WDIO.com Links & More | www.WDIO.com

Minnesota launches COVID-19 home saliva test pilot program

Minnesota is beginning a new at-home saliva test pilot program for COVID-19 in some rural areas. Northland locations that are part of the program include Aitkin, Beltrami, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, and Pine counties, as well as the Red Lake Nation.

Local Coronavirus Hotlines

Do you have a question about COVID-19? Local health officials have put together hotlines that the community can call with questions related to the new coronavirus and learn more about available resources.

Forecasters: Drought more likely than blizzards this winter

U.S. weather officials are predicting a mostly warmer than normal winter, but they are also worried about a worsening drought.

Blood drive coming up in October in Duluth

East West Property Management is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive in October.

Minnesota’s first COVID-19 saliva testing site opening in Duluth

The state is opening its first free saliva testing site at the DECC on Wednesday. Anyone can get the test, including those who don't have symptoms, and results are expected within 48 hours.

Bid to win for Marc Westerbur

Bid in an online auction to help Marc Westerbur of Virginia who is battling ALS. The auction will be open until 8:00 the night of September 7.

Rotary Rose Sale starts Sept. 3

The Duluth Rotary's Rose Sale starts Sept. 3. Bouquets cost $25 and support rotary causes. Once ordered, they can be picked up Oct. 16-17.

Coastal cleanup goes virtual

The annual fall coastal cleanup on Lake Superior is going virtual. Stormwater experts say even cleaning your yard can even help keep the lake clean.

Audition for American Idol online

American Idol auditions are being held virtually this year. Minnesota's audition date is this Friday. Go to AmericanIdol.com/audition to sign up.

GOP-led Senate panel finds Russia interfered in the 2016 election

The Senate intelligence committee has concluded that the Kremlin launched an aggressive effort to interfere in the 2016 presidential contest. The Republican-led panel's report says interference in the election is indisputable.

Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition speed test

To take the Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition speed test, visit http://mnruralbroadbandcoalition.com/speedtest.

Enter or Donate to the Shoot for Fun Event

The Shoot for Fun event for the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute is coming up. You can enter a team, or donate.

FDA says consumers should not use certain hand sanitizers

For the list of hand sanitizers that the Food and Drug Administration says consumers should not use, visit https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-consumers-should-not-use.

Drought worsens in Northland

A weekly update shows drought conditions have worsened in parts of the Northland, though the report is based on data gathered before Wednesday night's storms. The U.S. Drought Monitor says there is a severe drought in parts of St. Louis and Carlton counties.

Homeowner and rental rehab money available in Duluth

There are now two new programs to help homeowners and rental property owners fix up their homes and properties, through the Duluth HRA.

QUICK GLANCE: What summer events are canceled or postponed due to COVID-19

Concerns over the coronavirus pandemic and the need to keep people safe has led to many of our favorite summer events and pastimes to be canceled or delayed. We have started a list to help you plan your summer.

ATF offers $70,000 in reward money for 14 arson suspects

Federal agents are offering $70,000 for information that helps catch 14 people suspected of setting fires during protests following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.

NEO Connect hired to help plan for better broadband on Range

Take a survey to help NEO Connect plan for better broadband on the Range.

Where to Find MeTV WDIO2

MeTV is carried on the WDIO-DT2 and WIRT-DT2 broadcast signals, as well as most Northland cable systems and DISH Network.

Donate to Losing locks for CHUM

There is still time to donate to Losing Locks for CHUM. Justin Liles will cut Brandon Weathers’ hair live on WDIO News at Six. Go to WDIO.com to donate.

Minnesota State Park campgrounds begin to reopen

State parks in northeastern Minnesota are in the midst of a phased reopening after the coronavirus pandemic. However, campers will have to wait until June 8 or later to camp in drive-in campgrounds at state parks on the North Shore.

Iron Range 'Open for Business' pledge

A new regional program called the Open for Business pledge is active on the Iron Range. Businesses can sign up online, and get a free window cling.

Lake County Historical Society Hosting Virtual Concert

The Lake County Historical Society is hosting a virtual concert to help kick off a fundraising campaign.

Community quickly backs fundraiser for Duluth bakery

Positively 3rd Street Cooperative Bakery is more than half way to its $25,000 campaign amid the pandemic. The money will help pay for a new mixer that the bakery can't afford on its own due to the slowdown in sales.

Library curbside pickup begins in Duluth, Superior

Public libraries in Duluth and Superior began offering curbside pickup of books on Monday. In both cities, materials must be requested in advance and can only be picked up at specific times.

GoFundMe set up to establish a reward for unsolved homicide

The family of Frank Meyer is hoping a reward will lead to more information to solve his homicide.

New state COVID-19 testing website for Minnesota

Minnesotans can now access a website to find out where they can get tested for COVID-19.

Buy Girl Scout cookies online

To order Girl Scout cookies online, visit https://www.girlscouts.org/en/cookie-care.html.

IRS Web Portal to check status of stimulus checks

Stimulus payments are now making their way into Americans' bank accounts. On Wednesday, the IRS opened an online portal for people to check the status of their payment.

Essentia Health opens donation drop-off site

Essentia Health has opened a donation drop-off site at its Miller Hill location. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., people can bring donations of N95 masks or other unopened Personal Protective Equipment to be distributed to healthcare workers.

Details: Wis. "Safer at Home" order may last one month

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has released details of his "Safer at Home" order, which is now scheduled to take effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday and may remain in effect for a month. The order prohibits all nonessential travel, with some exceptions.

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Starts Video Tours

Looking for something fun to do online? The Lake Superior Railroad Museum is offering daily video tours on several social media platforms. The short segments will take you into the museum, even while it's closed.

Duluth Strong website allows people to help first responders and others

Some Duluth businesses are working together to make sure our first responders and others get fed during this difficult time. They've launched a website, and you can purchase a gift card to help.

Local coronavirus hotlines

Here are phone numbers for local coronavirus hotlines.

Survey for Superior Broadband Improvements

City leaders in Superior are focusing on improving broadband service, and are asking the community to take a survey.

Minnesota Task Force Takes Aim at Prescription Drug Prices

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has unveiled a task force report that makes 14 separate recommendations for lowering prescription drug prices. They range from new legislation to stronger enforcement action.

Poster Contest for Kids in Cook County

The Oral Health Task Force in Cook County is holding a poster contest for kids, so they can demonstrate what they know about healthy teeth.

Time's up for 'Totes:' New Batch of Banned Words is Out

Lake Superior State University is out with its 45th annual list of words or phrases that should be retired. At the top of the list: quid pro quo.

MAGENTA Study

The MAGENTA study is looking for women who may qualify for a free genetic testing opportunity for breast and ovarian cancer.

No Major Impacts on Lake Superior Found from Line 3 Pipeline

An updated environmental review of Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline replacement project has found no serious impacts on Lake Superior from hypothetical spills. Enbridge hopes to start construction next year if it receives final approval.

Links & More

Minnesota launches COVID-19 home saliva test pilot program execCheckDiffShort("10/22/2020 03:44 PM","minutes",8817,5902895);

Local Coronavirus Hotlines execCheckDiffShort("03/22/2020 10:18 AM","minutes",8817,5681655);

Forecasters: Drought more likely than blizzards this winter execCheckDiffShort("10/15/2020 05:38 PM","minutes",8817,5896428);

Blood drive coming up in October in Duluth execCheckDiffShort("09/23/2020 09:27 AM","minutes",8817,5870987);

Minnesota’s first COVID-19 saliva testing site opening in Duluth execCheckDiffShort("09/22/2020 05:04 PM","minutes",8817,5869417);

Bid to win for Marc Westerbur execCheckDiffShort("09/07/2020 05:23 PM","minutes",8817,5854851);

Rotary Rose Sale starts Sept. 3 execCheckDiffShort("09/02/2020 07:55 PM","minutes",8817,5849539);

Coastal cleanup goes virtual execCheckDiffShort("08/27/2020 11:31 PM","minutes",8817,5842107);

Audition for American Idol online execCheckDiffShort("08/25/2020 08:09 PM","minutes",8817,5839839);

GOP-led Senate panel finds Russia interfered in the 2016 election execCheckDiffShort("08/18/2020 09:54 AM","minutes",8817,5831372);

Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition speed test execCheckDiffShort("08/06/2020 10:39 PM","minutes",8817,5819449);

Enter or Donate to the Shoot for Fun Event execCheckDiffShort("08/06/2020 03:29 PM","minutes",8817,5819039);

FDA says consumers should not use certain hand sanitizers execCheckDiffShort("08/04/2020 04:50 PM","minutes",8817,5816617);

Drought worsens in Northland execCheckDiffShort("07/09/2020 11:45 AM","minutes",8817,5787288);

Homeowner and rental rehab money available in Duluth execCheckDiffShort("07/02/2020 04:08 PM","minutes",8817,5780039);

QUICK GLANCE: What summer events are canceled or postponed due to COVID-19 execCheckDiffShort("07/16/2020 11:54 AM","minutes",8817,5744173);

ATF offers $70,000 in reward money for 14 arson suspects execCheckDiffShort("06/15/2020 04:51 PM","minutes",8817,5760614);

NEO Connect hired to help plan for better broadband on Range execCheckDiffShort("06/05/2020 01:13 PM","minutes",8817,5752011);

Where to Find MeTV WDIO2 execCheckDiffShort("06/12/2020 10:48 AM","minutes",8817,4050726);

Donate to Losing locks for CHUM execCheckDiffShort("06/08/2020 12:17 PM","minutes",8817,5751842);

Minnesota State Park campgrounds begin to reopen execCheckDiffShort("06/02/2020 04:53 PM","minutes",8817,5749106);

Iron Range 'Open for Business' pledge execCheckDiffShort("05/20/2020 09:59 AM","minutes",8817,5735811);

Lake County Historical Society Hosting Virtual Concert execCheckDiffShort("05/12/2020 12:09 PM","minutes",8817,5727552);

Community quickly backs fundraiser for Duluth bakery execCheckDiffShort("05/04/2020 05:37 PM","minutes",8817,5719949);

Library curbside pickup begins in Duluth, Superior execCheckDiffShort("04/27/2020 04:56 PM","minutes",8817,5711823);

GoFundMe set up to establish a reward for unsolved homicide execCheckDiffShort("04/27/2020 11:19 AM","minutes",8817,5711487);

New state COVID-19 testing website for Minnesota execCheckDiffShort("04/24/2020 05:08 PM","minutes",8817,5709954);

Buy Girl Scout cookies online execCheckDiffShort("04/16/2020 11:29 AM","minutes",8817,5702212);

IRS Web Portal to check status of stimulus checks execCheckDiffShort("04/15/2020 05:31 PM","minutes",8817,5701549);

Essentia Health opens donation drop-off site execCheckDiffShort("03/25/2020 08:37 PM","minutes",8817,5684522);

Details: Wis. "Safer at Home" order may last one month execCheckDiffShort("03/24/2020 10:45 PM","minutes",8817,5683131);

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Starts Video Tours execCheckDiffShort("03/19/2020 02:23 PM","minutes",8817,5678731);

Duluth Strong website allows people to help first responders and others execCheckDiffShort("03/18/2020 11:08 PM","minutes",8817,5677824);

Local coronavirus hotlines execCheckDiffShort("03/16/2020 07:26 PM","minutes",8817,5676008);

Survey for Superior Broadband Improvements execCheckDiffShort("02/25/2020 01:40 PM","minutes",8817,5656092);

Minnesota Task Force Takes Aim at Prescription Drug Prices execCheckDiffShort("02/19/2020 01:57 PM","minutes",8817,5649883);

Poster Contest for Kids in Cook County execCheckDiffShort("01/14/2020 01:57 PM","minutes",8817,5608954);

Time's up for 'Totes:' New Batch of Banned Words is Out execCheckDiffShort("12/31/2019 05:44 PM","minutes",8817,5594940);

MAGENTA Study execCheckDiffShort("12/09/2019 05:29 PM","minutes",8817,5574540);

No Major Impacts on Lake Superior Found from Line 3 Pipeline execCheckDiffShort("12/09/2019 05:26 PM","minutes",8817,5574365);

Most Read Stories