The Associated Press, Author at Fox21Online

Hostages Safe after Texas Synagogue Standoff; Captor Dead

FBI and police spokeswomen declined to answer questions about who shot the man.

January 16, 2022

The Associated Press,

AP Photo/Brandon Wade COLLEYVILLE, Texas (AP) — Four hostages were spared and their captor was killed, ending a 10-hour standoff at a Texas synagogue where the hostage-taker — a British national — could be heard ranting on a Livestream and demanding the release of a Pakistani neuroscientist who was convicted of trying to kill U.S. Army officers in Afghanistan. One…

West Coast Under Tsunami Advisory Following Pacific Eruption

January 15, 2022

The Associated Press,

Japan Meteorology Agency via AP WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – An undersea volcano has erupted in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga. The eruption on Saturday sent tsunami waves swirling around buildings and people rushing to higher ground. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage because all internet connectivity with Tonga was lost. Following the eruption,…

Waukesha Parade Suspect To Stand Trial for Murder

January 14, 2022

The Associated Press,

(Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin court commissioner has ordered a Milwaukee man accused of plowing his SUV through a suburban Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring dozens more, to stand trial. Waukesha County Court Commissioner Kevin Costello ordered Darrell Brooks Jr. bound over for trial on more than 70 charges, including…

6-Year-old Struck, Killed on Highway in Mille Lacs County

January 14, 2022

The Associated Press,

ONAMIA, Minn. (AP) – The State Patrol says an individual struck and killed on an east-central Minnesota highway was a 6-year-old girl. The patrol says the child was in the lanes of traffic when she was struck on Highway 169 at about 11 p.m. Thursday near Onamia in Mille Lacs County. Troopers identified the child as Unique Sincere Beaulieu. She…

Heavy Snow in Midwest Slows Travel, Closes Scores of Schools

January 14, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Heavy snow spread across a large swath of the Midwest, where travel conditions deteriorated and scores of schools closed or moved to online instruction. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for parts of Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, and Illinois, where forecasters were expecting up to 10 inches of fresh snow. The weather service tweeted…

Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters Once Again on the Table

January 13, 2022

The Associated Press,

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The ongoing tug-of-war over whether mining should be allowed near the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been resurrected with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Federal officials once again gathered feedback from the public in a virtual meeting Wednesday that comes more than five years after a 20-year mining ban was first…

National Guard to Staff Wisconsin Hospitals, Nursing Homes

January 13, 2022

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin National Guard troops will help fill staffing shortages at the state’s hospitals and nursing homes over the coming weeks due to a surge in COVID-19 patients, Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday. The governor said troops are being trained as certified nursing assistants. About 50 soldiers were deployed to six nursing homes during the past week….

Supreme Court Halts COVID-19 Vaccine Rule for US Businesses

January 13, 2022

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job. At the same time, the court is allowing the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers in the U.S. The…

Minneapolis Schools Move Instruction Online as Virus Surges

January 13, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minneapolis Public Schools will pivot to online instruction for two weeks because the coronavirus has significantly reduced the number of school staff available for in-person learning. Virtual education will begin Friday with students returning to the classroom on Jan. 31. Minneapolis joins a growing list of school districts planning to move to distance learning, including Osseo, Prior…

The Heat Stays On: Earth Hits 6th Warmest Year on Record

January 13, 2022

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Two U.S. science agencies say 2021 was the sixth hottest year on record globally, part of a long-term warming trend. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Thursday released measurements showing how hot last year was. It wasn’t record hot, but the year’s 58.5-degree average is not much behind the record. The last eight years have been…

Judge Agrees To Delay State Trial for 3 Cops in Floyd Death

January 12, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota judge has agreed to delay a state court trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s death, though he didn’t immediately set a date. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill told attorneys to agree on a new date that’s within one year. They must inform the court by Sunday. Cahill said if they…

Marquardt Joins House Members Who Won’t Seek Reelection

January 12, 2022

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The number of Minnesota state lawmakers who don’t plan to seek reelection continues to grow. Longtime Rep. Paul Marquart joined the list Wednesday. The Democrat was first elected to the House 22 years ago after serving as Dilworth’s mayor for 11 years. Marquardt says that at age 65 it’s time to try…

US Inflation Soared 7% In Past Year, the Most Since 1982

January 12, 2022

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – Prices paid by U.S. consumers jumped 7% in December from a year earlier, the highest inflation rate since 1982, and the latest evidence that rising costs for food, gas, rent and other necessities are heightening the financial pressures on America’s households. Inflation has spiked during the recovery from the pandemic recession as Americans have ramped up spending…

Nickel Mine Developer Has Major Commitment From Tesla

January 11, 2022

The Associated Press,

TAMARACK, Minn. – The company that plans to develop a nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has made a major supply deal with Tesla, the electric vehicle maker. Tesla has committed to purchasing 75,000 metric tons of nickel concentrate over six years from Talon Metals’ planned mine in Tamarack, which is about 50 miles west of Duluth. Talon hopes to open…

Home COVID Tests To Be Covered by Insurers Starting Saturday

January 10, 2022

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/David Dermer, File) WASHINGTON (AP) – Starting Saturday, private health insurers will be required to cover up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for those on their plans. The Biden administration announced the change Monday as it looks to lower costs and makes testing for the virus more convenient amid rising frustrations. Under the new policy, first detailed…

Minnesota Sees Declining COVID-19 Intensive Care Rate

January 10, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota health officials looking for a silver lining in the spread of the coronavirus omicron variant say they hope it can be found in declining intensive care hospitalizations for COVID-19. That number fell from 374 in mid-December to 255 on Friday. The decline temporarily eases pressure on hospitals as they brace for the wave of omicron infections. Despite…

Man Who Bought Gun for Kyle Rittenhouse Pleads No Contest

January 10, 2022

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The man who bought an AR-15-style rifle for Kyle Rittenhouse has pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in a deal with prosecutors to avoid prison. A Wisconsin judge accepted Dominick Black’s plea on Monday. Prosecutors dropped two felony counts of intent to deliver a dangerous weapon to…

Tax Season Begins Two Weeks Early Due to Virus, IRS Funding

January 10, 2022

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — This year’s tax filing season will begin on Jan. 24, 17 days earlier than last year, the Internal Revenue Service announced Monday. The IRS is warning that a resurgence of COVID-19 infections on top of less funding authorization from Congress than the Biden administration had requested could make this filing season particularly challenging. “The pandemic continues to…

Qualls Joins Packed GOP Field in Race for Minnesota Governor

January 10, 2022

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Fox News) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A U.S. Army veteran and former healthcare executive says he’s running for governor in Minnesota, joining a handful of other Republicans who have been announced for the job. Kendall Qualls lives in Medina with his wife and five children. He says he is the first and only member of his family to…

Duluth Fire Crews Respond to Fire, Heavy Smoke at Esmond Building

January 10, 2022

Site Staff, The Associated Press,

UPDATE (2:33 p.m.): Officials with the Duluth Fire Department say the main fire at the Esmond building is now out. Just shy of 7 hours from when the Esmond Fire was reported, the main fire is out. Crews are evaluating the scene and will continue to put out hot spots. Work is starting to clear the alley to have MN…

Minnesota Virus Positivity Rate Reaches 15.6% In New Record

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s COVID-19 positivity rate over the past seven days reached 15.6% on Friday, emphasizing the rapid spread of the omicron variant across the state. State health officials have said they expect a new surge of case growth for at least the next month. The Star Tribune reported that Minnesota’s previous positivity rate record came early in the…

Arbery Killers Get Life in Prison; No Parole for Father, Son

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) – Three white men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery have been sentenced to life in prison, with a judge denying any chance of parole for the father and son who armed themselves and initiated the deadly pursuit of the 25-year-old Black man. Greg and Travis McMichael grabbed guns and chased Arbery in a pickup truck after…

Parents in Michigan School Shooting Lose Bid To Reduce Bail

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

(Oakland County Sheriff’s Office via AP, File) DETROIT (AP) — A judge has denied a request to lower a $500,000 bail set for two parents who are charged with their son in a fatal Michigan school shooting. Judge Julie Nicholson said James and Jennifer Crumbley failed to turn themselves in when they were charged with involuntary manslaughter on Dec. 3…

Oscar Winner and Groundbreaking Star Sidney Poitier Dies

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) – Sidney Poitier, the groundbreaking actor and enduring inspiration who transformed how Black people were portrayed on screen and became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for best lead performance and the first to be a top box-office draw, has died. He was 94. Few movie stars had such an influence both on and…

Hospitalizations Skyrocket in Kids Too Young for COVID Shots

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) (AP) – Hospitalizations in U.S. children under age 5 with COVID have soared dramatically to unprecedented levels, a worrisome trend in youngsters too young to be vaccinated. That’s according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday. Since early December, as the highly contagious omicron variant has spread furiously around the country, the hospitalization rate…

Tommy Thompson Stepping Down as UW President in March

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: UW System) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Interim University of Wisconsin President Tommy Thompson has submitted his letter of resignation effective March 18, a move that comes as the committee working to name a permanent leader prepared to select finalists for the position. The 80-year-old former governor took on the job as interim president of the UW System on July…

Teen in Michigan School Shooting Waives Key Court Hearing

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

DETROIT (AP) – A teenager charged with killing four students at their Michigan high school has waived a key court hearing. The decision means Ethan Crumbley’s case moves straight to a trial court in suburban Detroit. Prosecutors in Michigan typically must present some evidence to show there’s probable cause to send people to trial on felony charges. It’s a low…

Supreme Court Weighs Vaccine Rules Affecting More Than 80M

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court is taking up two major Biden administration efforts to bump up the nation’s vaccination rate against COVID-19 at a time of spiking coronavirus cases because of the omicron variant. The justices on the conservative-oriented court are hearing arguments Friday about whether to allow the administration to enforce a vaccine-or-testing requirement that applies to large…

US Jobless Rate Sinks to 3.9% As Many More People Find Jobs

January 7, 2022

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. employers added a modest 199,000 jobs last month while the unemployment rate fell sharply, at a time when businesses are struggling to fill jobs with many Americans remaining reluctant to return to the workforce. At the same time, Friday’s jobs report from the Labor Department showed that the nation’s unemployment rate fell from 4.2% to a…

Grammys Postpone Ceremony, Citing Omicron Variant Risks

January 6, 2022

The Associated Press,

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The upcoming Grammy Awards have been postponed due to what organizers called “too many risks” from the omicron variant. The ceremony had been scheduled for Jan. 31st in Los Angeles with a live audience and performances. The Recording Academy said Wednesday it made the decision “after careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health…

Man Charged With Assault in Mall of America Shooting

January 6, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS – An 18-year-old Minnesota man has been charged with assault in a New Year’s Eve shooting at the Mall of America that wounded two people. Kahlil Wiley, of St. Paul, was charged Thursday with two counts of second-degree assault. Authorities say he fired a single shot that struck two men at about 4:30 p.m. last Friday. A criminal complaint…

New Minnesota COVID-19 Testing Sites Start Opening Friday

January 6, 2022

The Associated Press,

ANOKA, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 community testing site will open at the National Guard Armory in Anoka on Friday, Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday, while the Guard will help raise the capacity of a similar site in downtown St. Paul by 50%. The moves to boost the state’s testing capacity amid the spike in omicron variant cases are…

Minnesota AG Ellison Quarantining Outside US With COVID-19

January 6, 2022

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says he’s quarantining outside the country after testing positive for COVID-19. In a statement Wednesday night, Ellison said he was experiencing only mild symptoms thanks to having been vaccinated and boosted. He said he was isolating himself in place and will travel home when it is safe while conducting business…

Cousins Returns From COVID-19 Absence to Vikings for Finale

January 5, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Kirk Cousins has returned to the Minnesota Vikings from COVID-19 reserve. He missed the previous game while experiencing mild symptoms. That loss at Green Bay eliminated the Vikings from contention for the playoffs. They play Chicago on Sunday in a meaningless finale game. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer plans to play Cousins and all of the other regulars…

Iowa Man and Minnesota Son Plead Guilty in Capitol Riot Case

January 5, 2022

The Associated Press,

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa man and his Minnesota son have pleaded guilty to a charge of civil disorder related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, admitting that they entered the building through a broken window and pushed through a police line once inside. Both 51-year-old Daryl Johnson, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, and 26-year-old Daniel Johnson, of…

Wisconsin Tax Burden Rises for First Time in Decade

January 5, 2022

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s state tax burden increased slightly last year for the first time in a decade due largely to a pandemic-related economic surge, according to a report released Wednesday. The nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum’s study found total state and local taxes in Wisconsin grew to $34 billion last year, up 7.1% from 2020. Overall, combined state and…

Walz Announces More COVID-19 Testing Sites as Omicron Surges

January 4, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has announced plans to open three more community testing sites for COVID-19 as the rapid spread of the omicron variant puts new strains on Minnesota’s testing capacity. According to updated figures Tuesday, Minnesota is coming off its deadliest month of the pandemic for 2021, with 874 deaths in December. The state’s seven-day test positivity…

CDC Signs off on Pfizer Extra Dose Measures

January 4, 2022

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has signed off on two measures to increase access to additional doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. The CDC on Tuesday recommended shortening the recommended interval of time between when people who had an initial series of Pfizer vaccinations and when they receive a Pfizer booster shot, from six…

Trial Opens for Wisconsin Man Accused of Killing Parents

January 4, 2022

The Associated Press,

(Dane County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Opening statements were scheduled for Tuesday in the trial of a 23-year-old Wisconsin man charged with killing and dismembering his parents. A jury was selected Monday in Dane County Circuit Court to hear the case against Chandler Halderson, who faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide and mutilating and hiding a…

Minnesota’s Blood Bank Donations Are at a 10-Year Low

January 4, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Officials say Minnesota’s blood bank donations are at a 10-year low. Red Cross spokeswoman Tonia Teasley says many people are not donating because they are worried about their own health during the coronavirus pandemic. Teasley says across the region blood donations are down 10 percent. Sen. Amy Klobuchar hosted a virtual roundtable discussion on the issue Monday…

Walz Expects COVID-19 Case Spike as Minnesota Schools Reopen

Walz told Minnesota Public Radio on Monday that school administrators across the state are right to be concerned.

January 3, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says coronavirus cases due to the fast-spreading omicron variant will most likely race through Minnesota’s public schools in the next few weeks now that students are back in class. Walz told Minnesota Public Radio on Monday that school administrators across the state are right to be concerned. He noted that modeling by the Mayo…

FDA Expands Pfizer Boosters for More Teens as Omicron Surges

January 3, 2022

The Associated Press,

UNDATED (AP) -The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the omicron surge. The Food and Drug Administration on Monday allowed extra Pfizer shots for children as young as 12. Boosters already are recommended for everyone 16 and older, and the FDA says they’re also warranted for 12- to 15-year-olds. The FDA also said everyone eligible for a Pfizer…

Milwaukee Schools Going Virtual Due to Staff COVID-19 Cases

January 3, 2022

The Associated Press,

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin’s largest school district will transition to virtual instruction beginning Tuesday because of an increase in staff testing positive for COVID-19. Milwaukee public schools were scheduled to resume in-person learning Tuesday, but because of an influx of reported positive COVID-19 cases among district staff, the emergency safety measure is being implemented. The district says its goal is…

Trump, Ivanka, Don Jr Subpoenaed by NY Attorney General

Trump has sued attempting to end the probe, which he says is politically motivated.

January 3, 2022

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) – New York’s attorney general recently issued subpoenas to former President Donald Trump and his two eldest children in connection with an ongoing civil investigation into the family’s business practices. Attorney General Letitia James’ office said in a court filing Monday that it is seeking testimony and documents from Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump “in…

Betty White, TV’s Golden Girl, Dies at 99

December 31, 2021

The Associated Press,

Photo: AP/Chris Pizzello LOS ANGELES (AP) – Actress Betty White, whose saucy, up-for-anything charm made her a television mainstay for more than 60 years, has died. She was 99. People and the Washington Post reported Friday the news of White’s death. Her witty style gave life to a roster of quirky characters over more than a half-century. They included the…

Michigan Urges Schools to Delay or Make Large Events Remote

December 30, 2021

The Associated Press,

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan’s health and education departments are urging schools to postpone or make virtual large gatherings, including sporting events if they are not “essential” – as COVID-19 cases spike across the state. The recommendation is intended to keep schools open when classes resume after the winter break next week. It was included in a letter to K-12…

Report: Few Minnesota Departments Adopt Body Camera Guidelines

December 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Most Minnesota law enforcement agencies have chosen not to implement guidelines mandating officers with a history of misconduct wear body cameras. The League of Minnesota Cities two years ago created a model policy requiring problem officers wear cameras. A Minneapolis Star Tribune analysis found only 10 of 108 agencies with publicly available body camera policies have implemented…

2 Minnesota Snowmobilers Die in Southern Montana Avalanche

December 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

COOKE CITY, Mont. (AP) – Two Minnesota men died in an avalanche in the mountains north of Yellowstone National Park. Park County officials say a group of eight snowmobilers was riding near Scotch Bonnet Mountain north of Cooke City at mid-day Monday. One of the men got stuck on a southeast-facing slope and another man was trying to help dig…

MN Nurses Association Voices Displeasure Over New COVID-19 Guidelines

December 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – The head of the Minnesota Nurses Association is ripping new CDC guidelines that shorten the recommended COVID-19 quarantine periods. Under the new recommendations, vaccinated health care workers who are exposed no longer must isolate. M-N-A president Mary Turner called the new policy a “disaster.” Turner said,” It may be good for businesses’ bottom lines to…

Kwik Trip to Celebrate Opening of 800th Store

December 28, 2021

The Associated Press,

HOLMEN, Wis. (AP) – Convenience store chain Kwik Trip is poised to open its 800th store this week. The La Crosse Tribune reports the chain is set to open the milestone store in Holmen at 5 a.m. on Thursday. The store will be about 9,000-square-feet and will feature a car wash and a grocery market with fresh food delivered daily….

Author: The Associated Press

FBI and police spokeswomen declined to answer questions about who shot the man.

Walz told Minnesota Public Radio on Monday that school administrators across the state are right to be concerned.

Trump has sued attempting to end the probe, which he says is politically motivated.

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