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Morning Update 4-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather

Police Chief: Fired Cop Broke Policy in Pinning Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis police chief who called George Floyd’s death “murder” soon after it happened testified that Officer Derek Chauvin had clearly violated department policy when he pinned Floyd’s neck beneath his knee for more than 9 minutes. Chief Medaria Arradondo took the stand on Day Six of Chauvin’s trial in the death of the 46-year-old Black man…

Official: Biden Moving Vaccine Eligibility Date to April 19

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden is set to announce that he’s shaving about two weeks off his May 1 deadline for states to make all adults eligible for coronavirus vaccines. A White House official says Biden will make the announcement later Tuesday. With states gradually expanding eligibility beyond such priority groups as seniors and essential, front-line workers, the president…

Mayor Larson’s ‘State Of The City’ Core Principles: Equity, Sustainability, Community

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson held a virtual State of the City address Monday night acknowledging last year’s painful struggles through the pandemic and social justice issues surrounding George Floyd’s death — while praising the city’s determination to come together peacefully with a focus on being a stronger, more equitable community. “None of this will be easy. Last…

Easter Sunday Fatal Duluth Apartment Fire Believed To Be Accidental

An accidental fatal fire in the same building less than a year ago is not related, according to officials.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office is calling its investigation into a fatal apartment fire on Easter Sunday as accidental. The call for help came in around 1 p.m. Sunday on the 600 block of East 3rd Street in the city’s East Hillside neighborhood. Upon arrival, crews found fire in a bedroom of a first-floor apartment, which is…

After Devastating Fire, Town of La Pointe Volunteer Fire, Rescue, EMTs Spring Back into Action

Fire Destroyed the Town of La Pointe Fire Hall Back in March of 2019, Now Volunteers Are Settling into a New Facility

LA POINTE, Wis. – They’re the people we call when emergencies happen at the worst times in our life — Fire officials, EMTs, and other emergency personnel. It was in early March of 2019 when these volunteer heroes responded to their headquarters for help. Now more than two years later, there’s hope on the horizon, and morale is back and…

Highway 2, 53 Resurfacing Project Now Underway in Superior

The Project is Expected to be Complete by October of 2020

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently allocated five million dollars for a resurfacing project in Superior, and the work officially broke ground Monday. A 2.5 mile stretch of construction is now underway from 29th Avenue East, to 53rd Avenue East in Superior’s Allouez and Itasca neighborhoods. During the construction that’s taking place on Highway 2 and 53, crews…

Wisconsin Governor Declares Emergency Because of Wildfires

MADISON, S.D. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Monday declared a state of emergency in response to dangerous wildfire conditions throughout the state. The executive order will ensure support from the Wisconsin National Guard and use of the Guard’s Blackhawk helicopters. It directs all state agencies to assist when needed in wildfire prevention, response, and recovery efforts. There have…

Death of ‘Miracle on Ice’ Standout Pavelich Ruled Suicide

ANOKA, Minn. (AP) — Last month’s death of “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hockey standout Mark Pavelich was ruled a suicide, a Minnesota medical examiner said Monday. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in Anoka County said in a news release that the 63-year-old Pavelich died of asphyxia. His body was found on March 3 at the Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk…

Minnesota State Fairgrounds to Serve as COVID-19 Vaccination Site

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Fairgrounds will serve as a federally-supported COVID-19 mass vaccination site, state and federal officials announced Monday. The site will administer a combination of 168,000 Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson doses of the vaccine over eight weeks, which will result in over 100,000 total people being vaccinated, according to a news release from Gov….

Midday Update 4-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, April 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, weather

CDC Director: Young People Fueling Virus Uptick

WASHINGTON — A top U.S. public health official says young people are driving the latest uptick in COVID-19 cases, as the increasing rate of vaccination in older Americans is preventing the most serious cases among seniors. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a briefing Monday that “cases are increasing nationally, and…

UMD Music Department Hosting Three Free Outdoor Concerts in April

The Concerts will Take Place Wednesday, April 7, 14, 21 in UMD Lot A

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the month of April you’re invited to join student musicians from UMD’s Department of Music as they return to the live stage in a series of outdoor concerts. The free events will feature a wide variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles. The concerts are happening Wednesday, April 7, 14, and 21 at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00…

Morning Update 4-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, April 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather

Supreme Court Dismisses Case Over Trump and Twitter Critics

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has dismissed a case over former President Donald Trump’s efforts to block critics from his personal Twitter account. Lower courts had ruled against Trump. But the justices said Monday there was nothing left to the case after Trump was permanently suspended from Twitter and ended his presidential term in January. Twitter banned Trump two…

Trial in Floyd’s Death Expected to Turn to Ex-Cop’s Training

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death is expected Monday to turn toward the fired officer’s training after a first week dominated by emotional testimony from eyewitnesses and a devastating video of his arrest. Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd. Chauvin, who is…

Congregants Worship In-Person Again for Easter Sunday Services

While the first in-person Easter service in a year looks different, church leaders said it's still a breath of fresh spring air

DULUTH, Minn.- Churches and other Christian-centered community groups got together to celebrate Easter Sunday in-person again, after last year’s were pushed online due to pandemic-related shutdowns. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz allowed places of worship to reopen at limited capacity last May, but that was after Easter of 2020. So for many area congregations, this Easter was the first they’ve been…

Northlanders Pack Restaurants for Easter Brunch Again After Pandemic Shutdowns

At Sara's Table Chester Creek Café in the Chester Park neighborhood was packed for their Easter brunch indoors and on the patio.

DULUTH, Minn.- Easter Sunday was a busy day for restaurants in the Northland offering Easter meals or brunch. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Café in the Chester Park neighborhood was packed for their Easter brunch indoors and on the patio. Management says after a year of unknowns being closed through much of the pandemic last year it’s refreshing to have…

Glensheen Mansion Celebrates Easter with Hunt for 14 Hidden Eggs

It was the last day to find the Easter Eggs hidden throughout the Mansion.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the final day to go hunting for Easter eggs hidden throughout the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. It was more of an I-Spy activity, you couldn’t keep the eggs you spotted, and there was no candy inside, but everybody still had a fun time. “We don’t want you to pick them up and bring them anywhere,” said…

Mayor Larson Presses Army Corps On Beach Erosion

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to investigate whether the agency is responsible for erosion along a six-mile stretch of Lake Superior beach. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Larson sent a letter March 12 to the corps to investigate whether its maintenance work on shipping channels has caused erosion…

Minnesota Reports Record Daily Vaccines, Over 2,000 Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota reported over 2,000 virus cases in a single day on Saturday for the first time since January, but also reported a daily record number of vaccinations administered. Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases has increased nearly 58%, a worrying trend as Gov. Tim Walz pushes for widespread vaccinations. Health…

UPDATE: Firefighters Investigating Cause, Watching for Hotspots on Highway 61 After Multiple Fires Saturday

The multiple fires have burned an estimated 45 acres, according to the the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center. 

  GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Hotspots along Highway 61 North of Silver Bay are still being monitored Sunday by fire crews from six different area fire departments, Minnesota DNR Fire and Air assets, and Lake County Rescue squad, among other responders. The cause remains under investigation. The multiple fires have burned an estimated 45 acres, according to the the Minnesota Interagency…

Book Series Fandom Bracket Begins at Fitger’s Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn.– Well it’s the season of sports brackets so Fitger’s Bookstore in Duluth is taking advantage of that to determine what book series is best and hopefully get more people to read. The bookstore will be polling readers each week, putting book fandoms head to head in a “March Madness” like bracket. The winner will be crowned Saturday April…

EGGstravaganza Returns to Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo was packed with families having some egg-celent Easter fun. The 2021 EGGstravaganza returned to the zoo after being cancelled the year before due to Coronavirus restrictions. Nearly 2,000 people came from around the Northland Saturday to pick up eggs, collect candy and other activities. Tickets for the EGGstravaganza sold out earlier this week. Zoo…

Enger Park Golf Course Reopens for Season

DULUTH, Minn.– Enger Park Golf Course is reopened for the season and Duluthians are ready to get their first swings of 2021 in the books. The golf clubs made their way out of storage and on to Enger Park Golf Course for the first time in 2021. The front nine holes were opened up early for the weekend after playing…

Highway 61 Reopens After Numerous Grass Fires, Silver Bay Police Say

Authorities say "numerous grass fires" forced the closure of Highway 61 north of Silver Bay, which is an area near the Tettegouche State Park.

SILVER BAY, Minn.- A portion of Highway 61 has reopened in Silver Bay, Minnesota, after grass fires were burning near the road. According to a Facebook Post on the Silver Bay Police Department Page, “numerous grass fires” forced the closure of Highway 61 north of Silver Bay, which is an area near the Tettegouche State Park. Around 8:00 p.m. authorities…

Congdon Park Elementary Students Syrup Making Process

Each of the different stations has its own subject looking at the stages of syrup.

DULUTH, Minn. —   Today Congdon park elementary students learned what it takes to make maple syrup. The instructional course took up the entire day and involved grades K-5. Each of the different stations has its own subject looking at the stages of syrup. As students rotated through each of the stations, they recorded their reactions with teachers hoping they have…

Northland Fish Fries Full for Good Friday

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s Good Friday once again and here at Bridgeman’s here in Duluth, they’re continuing one of their classic traditions — their fish fry. With the Lenten season wrapping up, restaurants with fish specials like Bridgeman’s have seen business pick up. “Every Friday it’s like a different experience. It’s packed the whole shift,” said Anthony Stein, a supervisor and…

Duluth City Council Brings Up Resolution for Climate Change

Some Duluth City Councilors are considering declaring a climate emergency in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Duluth City Councilors are considering declaring a climate emergency in Duluth. City councilors Gary Anderson, Arik Forsman, Roz Randorf, and Joel Sipress are joining efforts in asking the Duluth city administration for a climate action work plan. Some specific goals would be to accelerate the work of promoting lower emissions for utility operations and moving towards…

Officials Watch for Easter Weekend

With Easter weekend approaching, health officials say they are watching for a rise in case numbers as people meet for social gatherings or for religious services.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – With Easter weekend approaching, health officials say they are watching for a rise in case numbers as people meet for social gatherings or for religious services. When it comes to vaccinations in St. Louis County, about 47% of the population over the age of 16 have received one dose, and over 85% of the 65 and…

Restaurants Have Easter Specials for Holiday Weekend

Some local restaurants are doing Easter specials for the holiday weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some local restaurants are doing Easter specials for the holiday weekend. Duluth Grill on 27th Avenue West has already sold out of its Easter to-go kits, featuring a variety of brunch favorites. Management says they haven’t done this kind of thing before and are happy about the demand for their kits. “It’s interesting,” said Dan LeFebvre, a…

Airport Experiences Influx of Traffic in Light of New Guidance from CDC

With vaccinations on the rise, airports are experiencing more traffic as people feel more comfortable traveling.

DULUTH, Minn. – With vaccinations on the rise, airports are experiencing more traffic as people feel more comfortable traveling. This all comes as the Centers for Disease Control issues new guidance today that also helps free up travelers. The CDC now recommends that fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. and they don’t have to take a COVID test…

Wisconsin COVID Count Jumps to 875

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s COVID-19 daily case count has jumped to its highest mark since mid-February. State health officials reported 875 confirmed cases on Friday, the highest number of daily cases since Feb. 12, when the figure was 938 cases. The seven-day daily case average increased to 531. The statistic stood at less than 400 cases in mid-March. The…

Lieutenant: Kneeling on Floyd’s Neck ‘Totally Unnecessary’

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The head of the Minneapolis Police Department’s homicide division has testified that kneeling on the neck of someone who is handcuffed and lying on his stomach is top-tier, deadly force, and “totally unnecessary.” Lt. Richard Zimmerman testified Friday at the trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with killing George Floyd last year. His testimony…

Authorities Investigating Death in Sawyer County

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – Authorities in Sawyer County are investigating a death after deputies responded to a residence in the Town of Sand Lake on reports of a deceased female early Friday morning. When deputies arrived at the residence around 12:26 a.m. Friday they discovered a 42-year-old female dead from apparent gunshot wounds. A death investigation is now underway by…

Wisconsin Agency Suspends Burn Permits Amid Dry Conditions

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is suspending burning permits in its jurisdictions in 43 counties and mobilizing firefighters as the state heads into an unseasonably warm and dry weekend. The agency regulates burning in 43 of the state’s 72 counties. Department Fire Suppression Specialist Catherine Koele announced Friday that the agency has suspended burning permits…

Car Rams 2 Officers at Capitol Barricade; One Officer Killed, Driver Shot Dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man rammed a car into two Capitol Police officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday afternoon before being shot to death by authorities when he got out of the vehicle while holding what appeared to be a knife, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. Both Capitol Police officers were taken to…

US Capitol on Lockdown After Someone Rammed a Vehicle Into Two Capitol Police Officers

(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — A car rammed a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday afternoon, injuring two Capitol Police officers and leading to the driver being shot, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. At least one officer was in serious condition, while the driver was in critical condition. Capitol Police say the crash happened…

Midday Update 4-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, April 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, April 2, 2021. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson, weather

MDH: Minnesotans Can Leave Long-Term Care Facilities for Easter, Other Celebrations

(FOX 9) – Minnesota long-term care facility residents can now leave their facilities for less than 24 hours without having to quarantine when they return, giving many Minnesotans the opportunity to visit family and friends ahead of the Easter holiday weekend. The Department of Health announced the updated guidance Thursday, allowing for one-day outings for holidays such as Easter, Passover, and other…

Fully Vaccinated Can Travel Again, Says New CDC Guidance

NEW YORK (AP) — Add travel to the activities vaccinated Americans can enjoy again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance Friday to say fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without getting a COVID-19 test or going into quarantine. The agency previously cautioned against unnecessary travel even for vaccinated people. The agency says vaccinated people…

Essentia Health Expands Vaccine Eligibility in Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Friday that it is expanding its vaccine efforts to increase accessibility following Gov. Evers’ announcement that anyone aged 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine starting Monday. Essentia says they are now vaccinating people 16 and older in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Appointments can be scheduled through Essentia’s online portal…