News

Hospitals To Test Community Members with COVID-19 Symptoms

Minnesota is testing an average of 1,300 people a day for COVID-19 but after Gov. Walz's recent announcement that number is going to rise to 20,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – After Wednesday’s announcement by Governor Tim Walz, local hospitals are now allowed to test anyone with COVID-19 symptoms. Minnesota is testing an average of 1,300 people a day for COVID-19 but after Gov. Walz’s recent announcement that number is going to rise more than ten-fold. Previously, only certain people were allowed to be tested, but now the…

Minnesota Student Will Be Continuing Distance Learning For The Rest Of The Year

It's already been more than a month since Minnesota students were last in school classrooms.

DULUTH, Minn. – All Minnesota k-12 schools are remaining closed for the rest of the academic school year. Governor Tim Walz made the announcement earlier today as a further precaution to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s already been more than a month since Minnesota students were last in school classrooms. Most academic school years in the state…

Duluth Library Foundation Raising Money During Second Annual “Giving Day”

DULUTH, Minn. – After the city of Duluth laid off 25 library technicians on Wednesday, the Duluth Public Library has announced its second annual “Giving Day.” Although the library is temporarily closed, the Duluth Library Foundation is asking for donations. The staff said that they want to make sure the public still has the resources they need during the Covid-19…

Corktown Deli Reopens for To-Go Service

Corktown Deli in Lincoln Park is now also serving as a partial grocery store.

Corktown Deli in Lincoln Park is now also serving as a partial grocery store. It recently reopened for to-go service while also making room for some grocery store shelving in the store, which includes items like baking supplies, beverages, and breakfast items. Owners say they are trying different things and seeing what works. “Overall the support from the community has…

Salvation Army Receives Special Donation.

Coffee isn’t necessarily an essential need. But to some, it’s a special delicacy.

Coffee isn’t necessarily an essential need. But to some, it’s a special delicacy. Scott Nelson owns Dunn Brothers Coffee in Duluth, and he is donating about 100 pounds of freshly roasted coffee beans to the Salvation Army to be handed out and served to those in need. “It’s kind of a win-win where we can keep people employed and people…

VP Mike Pence to Visit Mayo Clinic in Rochester Next Week

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – Vice President Mike Pence will visit Mayo Clinic’s facilities in Rochester next week, marking his second trip to Minnesota in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. Pence’s trip is scheduled for Tuesday. He’ll tour Mayo Clinic’s research and treatment facilities and talk with workers, according to a White House statement sent Wednesday evening. Pence’s most recent trip…

Duluth City Councilor Barbara Russ Stepping Down

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Barbara Russ announced on Thursday that she is resigning from the Duluth City Council due to health issues. Russ wrote in a statement: “For the past 5 ½ years I have been privileged to serve as an At-Large Duluth City Councilor. During my tenure, I have fought hard to help the homeless and underprivileged…

Walz Orders Minnesota Schools Closed for Rest of School Year, Outlines Next Steps

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday ordered Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the academic year amid the COVID-19 crisis. Walz, who is a former teacher, calls it “a heartbreaking decision.” The Democratic governor says he feels sorry for all the students who will miss out on graduations, tournaments,…

LIVE: Gov. Tim Walz Press Conference

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday ordered Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the academic year amid the COVID-19 crisis. Walz, who is a former teacher, calls it “a heartbreaking decision.” The Democratic governor says he feels sorry for all the students who will miss out on graduations, tournaments and end of year celebrations. But…

CHUM 16th Annual Rhubarb Festival Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM’s 16th Annual Rhubarb Festival has been canceled. CHUM says the decision to cancel the June 27 event is to ensure the safety of volunteers and attendees amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival raises about $60,000-$70,000 for CHUM each year. CHUM says next year’s festival will take place on June 26, 2021. Categories: Minnesota, News, News –…

Minnesota State Fair Will Either Run Full 12 Days or be Canceled Says GM

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The general manager of the Minnesota State Fair says the Great Minnesota Get-Together is still on track to start on Aug. 27, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, general manager Jerry Hammer said this year’s State Fair will be all or nothing—alternate fair dates, a change in the duration of the fair or significant reductions…

Latest Minnesota COVID-19 Numbers

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 21 new deaths on Thursday morning marking the most deaths reported in a single day to date. The department also reported 2,942 confirmed cases throughout the state. Health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with the coronavirus is likely much higher because most people don’t qualify…

National Bank of Commerce Donates 8,000 N95 Masks to Duluth Hospitals

St. Luke's and Essentia Each Received 4,000 N95 Masks Thanks to National Bank of Commerce

DULUTH, Minn. – With a nationwide shortage of N95 masks, and states told they must find supplies themselves, it’s becoming more difficult by the day to obtain a stockpile for Northland hospitals. On Wednesday, National Bank of Commerce gifted St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth a supply of 4,000 N95 masks for healthcare workers on the front lines to utilize. Another…

Midday Update 4-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry Cancels Northern MN Summer Camps

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer camps have been canceled across Northern Minnesota by Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry. The organization operates Camp Hiawatha in Deer River and Camp Vermilion in Cook. The executive director tells us the camps host up to 1,000 kids and 60 staff members every year. The programs have been canceled for the season to help keep everybody safe during…

Walz Expected to Keep Minnesota Schools Closed

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce that he’s ordering Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the year amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Democratic governor closed public and charter schools just over a month ago and directed them to switch to distance learning, a move that affected nearly…

Zesty Dry Rub Wing Recipe from the Kitchen of Meteorologist William Seay

Meteorologist William Seay Shares His Favorite Dry Rub Chicken Wing Recipe

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re all stuck at home making the most of cooking lunch dinner night after night, and Meteorologist William Seay wants to help spice things up in your kitchen! He shared is mouthwatering dry rub chicken wing recipe in this week’s Cooking Connection. Recipe: 3 lbs whole wings, cut into flats and drummies 1/4 cup olive oil Dry…

26 Million Have Sought US Jobless Aid Since Virus Hit

WASHINGTON (AP) – More than 4.4 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week as job cuts escalated across an economy that remains all but shut down, the government said Thursday. Roughly 26 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the five weeks since the coronavirus outbreak began forcing millions of employers to close their doors. About…

Morning Update 4-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Nearly 50 Full-Time City of Duluth Employees Laid Off

This latest round of layoffs comes after 45 temporary/seasonal employees were also laid off.

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is laying off nearly 50 more employees on top of dozens of temporary and seasonal positions because of a massive projected budget shortfall. A spokesperson for Mayor Emily Larson said Wednesday that 49 full-time employees are affected in this latest round of layoffs. The positions range from housing inspectors within the fire department…

Duluth School District Seeking Cloth Face Coverings

DULUTH, Minn. –   The Duluth School District has received more than 300 donated masks so far, 100 more are needed. The masks will be used for people working in emergency childcare and for district employees making lunches for students. Those workers will also continue using social distancing practices. “They’re now doing things to provide childcare to prepare meals to curriculum…

Duluth Pack Gives Back in a Green Way

April 22nd is Earth Day, and today, some businesses are offering promotions to give back in a green way.

DULUTH, Minn. – April 22nd is Earth Day, and today, some businesses are offering promotions to give back in a green way. Duluth Pack in Canal Park, which makes canvas and leather bags and packs, launched its “Buy a Pack, We Give Back” campaign this week. With every customer purchase, a tree will be planted in the local area with…

Pike Lake Elementary School Teachers Create A “We Miss You” Video For Students

"It really does touch them and help them to see our faces, It helps them to see that we really do care."

DULUTH, Minn – Nothing says I miss you like a video filled with heartfelt messages, right? Well, teachers and staff at Pike Lake Elementary did just that to share with their students while being apart during the pandemic. The video is a combination of pictures of the teachers and staff with messages expressing how much they miss their students. The…

Local Cosmetic Store Serves Customers During Pandemic

Mix Cosmetiques in Duluth is a locally-owned makeup shop that sells custom and organic homemade makeup products.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mix Cosmetiques in Duluth is a locally-owned makeup shop that sells custom and organic homemade makeup products. Owner Lanae Rhoads attributes it to peoples’ desire to still look their best, even if it’s just for a Zoom call. She says there has been an increase of 35 to 40 percent in sales. While the business is not…

Ashland Kindergartners Drive-Up to Greet Teachers

Some students brought teachers hand-written letters, stories, and smiles

ASHLAND, Wis. – Kindergartners around the Northland are not in school right now because of the coronavirus shutdown, but that didn’t stop Ashland teachers from celebrating National Kindergarten Day with students and parents driving by Lake Superior Elementary School. A procession of cars was packed with families greeting their favorite kindergarten teachers in-person for the first time in more than…

Minnesota Increases Coronavirus Testing Capacity

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Today was Minnesota’s deadliest day yet from Coronavirus with 19 deaths and 154 new infections. This afternoon Minnesota Governor Tim Walz held a news conference with health experts from around Minnesota with an important update on the next steps the state is taking to try to contain the virus. On the state’s deadliest day from Coronavirus, Governor…

Duluth Offers Emergency Grant Funding To Support Small Businesses During The Pandemic

Each business could receive 10,000 to support operations during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in Duluth affected by the Coronavirus pandemic have one more day to apply for a special grant program. The Duluth 1200 Fund is handing out thousands of dollars in fast grants to provide immediate financial assistance to businesses being negatively impacted. The goal is to help preserve more than 1,000 jobs in the City of…

UW-Superior “Strongly” Considering Furloughing All Employees

"We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact and hardship on our employees," said Director of Strategic Communicatons Jordan Milan.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is one of many higher education institutions suffering from the impacts of Covid-19. Due to substantial revenue loss, the university is “strongly” considering furloughing all faculty and staff beginning in July. University administration is looking into a phased approach to this furlough proposal. If it goes into effect for the institution, furloughs would…

CSAs Create Much-Needed Stability for Farms

Several Northland farms are partnering with communities during this uncertain time to help support their businesses.

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Several Northland farms are partnering with communities during this uncertain time to help support their businesses. CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Food Farm in Wrenshall has been participating in the CSA movement since 1994. CSAs are getting a lot of increased attention during the pandemic. At Food Farm, the summer CSA program shares have filled up…

19 Positive COVID-19 Cases Tied to Wisconsin Election, 4,800 Cases in the State

MADISON, Wis. – Nineteen people in Wisconsin have tested positive for the coronavirus after having voted in-person in the April 7 election or after having worked at the polls, the state Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday. Also, five Wisconsin National Guard members who helped staff polls on election day have reported symptoms of COVID-19 but the one…

2 Cats in NY Become First US Pets to Test Positive for Virus

NEW YORK (AP) – Two pet cats in New York state have tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the first confirmed cases in companion animals in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the finding Wednesday. The agencies say the cats had mild respiratory illnesses, are expected to recover, and…

Gov. Walz, Mayo, U of M Announce COVID-19 Testing Breakthrough in Minnesota

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz along with the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota announced on Wednesday a breakthrough for widespread testing of COVID-19 in the state. The statewide testing strategy will allow the testing of anyone with symptoms, isolate confirmed cases, and expand public health surveillance tools. The governor’s office…

COVID-19 Kills 19 More Minnesotans in Biggest 1-day Jump Yet

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — COVID-19 has killed 19 more Minnesotans, marking the largest one-day death toll since the pandemic reached the state, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wednesday. The 19 new deaths raised the state’s total to 179. The department also reported 154 new confirmed cases, a big one-day jump that raised the state’s total to 2,721. Health officials have…

Midday Update 4-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Duluth School Board Approves Contract for New Superintendent

John Magas Will Officially Begin with Duluth Public Schools July 1, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools officially have a new superintendent. A three-year contract was unanimously approved Tuesday evening by the Duluth School Board. John Magas will take over as superintendent starting July 1, 2020. “John’s professional experience, especially in the areas of equity and continuous improvement, will serve our Duluth community well,” said Board Chair Jill Lofald. “He’s clearly…

COVID-19 Pandemic Could Have Big Impacts on the 2020 Presidential Election

Talk of a 'Mail-In' Election Have Been Brought Up By Many Lawmakers Including Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar

DULUTH, Minn. – Amid growing concern, many questions are surrounding how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact the 2020 Presidential election. Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and President Trump are having to use different platforms on the campaign trail. Much of the media attention is focused on how Mr. Trump is handling the pandemic, which in turn leaves voters to analyze how…

Morning Update 4-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

UW-Superior: Likely to Begin Intermittent Furloughs July 1

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin Superior officials say they will likely begin intermittent furloughs for all staff and faculty starting July 1 due to revenue loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made Tuesday during the first of four town hall meetings. “The magnitude of what we’re facing is truly unprecedented,” said chancellor Renée Wachter. “I…

Duluth City Council President, Tourist Attractions Prepare for Tough Times After Budget Shortfall

So far businesses are allowed to open early May, but there's weeks of preparation involved.

DULUTH, Minn.- After Mayor Emily Larson’s announcement of the City’s tremendous 2020 budget shortfall due to COVID-19, tourist attractions navigate uncertain times through the most important dollar-making months Duluth sees all year. While Governor Walz’s stay-at-home order right now says businesses can start opening up the first week of May, owners of attractions told us they can’t just throw open…

Superior Street Reconstruction Project Update

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than two weeks since phase three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project began in downtown Duluth. So far, city officials tell us the project is right on schedule. Phase three is taking place between Lake Avenue and Third Avenue West. The project is being worked on in two different stages. Right now, construction teams…

Great Outdoors: Marinas Set to Re-Open

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – As of Friday the 17th, Governor Tim Walz expanded Minnesota’s essential services allowing some outdoor recreational activities to fall under that category. “The first thing we did was get careful and serious about social distancing in the workplace and then we were preparing to shut down,” Barkers Island General Manager, Eric Thomas says. In Wisconsin, marinas…

WRA Claims Half of Wisconsin Restaurants Could Close By End of May Due to Shutdown

WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Restaurant Association president and CEO said that she believes up to half of all Wisconsin restaurants in the state could close as the state’s “Safer At Home” order continues until May 26th. “This is an extinction level event for small businesses,” WRA president and CEO Kristine Hillmer said. “We’re estimating that without relief, we think that…

City of Superior Plants Trees Along Osaugie Trail

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After almost a year of preparation, a stretch of trail in Superior is getting a new look. The city of Superior has begun planting trees and shrubs along a 4,000 foot section of the Osaugie Trail by Barker’s Island. And the city is ready to get to work. “It’s super exciting to be able to bring these plants…

Local Boy Scouts Donate Popcorn to Chum

DULUTH, Minn.– Millions of Americans across the country are going to their local food banks as paychecks are disappearing. Here in Duluth, one local organization is doing what they can to help out. Local Boy Scout troops are taking some of the leftover popcorn from their last sale and are donating it to CHUM in Duluth. Today the troops donated…

Hermantown Businesses Can Now Sell To-Go Liquor

All alcohol can only be sold if accompanied by takeout or delivery orders.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown area businesses are now being allowed to sell takeout liquor for the duration of the pandemic. The Hermantown City Council recently approved an ordinance allowing businesses with a liquor license to apply for a temporary license to offer to-go liquor. The governor already approved a similar measure… for beer and wine, but this ordinance allows for…

Lester Park Golf Course Closed For The Season

Recent numbers show both city-operated golf courses lose about $150,000 every year.

DULUTH, Minn. – After announcing a series of budget shortcomings amid the Coronivirus pandemic, the City of Duluth is closing the Lester Park Golf Course. Friends of Duluth Public Golf works in collaboration with the City of Duluth. But the organization wasn’t included as part of the decision-making process to close Lester Park Golf Course. Duluth city officials recently released…