WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 6.6 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — doubling a record high set just one week earlier — a sign that layoffs are accelerating in the midst of the coronavirus. The stunning report Thursday from the Labor Department showed that job cuts are mounting against the backdrop of economies in the United States and abroad…
DULUTH, Minn. – Another candidate has joined the race for St. Louis County Commissioner in District 3. Duluth resident Eric Erkkila announced his candidacy Wednesday evening. “I’m running for this seat as I believe we need more focus on basic services, holding the line on property taxes, focusing on good-paying job growth so we can raise families and retain our…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Gas prices across the Northland have dropped below $2 as demand for gasoline falls, as drivers get out less while stay-at-home orders are in place. One of the cheapest places for gas right now is Kimmes Oil in Superior. It was $1.49 a gallon Wednesday for Regular Unleaded. One customer normally spends $100 filling his truck, but only…
DULUTH, Minn. – To continue to show solidarity during these tough times involving the coronavirus outbreak, the city of Duluth has lit the Aerial Lift Bridge purple. The iconic bridge connecting Canal Park to Park Point will be lit purple for the foreseeable future, according to a city official. The option to change the bridge different colors is part of…
DULUTH, Minn.- As more people are enjoying activities outdoors, two folks decided to show the environment some love, and pick up trash along the North Shore. After losing their jobs at Duluth Woman’s Club, Lane Prekker and Karina Bite decided to get out of the house and head to Brighton Beach. “We came up here to get out in the…
CARLTON, Co. – The Fond du Lac Band is trying to avoid layoffs of its employees as its two casinos sit dark with zero cash flow. The tribe’s secretary treasurer, Ferdinand Martineau, addressed the financial concerns in a Facebook video Wednesday. He said leadership is discussing when and who could be laid off if the governor’s closure order lasts longer…
DULUTH, Minn.– A restaurant in Duluth is having a little fun with customers who are calling in orders during the temporary shutdown. The crew members at Bridgeman’s are getting all dressed up in all types of costumes like ketchup and mustard to help make people smile when they pick up their orders to-go while the restaurant inside is shut down…
DULUTH, Minn.– With almost everything closed down, it can be hard for some to find ways to get out. But this is a great opportunity for motorcycle riders to get on the road. With motorcycle shops considered as essential business, The Hog Pen in Duluth has been gearing up for this year’s riding season. Hog Pen owner Turtle says his…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– As the fight against Coronavirus continues, the demand for supplies like masks has been huge. One organization in Superior is doing what they can to help. As more and more masks are being made, a group of people with special needs are working to help increase the supply. The Challenge Center in Superior has been giving adults with…
DULUTH, Minn. – Along with everything else, local campgrounds are feeling the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Campgrounds and even dispersed camping are closed at all state parks, forests, and recreational facilities. However, the mandate only covers DNR managed facilities. Private campgrounds are doing what they can to heed government orders while also hoping to open up soon. Many campgrounds…
DULUTH, Minn. – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year, the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) is making it easier to remotely help those who need it. PAVSA’s offices will remain closed until at least the end of April due to the pandemic. However, advocates are still working from home. Survivors of sexual assault…
DULUTH, Minn. -The Lake Superior Zoo has been forced to lay off twelve full-time employees including its CEO. The coronavirus outbreak is to blame as the zoo has been closed to the public for the past two weeks with no signs of opening up anytime soon. Now, much of the staff is laid off and others have been reduced to…
DULUTH, Minn – During this tough time, business owners are looking to bring hope back to Lincoln Park. Just a few weeks ago, life was different for Tom Hanson, the owner of OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill and many other Lincoln Park businesses. Things have changed drastically due to Covid-19, which caused bars and restaurants to close to help prevent the…
DULUTH, Minn – Virtual medical appointments are now on the rise as more healthcare facilities are encouraging patients to use the new type of service. St. Luke’s telehealth offers patients a virtual exam room experience. Patients can have a video conference with their doctor to talk about their medical issues. Typical telehealth appointments can be used for annual wellness or…
DULUTH, Minn. – Airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth recently returned home after completing a 60 day mission. A group of aviators from the fighter wing were deployed to an undisclosed location to help support a northern air defense mission. This required them to help enforce temporary flight restrictions for the purpose of national defense. The Squadron Commander…
DULUTH, Minn. – If biking is one of your favorite ways to relieve stress, you are in luck as bike shops are considered an essential business. Stewart’s Bike Shop in Duluth specializes in mid-range bikes for the whole family. Management says people are still coming in to shop for a new bike, and their service departments are also still busy…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Damiano Center is still serving meals to those in need in the Northland, but just in a different way. A tent is set up in their parking lot where they serve up meals every day except Tuesday and Thursday. More than 100 free meals are served per day. Leadership from the group say they hope these…
DULUTH, Minn. – With technology, interpreting services have been able to thrive. However, there is a limitation to how 3D communication is done in a 2D format. It’s about service deaf students in the local area and meeting their needs without meeting in person. “As far as education, that’s definitely an area that we don’t want to lose the kids…
(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has announced that he’ll deliver his postponed State of the State address on Sunday evening at 7 p.m., and he says he’s looking forward to speaking directly to Minnesotans during this uncertain time. The governor said Wednesday that he’ll deliver the speech alone with a remote camera…
Live: Coronavirus Task Force Briefing Posted by Fox 21 News on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 Categories: News, News – Latest News, Political, US & World News
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz says the 2020 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener has been postponed until next year because of the coronavirus outbreak. This year’s 73rd annual event was set to be held next month in Otter Tail County. But now the Governor’s Fishing Opener is rescheduled for May 6-9, 2021. It still will be held in…
MADISON, Wis. – The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin crossed 1,500 on Wednesday, with 24 deaths. Douglas County is now reporting its seventh case. The latest figures from state and local health departments show the coronavirus continues to spread across the state. Of the positive cases, about 26% were hospitalized at some point. The data does not say…
Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
CLOQUET, Minn. – The City of Cloquet announced the closure of all outdoor play structures, including playgrounds and athletic facilities, effective immediately in continued response to the coronavirus pandemic. The city says sidewalks, trails, and other outdoor public areas will remain open, but the public should continue to practice safe social distancing. City-owned buildings remain closed at this time and…
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health said Wednesday five more people have died of coronavirus complications, bringing the state’s death toll to 17. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to climb as expected with 70 additional cases announced Wednesday for a total of 689. The MDH reports that as of Wednesday morning St. Louis County…
(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (AP) – Wimbledon was canceled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won’t be played. Britain imposed a nationwide lockdown just over a week ago, and the All England Club announced after a two-day emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republican legislative leaders said for the first time Wednesday that they support temporarily waiving a one-week waiting period for people to receive unemployment benefits as part of a state aid package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said in a conference call that work was…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge was set to hear arguments Wednesday on why he should postpone Wisconsin’s spring election as the coronavirus continues to sweep across the state. The election is still set to go on as scheduled on Tuesday. A number of other states have postponed their spring elections to protect voters and poll workers from the…
DULUTH, Minn. – One thing you’re still allowed to do under a ‘Stay at Home’ order is get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with social distancing in mind. Many animals in the Northland are getting more walks than normal during this difficult time. One local pet care business is considered essential to stay open, but the owner is seeing…
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The state has closed adult daycare centers across Minnesota to prevent the coronavirus from spreading among thousands of seniors and disabled people they serve. The Minnesota Department of Human Services in a letter to 220 licensed providers this week said the people who staff the centers are not considered critical care workers and need to stay…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library is improvising a new way to help give families a chance to still enjoy storytime during the coronavirus outbreak. The All-star Storytime series is now the library’s online version of the weekly activity. On Tuesday, children and their families tuned in to hear a story read by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. She read…
DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of the popular At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe in Duluth says she’s fully closing her restaurant until further notice. In a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page Tuesday, owner Carla Blumberg said take-out and delivery is no longer an option. She said cost and logistics “overwhelmed us.” Sara’s Table is just one of dozens…
DULUTH, Minn.- Businesses that have been deemed essential are trying to find the balance between protecting its workers while staying open for customers. Wal-Mart announced it’s going to start taking employees’ temperatures at stores and warehouses everyday before their shifts start. Any employee with a temperature over 100 degrees will be sent home. Wal-mart will supply face masks and gloves…
WISCONSIN – In Wisconsin, the Department of Workforce Development has seen new applications for unemployment go from a steady 6,000 a week to 115,679 just last week. The DWD said it received 1.5 million calls last week, which includes those who called multiple times. The requirement that you must apply to several jobs every week to receive your unemployment check…
DULUTH, Minn.– The warm weather couldn’t have come at a better time. Coronavirus may be changing our normal routine but it isn’t keeping people from enjoying the trails around Duluth. “It’s a beautiful day. Don’t get very many days like this,” said Tyler Wieber, who was walking along the Lakewalk. Concerns over Coronavirus have shut down theaters, bars and restaurants….
CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet Public Schools launched their Distance Learning Plan for the rest of the year. Elementary School-aged children will receive paper packets weekly to work on at home. Staff will be in charge of picking up finished packets, while dropping off packets for the following week. Middle and High Schoolers will complete work online. The District has plans for…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota National Guard arrived in St. Louis County Tuesday morning to deliver hundreds of cots for a potential COVID-19 shelter. According to officials, while they’ve planned for pandemics in the past, none come close to the magnitude of planning required for Coronavirus. The Minnesota National Guard assisted St. Louis County by delivering 250 cots, bringing their total…
DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth International Airport is experiencing a severe drop in passengers and a delay to expand service from Delta. Airport Executive Director Tom Werner says flights in an out of DLH have dropped between 50 to 75 percent since the virus outbreak took hold. The little travel that is happening is coming from mostly business people. Delta is…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Damiano Center is serving meals to kids through its ‘Kids Kitchen’ program. It normally provides academic support and interaction for the students, but now because of social distancing, they program is handing out meals and activity bags to-go. The meals include sandwiches, granola bars, milk, and other healthy snacks. “Without this, where else would they be…
MINONG, Wis. – At Northwood School in Minong, library media specialist Stephanie Birdsill started a daily Facebook live event called ‘Evergreen Storytime.’ She reads a picture book to younger elementary kids and a chapter book to older elementary and middle school students. She tells us it’s her way to encourage kids to stay positive during the pandemic. “We as teachers…
DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, Bent Paddle Brewing and Clyde Iron Works hosted a “Free Farmer’s Market” for the public in need. In partnership with Sysco Foods, Pier B Resort Hotel and the 2020 Census, the farmer’s market provided 120 large cases of fresh produce. The farmer’s market was organized for anyone but specifically for people and families in need in…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools’ teachers and students are using this week to get familiar with online learning tools like Google Classroom. Superintendent Bill Gronseth tells us the district is making sure all students have access to materials. “Families that have internet service but maybe not a device for their student to use, we’re making sure that they are…
DULUTH, Minn – One of Duluth’s largest events has now been canceled as Covid-19 continues to be a huge concern around the world. Grandma’s Marathon, which was scheduled for June, will no longer happen this year. This is the first time grandma’s marathon has had to be canceled out of the 44 years the race has existed. Every year…
PROCTOR, Minn. – A local business in Proctor is hosting a community food table for those in need. Troy’s Service Center is hosting the program, which is open to anybody in the surrounding areas, as long as they are in need. The food table includes not just food. Kids can also borrow movies and books, and return them after using…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Even though the buildings are closed, the schools are still open. “We’re constantly trying to work with each other, meet with each other to figure out what the best ways to reach students to get them invested into their education and having some kind of accountability along the way,” said Trevor Sorensen, a high school math teacher…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Students, regents and some state lawmakers are criticizing the University of Minnesota for shortchanging students with a refund of only $1,200 for room and board after having to move off campus because of the coronavirus pandemic. A semester roughly costs a student more than $5,000 for a combination of student housing and meal plans. The $1,200 covers…
DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday night Duluth police responded to a report of criminal damage to property to two superior street businesses. Officers arrested a twenty-six-year-old individual for breaking windows at the Electric Fetus and Pizza Luce. Although this is considered an isolated incident, members of the department say during this pandemic they have responded to fewer calls for…
(FOX 9) – Minnesota families will not get $500 stimulus checks for dependent children over the age of 16, something that U.S. Rep. Angie Craig says is “a real problem” that Congress needs to address. Last week’s $2.2 trillion coronavirus package will deliver $1,200 to most adults and $500 per child under the age of 17. But, it excludes older dependent children, including college students, from…
