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Morning Update 1-27-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 27, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 27, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Confirms Retirement After 18 Seasons

(courtesy: CNN) PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, 39, confirms he is retiring after 18 seasons, 2 Super Bowl titles. Roethlisberger made the announcement on his Twitter page, saying: “The time has come to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats, and continue to be all I can be to my wife and children. I retire from…

US Economy Grew 5.7% In 2021 in Rebound From 2020 Recession

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy grew last year at the fastest pace since Ronald Reagan’s presidency, bouncing back with resilience from 2020′s brief but devastating coronavirus recession. The nation’s gross domestic product – its total output of goods and services – expanded 5.7% in 2021. It was the strongest calendar-year growth since a 7.2% surge in 1984 after a…

No Heat: 100+ Residents Evacuated From Apartment Buildings in Virginia

Courtesy: Northland FireWire VIRGINIA, Minn. – More than 100 residents of two apartment buildings in Virginia were evacuated Wednesday because of a boiler problem that supplies heat, according to the Northland FireWire. The Columbia and Rouchleau buildings evacuated around 150 residents. Arrowhead Transit buses were called in to transport people to the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia for…

Fitger’s Bookstore Fundraiser Provides Books With Diversity For Duluth Schools

DULUTH, Minn. – This past holiday season The Bookstore at Fitger’s held a fundraiser and collected $1,500 for new books that are now being donated to the Duluth Community Schools Collaborative. Book sellers made holiday ornaments out of old unusable books and sold them for funds toward the book donation. The collaborative represents what it calls three of Duluth’s most…

City Crews Clear Away Mounds Of Snow Along Hammond Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior city crews were out on Hammond Avenue Wednesday clearing away snowbanks on the sides of the road to help free up parking spaces and provide better access to vehicles. Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21 a new policy this winter has crews still clearing snowbanks on Tower Avenue and Highway 2 first.  But now, after those…

Barker’s Island Preparing Frozen Fun for Lake Superior Ice Festival

The family-oriented event in and around Barker's Island is back for its 6th year, Friday and Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Frozen fun is almost ready as organizers put the finishing touches together for this year’s Lake Superior Ice Festival in Superior. The family-oriented event in and around Barker’s Island is back for its 6th year, Friday and Saturday. Activities on deck include car races on the ice, snowshoeing for kids, and trivia with $500 dollars worth of prizes….

‘Winter In The West’ Returning To Celebrate Winter, West Duluth Community

The Saturday activities throughout the neighborhood will be free for families to enjoy.

DULUTH, Minn.- The West Duluth neighborhood is also celebrating the season as their Winter in the West event returns this Saturday for the 3rd year in a row. The outdoor family fun includes cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking at Memorial Park on Grand Avenue. Parks and Recreation crews with the City of Duluth were at the park Friday…

Superior Police Train To Avoid ‘Causing Harm Or Making Costly Mistakes’

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is going through a national training program to develop a deeper culture of intervention to avoid harmful situations or making costly mistakes. The Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement, also known as The ABLE Project, was developed by the Georgetown University Law Center. Superior police join a select group of 200 law enforcement agencies…

Duluth Fire: Lake Superior Ice ‘a gamble’ Especially if Unprepared

Smaller inland lakes are much safer, but firefighters do have tips for anyone hoping to attempt ice fishing on the big lake.

DULUTH, Minn.- More ice is forming off the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, but the Fire Department warns not to get too excited, as the big unpredictable lake can change with the slightest shift in winds. “Lake Superior is definitely more of a gamble so to speak than an inland lake or a smaller lake because of those currents,…

Minnesota Housing Announces Friday Deadline For ‘RentHelpMN’ Assistance

The assistance is for anyone with late rent payments because of COVID-19 related income issues.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two more days remain for renters to apply for state assistance — and prevent being evicted — as Minnesota Housing has announced the deadline for RentHelpMN is Friday at 9 p.m. The assistance is for anyone with late rent payments because of COVID-19 related income issues. It can cover rent for several months and even a month ahead….

Walz Calls for Recreational Marijuana Legalization in Minnesota

(FOX 9) – Governor Tim Walz is calling on lawmakers to pass legislation to legalize marijuana use in Minnesota, as he proposes funds from his budget plan to launch a state authority to oversee a recreational marijuana program. Speaking Wednesday, Governor Walz says his budget would set aside $25 million to create the new “Cannabis Management Office”. The office would…

Fed Plans To Raise Rates as Soon as March To Cool Inflation

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve signaled Wednesday that it plans to begin raising its benchmark interest rate as soon as March, a key step in reversing its pandemic-era low-rate policies that have fueled hiring and growth but also escalated inflation. The Fed’s actions are sure to make a wide range of borrowing — from mortgages and credit cards to…

Twin Metals Mineral Leases Near BWCA Canceled by Dept. Of Interior

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) – The mineral leases for Twin Metals Minnesota in northeast Minnesota have been canceled, the Department of the Interior announced Wednesday. The Department says the leases held by Twin Metals were “improperly renewed” in 2019. “The Department of the Interior takes seriously our obligations to steward public lands and waters on behalf of all Americans. We…

21 People Charged in Multi-State Drug Trafficking Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say 21 people have been charged following a multi-state drug trafficking investigation that uncovered the transportation of fentanyl and heroin from Chicago to Duluth. Authorities say the criminal activity was uncovered by members of the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force who started conducting their investigation in June 2021. “I am very proud…

Midday Update 1-26-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 1-26-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Great Outdoors: Strap on Snowshoes, Hike through History at Minnesota Discovery Center

The 3-mile trail is event specific, with snowshoes available to rent for $5.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- For those looking to beat the winter by embracing it outside, they can strap on their snowshoes and hit the trails at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. “Northern Minnesota I mean we got to live through this snow we might as well enjoy it,” said Mara Brownlee, Sales & Events Specialist. Staff hope to get more people…

Cathedral School 5th Graders Collecting Donations for Kentucky Tornado Relief

SUPERIOR, WI – After last month’s tornados that ripped through Kentucky, fifth grade students at Cathedral School in Superior wanted to know how they could help out those who were affected.  With the help of their teacher, they were able to get a contact in Gilbertsville, Kentucky and start assembling items such as clothes and hygiene products. After the items…

City Of Duluth Sets 2022 Legislative Priorities

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and the city council have unanimously agreed on the priorities they would like to see the Minnesota state legislature fund during budget talks in St. Paul this year. The three main priorities include continuing to receive the money the state sends to support local governments, which Duluth uses to fund up to 35…

Bell Bank and Bent Paddle Present Check to Amberwing

DULUTH, Minn. – A place in Duluth well known for helping Northland families is getting a financial boost all thanks to a fundraising effort by some local businesses. Bell Bank hosted a ceremony Tuesday presenting a check with their partner Bent Paddle to benefit the Amberwing organization. The money was given to aid Amberwing’s mission in supporting youth and adolescent…

Fund Announced To Bring MMIWg2s People Home

DULUTH, Minn. — Some organizations got together at Duluth City Hall Tuesday to promote a new reward fund to help find missing and murdered indigenous people. The city of Duluth is partnering with the Native Lives Coalition and Mending The Sacred Hoop and together they have created the “They Are Remembered Fund”, for the Sheila saint Clair case as well…

Goodwill in Need of Winter Clothing Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have winter clothes that are going unused, Goodwill tells us they are running low on them and could use more donations. The Goodwill on Garfield Ave has been seeing a lot of customers come through especially on the weekend as shoppers come in for the sales. There, they are currently running low on clothing items…

Do You Know Anyone Homeless? St. Louis County Wants To Know Thursday

St. Louis County is holding its annual homeless count this week to see how many people are living unsheltered. Those unsheltered places include cars, a park, storage unit, the woods or even people who are couch-hopping. County officials say the count is vital because it helps local, state and federal agencies understand just how big of a homeless problem we…

Wisconsin Assembly OKs Vaccine Passport Ban, Immunity Waiver

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republicans who control the Wisconsin Assembly has approved bills that would require employers to count a prior coronavirus infection as an alternative to vaccination and testing and prohibit vaccine passports. Both measures would face a likely veto from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The governor last year vetoed a GOP bill that would have barred public health…

COVID-19 Booster Drive Is Faltering in the US

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) NEW YORK (AP) – The COVID-19 booster drive in the U.S. is losing steam, worrying health experts who have pleaded with Americans to get an extra shot to shore up their protection against the highly contagious omicron variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 40% of fully vaccinated Americans have received a…

Gov. Walz Proposes $5.1 Billion in Additional Education, Social Program Spending

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is proposing $5.1 billion over the next three years in additional spending on education and social programs. Walz released the proposals during a visit to an Inver Grove Heights elementary school. The plans go to the divided state Legislature to consider during the session that starts Monday. “The naysayers will tell us…

Wisconsin Budget Forecast Improves by $2.9 Billion

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s budget picture improved by nearly $2.9 billion with a revised forecast released driven by higher-than-expected tax collections that will force the Republican-controlled Legislature to decide whether to spend the surplus, save it or put it toward tax cuts. Republican legislative leaders said Tuesday that the money would go toward tax cuts in the next budget…

Only Citizens Could Vote in Wisconsin Under Amendment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate has passed a constitutional amendment that says only citizens can vote in elections. The Republican-authored amendment approved Tuesday must also pass the Assembly this year and both houses of the Legislature next session before it would go to voters to decide. The governor has no power to veto constitutional amendments. The Wisconsin Constitution…

Virginia Man Arrested, Charged With Felony Domestic Assault

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A Virginia man arrested over the weekend for fleeing police following an alleged domestic assault incident with his girlfriend has now been formally charged. According to cour documents, 37-year-old Matthew James Jefferson has been charged with two felony counts of domestic assault, one count of domestic assault by strangulation, one count of stalking, and one count of…

Midday Update 1-25-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Human Smuggling Suspect From Florida Released Without Bond

(John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A Florida man arrested for human smuggling after the bodies of four people were found near the Canada and U.S. border during a blizzard has been released from jail without having to pay the bond. Steve Shand is charged with the transport or attempted transport of illegal immigrants after the…

Pfizer Begins Testing Omicron-Matched COVID Shots in Adults

(AP) – Pfizer and BioNTech have begun studying a COVID-19 vaccine tweaked to match the omicron variant in healthy adults. COVID-19 vaccine makers have been updating their shots in case global health authorities decide a change is needed. The study announced Tuesday will include more than 1,400 volunteers ages 18 to 55. Most already are vaccinated and will get boosters…

Morning Update 1-25-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Assembly to Vote on Bill Barring Vaccination Discrimination

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly is set to vote on a Republican-authored bill that would prohibit government entities from creating COVID-19 vaccination passports. The bill’s main Assembly sponsors, Reps. Rob Stafsholt and Scott Krug, say they developed the legislation because they’re worried the Biden administration may mandate such passports. They say the bill would prevent government outreach. The…

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College To End Football Program

CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College on Tuesday announced it would be ending the college’s football program. Leaders at the college say budget limitations and a lack of facilities were big factors that ultimately led to the difficult decision. “We realize the importance of activities to student engagement and how they contribute to the overall college…

Essentia Joins Nationwide Study to Test Medications for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has joined a nationwide study to evaluate repurposed medications in the search for effective, safe treatments for mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Repurposed medications are those already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other indications. “We are very excited and fortunate to have this important clinical trial available to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Rajesh…

Duluth Car Enthusiast With ‘Souped Up’ Mazda RX7 Eyes Next Lap: Florida Drag Race

Michael Janousek's Mazda RX7 Convertible can reach 150 mph in 9.6 seconds.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth car enthusiast — and his modified car that’s perhaps more famous than he is — are taking on a drag race in Florida which will truly test their metal. Michael Janousek had his 1988 Mazda RX7 Convertible featured on the Discovery Channel back in 2017. He said he taught himself how to modify the car after…

UMD hosts Intro to Winter Camping Class

DULUTH, Minn. – Getting outside more during these colder months has it’s challenges, but for some, it’s the perfect time of year to do some winter camping. The University of Minnesota Duluth held an intro to winter camping session Monday at the Bagley Nature Area. Topics included proper warmth attire, food necessities, and reliable heat sources. One UMD student with…

UMD Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD is offering a vaccine clinic to the campus community and beyond this week. The university has partnered with Saint Louis County Public Health for past vaccine clinics where the turnouts have exceeded expectations. This time around they will have Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson shots on hand, whether you want to come in for your…

School Systems Continue To Fight Staffing Shortages and Covid

As covid continues to grip the community, some schools are talking about moving to remote learning again, with some already doing it.

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn. — The Duluth Public Schools, and Proctor school transportation systems are few of the many impacted by covid. Aside from positive cases, the staff shortages are also playing a role in having to move things around, to keep the learning going. As covid continues to grip the community, some schools are talking about moving to remote learning again,…