News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 40,163 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,490 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 705,440 tests have been completed to date. There are 35,193 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,305 patients have required hospitalization…

DPAA: Remains of Superior Soldier From Korean War Identified, to be Buried

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced on Thursday that the remains of Army Cpl. Francis J. Rochon, 21, of Superior who was reported missing in action during the Korean Way, has now been identified and accounted for. In late 1950, Rochon was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He…

Decadent Layer Chocolate Cake Offers Sweet Tooth Satisfaction

Cooking Connection: Sweet Exchange Triple Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Filling, Chocolate Ganache

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve been craving sweets more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone! In this week’s Cooking Connection, Lisa Quarles, pastry chef and owner of Sweet Exchange, teaches FOX 21’s Brett Scott how to make and decorate the company’s triple chocolate cake with raspberry filling, and of course, chocolate ganache to top it off. Sweet…

Supreme Court Rules Manhattan DA Can Obtain Trump Taxes

(AP PHOTO) UPDATE: WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has issued a mixed verdict on demands for President Donald Trump’s financial records. The decisions will keep his tax returns, banking, and other documents out of the public eye for the time being. The court kept a hold on President Donald Trump’s financial records that Congress has been seeking for more…

Morning Update 7-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Split Rock Lighthouse to Reopen Next Week

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Split Rock Lighthouse announced Wednesday that they plan to reopen next week. According to the Split Rock website, beginning July 15 all tours of the grounds will be self-guided with staff members available to share information and answer questions. Due to social distancing concerns, the interior of the lighthouse and the Keeper’s House will remain temporarily…

Tornado in Western Minnesota Leaves One Dead, Several Structures Flattened

The Tornado Struck at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Near Dalton, Minnesota

DALTON, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a powerful tornado damaged farms and left one person dead in western Minnesota as severe storms moved across parts of the Midwest. The National Weather Service says the tornado struck at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday near Dalton. Three farmsteads were hit, and one of those farmhouses was flattened. Otter Tail County says two people were…

As COVID-19 Cases Rise in Douglas County, Superior Mayor Moves Toward Mask Mandate

SUPERIOR, Wis. — There is growing concern over the rise in COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, and Superior Mayor Jim Paine is speaking out about it and making plans on how to help stop the spread of the virus. “We are in a crisis in Douglas County. This is very much an emergency and this virus is spreading through our…

Dance Competition to be First Event at DECC Since Start of Pandemic

While DECC is excited to open back up, the dance community is excited that they might be getting platforms to perform again.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since March, the DECC in Duluth will play host to an event once again this weekend. The event is called the Ovation Dance Challenge, and capacity will be limited at the state guidelines of 250 people, with only family of the dancers allowed inside, and a livestream provided for anyone else who wants to…

Shipping Decline Forces Layoffs For Nearly 100 Workers

Compared to last year the total amount of cargo entering the Duluth -Superior port has dropped by about 30%.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 northland shipping workers are out of a job. A big drop in business is forcing Pennsylvania-based Key Lakes, which has a facility in Duluth, to layoff dozens of its employees. Representatives from the company say the pandemic has caused unforeseeable business circumstances and a strong economic decline in the shipping industry. That’s causing the company…

Endion Station Inn Seeing Steady Business

Since it opened the inn has encountered both a pandemic, and now construction resuming on the Lakewalk.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this year, the historic Endion Station in Canal Park transitioned into a new boutique hotel. Since it opened the inn has encountered both a pandemic, and now construction resuming on the Lakewalk. Despite these obstacles, Owner Rod Raymond says his business is doing fine and has some words of wisdom for anyone who has to drastically…

Election Judges Needed for Duluth and for St. Louis County

The pandemic has impacted many things during the past few months, including the election process, and with the Minnesota primary only about a month away, Duluth and St. Louis County are both dealing with a shortage of election judges.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The pandemic has impacted many things during the past few months, including the election process, and with the Minnesota primary only about a month away, Duluth and St. Louis County are both dealing with a shortage of election judges mainly because of concerns about potential COVID-19 exposure. Being a good listener and attending training. Those are…

Zeitgeist Cafe Gets Ready to Reopen

One local restaurant is opening up for the first time since the pandemic started.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local restaurant is opening up for the first time since the pandemic started. Zeitgeist Arts Cafe on East Superior Street, which is Duluth’s only nonprofit restaurant, will be opening for indoor and outdoor seating along with curbside pickup beginning Friday. All staff is required to wear masks while patrons are also encouraged to wear them. “We’re…

UMD to Host Virtual Career Fair

One local college is turning to online means to have a new kind of career fair.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local college is turning to online to have a new kind of career fair. UMD will be hosting three virtual fairs during this upcoming fall semester. Like the in-person fairs, there are no limits to how many people or employers can attend the virtual fairs. Some employers for these upcoming events include 3M, Cargill, and Northwestern…

William A. Irvin to Resume Onboard Tours for 2020 Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials with the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center announced Wednesday afternoon that the William A. Irvin will resume onboard tours on Friday. Station to station tours will continue every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through September. This marks the first time since 2017 that onboard tours have been conducted after the ship was…

CHUM Holds Annual Backpack Drive

Since 2006, CHUM has provided more than 10,000 backpacks to students in need.

DULUTH, Min. – CHUM is once again partnering with Duluth Public Schools for their annual backpack drive. Since 2006, CHUM has provided more than 10,000 backpacks to students in need. This year the goal is to give away about 1,00 bags filled with school supplies, which will go to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The upcoming academic year could…

One Former Officer Charged in George Floyd Death Seeks Case Dismissal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An attorney for one of four Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd is asking to have his client’s case dismissed, saying there isn’t probable cause to charge him based on all of the evidence in the case and the law. In court filings made public Wednesday, Thomas Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, painted an…

Midday Update 7-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 8, 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, July 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 39,589 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,485 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 692,970 tests have been completed to date. There are 34,902 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,272 patients have required hospitalization…

Enjoy the Outdoors This Summer With New Tech Gadgets

Verizon Wireless Showcases the Newest Tech to Help Enhance Your Outdoor Adventures

DULUTH, Minn. – Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many are turning to Mother Nature as a source of entertainment and relaxation. Bug mystery? Plant ID needed to check on rash first aid? Looking for hidden treasure? Your smartphone can help you do all this and more. If you’re finally headed out to enjoy the 12 weeks of summer sun, Verizon can…

Court: Some Employers can Refuse to Offer Free Birth Control

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has upheld Trump administration rules allowing some employers to refuse to provide free contraceptive coverage on religious grounds. The high court on Wednesday said the Trump administration acted properly when it allowed more employers who cite a religious or moral objection to opt-out of covering birth control. The Obama-era health law said most employers…

Sex Offender to be Released in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Authorities in Superior say a sex offender will be released Friday, July 17, and plans to reside in the vicinity of the 1600 block of North 16th Street in Superior. According to police, Christopher Stevens, 32, pled no contact in Douglas County to five counts of possession of child pornography in 2018. Stevens is described as a…

Morning Update 7-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Duluth Fire Department Extinguishes House Fire

Due to extensive water damage, the homeowners have been displaced

DULUTH, Minn. – Shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday night, the Duluth Fire Department received a call of flames coming through the roof of a home at 430 Nth 16th Ave E. When crews arrived, they met the homeowners outside of the residence. Damage is estimated at $40,000. Due to extensive water damage, the homeowners have been displaced. Following an investigation,…

University of Minnesota to Help International Students Comply With ICE Directive

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota is reviewing its fall semester plans to make sure that international students aren’t forced to leave the country under new guidance from federal immigration authorities. The guidelines Monday from the U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement say international students must leave the U.S. or transfer to another college if their schools plan to offer classes…

3 Great Lakes Ships Go Idle Amid Pandemic, Dozens of Jobs Lost in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 shipping workers have been laid off in Duluth as the pandemic forces three Great Lakes ships to go idle for the rest of the season. According to the Star Tribune, the 94 employees out of a job are from Duluth-based Key Lakes. Some shipboard employees could return to work later this year. A company spokesperson…

Duluth Bars Extra Cautious as Gov. Walz Threatens Statewide Bar Shutdown

Bar owners in Duluth say a second closure could prove disastrous.

DULUTH, Minn.- As COVID-19 cases grow nationwide, many states are already turning back to restrictions on business. Now states like Minnesota may be considering the same, as Governor Tim Walz warns that mass gatherings without masks in bars will cause numbers to rise faster. “The bars right now are not safe,” said the Governor at a press conference last week,…

Fire Department Stays Busy on Fourth

The Duluth Fire Department was busy during this past July fourth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department was busy during this past July fourth. There were six outside fire calls, along with 63 fireworks-related calls on the fourth. Leadership from the department says that although they were busy, it certainly wasn’t unexpected. “It’s the time of the year, there’s a lot of people at home, “said Jonathan Otis, the Duluth…

Covid-19 Cases Spike in St. Louis County

More than half of the 15 people that tested positive are under the age of 30.

DULUTH, Minn. – 15 more people have tested positive for Covid-19 in St. Louis County. Officials are reporting this is the largest single-day increase, so far, in the county. St. Louis County officials say it is not surprising to see a jump in Covid-19 cases, but it is also not good news for a potential end to the pandemic. The…

Indoor Shooting Range at Custom Archery and Outdoors Gives Customers Early Practice

Custom Archery and Outdoors is a full pro and retail archery shop, selling a variety of products to help hunters hit the trails.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been a busy summer already for Custom Archery and Outdoors. “We were down quite a bit, money wise but then once everything started opening back up, boom we were right back at it, we were super busy, this is probably the busiest June we’ve ever had,” owner of Custom Archery and Outdoors Randy Graber said. Custom…

DLH Airport Sets Safety Plan As Passenger Numbers Go Up

DULUTH, Minn. – More people are choosing to fly this summer as the pandemic continues. Officials from the Duluth International Airport say the number of passengers traveling through is on the rise. Due to the increase in passengers, the airport is now implementing a plan to protect everyone. That plan includes requiring all employees to wear masks and the continuous…

Chester Bowl Summer Camp Opens

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl welcomed nearly fifty kids back to summer camp this week. With the Covid-19 crisis continuing to create health concerns, this year’s summer camp program looks a little different. Campers are split up into three groups to minimize the risk of spreading the virus throughout the entire camp. When indoors everyone is required to wear masks….

City of Duluth, St. Louis County to Consider $2 Million in Tax Abatements for Proposed Costco Store

DULUTH, Minn. – Costco may move forward with a new store in Duluth if the retailer gets tax abatement money from local government. This news comes after the international chain had ended a previous agreement to build a store at the same site because of high project bids. The site, located at the intersection of West Arrowhead Road and Haines Road,…

North Shore SUP Holds Kids Paddle Club

The two hour event takes kids on a guided trip around Barkers Island on stand up paddleboards.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – North Shore Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) held its kid SUP club on Tuesday afternoon, giving kids the chance to explore Lake Superior. The two hour event takes kids on a guided trip around Barkers Island on stand up paddleboards. North Shore SUP hopes the club introduces kids to the sport and teaches them different skills while getting…

‘At Sara’s Table’ Among Duluth Businesses Requiring Customers to Wear Masks

Duluth City Council expected to take up mask ordinance on July 13th

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is expected to vote on requiring masks in some indoor public places on July 13th, but some local businesses have required mask-wearing for weeks. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe tells us many customers have been happy with the restaurant’s mask requirement, but it has upset some. Staff say the cafe-goers do not…

Animal Allies Girls Power Summer Camp Kicks Off

The ongoing pandemic is making it much harder than usual to host summer camps for young people, but many Northland camps are still moving forward by taking plenty of COVID-19 precautions.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing pandemic is making it much harder than usual to host summer camps for young people, but many Northland camps are still moving forward by taking plenty of COVID-19 precautions. It’s being run a bit differently than usual, but the Animal Allies Girl Power Camp is underway, and campers are excited to get started. “Probably getting…

Blue Arrow Boutique Getting Ready to Reopen

One local shop is planning to open after being temporarily closed for the past few months due to the pandemic.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One local shop is planning to open after being temporarily closed for the past few months due to the pandemic. Ownership from Blue Arrow Boutique in Superior, which specializes in women’s clothing, say they would have opened sooner, but were having trouble getting enough inventory while figuring out a plan to keep customers safe. “We’re pumped but…

Duluth Police: Suspect Arrested in Connection to Tuesday Hit-and-Run Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say they have located and arrested a suspect in connection to a Tuesday hit-and-run incident. Authorities say police were dispatched to the 200 Block of West 4th Street around 11:17 a.m. on reports of an assault. While responding to the call police learned that one of the individuals involved in the assault had run over…

Trump Says he Will Pressure States to Reopen Schools in Fall

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP) – President Donald Trump says he will pressure governors to reopen schools and colleges this fall, arguing that some want to keep schools closed for political reasons against the will of families. Trump said he is “very much going to put pressure on governors and everybody else to open the schools.” Trump did not immediately explain…

US Notifies UN of Withdrawal From World Health Organization Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change. The withdrawal notification makes good on President Donald Trump’s vow in late May to terminate U.S. participation in…

DECC to Hold First Event Since March

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center announced on Tuesday that it will have its first event since March due to COVID-19 concerns. The Ovation Dance Challenge event will be a live-streamed dance competition from Symphony Hall July 10-11. “This is exciting news as it is the first event to take place since Manions held its Wholesale Spring Buying…

Minnesota Headed for Another Special Session Next Week

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is prepared to call Minnesota lawmakers into a special session that would begin Monday. The session is triggered by an extension of the peacetime authority that Walz has used to manage the coronavirus in Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. The first special session this summer came soon after the…

Level 3 Predatory Offender to be Released in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say a level 3 predatory offender will be released on Monday and plans to reside in the vicinity of Mesaba Avenue and West 1st Street in Duluth. According to police, David Michael Schmidt, 46, has a history of possessing child pornography and has also engaged in sexual contact with a known male teenager. Schmidt is described…