person Is Dead In An Officer-involved Shooting On I-35 In Pine County

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – One person is dead after an officer-involved shooting that happened on I-35 in Pine County around 2 p.m. on Friday. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says the shooting took place in the northbound lanes nearby the Mora exit along the interstate. Autorities say at about 1:45 p.m. on Friday, law enforcement responded to a 911…

COVID-19 Cases Spike In Itasca County

The Itasca County Health Department is reporting an uncontrolled level of COVID spread due to largely formal and informal gatherings that they deemed unsafe.

ITASCA COUNTY – The Itasca County Health Department is reporting an uncontrolled level of COVID spread due to largely formal and informal gatherings that they deemed unsafe. Itasca County has almost doubled the amount of COVID cases that it has had compared to less than a month ago. There are currently 539 cases and now Grand Rapids Senior High School…

College of St. Scholastica Implements New Protocols

Colleges have been back in session for about a month and as the pandemic continues, one of them is changing some of its protocols after seeing an uptick in coronavirus cases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Colleges have been back in session for about a month and as the pandemic continues, one of them is changing some of its protocols after seeing an uptick in coronavirus cases. Changes have begun at the College of St. Scholastica after the school saw a rise in COVID cases. Right now, the college makes decisions based on…

The Latest: Trump Plans to Hold in-Person Event on Saturday

WASHINGTON (AP) – On Saturday, President Donald Trump is planning to hold his first in-person event since testing positive for the coronavirus. Two weeks after the Rose Garden event that is now considered a “superspreader,” Trump is planning to convene another large crowd outside the White House for an event on “law and order.” That’s despite the ongoing White House…

Nashwauk Man Sentenced to 105 Months for Criminal Vehicular Homicide

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A Nashwauk man charged with fatally hitting a two-year-old boy and injuring his teenaged aunt with his truck last August appeared in court for his sentencing Friday. 40-year-old Jake Michael Place was sentenced to 105 months in prison, the maximum sentence under the law. Place pleaded guilty in March to criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, October 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 109,312 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,121 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,256,165 tests have been completed to date. There are 97,715 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,251 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 10-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Oct. 9, 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

Essentia Health Offering Saturday Mammography Clinics in October

Doctors Urge Women to Make Regular Mammograms Part of Your Lifelong Health Care Routine

DULUTH, Minn. – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While routine medical exams should be a part of your routine, medical experts at Essentia Health in Duluth are taking the month to offer quality-care to those in need. Doctors say routine screening mammograms can help your provider detect breast cancer before you have symptoms. Diagnostic mammograms help identify cancer after…

Suspect, 16, Arrested After Ely Teen Rescued From Ravine With Stab Wounds

ELY, Minn. – The Ely Police Department says a 16-year-old suspect has been arrested after a 13-year-old male was found injured down a ravine Thursday afternoon. According to police, officers were dispatched to the area of 800 Miners Drive around 3:30 p.m. on a medical call after a hiker called 911 to report that someone appeared to have fallen down…

Morning Update 10-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Oct. 9, 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

Pence to Visit Waukesha as Wisconsin Coronavirus Cases Soar

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence plans to make a campaign stop Tuesday at a manufacturing company in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha, the Trump campaign announced Thursday. Pence will speak at Weldall Manufacturing, which does large-scale fabrication work. Doors open at 10 a.m. Tuesday for the noon event. While President Donald Trump remains sidelined as he recovers from COVID-19,…

University of Minnesota Alters Spring Break for 5 Campuses

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota is changing spring break plans at its five campuses because of the coronavirus. University leaders are moving the weeklong vacation from March to April for Twin Cities and Rochester students and spreading the days across the semester for those attending in Duluth, Morris, and Crookston, the Star Tribune reported. In addition, university officials…

Taconite Dust Compensation For Superior Homeowners Scaled Back

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After decades of compensation for taconite dust in the air, many homeowners in Superior won’t be getting a yearly check from the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad to clean the dust off their homes anymore. The dust comes from BSNF’s taconite processing facility in the Allouez neighborhood. Superior City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle says about 200 homes…

Insure Duluth Offering Free Health Insurance Help

DULUTH, Minn.– With open enrollment for MNsure coming up next month, one Duluth organization is helping to make sure people are insured. Especially while the pandemic goes on. Insure Duluth has always been stationed inside the library, but the group is now helping people outside on Tuesdays and Thursdays while the building is closed. MNsure navigators give people free information…

Duluth Workforce Development Program Looking to Help Recently Laid Off DECC Employees

DULUTH, Minn. — After the DECC announced earlier this week that the roughly 400 employees it furloughed are now permanently laid off, the city of Duluth’s Workforce Development Program wants to help those former workers find new opportunities. The program can first connect Duluth residents to emergency assistance, such as healthcare, housing, and making sure services like heat aren’t turned…

Mayor Larson Urges for Second Round of Federal Stimulus Aid

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is urging everyone from President Trump to lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to pass a second stimulus bill sooner than later. “It’s not just about making sure cities are somehow made whole by our revenue shortages. It’s not just about getting paycheck protection programs to businesses,” said Larson. “It’s about a stimulus…

New Art Exhibit at UWS Explores Struggles With Alcoholism

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new exhibit is now showing in the Kruk Art Gallery at The University of Wisconsin-Superior. The exhibition called Aqua Vitae features the work of two artists exploring their own struggles with alcoholism. The visual imagery also looks deeper into the triggers and the problematic relationships these artists have had with alcohol. “I think it’s really fascinating…

Mike’s Western Cafe Closes After Nearly Four Decades

"I met so many nice people. I met fishing buddies, golfing buddies, and bowling buddies. It's really been a fun experience," said Mike Pracher, the owner of Mike's Western Cafe.

DULUTH, Minn. – A hometown restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is closing its doors after nearly 40 years in business. Mike’s Western Cafe has lasted through multiple generations of many in the Lincoln Park Community. Those who have come to love the local restaurant will now have to say farewell. Mike Pracher, the owner of Mike’s Western Cafe, has…

Principal’s Week Highlights Leaders of Local Schools

As the school year continues, educators are being confronted with issues they've never seen before due to the pandemic, and this week, it is Principal's Week all throughout Minnesota where the state celebrates the leaders of these schools who are helping adapt to those changes.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the school year continues, educators are being confronted with issues they’ve never seen before due to the pandemic, and this week, it is principal’s week all throughout Minnesota where the state celebrates the leaders of these schools who are helping adapt to those changes. Whether it be communicating with staff and families or navigating changes in…

Duluth Library Foundation Receives Grant for School Readiness

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Library Foundation received a grant today going towards a city-wide library led school initiative called “Every Child Ready Duluth.” The grant is from the Lloyd K. Johnson foundation for $25,000. Those funds will be used to help reduce Duluth’s opportunity gap especially when it comes to kids getting ready for kindergarten. “We’ve been getting batches…

Minnesota Man Cited After Assaulting Reporter Near Trump Rally

(Facebook/Duluth Police Department) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Attorney announced on Thursday that a citation has been issued to the Minnesota man caught on video assaulting a reporter near the Trump rally held at the Duluth International Airport last week. According to a recent press release from the city, 70-year-old Duane Waldriff, of Lamberton, was cited with misdemeanor assault…

Minnesota Loosens Bar Rules Put in Place for the Coronavirus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Thursday reported the second-highest number of daily COVID-19 hospital admissions, on the same day the state loosened regulations in bars and restaurants. Updated guidelines permit as many as 10 people seated together in restaurants and event spaces, up from four or six if they were members of a single household. Live music will…