News

Ecolibrium3 Leading Charge to Make 360,000 Face Shields

DULUTH, Minn.– As restrictions in Minnesota are starting ease, one Duluth organization is working to ramp up the amount of PPE in the Twin Ports. Ecolibrium3 is launching an effort to produce over 360,000 face shields by the end of June. Over 35 volunteers from US Bank, Duluth LISC, and others were there making the shields. Ecolibrium3 is asking for…

Park Point Beaches Packed, Lester Park Busy With People Enjoying Sunshine

DULUTH, Minn. – Park Point beaches were filled with people enjoying the warm temperatures and beautiful sunshine along the shores of Lake Superior. “We got the guys, chilling with the boys, the females walking around, we got these guys, Seth, all them, it’s crazy,” said one beach-goer. “We’ve got everyone here. It’s just insane.” Insane is how some people might…

Thirsty Pagan Brewing Hosts Live Music With Social Distancing

The Fractals played live music outside at free tailgate party

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thirsty Pagan Brewing in Superior took advantage of the nice weather for some live music and social distancing. The Fractals played the music while Thirsty Pagan staff served pizza and beer to people attending the free tailgate party. Owner Steve Knauss tells us live music has always been a big part of the Thirsty Pagan, so he’s…

Grant Recipients Receive $1.1 million for COVID-19 Relief

More than 60 recipients are getting checks from a variety of foundations to help them through this COVID-19 crisis.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 60 recipients are getting checks from a variety of foundations to help them through this COVID-19 crisis. Organizers, which include those from the Northland – Ordean, Lloyd K. Johnson, Duluth Superior Area Community Foundations, along with United Way – focused on multiple areas of need with their main goal of helping vulnerable individuals. Funding will…

Northland Goodwill Open and Operating

Northland Goodwill is now open.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland Goodwill is now open. So far, they have recalled about a quarter of their employees after laying off about 300. The business is now taking a phased approach in terms of calling people back to work after being closed for two months. “We need peoples’ donations more than ever,” said Scott Vezina, the communications and training…

Two Organizations Donate Meals to Healthcare Workers

Two local organizations came together to treat St. Luke's workers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two local organizations came together to treat St. Luke’s workers. Red Lobster and Napa Seafood Foundation joined forces to deliver meals to frontline workers. The anesthesia team benefited from the meals today, with a total of 25 meals delivered to say thank you. “We are just overall so appreciative of all the gifts that are coming forward,…

Local Organization Launches Mask Force Initiative

The artists have made over one-thousand masks since April which will be distributed to community housing organizations in Duluth. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite closing temporarily due the Covid-19 pandemic, Zeitgeist, and artists from the Renegade Theater got to work and began making masks. The artists have made over one-thousand masks since April which will be distributed to community housing organizations such as: Life House, AICHO and the Damiono Center. “Our goal is to give as many masks away to…

Iron Range Businesses Deal With Coronavirus Impacts

Small businesses on the Iron Range are seeing a more direct hit because a lot of mining activity has also shut down. 

IRON RANGE, Minn. – The impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit the state of Minnesota in different ways, including on the Iron Range. “It really means a lot. We just thank them so much for coming in,” co-owner of the Sunrise Deli Mary Forti said. As local businesses continue to adapt to the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has…

Cloquet Thrift Store Closes Permanently

The shut down is the result of the new financial climate with Covid-19. 

CLOQUET, Minn. – After more than 30 years in business, the Salvation Army thrift store in Cloquet is closing its doors for good. The shut down is the result of the new financial climate with Covid-19. The non-profit began looking at their mission of helping people with basic needs, paving the way for a larger good shelf to take the…

Gov. Tim Walz Activates National Guard to Maintain Safety of Minnesotans During Protests

(Mark Vancleave/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an Executive Order to activate the Minnesota National Guard Thursday afternoon to help protect the safety of Minnesotans during ongoing protests following the death of George Floyd in police custody. According to a recent press release, local leaders requested National Guard resources after extensive damage to…

Boston Marathon Canceled for First Time in 124-Year History

BOSTON (AP) — Organizers canceled the Boston Marathon on Thursday for the first time in its history, bowing to the social distancing requirements of the coronavirus outbreak and ending a 124-year run that had persisted through two World Wars, a volcanic eruption, and even another pandemic. The race, which draws a field of 30,000 and already had been postponed from…

Trump Escalates War on Twitter, Social Media Protections

(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump escalated his war on social media companies, signing an executive order Thursday challenging the liability protections that have served as a bedrock for unfettered speech on the internet. Trump said the fact checks were “editorial decisions” by Twitter and amounted to political activism. He said it should cost those companies…

Bayfront Country Jam Postponed Until 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Bayfront Country Jam announced on Thursday that the event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bayfront Country Jam, originally scheduled for July 2, 2020, at the Bayfront Festival Park, will now take place on July 2, 2021. “It is with deep regret that we have to make the difficult decision to postpone, but it’s the…

Midday Update 5-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 28, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 22,947 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 35 new deaths bringing the death total to 967 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 225,208 tests have been completed to date. There are 16,655 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,880 patients have required hospitalization…

FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office Making George Floyd Death Investigation a ‘Top Priority’

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office say they are making their investigation into the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody a top priority. The two organizations released a joint statement Thursday morning saying, “The Department of Justice has made the investigation a top priority and assigned experienced prosecutors and FBI criminal investigators to the matter.” Minneapolis Police…

US Layoffs Climb to 41 Million, Despite Business Reopenings

WASHINGTON (AP) — An estimated 2.1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week despite the gradual reopening of businesses around the country, bringing the running total since the coronavirus shutdowns took hold in mid-March to about 41 million, the government said Thursday. The figures underscored the continuing damage to businesses and livelihoods from the outbreak that has now killed…

Morning Update 5-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 28, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Overnight Protests in Minneapolis Turn Violent

The protests began outside the police precinct in the part of the city where 46-year-old George Floyd died on Memorial Day.

Credit: Carlos Gonzalez/ Star Tribune via AP MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Protests rocked Minneapolis for the second straight night after a man’s death in police custody. One person was killed Wednesday night in what police were investigating as a homicide amidst violence that included looting and setting fires that continued to burn Thursday morning. The protests began outside the police precinct…

State Patrol: Sharp Increase in Speed Citations on Minnesota Roads

Since Stay-at-Home Restrictions Were Put in Place in March, 232 Drivers Have Received Speed Citations in Excess of 100mph

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol is warning of an alarming increase in speed-related citations since mid-March when COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. Since then, more than 230 drivers in the state have been pulled over for speeding in excess of 100mph. Officials believe the increase points to less traffic on roadways. Officers say a common misconception right…

Rummage Sale Hosted At The Former Wendy’s On London Road

Another rummage sale is expected next week at the former Cloquet Wendy’s.

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth may have said so long to the former Wendy’s on London Road. But some folks got a chance to take a piece of the old restaurant home with them. A rummage sale hosted at the former restaurant was used to sell off items remaining after it closed in September. Within the first hour of the rummage sale…

St. Louis County Board Approves Resolution to Help Bars and Restaurants Get Outdoor Seating

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has unanimously approved a resolution that will speed up the process for bars and restaurants wanting to apply for outdoor seating, which they will need to be able to serve customers starting June 1. It usually takes 45 days for the county to approve applications, but the process will now…

Bar Owners Speak Out Against Ongoing State Restrictions During Shutdown

Many business owners want indoor service to open at 50 percent capacity or more

PROCTOR, Minn. – Minnesota bar owners are speaking out against the state not allowing them to open for indoor service. Many Minnesota bars have been closed for more than two months to comply with the state’s Stay-at-Home and Stay Safe MN orders. While bars can reopen outdoors on June 1, the owners are frustrated as they have no idea as…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Prepares For Outdoor Seating

Although not required, Fitger's Brewhouse recommends all patrons also wear masks when dining at the restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fitgers Brewhouse in Duluth is one of many restaurants getting their outdoor seating prepared to welcome customers starting June 1st, under the guidelines of the safe Minnesota executive order. To prepare for the safe return of customers the restaurant staff is taking on some new safety protocols. the restaurant is expanding its patio seating across the front…

City Officials Plans Slow Reopening Of City Hall

City leaders anticipate reopening the building to staff and the public starting next week.

DULUTH, Minn – Duluth City Hall has been closed to the public for about two months to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The City of Duluth is looking into a phased plan to slowly begin reopening city hall to staff and the public. But there are going to be a few guidelines to follow to help keep the…

Suspect in Hayward Homicide Appears in Court; No Formal Charges Yet

Suspect's brother asks for highest bond, and for suspect to remain confined.

  HAYWARD, Wis.- It was around noon last Saturday when authorities discovered an elderly couple stabbed in their Hayward home. A 72-year-old man was dead, and a 65-year-old woman severely injured. The 34-year-old man accused of the crime is their son, and he appeared via video call in Sawyer County Court Wednesday. He has not been formally charged, but remains…

Students Face Financial Impact of Coronavirus

As the pandemic continues, students across the country are getting hit hard financially, including over at UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As the pandemic continues, students across the country are getting hit hard financially, including over at UWS. The rapid transition to remote learning left some students struggling to meet financial obligations and secure the technology and living arrangements they needed. In response to this need, the financial aid office at UWS was able to provide funding through…

Unique Graduation Ceremony Held for Hermantown High School Students

One local high school had a unique graduation ceremony today.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One local high school had a unique graduation ceremony today. Hermantown High School had a walk-through event where every senior had the chance to come in with five family members. They got to pick up their diplomas and stop for pictures as well. Each student will be recorded in an individual video and the videos will be…

UMD Students Hard at Work at Land Lab

UMD Land Lab is a research center located just five miles away from UMD's campus.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Land Lab is a research center located just five miles away from UMD’s campus. “It’s kind of a hub for student learning and community-based learning around sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and building a hub for food systems and local farming around here,” said Cole Grotting, a farm manager at UMD Land Lab. Students come and do hands-on…

Evers Makes $200 Million Available to Local Governments

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin local governments will share in $200 million from the federal coronavirus relief bill to help with expenses related to the pandemic, Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday. Evers announced that $190 million will be allocated to every Wisconsin county, city, village, and town based on a formula that takes into account population. Federally recognized American Indian…

Duluth News Tribune to Print Twice a Week Beginning in July

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a recent online Duluth News Tribune column by Rick Lubbers, the DNT newspaper will only print twice-a-week beginning in July. Starting July 8, the paper will only be printed on Wednesdays and Saturdays and will be delivered by mail instead of carriers. “Print advertising and subscriptions have been declining for years, all while digital readership…

Duluth Man Charged With Felony Arson

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Duluth man has been charged with two counts of first-degree arson after he set fire to two structures in Grand Lake Township on Monday. Authorities say 53-year-old James Phillip Shelton set a camper and a trailer home on fire around 6:15 a.m. on the 6400 block of Beckman Road. According to the criminal complaint,…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Tosses Lawsuit Challenging Order

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed as moot a lawsuit that argued Gov. Tony Evers’ “safer at home” order was a violation of constitutional rights to worship, protest, and travel. The court earlier this month, in a different lawsuit, ruled that Evers’ health secretary exceeded her constitutional authority in issuing the “safer at home” order….

Midday Update 5-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 27, 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, May 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 22,464 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 33 new deaths bringing the death total to 932 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 216,532 tests have been completed to date. There are 16,314 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,796 patients have required hospitalization…

Animal Allies Moves Forward With Reduced Summer Camp Class Sizes

Summer Camps Will Begin in June With Reduced Class Sizes Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many summer events are canceled, but Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth has figured out a way to still host educational summer camps with restrictions in place. “We worked really hard collaborating with other humane societies to see what we could offer our community after a stressful period of sheltering in place and…

Morning Update 5-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

“Land of 10,000 Masks” Campaign Sees Success, More Masks Still Needed

1,399 masks were donated in the first week. That number jumped to 3,354 masks in the second week, and 5,230 masks in the third week. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Weeks after the campaign launch, community members have donated more than 10,000 face masks. These homemade masks will help limit the spread of Covid-19. They are worn by staff, patients, and visitors to St. Lukes and Essentia Health facilities. 1,399 masks were donated in the first week. That number jumped to 3,354 masks in the second week,…

Duluth Council Approves Spirit Mountain Summer Closure; Extra $350K Still Needed for Winter Reopening

The adventure park's financial request comes while the city is facing a potential $38 million budget shortfall.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously passed Spirit Mountain’s annual multi-million dollar budget Tuesday evening, which is also calling for extra funding later this year to get the park reopened for the winter season after being shut down for the rest of the summer. Councilors just approved the adventure park’s $4 million operating budget for the 2020-2021 season, but…

Angler Management Charter Preparing to Take People Out on Lake Superior

Angler Management will start taking customers out for trips starting on June 1.

DULUTH, Minn. – Charter fishing in Minnesota is now allowed to operate under Governor Tim Walz “Stay Safe MN” order but under different guidelines. “We’re just ready to open up a little bit and get people outdoors again and enjoy our summer,” charter captain of Angler Management Charter Alex Cuzzo said. When Cuzzo found out he could reopen, he was…

Duluthians Speak Out After Deadly Use of Force Incident in Minneapolis

Duluth NAACP, local protesters, and St. Louis County Attorney weigh in on use of force incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth branch NAACP president calls it a “recurring nightmare.” Duluth protesters say deadly use of force incidents can happen anywhere, so people in every community need to take a stand against it. “Silence is compliance and we cannot stand for actions like this,” said protester Kathryne Ford. She and others organized a small protest at the…

Everything for Sale from London Road Wendy’s

Former Wendy's location will soon become a Burger King

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians have a chance to buy everything left in the old Wendy’s location on London Road before it becomes Duluth’s newest Burger King. Chairs, light fixtures, fryers, the giant Wendy’s sign, and more are all available for sale. People have reportedly had a lot of interest in the frosty machines. Two of them are available for $400…

Drive-In Movies Coming to DECC Parking Lot

DULUTH, Minn.– Coronavirus has been affecting many summer events in Duluth and the Greater Downtown Council has decided to put a twist on one of their summer traditions. Instead of movies in the park, they will be showing movies in the parking lot of the DECC. Movies will play every Friday night from July 17th to late August. Admission will…