MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge on Friday denied a defense request to delay or move the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death after a $27 million settlement for Floyd’s family raised concern about a tainted jury. Jury selection was halfway complete last week in former officer Derek Chauvin’s trial when the city of Minneapolis…
ELY, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, there’s no doubt about it, many of us are counting down the days until summer finally sets in, allowing for more time outdoors, and the perfect setting to safely visit with friends and family. “All the campsites are at least 1/8 mile apart, so I guess social distancing is just perfect. You can’t…
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The vaccine rollout continues to be strong in Itasca County. The county has a population of over 45,000 residents. So far, just over 20,000 have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Thursday, Mar. 18, 12,382 residents have received at least one shot, while 7,752 residents are fully vaccinated. Health officials report…
ELY, Minn. — A rise in COVID cases within the Ely School District is forcing officials to hit the reset button and send students back to full distance learning. The change starts March 19 for junior high and high school students, grades 6-12. This comes after seven positive cases popped up in the past three days. In-person learning will return…
DULUTH, Minn.– One local organization is ready to help kids play music again for the first time in nearly a year. The Armory Arts and Music Center on London Road is now offering music lessons again. Students in grades 6-12 can now sign up for virtual personal and group lessons on a variety of instruments and music topics. After receiving…
CLOQUET, Minn.– As the pandemic continues, one of the biggest impacts has been to food access in places around the Northland. But many people and businesses right here in the northland have been trying to help get through this tough time. As the financial impacts from the pandemic continue to be felt one year later, one business in Cloquet has…
DULUTH, Minn.– Longtime Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress will not be seeking re-election this fall, saying the timing just feels right. Sipress, who serves the second district, has been on the council for two terms. He served as council president in 2017 and currently sits on the public utilities commission and housing and rehabilitation authority. Sipress, who is also a…
DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has a new app for people to use to discover local parks. The app is called “Agents of Discovery,” and people can go on missions throughout different parks and trails throughout the year. You can become a detective and learn about things like nature, Duluth, and cultural history. “It’s awesome,” said Sam Werle,…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The federal tax deadline is being delayed from April 15th to May 17th as more people deal with complicated filings because of COVID. The deadline applies to federal income tax returns and taxes. There’s no word on any deadline changes for the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Either way, tax experts say it’s best to file as…
DULUTH, Minn. – A bill was introduced by Duluth State Representative Liz Olson this week that created more general criteria for those who would be eligible for the purchase of Verso’s paper mill. The bill itself did not name a specific buyer and left it fairly open so that multiple buyers of the Duluth mill would be eligible. The bill would…
WASHINGTON (AP) — With the U.S. closing in on President Joe Biden’s goal of injecting 100 million coronavirus vaccinations weeks ahead of his target date, officials say the nation is now in a position to help supply neighbors Canada and Mexico with shots. The Biden administration announced the outlines of a plan to “loan” vaccines to Canada and Mexico as…
(AP) – The IRS will delay the traditional April 15 tax filing due date until May 17 to cope with added duties and provide Americans more flexibility. The IRS announced the decision Wednesday and said it would provide further guidance in coming days. The move provides more breathing room for taxpayers and the IRS alike to cope with changes brought…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A top Wisconsin health official says there will be enough coronavirus vaccine in Wisconsin by the end of June to immunize 80% of those age 16 and over in the state, hitting a key target to achieve herd immunity for COVID-19. Deputy state health secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk made the forecast Thursday. Currently, more than…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors at the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in George Floyd’s death want a judge to allow expert testimony about how people react to traumatic events. A prosecutor said Thursday that a forensic psychiatrist should be able to testify that Floyd’s actions when he struggled with officers trying to put him in a squad…
DULUTH, Minn. – Pizza Ranch is closing in on an official opening day, according to its new official Duluth Facebook page. The restaurant says they are “making progress” at the former Lucky’s 13 Pub location in the Miller Hill Mall and is anticipating an early summer opening. Pizza Ranch officially announced its new Duluth location last November with a tentative…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election. Sipress has served two terms representing Duluth’s 2nd District. “Serving the people of Duluth’s Second District as their representative in city government has been a tremendous privilege,” Sipress said. “It was never my plan to pursue a career in politics, and after eight years…
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) — Advocates in Minnesota are pushing the legislators to remove most juveniles from the state’s predatory registry, arguing that it makes it difficult for young people to overcome societal barriers. The state’s Predatory Offender Registry has more than 18,000 names. Patty Wetterling helped create the registry in 1991 after her 11-year-old son was kidnapped and killed. She…
(Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP) OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (AP) — A law enforcement official says the man suspected of killing two co-workers at a Wisconsin grocery distribution warehouse before fatally shooting himself was a 41-year-old from suburban Milwaukee. Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Nicholas Ollinger identified the suspect Thursday as Fraron Cornelius, of Wauwatosa. Police say the suspect died from…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – What started as a passion has now turned into a small-scale profession for Superior resident Meghan Gobel. Over the past few months, Gobel, the creator of Lady Meg’s Cakes, launched a Facebook page to promote her hobby of baking and sharing the goodies with customers in the Twin Ports. She’s overjoyed to see the outpouring of support…
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Mar. 18, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather
(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The jury being seated for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial in George Floyd’s death is growing despite concerns about publicity from a $27 million payout to Floyd’s family to settle their civil lawsuit. The city of Minneapolis agreed to the settlement last week in the midst of jury selection. That…
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to 770,000, a sign that layoffs remain high even as much of the U.S. economy is steadily recovering from the coronavirus recession. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims climbed from 725,000 the week before. The numbers have dropped sharply since the depths of…
NORTHLAND – Female leaders from colleges throughout the Northland came together today to talk about what they say is a lack of representation in their field. Here in the Northland, the majority of higher education chancellors and presidents are female, accounting for four of the six local colleges and universities. However, according to officials at Lake Superior College, only 30%…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A family-owned Two Harbors business is opening a new location in the city’s former Shopko building, which has been sitting empty since the summer of 2019. The husband-and-wife owners of Seagren’s True Value in downtown Two Harbors will transform the old Shopko into Seagren’s Home, Hardware, and Outdoors. They say they’re going to offer virtually all…
DULUTH, Minn.– St. Patrick’s Day 2021 is here, which many bars around the Northland count on for a big boost in businesses. Last St. Patrick’s Day was filled with a lot of uncertainty and uneasiness due to the pandemic, especially for businesses like bars and restaurants. But this year, it’s been a different story. Bars and restaurants across Minnesota were…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– The Wisconsin Ethics Commission has completed its opinion about conflict of interest concerns involving the marriage between Superior Mayor Jim Paine and City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. The commission believes there are conflicts of interest that could pop up particularly when Councilor Van Sickle might act on matters of substantial value or financial gain for Mayor Paine, including…
CLOQUET, Minn.-With the weather starting to warm up, that means Gordy’s Hi-Hat will be opening soon. Gordy’s will open March 24th for its 61st season. In what’s become a tradition, Northlanders always line up on opening day to get their fill of burgers, shakes, and of course onion rings. We caught up with staff today about how they are preparing…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local business has begun a fundraiser for the Northland K-9 Foundation in honor of K-9 Luna Who was killed in the line of duty last month. Advantage Emblem is making commemorative shirts and hoodies, and has begun selling them online. Staff says that it was the right thing to do, given all that law enforcement does…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s Small Business Development Center Day across the nation. We checked in with the center over at UWS who has been instrumental in helping businesses during the pandemic. So far, they have helped garner more than $4 million for business in the region. “Make sure that we are a community resource and we’re a tie into other…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The pandemic hit the tourism industry hard throughout the region and Superior is not exempt. However, the industry itself is now rising above and is recovering better than expected. With Superior and Duluth being neighboring cities, tourism that impacts one part of the region will also hit the other. “What’s going to happen?” said Taylor Pedersen, the…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled a Wisconsin judge from the bench after he was charged with multiple counts of possession of child pornography. State Department of Justice attorneys filed seven felony counts against Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Brett Blomme. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The charges were filed…
WASHINGTON (AP) — Violent extremists motivated by political grievances and racial biases pose an “elevated threat” to the U.S. homeland. That’s according to an unclassified intelligence report released more than two months after a violent mob of insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol. The assessment was made in a report released Wednesday by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence….
MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota has settled its lawsuit against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco and ITG Brands over payments from the landmark 1998 agreement and should receive at least $81 million. State Attorney General Keith Ellison said Wednesday that annual payments to the state are expected to be “at least $10 million for the foreseeable future.” The money will go into the state’s…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Bars and restaurants could sell cocktails and glasses of wine to go under a bill the state Assembly approved Wednesday. The bipartisan measure has been pushed by bar and restaurant owners since the pandemic began as another way for struggling businesses to attract customers. Bars and restaurants also have a higher profit margin on alcohol sales…
DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Downtown Duluth will be busy with entertainment this summer. The Greater Downtown Council is planning on putting on Eat Downtown week next month while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return in June and July. President Kristi Stokes says after months planning before the governor eased restrictions it’s nice to know those events…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is quarantining after a member of his staff tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday morning. Walz was in a news conference with the infected staff member on Monday, according to his office, but was not within 6 feet of the staff member for more than 15 minutes, which is what health officials define…
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather
(courtesy: CNN) ATLANTA (AP) — The man accused of killing eight people at massage parlors in the Atlanta area told police his act was not racially motivated, and that he had a potential “sex addiction.” Still, officials said they were investigating whether the deaths were hate crimes amid concerns over a wave of attacks on Asian Americans. Six of the…
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A worker shot and killed two colleagues at a supermarket distribution center near Milwaukee before crashing his vehicle during a police pursuit and then killing himself, a union official and police said Wednesday. The attacks happened Tuesday night at the Roundy’s distribution center in Oconomowoc, about 30 miles west of Milwaukee, said Thomas Bennett, secretary-treasurer of General…
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin judge was arrested Tuesday on tentative charges of possession of child pornography, authorities said. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Brett Blomme, 38, was apprehended following an investigation into “multiple uploads of child pornography,” the Wisconsin Department of Justice said in a release. A criminal complaint was expected to be filed Wednesday, the DOJ said. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for some egg-stravagant fun are invited to hop on over to the Lake Superior Zoo on Saturday, April 3. The Zoo’s annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza event will be happening from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Health and safety is on the minds of organizers, which is why tickets must be purchased in advance this year. Tickets can…
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge on Wednesday dismissed a juror who had been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death over fears that the juror had been tainted by the city’s announcement last week of a $27 million settlement to Floyd’s family. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill recalled seven jurors and was questioning…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say teenagers are behind a slight increase in coronavirus activity in Minnesota. The state Department of Health reported 6,818 additional COVID-19 cases in the week ending Tuesday. About 10% involved teenagers 15 to 19 years old. The risk for that age group increased when in-person instruction and sports activities resumed earlier this year. State Health…
DULUTH, Minn.- Entertainment is on its way back to Bayfront Festival Park this summer, a true sign the pandemic is being pushed farther behind us to allow the City of Duluth to showcase its water front view, full of concerts and even Fourth Fest. “It will be busy, we’ll see cars and we’ll see bodies down in Bayfront Park this…
DULUTH, Minn.- With spring in the air Bike Shops are getting busier. The owner of Stewart’s Bikes, Sports and Trophies in Duluth’s Lincoln Park says business was pretty steady last year with more people wanting to get outside during the pandemic. As for right now, he’s seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes. “They’re ready…
CLOQUET, Minn. – The dog days of winter are coming to a close, but that’s not stopping energetic Northland residents from getting in the final few weeks of cross-country skiing. One popular place for cross country skiing in the Northland is Pine Valley Ski Area in Cloquet. “Boy what a nice day,” said John Bankson, a resident of Duluth. “It’s…
FINLAND, Minn.- The longstanding zany tradition of St. Urho’s Day will continue for its 46th year in Finland, Minnesota, just looking a little different. The annual St. Urho’s Day Parade will take place this Saturday at noon along Highway 1 in Finland. Most festivities will be outdoors over the weekend while events like the “Miss Helmi” cross dressing Beauty Pageant…
DULUTH, Minn. – A professor at UMD is now part of research into climate change that’s been published in an academic journal. The professor is part of a study that shows how human actions, such as the burning of fossil fuels and the release of aerosols, have had a strong impact on global temperatures, rates of hurricane formation, and extreme…
