News

US Retail Sales Plunged a Record 16% in April as Virus Hit

BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. retail sales tumbled by a record 16.4% from March to April as business shutdowns caused by the coronavirus kept shoppers away, threatened the viability of stores across the country and further weighed down a sinking economy. The Commerce Department’s report Friday on retail purchases showed a sector that has collapsed so quickly that sales over the…

Expert: Home Sales Rising in Duluth Area

One local business has been busy with customers for weeks due to be considered an essential business.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business has been busy with customers for weeks due to be considered an essential business. Stewart Title is still closing refinances and purchasing and doing reporters for lenders. Leadership from that group says they have been swamped with customers, which indicates home sales are on the rise. “We’ve stayed very busy, the rates have gone…

Health Department Urges Caution as Safer-At-Home Order Is Dropped

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Public health officials in northwest Wisconsin are urging businesses and customers to be cautious and smart without the Safer-At-Home order as the COVID-19 virus is still very much alive. Today in Superior, the Superior-Douglas County Health Department outlined guidelines for restaurants and bars to follow to help avoid new cases of Coronavirus. Officials want tables to be six…

Parks, Playgrounds Now Open In Douglas County

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the Safer-At-Home order gone, all public parks like Wisconsin Point are now open. Superior Mayor Jim Paine also opened playgrounds, dog parks, and boat launches. Public park bathrooms, life jacket and fish cleaning stations will follow this weekend. This of course comes with the opening of bars and restaurants in Superior. While this is exciting news to…

Drummond Area School District Leaders Surprise Graduates With Signs

DRUMMOND, Wis. — On Thursday, seniors graduating from the Drummond Area School District got a nice surprise from some school administrators. The high school principal Kristen Lamb and district administrator John Knight went out and delivered personalized signs for each student, congratulating them on the milestone. “This is a great bunch of young adults and this project was worth every…

East High School Celebrates Graduates with Private Walks Across Stage

Grads got to walk across the stage on Thursday with only close family watching one graduate at the time in the school's auditorium.

DULUTH, Minn. – Graduation day for Duluth East seniors normally involves more than one thousand cheering friends and family at the DECC. Instead, walking across the stage was done on Thursday with only close family watching one graduate at the time in the school’s auditorium. Graduates were allotted around ten minutes to say goodbye to their high school career. “Even…

Some Superior Bars and Restaurants Reopen to Public

Jimmy's Saloon and Gronk's Bar and Grill speak out about being open after the shutdown

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some Wisconsin bars and restaurants are legally back open for business for the first time in nearly two months after the state supreme court threw out Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home Order. Superior bars and restaurants were gearing up to open on May 26th, when Safer at Home was set to expire. But many of them opened…

Students Getting Creative with Pool Noodle Social Distancing

A few friends decided to put pool noodles on hats to make sure they were all six feet apart from each other.

DULUTH, Minn. – These days, people are doing their best to find socially distanced ways to celebrate each other. Thursday, local college students honored their friend who graduated from UMD by using pool noodles. A few friends decided to put pool noodles on hats to make sure they were all six feet apart from each other. All this to celebrate…

CHUM Food Shelf Seeking Donations For New Vehicle

The organization is looking for donations to upgrade their pickup vehicle to meet demand.

DULUTH, Minn. –  CHUM food shelf continues to stay open for anyone with food insecurities. Since the pandemic started, the organization began doing a curbside system where people can pick up pre-made boxes of food. Now, with the food shelf receiving close to sixty-thousand pounds of items over the last two months. The organization is looking for donations to upgrade…

Local Hospitals Bring Back Elective Surgeries

DULUTH, Minn.– As healthcare facilities are working to contain Coronavirus, Minnesota hospitals are expected to lose $3 billion so far during the pandemic. Last week, Governor Walz announced that hospitals could perform elective surgeries and after getting the okay from the governor, Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are bringing patients in for elective surgeries again. Both hospitals say their first…

WI Businesses Take Precautions As Some Reopen To The Public

"We want to be open. We are excited to have people in here, but we just think you can't do it overnight," said Tavern 105 Manager Heather Wegner.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Even though the Wisconsin Stay-At-Home order has now been struck down by the state Supreme Court, many businesses in Superior are still keeping the health of the community in mind as they resume operations. Some businesses have already started welcoming customers, while others are still preparing to open their doors to the public. Their common focus is…

Memorial Blood Centers Have Increased Need For Donors

Healthy individuals that have been free from cold or flu-like symptoms for up to three days can schedule an appointment.

DULUTH, Minn. – With hospitals now able to do more elective surgeries blood donations are in a critical need. Healthy individuals that have been free from cold or flu-like symptoms for up to three days can schedule an appointment. There are new protocols in place at each Memorial Blood Center site. “We are practicing social distancing. Right now, most of…

Minnesota Retail Businesses to Fully Open Monday

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced yesterday that all retail businesses could open up Monday, allowing for 50% capacity.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced yesterday that all retail businesses could open up Monday, allowing for 50% capacity. Many businesses in the Northland are excited to reopen for in-store customers after spending months being either closed up or only doing curbside and delivery services. The owners of Wild Birds Unlimited and Big Frog Custom T-Shirts over at…

Maurices Lays Off 39 Employees

DULUTH, Minn. — Maurices has had to make cuts on the corporate level due to the pandemic. On April 27th, the company let go of 39 employees who worked in the Duluth office, the Design Center team in New York, and the field leadership team. A spokesperson with the company added that all employees who were laid off were offered…

Wisconsin Governor Warns of ‘Massive Confusion’ After Ruling

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers warned Thursday of “massive confusion” after the state Supreme Court tossed out the Democrat’s stay-at-home order and Republicans said they may leave it up to local governments to enact their own rules for combating the coronavirus pandemic. The court’s order threw communities into chaos, with some bars…

Mall of America Retail Stores to Reopen June 1

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Mall of America will reopen its retail stores on June 1, the company announced Thursday. The Governor of Minnesota announced Wednesday that the current stay-at-home order will expire Sunday and be replaced by an order allowing retailers to open stores at 50 percent capacity. Although many stores would be allowed to open Monday, the Mall said opening June…

Midday Update 5-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 13,435 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 25 new deaths bringing the death total to 663 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 128,752 tests have been completed to date. There are 9,136 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,915 patients have required hospitalization…

Virtual Walk for Hope Raising Awareness of Huntington’s Disease

The Virtual Walk for Hope is Happening Saturday, May 16

DULUTH, Minn. – May is Huntington’s Disease awareness month across the nation. The illness is a fatal genetic disorder causing the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. This weekend, Northlanders are encouraged to walk at their own pace and help raise awareness of the disease. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s (HDSA) is launching the Duluth Virtual Team…

Savor the Flavors of Spring with Fresh Buddah Bowls

Cooking Connection: Buddah Bowls with Chef Arlene Coco

DULUTH, Minn. – Buddah bowls are one of Chef Coco’s favorite things to make in late spring, early summer because they tend to be real easy to pull together and yield a wonderful combination of flavors. See below the recipe Chef Coco used in this week’s Cooking Connection. Enjoy! Sesame Soy Tofu Note from Chef Coco – I cooked this…

Morning Update 5-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Seniors File Legal Challenge to Absentee Voting Rules

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A group of Minnesota seniors is joining their counterparts in at least four other states by legally challenging their state’s absentee voting rules amid the coronavirus outbreak. A lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund in Ramsey County District Court seeks to stop the state from requiring a witness signature on…

Superior Bars React to Safer-at-Home Order Struck Down by Wisconsin Supreme Court

The order, as well as the six-day injunction, were rejected, leaving businesses free to open immediately.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just as quickly as some say it started, Wisconsin’s safer-at-home order is, for now, finished–struck down by the State Supreme Court. Businesses statewide, including bars and restaurants, now have the green light to “open immediately” according to a social media post by the Tavern League of Wisconsin. “Come on in!” said Cory Gatzke, triumphantly throwing open the shades…

Local Hayward Businesses Serve Free Lunch to First Responders

HAYWARD, Wis.– As the fight against Coronavirus goes on, first responders are still out there keeping their communities safe. A couple are businesses got together to show their appreciation for local first responders. “We so appreciate our first responders. We can’t say thank you enough,” said Margaret Winter, an agent at Armstrong Insurance Agency. Armstrong Insurance Agency and Lynn’s Custom…

Hayward Tourism Staying Strong During Pandemic

HAYWARD, Wis.– As summer gets closer small towns like Hayward who rely on summer tourism are trying to navigate their way through the pandemic. The Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce has been giving local businesses and the community updates to help them work through the Safer at Home Order. They’re sad to see their big summer events like the Lumberjack…

Care Packages Delivered to Preschool Families

Preschool teachers, family advocates, and paraprofessionals came together to build and deliver care packages to Duluth preschool families.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s sidewalk chalk or bubbles for the kids or handsanitizer and masks for the parents, it’s all about giving for Duluth school’s porch drop event. Preschool teachers, family advocates, and paraprofessionals came together to build and deliver care packages to Duluth preschool families. Those involved say it’s great to see all the kids since school was…

Sky Harbor Airport Project Update

The third phase of the Sky Harbor Airport project has begun in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The third phase of the Sky Harbor Airport project has begun in Duluth. It’s the final phase for the project, which began in 2017. The main premise for the project is to protect the old growth forest at Park Point while also reconstructing the runway. “It’s pretty bittersweet,” said Brandon Twedt, a project manager and project engineer…

Tips for Keeping Ticks From Latching on to Your Pets

The CDC Recommends Using Preventative Products to Avoid Tickborne Diseases

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of year again! Creepy, crawly ticks are back out and ready to latch on to you and your pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines are not available for most of the tick-borne diseases that animals can get. That’s why local vets say it’s important for pet owners to…

Governor Evers Issues Statement Reacting to Stay-At-Home Order Being Struck Down

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File)MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers released a statement on Wednesday night reacting to the state Supreme Court’s decision to strike down his stay-at-home order. The statement adds that the Wisconsin Department of Health will now be required to go through a “rulemaking process” to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the office…

Duluth Farmers Market Open for the Season

Farmers market open during pandemic with social distancing practices in place

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Duluth Farmers Market has opened for the season. Local growers and shoppers filled the farmers market building on East Third Street. Sellers tell us customers did a good job social distancing and wearing masks while shopping for locally-grown produce and other products. “This COVID thing has really made people get local food…

Proposed Minnesota Bonding Bill Includes Funding for Northland Projects

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A bonding bill has made it through committee in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and a lot of Northland projects are included in the proposal. The $2.5 billion bonding bill would provide $13.5 million in funding for Duluth’s seawall restoration project. It would also fund an $8 million renovation project at the Duluth Depot, and a…

148th Fighter Wing Honors Frontline Workers With Flyover

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s called Operation American Resolve and it’s a way members of the 148th fighter wing can show their appreciation for people, like healthcare workers, who are answering the call during these difficult times. “We’ve also got people like our first responders, our cops, our fire fighters. Even people running the supply chain out there with our groceries, essential…

Fourth Of July Fireworks Postponed Until Labor Day Weekend

Fourth Fest brings nearly 10,000 people to Duluth to celebrate the holiday.

DULUTH, Minn – As the city continues to help slow the spread of the coronavirus Duluth city officials announced Wednesday the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Bayfront Park is being postponed until labor day weekend. Fourth Fest brings nearly 10,000 people to Duluth to celebrate the holiday. City officials say they have looked into other alternatives including possibly…

Duluth East Hosts Drive-Thru Cap & Gown Pickup

"I am really happy we have a school that would do this for us," said Quinn Clark.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students around the nation are missing out memorable events like graduation Duluth East High School leaders are giving their students something to remember as they participated in a special drive-thru event to pick up their caps and gowns. The Class of 2020 at Duluth East may not get the chance to physically walk across the stage to…

Live: Walz to Address Minnesotans on Next Steps in COVID-19 Fight

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz plans to describe the next steps in Minnesota’s fight against COVID-19 Wednesday evening after health officials released updated modeling — couched in caveats — that shows the potential effects of various scenarios he could choose. The Democratic governor is expected to extend his emergency declaration, which expires Wednesday. He may also discuss the future…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Blocks Evers’ Stay-Home Extension

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ coronavirus stay-at-home order Wednesday, ruling that his administration overstepped its authority when it extended the mandate for another month without consulting legislators. The 4-3 ruling essentially reopens the state, lifting caps on the size of gatherings, allowing people to travel as they please and allowing shuttered businesses…

Whistleblower: US Could Face Virus Rebound ‘Darkest Winter’

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) WASHINGTON (AP) — America faces the “darkest winter in modern history” unless leaders act decisively to prevent a rebound of the coronavirus, says a government whistleblower who alleges he was ousted from his job for warning the Trump administration to prepare for the pandemic. Immunologist Dr. Rick Bright makes his sobering prediction in testimony…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 12,917 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 24 new deaths bringing the death total to 638 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 122,035 tests have been completed to date. There are 8,787 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,851 patients have required hospitalization…

Shooting Suspect Sought in Grand Rapids Case

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-Grand Rapids police are on the lookout for a suspect in a shooting that occurred Friday, May 8. The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Charles Anthony Olsen of Grand Rapids. His whereabouts are unknown. He is wanted in connection with the shooting of a 22-year-old woman after she was dropped off at the Grand Itasca Clinic and…

Midday Update 5-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

Morning Update 5-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather, William Seay

Gov. Walz to Provide Update on Minnesota’s Stay Home Order Tonight

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday morning that he will give an update to Minnesotan’s about the state’s response to COVID-19 during a live address at 6:00 p.m. Walz is expected to extend his peacetime state of emergency order until June 12. The governor has used his emergency powers to order…

Parties Split on Divvying up Minnesota’s Nearly $2B in Virus Aid

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Unless the divided Minnesota Legislature agrees on something different, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and his agency heads will have complete authority to decide how to spend Minnesota’s nearly $2 billion shares of coronavirus aid under the federal CARES Act, Democratic leaders said Tuesday. A bill by Sen. Julie Rosen, of Vernon…