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Morning Update 12-23-20

Join FOX 21's Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.

US Layoffs Remain Elevated as 803,000 Seek Jobless Aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell by 89,000 last week to a still-elevated 803,000, evidence that the job market remains under stress nine months after the coronavirus outbreak sent the U.S. economy into recession…

Pfizer to Supply Us With Additional 100m Vaccines Doses

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer and BioNTech will supply the U.S. with an additional 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine under a new agreement. The drugmakers said Wednesday that they expect to deliver all the doses by July 31. Pfizer…

Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Today and Tomorrow

The most significant snowstorm of the season will be passing through the Northland bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds today and tonight. During the early morning hours today, we will likely have a wintry mix of rain, snow and freezing…

Support for Ashland Small Businesses Remains Strong Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

ASHLAND, Wis. - The importance of shopping local is even more polarizing this year amid the ongoing pandemic. Many longtime business owners are thankful for continues support, while some new owners are grateful for…

City of Duluth Needs More Snow Removal Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn.- As we get ready for a winter blast, the city of Duluth is in need of volunteers for its newly launched snow removal assistance program. The volunteers help shovel snow on…

Firefighters Urge Caution Over Busy Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. - Firefighters are urging families celebrating the holidays to take the extra steps to keep their home safe from fires. Duluth Fire Marshal John Otis says there's usually bigger opportunities for fires…

Habitat for Humanity 2020 Home Near Completion

DULUTH, Minn. - The Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity is putting the finishing touches on a new energy efficient home built throughout 2020. The organization hit a few roadblocks from increased construction costs to…

Trump Threatens To Torpedo COVID Relief With New Demands

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is threatening to torpedo Congress’ massive pandemic relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty. He’s suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed, like a huge jump in the…

Duluth International Airport Braces for Holiday Storm, Travel During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.-- In 2020, going home for Christmas might not be as easy as it sounds. Along with trying to navigate the pandemic, the Duluth International Airport is preparing for the incoming snowfall during…

Wisconsin Announces Partnership for 'Take Home' COVID-19 Tests

MADISON, Wis.-- As another 2,400 cases of COVID-19 were reported over in Wisconsin, the state is announcing a new way to get tested right from your living room. The state announced a partnership with…

Walz Expects 250,000 Vaccines for Minnesota by End of 2020

ST. PAUL, Minn.-- As vaccination efforts continue across Minnesota, Governor Walz expects 250,000 vaccines by the end of the year. The governor said earlier today that 2,999 Minnesotans have been vaccinated. This week, the…

St. Luke’s, Essentia Continue Vaccinating Staff

DULUTH, Minn.-- Vaccinations continue here in Duluth after both St. Luke's and Essentia Health started vaccinating their staff last week. Management at Essentia say they have given out shots of the vaccine to almost…

Hundreds Visit Pike Lake to Enjoy Outdoor Skating

PIKE LAKE, Minn. - Pike Lake saw some thick ice early this winter, meaning hundreds visited to get some ice time. "Not too many ponds that are super frozen over right now and no…

Audit: UW System Paid Out $68.5 Million in Student Refunds

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A new report shows the University of Wisconsin System paid out nearly $70 million in coronavirus-related refunds to students last year. The Legislative Audit Bureau released a report Tuesday that shows the system paid out $68.5 million…

Feds Sue Walmart Over Role in Opioid Crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is suing Walmart, alleging the company unlawfully dispensed controlled substances through its pharmacies, helping to fuel the opioid crisis in America. The civil complaint being filed Tuesday points to the role Walmart’s pharmacies may…

WLSSD Kicks Off Treecycling Program This Week

DULUTH, Minn. - WLSSD and area partners announced Tuesday that they have kicked off their annual Treecycling program this week. The free holiday tree cycling program offers multiple locations available 24-hours a day throughout the region. “Holiday trees, like yard…

State, Medical Company to Provide Free at-Home COVID Tests in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday that his administration has partnered with a medical testing company to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests. The governor said his administration has struck a deal with Vault Medical Services to provide…

Evers Sets Spring Election to Fill Fitzgerald’s Seat

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has scheduled a special election this spring to fill outgoing Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s seat. Evers issued an executive order Tuesday scheduling the election for April 6 in southeastern Wisconsin’s 13th Senate…

Midday Update 12-22-20

Join FOX 21's Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. Have a great day!

Duluth City Council Votes to Delay Fee on Plastic Bags

DULUTH, Minn. - The Duluth City Council voted on Monday night to delay the five-cent plastic bag fee that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2021. It will not take effect 90 days after emergency COVID-19 declarations…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,714 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 401,011 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to…

Biden to Address COVID Bill, Holiday Pandemic Precautions

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden will speak Tuesday as the nation deals with a COVID-19 surge that’s casting a shadow over the Christmas holiday this week. Biden will deliver remarks in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday afternoon, where he’s…

Coast Guard Begins Ice Breaking Operations in Duluth, Superior

DULUTH, Minn. - On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay has started icebreaking in the Duluth and Superior areas. Biscayne Bay was assigned to the Twin Ports region to begin icebreaking before ice…

Morning Update 12-22-20