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Wisconsin DOJ Official Alleges Racial, Gender Harassment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A top administrator at the Wisconsin Department of Justice alleges that Attorney General Josh Kaul’s administration is paying her less and treating her poorly because she’s a Black woman. Division of Law Enforcement Services Administrator Tina Virgil filed a complaint last month with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that she’s the second-lowest paid administrator…

Biden Boosting World Vaccine Sharing Commitment to 80M Doses

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will share an additional 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines with the world in the coming six weeks. White House press secretary Jen Psaki says the doses would come from existing U.S. production of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine stocks. It isn’t yet clear which countries will receive them. President Joe Biden will…

Midday Update 5-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 17, 2021

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

North Shore Scenic Railroad Prepares for Summer Season Full Steam Ahead

Trains will Begin Taking Trips on Friday, May 21, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – After a year of unknown, the summer season is looking brighter as restrictions ease across Minnesota. The North Shore Scenic Railroad will begin running routes on Friday, May 21. The volunteer team at the North Shore Scenic Railroad has been working around the clock to get up-to-date with certifications, and making sure the tracks are ready to…

Officer Charged in Death of Daunte Wright to Appear in Court

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former suburban Minneapolis police officer charged with second-degree manslaughter in Daunte Wright’s death is scheduled to appear in court via videoconference. Former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter has an omnibus hearing, also known as a pretrial hearing, Monday afternoon in Hennepin County. The hearing is to go over evidence and determine if there is probable cause…

Morning Update 5-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 17, 2021

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

Minnesota Legislative Leaders Say They Have a Budget Deal

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The two top leaders of the Minnesota Legislature said they reached an agreement with Democratic Gov. Tim Walz early Monday on broad targets for the state’s next two-year budget but that lawmakers will have to reconvene for a special session in mid-June to finish the work. Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and Democratic House…

UPDATE: Escaped NERCC Inmate Located, Arrested

SAGINAW, Minn. – Authorities say an inmate who escaped from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center in Saginaw on Sunday has been located and arrested. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says 48-year-old James Crabtree, of Hibbing, was located around 10:15 p.m. Sunday in Industrial Township. According to reports, an individual called the Sheriff’s Office to report a ‘suspicious person on…

UMD Students Design Rover To Deliver Payloads Where Troops Find Dangerous

The University’s entry into the Air Force Research Lab Challenge could help our nation's troops.

DULUTH, Minn.- What has four wheels, two propellers, two cameras, and can climb walls? The newest rover designed by UMD students to deploy cameras or sensors in places hostile to a human operator.  “When you think, ‘oh I need to get something high up in the air,’ you think a plane or a helicopter or something like that — you…

Halvor Lines Speedway Races Again in Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn.– For the first time in nearly two years, it’s race day once again over at the speedway in Proctor. Now with COVID restrictions on big events loosening up considerably, it’s an encouraging sign for the racetrack after hitting some speedbumps during the pandemic. The sound of revving of engines filled the air in Proctor, where the Halvor Lines…

Husky Refinery Hiring Additional Staff Amid Rebuild

SUPERIOR, Wis.– As the rebuild continues for the Husky Refinery in Superior after an explosion two years ago, they’re looking to hire additional staff. A spokesperson for the Superior refinery says that they are looking for over a dozen operators to help get the facility get back to 100 percent operations. All positions are entry-level and those with Husky say…

Sheriff’s Office: NERCC Inmate ‘Walked Away’ From Saginaw Facility

Jesse Crabtree SAGINAW, Minn. – The search is on for an inmate who escaped from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center in Saginaw Sunday. He’s Jesse James Crabtree, 48, of Hibbing, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say he “walked away” from the facility around 2:30 p.m. It’s believed Crabtree had contacted someone to pick him up prior…

Soon-To-Retire 148th Fighter Wing Member Killed In I-35 Crash Near Hinckley

Master Sgt. David Greiner was on his way to the Duluth base when the accident happened -- just months away from retirement after 20 years of service.

  DULUTH, Minn. – The 148th Fighter Wing announced Sunday that one of their own was killed in a automobile accident near Hinckley, Minn., Friday afternoon while on his way to the Duluth base for monthly drill. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Master Sgt. David T. Greiner, a Roads and Ground Supervisor assigned to…

Minneapolis Suburb OKs Roadmap For Policing Changes

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) – Elected officials in a Minneapolis suburb where a police officer fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in April have approved a proposal to dramatically change the city’s policing practices. The Brooklyn Center City Council voted 4-1 Saturday for a resolution to create new divisions of unarmed civilian employees to handle non-moving traffic violations…

Minnesota Fishing Season Begins with Opening Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.– Fishing season is now underway in Minnesota. The fishing opener here in Minnesota is a day many in the Northland have had circled on their calendars. And those here in Duluth talk about how they’re going to spend the weekend. “We’re looking forward to a nice outing and catching some fish,” said Jarrid Houston of Houston’s Guide Service….

CSS, UWS Hold Unique Graduation Ceremonies

TWIN PORTS– St. Scholastica and UW-Superior graduates took the stage in a unique way this afternoon for their commencement. 544 CSS graduates put on their caps and gowns and walked through Amsoil arena this afternoon to receive their degrees. Including over 100 graduates from 2020, who were invited to walk this year after last year’s ceremony was cut short due…

Rental Help Available in Northland

DULUTH, Minn.-U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, along with housing leaders from around the state, came together today to discuss rental assistance in Minnesota. Currently Minnesota has the program RentHelpMN, which helps those having a hard time paying rent due to the pandemic – $400 million is currently available to those who need the most help. Local organizations like the American Indian…

Superior Fire Department Warns Public About Dry Conditions Causing Wildfires

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With warmer weather on the way, that means people are going to start doing more outdoor activities especially having camp fires. But with those comes the dangers of a possible wildfire. This spring is drier than normal, and the Superior Fire Department is warning the public to be smart, as an increased amount of wildfires are happening in…

Midday Update 5-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 14, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, weather

DECC Announces New Leadership

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center announced new leadership on Friday. Daniel Hartman, the director of Glensheen Mansion, has been named at the DECC’s next executive director. Hartman has led Glensheen’s team for the last eight years and during that time increased its visitorship and community relevance. “It is an honor to serve in this role and my…

Minnesota’s Statewide Mask Mandate Is No More

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota’s statewide mask mandate has officially been removed. Friday, the Minnesota Executive Council approved Gov. Tim Walz’s new executive order rescinding the statewide indoor mask mandate. The council also extended Walz’s emergency powers for another 30 days. The move comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Thursday that fully vaccinated people can go…

Virginia Man Charged With Second Degree Murder for Fatal Stabbing

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A 40-year-old Virginia man arrested for stabbing a woman to death in his apartment has been formally charged. Authorities say, Derek Malevich, was arrested Wednesday at a hotel in Virginia following an hours-long manhunt. According to the criminal complaint, dispatch received a call around 2:19 a.m. Wednesday from Malevich saying he needed an ambulance at his apartment…

City of Duluth Will No Longer Enforce Citywide Mask Mandate Beginning Today

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Friday morning that following Governor Tim Walz’s new mask guidance for the state of Minnesota, the city is taking steps to end its citywide mask mandate. As of Friday morning, city officials say they will no longer enforce the citywide mask ordinance. “Beginning today, the City will no longer enforce the mask…

DNR Considers Ending Night Wolf Hunt, Shorter Registrations

(AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin wildlife officials are considering drafting new regulations that would prohibit hunting wolves at night and shorten the window for registering kills after hunters blew past their quota in February. The Trump administration removed wolves from the endangered species list in January. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was preparing to hold…

Morning Update 5-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 14, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Marijuana Bill Clears Minnesota House in Historic Vote

The Bill is Not Expected to Get a Vote in the GOP-Controlled Senate

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota House passed a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana use after hours of debate Thursday night in a historic vote that marked the first time either chamber has voted on legalization. The legislation passed on a 72-61 vote after nearly five hours of debate on the House floor. The legislation made its way through a dozen…

Northland Law Enforcement Remembers Officers, K9s Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice

For the first time since 2019, law enforcement agencies came together to honor the fallen, in-person

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since 2019 law enforcement agencies from across the Northland came together in-person to honor those who died in the line of duty, at the Law Enforcement Memorial Luncheon downtown. Across the country this week, law enforcement chaplains are honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting. “When a law…

Superior Council to Rethink Mask Mandate Ahead of Jampacked Summer

Council is expected to take up the mask ordinance on Tuesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- While Wisconsin currently has no statewide mask mandate, the City of Superior still does. But Mayor Jim Paine tells us, he doesn’t see it extending past June 1st — as he says get ready, for a summer more fun than ever. According to Mayor Paine, the city’s Playground Program of park activities and field trips for kids, will…

Duluth Businesses Preparing For Summer Season As Covid Restrictions, Mask Mandate Shrink

DULUTH, Minn.– The latest guidance from the CDC will be a big boost for local spots around Duluth for tourism and events this summer where local businesses are preparing for a full season, especially as COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen. With state restrictions regarding masking and capacity limits on their way out the door, the William A. Irvin is looking…

Blessing Held for Shipping Workers in Northland

DULUTH, Minn.– The blessing of the port took place Thursday in Canal Park. Fittingly outside the maritime museum, the Twin Ports Ministry of Seafarers held a small worship service to say a blessing for those working in the shipping industry, praying for a safe and prosperous season. The blessing of the port has taken place every year since 2007 but…

Gov. Walz to Sign Order Ending Mask Mandate Friday Morning

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9)- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced he will sign an order Friday morning to fully remove the statewide mask mandate after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated people can go without masks indoors. Walz made the announcement during a press conference Thursday evening alongside Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcom,…

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Children 12-15 Years Old

DULUTH, Minn.– With the recent approval from the CDC allowing children as young as 12 to be vaccinated, Northland healthcare providers are getting even busier as more people come in to get the shots. Children have always dreaded shots and vaccinations, until now. It was finally announced that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for kids ages 12-15, which means, they…

Federal Judge Delivers New Blow to Foes of Twin Metals Mine

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal judge has rejected a second attempt by opponents of the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota to invalidate the mineral rights leases needed for the project. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden said Thursday that new arguments and evidence raised by the opponents in the 2020 lawsuit would not have changed the outcome of…

Walz to Provide Update on Mask Mandate After CDC Guidance

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll provide an update about the state’s mask mandate later Thursday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated people can go without masks indoors. “This is exciting news! The vaccines are working. Gov. Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health are reviewing the CDC’s announcement and…

Minnesota House to Take up Cannabis Bill in Historic Vote

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota House will vote on a proposal to legalize marijuana use for adults and expunge minor marijuana convictions on Thursday — the first time either chamber has ever voted on legalization. The legislation, authored by Democratic House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, of Golden Valley, made its way through a dozen committees stops this legislative session before…

US Steel Interested in Developing Mineral Leases Near Nashwauk Mine Site

NASHWAUK, Minn. – U.S. Steel announced on Thursday that it is interested in developing mineral leases near the incomplete Nahwauk mine site. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has started the process of terminating leases for the Mesabi Metallics iron ore mining project in Nashwauk after the company did not meet critical and required benchmarks by the agreed May 1…