News

Justices Reject end to Protections for Young Immigrants

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump’s effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants. For now, those immigrants retain their protection from deportation and their authorization to work in the United States. The outcome seems certain to elevate the issue in Trump’s campaign, given the anti-immigrant rhetoric of his first presidential run in…

1.5 Million More Laid-Off Workers Seek Unemployment Benefits

WASHINGTON (AP) – About 1.5 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, a historically high number, even as the economy increasingly reopens and employers bring some people back to work. The latest figure from the Labor Department marks the 11th straight weekly decline in applications since they peaked at nearly 7 million in March as the coronavirus…

Overnight Fire Damages Garage in Superior

Although the fire was extinguished quickly, the garage and its contents are a total loss. 

Credit: Superior Fire Department SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night, members of the Superior Fire Department responded to reports of a garage fire in the alley behind 1816 Ogden Avenue. The garage was fully engulfed when crews arrived. Although the fire was extinguished quickly, the garage and its contents are a total loss. Heat from the fire also…

Itasca County Tourism Industry Impacted by COVID-19

Businesses and organizations ready to serve tourists despite the unprecedented circumstances

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Downtown Grand Rapids is bustling with summer in full swing. “Outdoor recreation is not closed and, in Grand Rapids, we are a mecca for outdoor recreation,” said Megan Christianson, Executive Director of Visit Grand Rapids. With a million acres of public forest and more than a thousand area lakes, tourism is the heart of the local…

Loaves And Fishes Shelter Still Serving Homeless Community

"We want to be a place guys can come to during this time and be a resource for them. We try to carry out that job to the best of our ability. So far so good," said Volunteer Maweja Henderson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Loaves and Fishes Dorothy Day House is continuing to help those in need in Duluth. Throughout the pandemic, the organization has remained open as a resource for the homeless community. The many health risks of Covid-19 has caused the organization to make a few changes. Those who currently live at the home must remain in separate areas…

Petition Calls For Resource Officers Be Removed From Duluth Public Schools

School Boards in Minneapolis and Portland have already taken up discussions to pull resource officers out of the schools.

DULUTH, Minn. – A petition has now been started by several former Duluth Public School students. Those students want the school board to dismiss the district’s relationship with the Duluth Police Department. The petition is also demanding all resource officers be removed from the city’s public schools. There are now four resource officers in Duluth Public Schools. The petition outlines…

St. Louis County Rescue Squad Ready for Summer Water Emergencies

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Rescue Squad responds to wilderness, water, and first aid rescues across the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the squad has responded to less vehicle accidents than normal, but woodland and water rescues are happening a little more frequently. Every year, there are about 7.5 water deaths in St. Louis County. The…

Volunteers Chalk The Walk At Twin Ports Hospitals

"I think just seeing a nice message and putting a smile on someone's face for the day, that's all that matters," said Northwestern Mutual's Director of Operations and Development Lindsey Dueland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Patients and staff at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth are receiving the gift of joy through street art. Interns and staff at Northwestern Mutual, a local insurance company, spent the afternoon chalking the sidewalks at Essentia and St. Luke’s. They drew beautiful pictures and wrote encouraging messages. “We hope it means as much to…

National Weather Service Looking to Streamline Warning System

The NWS is looking at getting rid of advisories and using plainer language.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service is looking to streamline the way they are warning people of inclement weather after reported confusion with the way it’s currently done. They want to make sure people know what’s coming and can be prepared. Currently, advisories are issued for low-end weather threats, warnings are issued for life or property threatening hazards, and…

Head of the Lakes Annual Giving Day Going Virtual

Most years, hundreds of volunteers give their time to the community on this day to complete projects at Northland nonprofits, but this year families were encouraged to participate within their own neighborhoods.

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Day of Caring for the Head of the Lakes United Way is being observed virtually this year. Most years, hundreds of volunteers give their time to the community on this day to complete projects at Northland nonprofits. Wednesday marked this year’s yearly event and in light of COVID-19, the Day of Caring has gone virtual….

Second Harvest Marks 3 Months of COVID-19 Response with 20,000 Boxes of Food Packed

The food bank has provided more than 1.7 million pounds of food for community members in need throughout the Northland since just the middle of March.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week marks 3 months of Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank’s COVID-19 response effort. The food bank has provided more than 1.7 million pounds of food for community members in need throughout the Northland since just the middle of March. This week the food bank will hit the important milestone of packing their 20,000th box of…

City: East Superior Street Reconditioning Project Construction to Begin Tomorrow

DULUTH, Minn. – Tomorrow the City of Duluth says they will begin construction on the East Superior Street Reconditioning Project. In a recent press release, the city says a temporary traffic signal will be activated tomorrow at the 60th Avenue East and London Road intersection. The road closures for this project will begin at Lester River and Highway 61. The…

Minnesota State Trustees OK Fall Tuition Freeze, Spring Hike

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Students at Minnesota State colleges and universities will get a tuition freeze this fall with a 3 percent hike following in the spring, under a budget approved by system trustees Wednesday. The trustees approved the fall tuition freeze as a way to retain students and attract new ones. Administrators previously proposed a tuition increase of…

Officer who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged with Felony Murder

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks in the back after the fleeing man pointed a stun gun in his direction is going to be charged with felony murder and 10 other crimes. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard made the announcement about Garrett Rolfe during a news conference Wednesday. Howard said Rolfe kicked Brooks while…

Hibbing Taconite to Extend Layoffs Another Month

HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing Taconite will be extending layoffs for 650 employees and idling operations for another month according to union leaders. The United Steelworkers Union says employees are now be expected to be brought back the week of July 26 with full production starting on August 6. ArcelorMittal USA first announced the decision to idle the plant at the…

Midday Update 6-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 31,296 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 12 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,325 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 448,587 tests have been completed to date. There are 27,404 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,689 patients have required hospitalization…

Northern Lights Cutting Center Sparks Equestrian Interest in the Northland

Talmadge River Ranch, home of Northern Lights Cutting Center, is Open for Private Lessons

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s something you may have taken part in as a kid at least once or twice – horseback riding. FOX 21’s Brett Scott digs deeper into the competition world of cutting and shows how one local family is looking to share their talent with adventure seekers living in the Northland. “I think they’re shocked that it’s something…

Morning Update 6-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Aunt Jemima to Change Logo

After 130 years, Aunt Jemima will vanish from packaging.

(Paul Taggart/Bloomberg via Getty Images) NEW YORK (AP) – Pepsico is changing the name and marketing image of its Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup. A spokeswoman for Pepsico-owned Quaker Oats Company said it recognized Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype and that the 131-year-old name and image would be replaced on products and advertising by the…

7 West Taphouse Re-Opens Amid Superior Street Reconstruction Downtown

Longtime customers say they're still excited to get back to their favorite restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn.- 7 West Taphouse is one of the bars and restaurants which has opened their locations this week, including in downtown Duluth  — on top of the reconstruction of a portion of Superior Street happening right outside their door. On their first day open Monday, about 20-30 people came in for lunch. Customers are asked to wait at the…

Visit Duluth Furloughs Six Employees, As Summer Tourism Remains Uncertain

Six out of the 11 employees were temporarily furloughed.

DULUTH, Minn.- Six employees have been temporarily furloughed at Visit Duluth, the tourism bureau tasked with marketing the city to outsiders. “We are at a point now where it was the harsh reality of what we’re facing in our industry,” said President Anna Tanski. “We have the resources and took these steps to stretch our operation at least through the…

Disc Golf Growing in Popularity in the Northland

There's a 9-hole course on UMD's campus on the corner of College St. and Kirby Drive. It's free for anyone to play on. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Disc golf is growing across the country, including right here in the Northland. “It’s essentially just going on a walk with an added bonus of throwing a couple discs around,” Taylor Noyes said. Disc golf is essentially traditional golf, but with a Frisbee. “You start from a tee box, you throw the disc and you try to…

Duluth Library Expanding Curbside Pickup

DULUTH, Minn.– Since the end of April, the Duluth Public Library has been doing curbside pickup and this week they introduced some new updates. Curbside pickup has been moved up from to Michigan Street to Superior Street, increasing the number of pickup spaces. The library also introduced new software for requesting books. Orders can be done online or over the…

Water Safety Tips To Follow As Temperatures Warm Up

The need to enjoy nice summer weather can cause people to use poor judgment,

DULUTH, Minn. – As temperatures continue to warm up, many Northlanders are attracted to spending their days around water. That’s why the Superior Fire Department is giving out some tips to help keep everyone safe while enjoying Lake Superior. Warmer weather can be all the motivation many people need to indulge in water-related activities. Sometimes the need to enjoy nice…

Frost River Opens A Pop-Up Shop

The pop-up shop is open from noon to 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Frost River in Lincoln Park is offering a new shopping experience for its customers. The outdoor accessory and apparel store has now opened up a new pop up shop. The pop-up is run out of a vintage camp trailer, which is parked right outside of its retail location. The idea of a mobile store has been on…

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Celebrates National Fudge Day

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory had a buy two, get one free sale on their fudge on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you needed a sweet treat then you’re in luck because Tuesday is National Fudge Day. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Canal Park made sure to celebrate the holiday. The store had a buy two, get one free sale on their fudge, and said they were busy all day. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory added that their fudge…

Duluth Running Co. Prepares for Quieter Sales For Grandma’s Marathon Weekend

Normally this weekend, businesses like Duluth Running Co. are packed with racers, but with the races canceled this year, the store is seeing less business than usual.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend is normally Duluth’s busiest for tourism with Grandma’s Marathon, but with the race canceled this year, local businesses, especially running stores, are taking a hit. Duluth Running Co. is usually packed with people coming in to get their last minute race needs or to just shop around. The store said they’re still having people come…

Spectrum Farm Strawberries Just Weeks From Picking Season

There might not be strawberries in the fields just yet, but the thousands of white blossoms mean strawberries aren't far behind.

CARLTON, Minn. – The beginning of summer means that a variety of fruits are in season including strawberries and Spectrum Farm Strawberries is just weeks away from opening to visitors. There might not be strawberries in the fields just yet, but the thousands of white blossoms mean strawberries aren’t far behind. “This year is an unusual year but not actually…

Magnolia Cafe Busy During the Warm Weather

Ice cream was popular, but they serve plenty of other cool treats such as smoothies, Italian sodas, and even iced coffee along with lunch items.

CARLTON, Minn. – The hot temperatures pushed many Northlanders to cool off with ice cream on Tuesday. Over at Magnolia Cafe in Carlton, ice cream was the most popular thing, not the menu. They serve plenty of other cool treats such as smoothies, Italian sodas, and even iced coffee along with lunch items. “People get off the bike trail and…

‘Live from Here,’ successor to ‘Prairie Home’ show, canceled

(AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — American Public Media Group announced Tuesday it has canceled musician Chris Thile’s “Live from Here” radio show, the successor to Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” The media organization said it was ending national production of Thile’s show while cutting 28 staffers at American Public Media and Minnesota Public Radio. American…

Trump Signs Executive Order on Police Reform

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on policing following weeks of national protests after the death of George Floyd. The order is aimed at encouraging best practices and tracking officers with excessive use of force complaints. In the Rose Garden, Trump stressed the need for higher standards and commiserated with mourning families, even as he…

Canada, US Extend Border Restrictions to July 21

(AP Photo/Toby Talbot,File) TORONTO (AP) — Canada and the US have agreed to extend their agreement to keep their border closed to non-essential travel to July 21 during the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday’s agreement extends the closure by another 30 days. The restrictions were announced on March 18 and were extended in April and May….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 30,882 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,313 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 429,145 tests have been completed to date. There are 27,006 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,658 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 6-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

First Drug Proves Able to Improve Survival From COVID-19

(AP) – Researchers in England say they have the first evidence that a drug can improve COVID-19 survival: A cheap, widely available steroid called dexamethasone reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalized patients. Results were announced Tuesday and researchers said they would publish them soon. The study is a large, strict test that randomly assigned 2,104…

Omar Announces Father’s Death From COVID-19 Complications

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar on Monday announced the death of her father due to complications from COVID-19. In a statement, Omar said Nur Omar Mohamed died Monday. She gave no additional information. “No words can describe what he meant to me and all who knew him,” Omar said in her statement. “My family and I ask…

Morning Update 6-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Fond-du-Luth, Black Bear Casinos Open After Three Months Closed

The casino has increased the space between people at machines, and is not allowing smoking on the gaming floor.

DULUTH, Minn.- After being closed for three months, Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth and Black Bear Casino in Cloquet are now back open for businesses, with some noticeable changes. Fond-du-Luth was busy on its first day re-opened. The slot machines were ringing, and their colorful screens flashing once again. But before getting to the excitement, guests must be checked. “When…

Superior Tribute Trees Standing Tall for Those Who Have Passed

Monday, two families dedicated saplings that will hopefully tower over Superior for decades to come.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – There are all kinds of ways to remember a family member who is no longer alive. Monday, two families dedicated saplings that will hopefully tower over Superior for decades to come. “She’s going to be right here all the time something that’s been dedicated to her,” said Dennis Edwards who was dedicating a tree to his wife…

Oldenburg House Gearing Up for Re-Opening

"We could have three suits open every night. We're not likely to do that. We want to have enough down time between the stays that we can completely sanitize the suite."

CARLTON, Minn. – “When you’re around good players, your ears start to hear the right stuff,” Oldenburg House Proprietor, Glenn Swanson says. At five years old, Glenn Swanson developed a love for music. In his later years, began using his skills for fundraisers… And then, the pandemic hit. “In March and in April had cancelled our indoor events for our…

‘Tribute Fest’ Concert Fundraiser for Homeless Veterans Canceled

Tickets can either be deferred for next year, donated to MACV, or refunded.

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has claimed another summer event at Bayfront Festival Park: the Tribute Fest fundraiser. Organizer Lou Campbell says the current outdoor gathering cap of 250 people just isn’t possible. The three-day festival usually attracts between 2,000-4,000 people, raising about $20,000 every year for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, or MACV. Campbell hopes to raise money for homeless…

YMCA Preparing to Open Swimming Pool

DULUTH, Minn.– As wellness centers and other places to exercise open back up, the pool at the YMCA in downtown Duluth is getting ready to open up. The pool is set to reopen on June 22. They will be using an online reservation system for the lanes and other areas of the pool. Staff are being invited back to retrain…

Bike Shops See Increase in Cyclists During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic goes on, people are continuing to find different ways to get some fresh air. Leading biking to be as popular as it’s ever been in the Northland. “Driving around town I’m seeing more and more people out and about and on their bikes,” said Steve Meyer, Owner of Stewart’s Bike Shop in West Duluth. Stewart’s…

Governor Tim Walz Visits CJM Memorial On 100th Anniversary Of Lynchings

"You can't help but think of that horror that night. You can't help but think of the terror they must've gone through as those three young men were drug out of that jail," said Governor Tim Walz.

DULUTH, Minn. – Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac Mcghie are still being commemorated through this memorial. 100 years later many are hopeful change will come as racial injustices and inequalities still plage the nation.” This day of remembrance is a chance for many in the Duluth community to take a moment to pause and reflect on what happened back…