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Biden to Pledge 500M Free COVID-19 Tests to Counter Omicron

December 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden plans to deliver 500 million free COVID-19 tests to Americans, increase support for hospitals and expand the availability of vaccines to confront a winter surge of coronavirus cases driven by the fast-spreading omicron variant. Biden will stress in a Tuesday speech the importance of getting vaccinated to protect from a wave of infections as…

Jury at Kim Potter Trial in Wright Death Returns Tuesday

December 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A jury will resume deliberations in the trial of a suburban Minneapolis police officer who says she meant to use her Taser instead of her gun when she shot and killed Daunte Wright. The jury returns Tuesday after meeting for about a half-day Monday following closing arguments. Prosecutors accused Kim Potter of…

Grand Rapids Attorney Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct Of Client

December 20, 2021

KQDS Staff,

A Grand Rapids attorney is facing serious charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a client multiple times. Jesse Powell, 32, of Powell Law, is facing five charges ranging from 3rd degree to 5th degree criminal sexual conduct. According to court documents, Powell raped her in his office after episodes of non-consensual touching of her body, including kissing. Powell faces…

Twin Ports Homes Get Festive For Christmas

December 20, 2021

Dan Hanger,

Here’s a look at some of the festive lighting displays in the Twin Ports. Categories: Community, Entertainment, News, News – Latest News

Wisconsin Health Officials Concerned For COVID Surge Caused By Holidays, Omicron

96% of ICU beds and 98% of immediate care beds are full statewide.

December 20, 2021

Arman Rahman,

WISCONSIN – State health officials in Wisconsin echo the desperate pleas of those regionally and across the country, declaring a public health advisory as they anticipate a surge in disease activity due to the Omicron variant. There were more than 13 hundred new COVID cases reported in the state yesterday, with 19 Omicron cases detected so far. Experts expect that…

World of Wheels hosts Skate with Santa

December 20, 2021

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn. – Skate with Santa, a fun event for families, was hosted Monday at the World of Wheels skate center in Superior. Kids tied up their skates and rode around the rink with a special guest, Santa Clause, in the spirit of the holiday season. Those who joined received candy canes, and Santa tells us they were made with…

Former Duluth Police Chief Is Back, Might Run For St. Louis County Sheriff

December 20, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay and his family have moved back to Duluth, and Ramsay, 49, is eyeing what’s next locally for his career, which could include a run for St. Louis County sheriff. For the last six years, Ramsay has been the top cop for Kansas’ largest police department in Wichita where he has managed…

Plans Unveiled to Give Duluth Armory New Life as Multi-Use Community Building

The multi-use building will include a public marketplace in the street-level drill hall and the lower level -- a community kitchen for nonprofits and small businesses.

December 20, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The stars of a vision, plan, and developers have aligned to bring new life to the Duluth Armory, as its redevelopment was announced via press conference Monday, inside the building which has sat largely unused on London Road for decades. “They say good things come to those that wait, and if that’s true the Armory project is going…

Omicron Sweeps Across Nation, Now 73% Of US COVID-19 Cases

December 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) – Omicron has raced ahead of other variants and is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S. Federal health officials said Monday that omicron accounted for an estimated 73% of new infections last week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers show nearly a six-fold increase in the proportion of infections in only…

Environmental Testing Finds Presence of Chemical Styrene at Spooner Middle School

December 20, 2021

Site Staff,

SPOONER, Wis. – After a chemical exposure forced an evacuation of the Spooner Middle School, sickening several students and staff last month, district officials say in-person will resume tomorrow. Environmental testing, industrial hygiene, and occupational medicine reviews were conducted in the school, which indicated the presence of the chemical styrene. According to the school district, symptoms of styrene exposure include dizziness,…

Local Hospitals, Public Health Partner in Public Service Announcement

December 20, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Healthcare resources are strained. Medical workers are as committed as ever to caring for their patients, but they’re exhausted and pleading with people: Take COVID-19 seriously and do what you can to minimize virus spread. That is the message in a new public service announcement (PSA) created by Essentia Health, St. Luke’s, and St. Louis County Public Health…

Dec. 15 Storms Across North-central US Classified as Derecho

December 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

O’FALLON, Mo. (AP) – A line of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that swept across the north-central U.S. last week has been classified by the National Weather Service as a serial derecho – the first on record December. At least 45 tornadoes have been preliminarily confirmed in the Dec. 15 storms that crossed the Great Plains and Midwest amid unseasonably warm…

Police: No ‘Obvious Trauma’ in Deaths of 7 Minnesota People

December 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say preliminary autopsy results show seven people whose bodies were discovered inside a Minnesota home did not die from “any obvious trauma.” Police say all seven victims, including three minors, lived at the residence in south Moorhead. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office in St. Paul conducted the autopsies but did not determine a cause…

Midday Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

December 20, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

With Christmas in the Balance, Nations Eye UK Omicron Surge

December 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

LONDON (AP) – Britain’s main nurses’ union has warned that exhaustion and surging coronavirus cases among medical staff are pushing them to the breaking point. That is adding to pressure on the government for new restrictions to curb record numbers of infections driven by the omicron variant. The warning Monday throws into stark relief the unpalatable choice Prime Minister Boris…

Intertribal Agency Faults Wisconsin Review of Line 5 Reroute

December 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An intertribal agency says Wisconsin’s draft environmental review for a reroute of an oil and gas pipeline is incomplete and flawed. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources released its draft environmental impact statement last week for a roughly 40-mile reroute of Enbridge’s Line 5 in Ashland and Iron counties. The pipeline carries up to 23 million gallons…

Prosecutor: Minnesota Cop Negligent in Daunte Wright’s Death

December 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A prosecutor is telling jurors that the suburban Minneapolis police officer who says she meant to use her Taser instead of her gun when she shot and killed Black motorist Daunte Wright knew what she did was wrong. The jury will get the case against Kim Potter following Monday’s closing arguments. Prosecutor…

Morning Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

December 20, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

‘Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive’ Makes Sure Hundreds Have Presents to Open on Christmas

500 gifts went to families in the Twin Ports who may have been experiencing hardships before and because of the pandemic.

December 19, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- T’ was the weekend before Christmas, and all through Shake It juice shop were hundreds of toys, and just outside sat a line of rides for the Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. “I think holidays are hard for everybody and especially the last 2 years with COVID and hardships,” said Tara Aase, volunteering for her second year…

Live Outdoor Nativity Returns to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts available inside

December 19, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday’s cold weather didn’t stop one Duluth church from bringing their live nativity scene back outside. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on East Superior Street held their live nativity scene outside for the second year in a row to keep things COVID-safe. People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts…

Gordy’s Gift and Garden Center Goes All Out For Holiday Shopping

December 19, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s always a busy time of year around the holidays especially for local businesses who provide just what people are looking for. Gordy’s Gift and Garden on Miller Trunk Highway in Duluth offer an array of products like thousands of house plants, local and regionally made gifts and Christmas trees too. They go all out during Christmas,…

Sun Country Airlines Takes Off For Its First Weekend

December 19, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Even though temperatures are below freezing outside, people packed their shorts and t-shirts in hopes of a direct flights to Fort Myers or Phoenix as Sun Country Airlines makes its official open here in Duluth. This is the first time the airline has been offered in Duluth, giving people the chance to escape the freezing temps, and…

4 Adults, 3 Children Found Dead Inside Moorhead Home, Police Say

December 19, 2021

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (FOX 9) – Police say that seven people were found dead inside a northwestern Minnesota home Saturday night. According to police, family members were conducting a welfare check when they found the individuals and called 911. The Moorhead Police Department and Moorhead Fire arrived around 7:50 p.m. Saturday at the 4400 block of 13 Street South, and first responders confirmed…

Manchin Can’t Support Dems’ $2T bill, Potentially Dooming It

December 19, 2021

Site Staff,

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) WASHINGTON (AP) – Sen. Joe Manchin says he can’t back his party’s signature $2 trillion social and environment bill. That would deal a seemingly fatal blow to President Joe Biden’s leading domestic initiative heading into an election year when Democrats’ narrow hold on Congress was already in peril. The West Virginia senator said on “Fox News…

Educational Event Held About Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Domestic Violence

December 18, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — An event was held Saturday evening at the Radisson Hotel to continue the conversation of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and to educate the public about the domestic violence that many of them face. “There are quite a few people in our city that have gone missing or have been murdered, my cousin being one of them…

Grad Walk Ceremony Celebrates UWS Fall Graduates

Around 50 students participated in the grad walk at the Yellowjacket Union.

December 18, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Saturday, dozens of UWS Yellowjackets walked in their cap and gowns to receive their diplomas in person for their fall graduation ceremony. 327 students graduated Saturday and even though the university is not back to traditional ceremonies just yet, they still wanted to recognize students in some way for their accomplishments. Around 50 students participated in the…

First Great Hall Marketplace Held at The Depot

Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas.

December 18, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The first-ever Great Hall Marketplace was held Saturday at the Depot, covering three different floors, and welcoming hundreds of people through its halls. Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas. Since starting at 10 AM Saturday morning, hundreds went through doing some last-minute holiday shopping,…

Holiday Shoppers Browse Last Makers Market at Hoops Brewing

The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints.

December 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-. It was a day full of local holiday shopping on the last weekend before Christmas as Hoops Brewing in Canal Park hosted the last of their Saturday makers markets. The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints. “Shopping with emotion, it’s like feelings,…

OSHA Vaccine Mandate Penalties to Start Jan. 10

The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9.

December 18, 2021

Site Staff,

UNDATED (AP)- The Occupational Health and Safety Administration says it will not issue citations tied to its coronavirus vaccination mandate before Jan. 10. This will give companies time to adjust to and implement the requirements. The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9. Saturday’s announcement came after the U.S….

Leader of Planned Parenthood in Upper Midwest Stepping Down

The five-state organization provides health care to more than 100,000 patients each year.

December 18, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The president of Planned Parenthood’s affiliate in the upper Midwest says she is stepping down from her position next year. Sarah Stoesz oversaw the organization for nearly 20 years and grew it into one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the country as it expanded from Minnesota and South Dakota to incorporate North Dakota, Iowa, and…

Sun Country Airlines Officially Takes Off

December 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Travelers celebrated with the Duluth International Airport Friday as they held a ceremony, introducing Sun Country’s new flight service. Sun Country Airlines officially opened at the Duluth International Airport, offering direct flights from Duluth to Phoenix, or Fort Myers. This is the first time the airline has been offered in Duluth, giving people the chance to escape…

College of Saint Scholastica Prepares For Fall Graduation

December 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday is a big day for many, as it marks commencement hundreds of students at the College of Saint Scholastica. This is the second in-person commencement ceremony CSS has held since the start of the pandemic, but this is the first that they’ve held on campus since the start. There will be about 600 graduates total, but…

Duluth Officials: Mask Mandates Don’t Look To Make a Comeback

December 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Omicron variant and others continue to threaten the US including the Northland, people are starting to wonder if mask mandates will make a return. Multiple states have already re-instated their indoor mask mandates like California and New York, but with cases rising, and Minnesota seeing a larger surge of the virus, the question lingers of…

UMD Students Head Home After Last Day of Last Semester of 2021

The first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season.

December 17, 2021

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students wrapped up their final day of classes for the semester today. It was the first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season. It was a quiet last day on campus, as many students wrapped up their final tests and prepared to head home…

‘Thrifters’ in Duluth Seeing Calmer Business After Busy Early Holiday Shopping Season

Thrifters opened up on East 4th Street this past summer and has a variety of jackets, boots, hats, and much more for shoppers looking for certain brand names like Under Armour.

December 17, 2021

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn.- The holiday crowds are starting to die down at one local thrift store in Duluth, which has plenty of options for those last-minute gifts. Thrifters opened up on East 4th Street this past summer and has a variety of jackets, boots, hats, and much more for shoppers looking for certain brand names like Under Armour. Staff there say…

Midday Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

December 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

74-Year-Old Babbitt Man Dies in Morse Township Accident

74-Year-Old George Amitrano Was Pronounced Dead on the Scene

December 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports 74-year-old George J. Amitrano of Babbitt died Thursday, Dec. 16 shortly before 3:30 p.m. after a single-vehicle accident. First responders and law enforcement responded to reports of the crash in the 1900 block of Highway 21 North in Morse Township. When crews arrived, they determined the vehicle contained only…

Potter Expected on Stand as Trial in Wright Death Nears End

December 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota police officer on trial in the shooting death of Daunte Wright was expected to take the stand Friday, hoping to persuade jurors to acquit her of manslaughter charges in what she has said was a gun-Taser mixup. A compressed defense case for Kim Potter appeared likely to wrap up after just two days, with jurors…

Morning Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

December 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

New Owner, New Vision: Three Downtown Duluth Businesses Forced Out

The City of Duluth Has Not Received Any Applications from Hall Equities

December 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – During what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, heartbreak this evening from three business owners in downtown Duluth. Chinese Dragon is now set to close. Hucklebeary and Old Town Antiques and Books, forced to relocate. All this news comes within less than two months. “It’s like a family,” said Carol Jouppi, owner of…

Duluth Public Library Launches ‘Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book’

December 17, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – “Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book” is on display at the Duluth Public Main Library. In the spirit of the holiday season, the display features a selection of wrapped books targeted for teens, with each book giving a small description of what to expect inside. As people walk by the display, library staff encourage visitors to…

Bentleyville Reopens With Fresh Snow After Wednesday Night Storm

December 17, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — After closing yesterday due to the severe weather, Bentleyville was back open on Thursday night. Crews took down a few of the more vulnerable pieces of the Tour of Lights on Wednesday, and just as quickly put it back up the next day, allowing it to be fully operational for people to come and enjoy the Duluth…

December-Soaked Storm Thaws Rinks, Quickens Slopes

While outdoor rinks lost ice to the rain, skiers and snowboarders enjoyed faster slopes.

December 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night’s unprecedented December thunderstorm froze things to a halt at local outdoor hockey rinks like Duluth Heights, but proved beneficial to skiers and snowboarders. “Warm-ups and stuff like that have taken us out but not rain like that. Not rain where we’re getting thunderstorms and kids are running down in the middle of the night from the…

Babbitt Man Dead After One-Vehicle Crash; ‘Slippery Road’ Contributing Factor

December 16, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 74-year-old Babbitt man is dead after a one-vehicle accident Thursday in Morris Township, and authorities believe it was weather related. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 3:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Highway 21 North. The driver, whose name was not released Thursday, died at the scene. Nobody else…

New Recording Studio Opens In Duluth

December 16, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a new place for musicians to record in the Twin Ports. Spoon’s Studio recently opened near Lake Superior Zoo. It’s named after the owner Solomon Witherspoon, who says he has always wanted one. He’s hoping to make the space a place where the city can come together and welcome everyone. “Regardless of who you are, where you…

Duluth Police Hold Procession For Fallen Minnesota Officer

December 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department held a procession for fallen New York Mills, Minnesota police officer Ron Smith as his body made a final trip back home. Smith, 58, died Dec. 15 after a weeks-long battle with COVID-19. Smith was admitted to Lakewood Health System in Staples on Nov. 26 and was put on a ventilator to help…

ISD 709 Addresses Concern Of School Threats Stemming From Disturbing National TikTok Trend

December 16, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The ISD 709 superintendent is addressing the issue of school threats being made over social media, causing safety concerns for students, parents, and campus staff in the city. In an email sent on Thursday, superintendent John Magas passed along the information that was sent to all school districts in Minnesota from the state’s Department of Public Safety…

Gov. Walz Announces Increased COVID Testing Through the Holidays

December 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday Governor Walz announced an increase of testing capacity in the state’s COVID-19 community testing network in anticipation of increased demand before the holidays. “Holiday gatherings are right around the corner and getting tested before getting together with family is vital to protecting loved ones from COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “In addition to expanding capacity at these…

7 Omicron Cases in Minnesota, Community Spread Suspected

December 16, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Health officials in Minnesota confirmed they have detected 7 cases of the Omicron variant to date, with evidence that community spread is occurring in the state. Of the 7 cases reported by the Minnesota Department of Health, 2 are in the same household. The other 5 are not connected to those 2 and none of the…

Wisconsin Unemployment Ties Monthly Low of 3%

December 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s unemployment rate tied a record low of 3% in November, a number last hit exactly three years ago, the state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday. The state rate is below the national unemployment rate of 4.2% for November. The state rate was down from 3.2% in October. Wisconsin gained 12,300 private-sector jobs over the…