News

UMD, UWS, LSC Students Gear Up for Academic Year Full of Changes as School Starts

All schools are taking precautions such as increased signage for social distancing, hand sanitizing stations throughout campus, and extra staff to sanitize spaces and classrooms routinely. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Online v.s. in-person class settings, class sizes, and even semester start dates are all being changed at Northland colleges and universities this year, as students gear up for an academic year like no other. The August 31st starting date at UMD hangs in uncertainty as the Board of Regents is set to vote Monday on whether or not…

Athletes Participate in Cider Run 5K at Wild State

In a summer where many typical running events were canceled due to COVID-19, Sunday's Cider Run gave runners and walkers a chance to feel that race experience.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all the fog and mugginess, athletes ran a Cider Run around the Lincoln Park Craft District on Sunday. The roughly 5 kilometers started and ended ad Wild State Cider on West Superior Street. In a summer where many typical running events were canceled due to COVID-19, Sunday’s Cider Run gave runners and walkers a chance to…

Two Harbors Man Seriously Injured In ATV Rollover

PEQUAYWAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in an ATV accident that left the driver seriously injured. The rollover happened just before midnight Saturday at 8744 Pequaywan Road in Pequaywan Township in St. Louis County. When deputies arrived, they found the driver —  a 40-year-old man from Two Harbors — unconscious with severe injuries. He…

Haunted Ridge Still Going On For Halloween

Opening night is October 9th.

CARLTON, Minn. – All of the ghouls and goblins at the Haunted Ridge in Carlton are gearing up to give Halloween lovers a good scare this year. Despite the pandemic, the terrors must go on, but in a different way. Instead of using live actors, there will be animations displayed to give a haunting experience. Anyone visiting must get their…

DLH Airport Seeing Less Flights This Summer Due to Pandemic

Commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials at Duluth International Airport say businesses during this peak time of year, June-September, is being hurt by the pandemic. According to Executive Director Tom Werner, commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. Normally most passengers fly out of DLH for business, Werner said. But due…

Lake Wood Designs’ Showroom Opens in Lincoln Park

Owner Devin Garrett takes reclaimed wood from buildings and crafts it into customized items for clients.

DULUTH, Minn. – A grand opening was held for the new Lake Wood Designs showroom in Lincoln Park displaying original wood designs. Owner Devin Garrett takes reclaimed wood from buildings and crafts it into customized items for clients. The new space allows Garrett to show off finished products. There’s also a special wall displaying the types and colors of wood…

Salvation Army Rookie Basketball Player Raises Funds to Help Others Play as Well

12-year-old Nathan Easty sold sporting goods outside of his home on Saturday to raise money for scholarships to play basketball.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 12-year-old basketball player in the Salvation Army’s Rookie Basketball Association raised funds to help others afford the chance to play on Saturday. Nathan Easty is the youngest of five brothers who have all played in the Rookie Basketball Association where their father is also a coach. So when Nathan had an idea to help fellow basketball…

Two Businesses Partner During Pandemic

Today another food truck partnered with a local brewery to serve customers outside during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today another food truck partnered with a local brewery to serve customers outside during the pandemic. Oasis Del Norte parked itself at Blacklist Beer’s patio to serve their tacos and burritos, providing a socially distant way for people to enjoy both grub and beer. Staff at Blacklist say they hope this partnership will continue moving forward. “We…

Runners Run Socially Distant 4K

While COVID-19 has forced many outdoor events to cancel, today, runners inching to get their legs moving got to do so on the Sky Harbor Airport's runway.

DULUTH, Minn. – While COVID-19 has forced many outdoor events to cancel, today, runners inching to get their legs moving got to do so on the Sky Harbor Airport’s runway. Runners came to Sky Harbor Airport to run a socially-distanced race. “Like so many other activities, racing has disappeared in the spring and so in this season, I haven’t had…

Gondik Law Speedway Hosts Seecond Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Night

The event raised money for different local nonprofits that provide support and services for suicide prevention.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 2nd annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Night was held at the Gondik Law Speedway in Superior on Friday night. The night of races and other events raised money for different nonprofits that provide support and services for suicide prevention and worked to make suicide a topic that people feel comfortable discussing. “When someone dies of cancer or…

U.S. House of Representatives Approves $25 Billion Emergency Funding for Post Office

WASHINGTON (AP)- The House has approved legislation that would reverse recent changes in U.S. Postal Service operations. The measure would also send $25 billion in emergency funds to shore up the agency ahead of November’s presidential election. Passage was 257 to 150 and came after heated debate. President Donald Trump had urged a no vote, calling concerns over mail delivery…

Marcus Duluth Cinema Reopens To Movie-Goers

Marcus Duluth Cinema will continue discount days like $5 Tuesday or Student Thursdays.

DULUTH, Minn. – It may have felt like forever, but the Marcus Duluth Cinema is open and ready to offer a safe distraction to everyone. Going to the movies just might be everyone’s favorite entertainment activity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause of a lot of extracurricular fun. The Marcus Duluth Cinema has finally reopened its doors, but not…

Dermatologists Are Noticing “Maskne” Is Becoming A Problem For Many People

Experts say sweat, oils, and bacteria can become trapped under the skin leading to a person to see a change.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have been experiencing unexplained changes to the skin on your face you may be developing “maskne” or mask acne. Dermatologists have been seeing an increase in patients being treated for skin irritation and acne breakouts due to continuous mask-wearing. The skin acts a barrier, but when wearing a face covering, the skin becomes impaired. Experts…

University of Minnesota System’s President Suggesting Changes to Beginning of School Year

Nothing is set in stone yet, this proposal will be considered by the university's Board of Regents during a special meeting on Monday morning.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota system’s president is suggesting some changes to the beginning of the school year which would potentially impact the Duluth campus. In a letter from President Joan Gabel (found here), she is suggesting move-in dates at UMD and two other schools to be postponed for at least two weeks to provide additional time to…

Lake Avenue Bridge Reopens to Traffic After Three Months of Reconstruction

The new left turn lane to West Superior Street from the bridge will stay closed until the Superior Street Project is complete in November. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The road between Downtown Duluth and Canal Park is open for the first time since April as crews finished the Lake Avenue bridge and part of the intersection on Friday. Crews spent the past few months repairing water and sewer lines underground and replacing the old bricks with brand new concrete. Turn lanes have also been reconfigured. While…

Rallies Outside Post Offices in Duluth Deliver Thanks, Support for Postal Workers

The rallies come as Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is accused of making changes that could slow the delivery of mail-in ballots for this year's General Election.

DULUTH, Minn.- Various community groups gathered by two post offices in Duluth Friday, to picket in support of local postal workers as the future of the United States Post Office hangs in contention in Washington. “I feel like the Post Office, the USPS is an essential Public Service,” said Jon Phipps, a recent UMD Grad from West Duluth. Signs and…

Superior’s Sweet Streets Program Encourages Helmet Wearing

When Superior police see a youngster on a bike all geared up with a helmet, they hand them the so-called ticket that's good for a free scoop of ice cream at Sweeden Sweets on Tower Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kids in Superior who wear their helmets while riding their bikes are getting pulled over by police and written tickets for a good reason. The tickets are part of a reward program called Sweet Streets. When Superior police see a youngster on a bike all geared up with a helmet, they hand them the so-called ticket that’s…

Mike Pence to Visit Duluth August 28

VP Pence will be speaking at Clure Public Marine Terminal for a "Workers for Trump" event.

DULUTH, Minn. – Vice President Mike Pence will be making a stop in the Northland Friday, August 28. VP Pence will be speaking at Clure Public Marine Terminal for a “Workers for Trump” event. The doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the Vice President will be speaking after 12 p.m. He’s coming to Duluth the day after the conclusion of…

Zinema 2.0 Starts Online Streaming

One local theatre has launched a virtual cinema where patrons are able to rent movies online through the theatre's website.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local theatre has launched a virtual cinema where patrons are able to rent movies online through the theatre’s website. Zinema isn’t open to the public and is only open for private rentals for evenings and weekends. Each ticket purchased will support both the Zinema and the independent distributors. The cinema will feature films in the categories…

Push Up Challenge for Fallen First Responders

One Wisconsin man is taking on a challenge to raise money for fallen first responders.

NORTHLAND – One Wisconsin man is taking on a challenge to raise money for fallen first responders. Nate Carroll has a goal of doing 1.5 million pushups in 365 days to raise $1.5 million in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responders Home Program. The program benefits the families of police officers, firefighters and EMT personnel who…

Northlander Starts Homeschooling Business

With the effects of the pandemic, people are looking into different options to educate their kids. One Northlander started a business earlier this month to help those who are thinking about homeschooling.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the effects of the pandemic, people are looking into different options to educate their kids. One Northlander started a business earlier this month to help those who are thinking about homeschooling. Halee Schlangen has been homeschooling her kids for the past five and a half years. With the pandemic, she saw a need for homeschooling education…

University of Minnesota System President Proposes Start of Semester Primarily Online

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota System President Joan Gabel has proposed pushing back move-in dates for students and starting the semester primarily online due to COVID-19 concerns. The proposed changes will be presented to the Board of Regents on Monday. In a message to students on Friday, UMD Chancellor Lendley Black wrote, “Our priority from the beginning of…

Minnesota Confirms 15 COVID-19 Cases Linked to Sturgis

(Amy Harris/Invision/AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health has 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in people who went to the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. One of those patients is hospitalized, MDH director of infectious disease and epidemiology Kris Ehresmann said on a briefing phone call Friday. Minnesota health officials are expecting to see more COVID-19…

Thompson Won’t Say When UW Would Close Due to COVID-19

(courtesy: UW System) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Interim University of Wisconsin President Tommy Thompson says he has a threshold in mind for when campuses will have to shut down due to coronavirus cases, but he’s not saying what it is. Thompson took questions Friday during an online Milwaukee Press Club event. Thompson says hasn’t told anyone what the threshold for…

Golden State Killer Sentenced to Life for 26 Rapes, Slayings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A former California police officer dubbed the Golden State Killer told victims Friday hew was “truly sorry” before he was sentenced to multiple life prison sentences for a decade-long string of rapes and murders that terrorized a wide swath of the state. Joseph James DeAngelo, 74, pleaded guilty in June to 13 murders and 13 rape-related…

Duluth Fire Department: Dangerous Swimming Conditions at Park Point

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. “There are currently no lifeguards at Park Point, and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate…

Midday Update 8-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 21, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Panel Grills Commerce Chief Over Line 3 Oil Pipeline Appeal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A member of Gov. Tim Walz’s cabinet faced sharp questioning at a confirmation hearing Friday for approving an appeal over a controversial pipeline project in a dispute that could cost him his job. Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley is under fire because he’s appealing a decision by the independent Public Utilities Commission to approve Enbridge Energy’s plan to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 68,133 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,753 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,340,850 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,920 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,064 patients have required hospitalization…

Wisconsin Extends Ban on Utility Disconnections Amid COVID-19

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State regulators have extended a ban on utility disconnections during the coronavirus pandemic in Wisconsin. The Public Service Commission voted 2-1 Thursday to continue a moratorium on shutoffs until Oct. 1. That will temporarily prevent more than 93,000 customers from losing their utility service next month. A PSC survey of nearly 200 utilities shows about a…

Morning Update 8-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 21, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Enrollment Up to Last Year’s Levels at LSC, Students Take Advantage of Last Minute Registration

Early Bird events are at full capacity the next couple days, so the college anticipates enrollment continuing to grow. 

DULUTH, Minn.-Enrollment at Lake Superior College has shot up in the past two weeks, putting them at levels similar to last year according to school officials. In the past week alone enrollment has increased 6%. Officials say that is because more students are choosing a more local, cheaper option with the year uncertain. On Thursday, one of the college’s Early…

Duluth’s BOLD-choice Theatre Receives Statewide Award for Enriching the Lives of People with Disabilities

The theater is part of CHOICE, unlimited, a nonprofit that services people with disabilities in all types of ways.

DULUTH, Minn. – BOLD-choice Theatre, part of Duluth-based CHOICE, unlimited received a statewide award for enriching the lives of people with disabilities. CHOICE, unlimited is a nonprofit that services people with disabilities in all types of ways. Their outreach theater has 25 actors with disabilities. The group puts together original programs and performs for schools and organizations. Thursday, the Minnesota…

Businesses on Iron Range Work to Recover After Slower Summer Due to COVID-19

Businesses owners say they're keeping their heads up, while local officials say the Fall and Winter seasons look bleak.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- As it has everywhere, the pandemic has put a damper on business on the Iron Range this summer — a time when many businesses just began opening back up after three months shut down. “It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with the virus,” Brooke Forseen, an employee at Canelake’s Candies in Virginia said. “It’s really just…

Annual Dredging Helping with Eroding Beach Along Park Point

The project benefits the shipping industry in the port and also helps restore storm-damaged portions of Park Point.

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual dredging maintenance project has kicked off down by the Aerial Lift Bridge. The project benefits the shipping industry in the port and also helps restore storm-damaged portions of Park Point. Each year more than 100,000 cubic yards of material is dredged, but this year, 50,000 of those will be placed on the north side of…

Tourists Continue Summer Visits To Duluth

Throughout the summer, thousands of visitors come to Canal Park and come to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the summer, thousands of visitors come to Canal Park and come to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. One local family we caught up with today from Minneapolis is here on vacation even during the pandemic. They say that they love walking by the water and watching the ships come in as well as…

Pregnancy Stress During Pandemic Can Have Impacts

Health professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day can help improve your mood.

DULUTH, Minn. Stress can be a normal reaction to life changes. In the midst of a pandemic, pregnant women experiencing stress just might be too overwhelming. Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time in a woman’s life. “I kind of felt like my part of my pregnancy taken from me,” said Dakota DeFoe. When the coronavirus pandemic hit the…

The Superior Spooktacular Goes On Despite Pandemic

The event starts October 24th and runs through Halloween.

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween isn’t cancelled as of now, but it might look a little different. In just a few months, the Superior Spooktacular will take place downtown despite the global pandemic. This year, the Halloween event will have a variety of activities, including a drive-in movie night. The Spooktacular committee is also partnering with Grandma’s Marathon to put on…

“Bikes For Basketball” Fundraiser Looks To Provide Opportunities For Young Boys And Girls

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Rookie Basketball Association, which is a year-round basketball program for young boys and girls through the salvation army, is hoping to raise money to keep kids playing the game. One of the RBA players came up with the idea to host a fundraiser called “Bikes for Basketball.” More than a dozen bikes and tons of…

Itasca County Educators Stress Preparation Before School Begins

Parents and Caregivers Are Encouraged to Practice Masking Ahead of Return to the Classroom

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Health and school leaders in Itasca County are urging parents to practice what local medical professionals are preaching to better help their children prepare for the upcoming abnormal school year. Officials stress the need for preventative action at home before students return to the classroom come September. Per Minnesota state guidelines, all students returning to in-person…

Shipping Up in Northland

Even the pandemic wasn't able to stop the shipping season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even the pandemic wasn’t able to stop the shipping season. Three of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority’s four major bulk cargoes had month over month increases. Grain jumped 54% over June, coal by 49% while iron ore gained slightly. While May had experienced COVID induced lows, the tonnage totals continue to rebound. “July was a positive step…

New Emergency Department at St. Luke’s

The completion of phase one of a more than $37 million project for St. Luke's emergency department was celebrated today.

DULUTH, Minn. – The completion of phase one of a more than $37 million project for St. Luke’s emergency department was celebrated today. This 17-month project will triple the size of St. Luke’s emergency department as they will now have nearly 40 exam rooms in about 60,000 square feet of space. It will also include four trauma bays and behavior…

Source: Michigan Reaches $600m Deal in Flint Water Crisis

MICHIGAN (AP) – The state of Michigan has agreed to pay $600 million to compensate Flint residents whose health was damaged by lead-tainted drinking water. That’s according to an attorney involved in settlement negotiations. The attorney confirmed details to The Associated Press on Wednesday but requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about it ahead of an official…

Midday Update 8-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, Morning News, News, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 20

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 67,308 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,745 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,322,220 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,605 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,019 patients have required hospitalization…

Coronavirus Cases at Green Bay Prison Reach 57

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Fifty-seven people have tested positive for the coronavirus at the Green Bay Correctional Institution, according to state officials. All of the prisoners who have tested positive are being isolated and anyone who was exposed is being quarantined, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections said. All inmates and staff at the prison are in the process of…