News

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…

Residents Vote to Consolidate Eveleth-Gilbert, Virginia School Districts

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Tuesday night, community members in both the Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert schools voted to consolidate the two school districts. The vote unofficially passed 77.6% in Virginia and 53.3% in Eveleth-Gilbert. Only a majority was needed in both districts for the consolidation to occur. “We know the road ahead will, at times, be difficult and that we have much…

St. Louis County Projects Budget Shortfall, No Layoffs So Far

The County is also waiving late fees for property owners who apply for an extension to July.

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has dealt a financial blow to St. Louis County in the form of a projected budget shortall. According to County Auditor Nancy Nilsen, the budget shortfall is expected to be at least $6 million. She said her office is not looking at layoffs or furloughs, but instead plan to save money with a hiring freeze leaving about…

Republican Tom Tiffany Wins Former Rep. Sean Duffy’s Congressional Seat

(District 7 – Tom Tiffany (R))WISCONSIN- Wisconsin Republican state senator Tom Tiffany has won former Representative Sean Duffy’s seat in the 7th district special election. With 99% of precincts reporting, Tiffany won 57.26% of the vote, with 108,570 ballots cast in his favor compared to his Democratic challenger, Tricia Zunker, who took home 42.74% of the votes with 81,026 ballots…

Duluth Firefighters Train with New Fire Rig, Expect Faster Response Times

The new $1.4 million firetruck is outfitted with a center-mounted ladder, mounted bucket, and more.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two weeks ago the Duluth Fire Department received a new fire engine, to be used out of Tower One. After spending time outfitting it with all the necessary bells and whistles, they took it out for a spin Tuesday for training. There was no fire in the Marcus Theaters parking lot, but the hoses were running on a…

Gary-New Duluth Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Shutdown

Triple J Service Center and Family Dollar talk about how the pandemic has affected stores

DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses have struggled across the Northland during the pandemic. Some businesses have been closed for nearly two months under Minnesota’s Stay at Home Order. Other shops have remained opened during the pandemic. While some of those stores have seen an increase in business, for others it’s been much slower. Triple J Service Center has struggled during the…

LSC to Bring in Select Students to Finish Degrees

DULUTH, Minn.– As finals week approaches for many schools across the country, students will be wrapping up their semesters online. But some programs still need to have hands-on learning to meet certification requirements. With Governor Walz’s latest executive order Monday, students in certain programs are able to get back in the classroom and finish their degrees. “We are going to…

No Positive COVID-19 Cases So Far From Pop-Up Testing in Two Wisconsin Counties

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN– COVID-19 testing that was done in partnership with the state of Wisconsin, the National Guard, and local healthcare providers turned up all negative results in two Northwestern Wisconsin counties for those who were tested last week, with some results still pending. According to the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services, all 171 people who went to…

Hearing Wellness Center Reopens For In-Person Appointments

The center is taking a few precautions to allow for in-person visits including requiring patients to wait in their cars until their scheduled appointment begins.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now allowed some health providers including hearing treatment centers to reopen. These health providers are required to put safety precautions in place as the pandemic continues. The Hearing Wellness Center in Duluth has continued caring for patients during the Minnesota Stay-at-home order, but only through telehealth appointments. The organization is looking forward…

A New Type Of Restaurant Opens As Pandemic Continues

Blue Rock Coffee and Wine Cafe is open seven days a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new type of restaurant is now open for business in Duluth. Blue Rock Coffee and Wine Cafe made its debut on Monday. The restaurant serves specialty drinks such as smoothies and coffee from Duluth Coffee Company. The food spot also offers a wide array of items on the menu such as quiche and breakfast sandwiches, which…

WI Department Of Transportation Waives Road Test For Teen Drivers

Due to the pandemic, the DMV now has a backlog of more than 15,000 road test requests.

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recently implemented a new pilot program allowing people under the age of 18 to get their license online during the pandemic. The organization is now waiving the road test for 16 and 17-year-olds who completed the required training such as driver education courses. Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles typically conducts more than 2,000…

Vote on Iron Range Schools Consolidation Tonight

VIRGINIA, Minn.– A vote is set tonight on the Iron Range which could lead to a clearer path forward for schools in Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia to consolidate. Last May, a vote was approved to build a new high school and two elementary schools between these range schools. Tonight’s vote would then officially combine the districts, rather than keeping them separate….

Cleanliness Protocols at Polling Places

In-person elections have not been common during this pandemic and polling places across Wisconsin are focusing on cleanliness protocols during the special election.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In-person elections have not been common during this pandemic, and polling places across Wisconsin are focusing on cleanliness protocols during the special election. For instance, at the government center in Superior, they are taking extra precautions with sanitizing and wearing protective gear when handling voters. “We have to make sure we sanitize everything after people vote,” said…

Two Coronavirus Deaths Reported in Itasca County

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– Itasca County leaders say that area has seen its first two deaths from COVID-19. Itasca County says both cases were males with one in his 80s and the other in his 90s. To maintain privacy for the victims, the county isn’t releasing their names or what cities they lived in. The county also says it is now…

St. Louis County Board Approves Waiving Penalties for Late Property Tax Payments

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has approved waving penalties on late property tax payments for those struggling financially due to the impacts of COVID-19. According to county officials, to be eligible property owners must fill out a short application found on the county website which can be found here. The deadline to apply for late…

Midday Update 5-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 12, 2020 Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 12,494 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 23 new deaths bringing the death total to 614 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 120,834 tests have been completed to date. There are 8,223 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,799 patients have required hospitalization…

Trump Says Americans Could see a Second Round of Stimulus Payments

FOX NEWS – President Trump said Monday his administration is considering a second round of coronavirus stimulus payments. “We’re talking about that,” Trump said when asked about a Democratic proposal to send another round of relief checks. “We’re talking about that with a number of different people. We’re talking about a payroll tax,” the president said. “I want to see various things, but…

2020 Duluth Monarch Festival Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Duluth Monarch Buddies Made the Announcement Tuesday Morning on Social Media

DULUTH, Minn. – Monarch butterflies will soon be fluttering back into the Northland, but there won’t be a festival to celebrate them this year. Duluth Monarch Buddies took to social media Tuesday morning, announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Duluth Monarch Festival. The event was scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 13. Members of the group say an outdoor…

Fauci Warns of ‘Serious Problems’ if States Reopen too Soon

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, says states that ignore the national guidelines for reopening the economy run the risk of spikes in coronavirus cases that may turn into new outbreaks. “The consequences could be really serious,” Fauci tells the Senate Health, Labor and Pensions committee. Problems will escalate if states do not have the…

Morning Update 5-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 12, 2020 Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Polls Open for Wisconsin 7th Congressional District Special Election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Tuesday’s special election will help measure the enthusiasm of Republicans in a deeply conservative part of Wisconsin just over a month after a liberal-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate won a statewide race over a Trump-backed candidate. The winner in Wisconsin’s deeply conservative 7th District will replace Republican Sean Duffy who held the seat since 2011 and…

A Local Jewelry Store Reopens For Curbside

Security Jewelers is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for curbside pick up and drop-off.

DULUTH, Minn. – Security Jewelers in Duluth has reopened for curbside pickup and drop-off as part of the guidelines put in place by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to allow many non-essential businesses to continue operations. Right now, the jewelry store is open for people to pick up jewelry orders that may have been in place before the shutdown of non-essential…

Concerns Grow As Domestic Violence Calls Gradually Decline During The Coronavirus Pandemic

As the pandemic continued through April, the number of calls began to gradually decline.

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing pandemic is raising some concerns for the well-being of victims of domestic violence. Organizations, such as Safe Haven in Duluth, are seeing drastic changes in the number of calls for help since the coronavirus pandemic began. Now they are worried, what these changes could mean for the safety of those victims. A decline in the…

WLSSD Begins A Portion Of Its $2 Million Wastewater Pipe Maintenance Project

Residents should not expect any disruptions to their water services.

DULUTH, Minn. – Superior Street between 44th and 45th Avenue East is closing this week to allow the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District in Duluth to begin the first stages of restoring an existing sewer pipeline in Lakeside. This is part of WLSSD’s two million dollar wastewater pipe maintenance project. The pipeline services communities between Knife River and Duluth. It…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Oasis Del Norte

The food struck started as family recipes that are now feeding the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Oasis Del Norte has become a popular spot since its opening, bringing authentic Mexican food and culture to the area. “We’re here to share our food with everybody,” Oasis Del Norte owner Eduardo Sandoval Luna said. Oasis Del Norte started by serving family recipes that are now feeding the Northland. “This is all my mom’s recipes I…

St. Luke’s Adds Virtual Patient Visits

DULUTH, Minn.– St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth has gone virtual to meet the needs of its patients as best as they can while restrictions are in place for in-person care during the pandemic. Today the hospital opened its Virtual Visitor’s Center where patients can connect with their families and loved ones through Zoom or FaceTime. A patient can connect while…

Superior Businesses Eager to Open Even with Limited Customers Allowed at One Time

Retail business owners said they were surprised when they heard the news of reopening.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Retail stores in Superior were able to open their doors to customers for the first time in nearly two months on Monday. “It’s not exactly what we’d like to see but it’s a great start,” said Tom Unterberger, owner of the Globe News. Retail business owners said they were surprised when they heard the news of reopening….

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Shows Off New Locomotive

The historic locomotive was built back in 1956 and had one of the first practical diesel engines.

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of National Train Day on Sunday, the North Shore Scenic Railroad added another engine to their fleet. The historic locomotive was built back in 1956 and had one of the first practical diesel engines. Now, with a new paint job, the smaller and more durable locomotive is ready to take people up the North Shore….

Chickens for Sale at Local Egg Farm

One local egg farm say they have now been busy selling actual birds to their customers.

WRENSHALL, Minn. – One local egg farm say they have no been busy selling actual birds to their customers. Locally Laid Egg Company is letting people buy adolescent chickens, which are close to laying eggs. Experts say that by bringing the chickens to one’s home, you can guarantee that you have eggs. They have about 500 prepared to sell to…

Special Birthday Party for Local Kids

Volunteers with Fuse Duluth put on a special birthday for area kids who may have had their birthday plans put on hold due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers with Fuse Duluth put on a special birthday for area kids who may have had their birthday plans put on hold due to the pandemic. The event, known as Project Party, which is an organized birthday party for the children and families living in the Steve O’Neil Apartments, looked a little different this month due to…

Emergency Shelters and Food Shelves Get Federal Funding

Federal funds are now being funneled in to help support local food shelves and emergency shelters.

DULUTH, Minn. – Federal funds are being funneled in to help support local food shelves and emergency shelters. More than $300,000 in funding is now available for emergency funding and shelter in Saint Louis, Itasca, and Douglas counties through a federal act, which couldn’t have come at a better time for struggling Northlanders. “Right now with so many people having…

Evers Allows Nearly all Retail Stores to Open With Limits

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Monday allowed nearly all nonessential retail stores to reopen as long as they serve no more than five customers at a time, partially lifting the restriction that has kept them closed for weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The latest order, which took effect immediately,…