Weekend Northland Happenings December 9-11
Well, if you’re looking for something to do in the Northland this weekend, Fox 21’s Maria Vollom has the rundown for you. Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update
News
Officer Who Kneeled On George Floyd’s Back Faces Sentencing
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s back while another officer kneeled on the Black man’s neck is expected to be sentenced Friday to 3 1/2 years in prison for manslaughter. J. Alexander Kueng pleaded guilty in October to a state count of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. The plea came on the same day jury selection was…
Duluth Transit Authority Receiving Half Of Levy Request
DULUTH, Minn. — The Levy increase is important to the Duluth Transit Authority or DTA, because they have plans to change how its buses operate beginning next June. Known as the Better Bus Blueprint. It was to be to be rolled out earlier this year, but a number of events has delayed its implementation until June 2023. Chris Belden, Director…
Wanted DOC Fugitive Arrested In Duluth
DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police say a wanted fugitive with a long violent criminal history was arrested Thursday just after 3 p.m. Duluth Police Officers, members of the Tactical Response Team, and Deputies from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office all went to the 4700 block of Decker Road to arrest the 29-year-old Department of Corrections Fugitive. The Duluth Police…
Brittney Griner Back Home In US After Russian Prisoner Swap
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Brittney Griner returned to the United States early Friday, nearly 10 months after the basketball star’s detention in Russia made her the most high-profile American jailed abroad and set off a political firestorm. Griner’s status as an openly gay Black woman, her prominence in women’s basketball and her imprisonment in a country where authorities have been hostile to…
Troop 7 Visits Salvation Army with Boxes of Gifts
DULUTH, Minn. – Scouts from Troop 7 paid a trip to the Duluth Salvation army, donating gifts they’ve collected over the past few weeks. The troop had planned to attend the Red Kettle Kickoff a few weeks ago, but it was cancelled. So, in its absence they decided to hold their own toy drive by collecting about 6 boxes of…
Annual Lutefisk Dinner Cancelled
DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Lutefisk Dinner at First Lutheran Church will not be happening again this year. The church says they’re concerned the indoor event would spread respiratory illnesses going around right now like COVID and the flu. In years past, the Nordic style dinner is a holiday tradition that would take months of planning due to high turnout….
‘Best Christmas Ever’ Fundraising Concert
DULUTH, Minn. – The bands, Laura Velvet and Big Wave Dave and the Ripples hosted a fundraising concert at Pier B called “A Laura Velvet Christmas.” The event was put on to benefit “Best Christmas Ever”, a non-profit that helps bring joy to nominated families who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own. FOX 21s Dan…
148th Fighter Wing’s Starbase Hosts Young People for STEM Event
DULUTH, Minn.–Young professionals gathered Thursday at the 148th Fighter Wing to talk about all things S.T.E.M. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce has developed a program titled Fuse aimed at connecting community members with local professionals to expose them to different career opportunities. The Chamber hosts several interactive luncheons with their Fuse members. Thursday’s get together took place at the…
Blood Donations Needed To Help Traumatic Injury Patients, Cancer Patients, And More
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — It’s a story that keeps re-occurring. The blood supply in the area is getting low. Volunteers are needed to take just a few minutes to donate a pint of blood. Each donation can help three people. This time of year is more difficult to keep the blood supply up. Regular donors may be out of town visiting…
Superior Public Safety Officials Serve In a New Way
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Law enforcement officers and other first responders in Superior helped the community in a different way on Thursday. They served food at a local restaurant to raise money for charity. The event at The Kitchen Restaurant featured the Superior police chief, fire chief, the outgoing Douglas County sheriff and the incoming sheriff elect. The special on the…
Minnesota DNR Provides Ice Safety and Preparation Tips for the Winter
MINNESOTA — As the cold weather settles in, lakes are beginning to freeze, generating excitement about various winter activities. The Minnesota DNR wants everyone to get out enjoy what nature has to provide, but they also want everyone to be safe this winter. Frozen ponds, lakes, and streams can be the source of a lot of fun during the winter…
St. Luke’s Lake View Medical Clinic MNA Nurses Withdraw Strike Notice
Negotiations are continuing for new contracts.
TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association at St. Luke’s Lake View Medical Clinic in Two Harbors have withdrawn their strike notice for the time being as negotiations continue over a new contract. The nurses at Lake View were expected to start their unfair labor practice strike on December 11, along with other Twin Ports hospitals that…
FDA Clears Updated COVID-19 Vaccines For Kids Under Age 5
(AP) — U.S. regulators on Thursday cleared doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than age 5. The Food and Drug Administration’s decision aims to better protect the littlest kids amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases around the country — at a time when children’s hospitals already are packed with tots suffering from other respiratory illnesses including the…
Family Of American Prisoner Paul Whelan Backs Griner Deal
(AP) — The family of an American detained in Russia for nearly four years said Thursday that the Biden administration “made the right decision” by agreeing to a prisoner exchange that freed WNBA star Brittney Griner, but relatives are “devastated” that Paul Whelan remains behind. Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, has been jailed since December 2018 on espionage charges…
WNBA Star Griner Freed In Swap For Russian Arms Dealer Bout
WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, as the U.S. released notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four…
Bill Protecting Same-Sex, Interracial Unions Clears Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House gave final approval Thursday to legislation protecting same-sex marriages, a monumental step in a decades-long battle for nationwide recognition of those unions that reflects a stark turnaround in societal attitudes. President Joe Biden is expected to promptly sign the measure, which requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages. It is a relief for hundreds of…
Annual Veterans Memorial Dinner At St. Louis County Depot
DULUTH, Minn. — The 17th annual Veterans Memorial dinner was held at St. Louis County Depot Wednesday evening. Tickets were $50 to raise money for the Historical Society at the Depot, and the event was open to the public. 150 guests filled the grand hall enjoying a beef and chicken dinner. Keynote speaker General Daniel Gabrielli with the Minnesota Air…
UPDATE: Worker Falls 50 Feet To Death At Fraser Shipyards, No Foul Play Suspected
UPDATE (December 8, 10:50 a.m.) — The Superior Police Department says they do not suspect foul play regarding the employee who fell off a ship 50 feet to their death at Fraser Shipyards. During the investigation the police department found that 64-year-old Randall Charles Mulvaney from Watertown, Wisconsin was standing on the deck of the ship securing a tarp around…
Super One And Miller-Dwan Foundation Partner To Raise Funds For Local Hospice House
DULUTH, Minn. — Tuesday morning, a generous donation of over $50,000 was made to the Solvay Hospice House. Super One Foods and the Miller-Dwan Foundation have been partnering for 15 years to raise money for the Solvay Hospice House. November is National Hospice Month and every year Super One stores in the northland sell paper house ornaments as part of…
Wildcat Sanctuary Founder Praises Congress Passing Bill That Protects Big Cats From Private Ownership And Exploitation
SANDSTONE, Minn. — The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone is celebrating after a bill protecting big cats has now passed Congress and will head to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. On Tuesday, the Senate voted in favor of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, and the House did earlier this year. It will restrict Americans from privately…
UWS Media Class Receives Visit from Industry Expert
SUPERIOR, Wis. – “I’m not originally supposed to be a communications major but after this I’ve definitely gotten a lot more interest in this,” UWS Student, Bill Krieg says. A Communications class at UW Superior, Digital Storytelling and social media, received a visit from FOX 21 News Director, Steve Goodspeed as part of the curriculums agenda to invite Media industry…
Lake Superior Art Glass Holiday Classes Going On Through December 31
DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior Art Glass is celebrating the holiday season with its annual snowman and ornament-making classes. The classes are 30 minutes, and they are DIY style, where you’ll get to make design decisions regarding the details of the ornament or snowman and then watch an artist glass blow your creation into a masterpiece. If you want to…
Duluth Pearl Harbor Remembrance
DULUTH, Minn. — 81 years ago, December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the United States by bombing Pearl Harbor. This was the action that brought the United States into World War II. In Duluth on Wednesday the Pearl Harbor anniversary was remembered with a ceremony at the DECC and with a luncheon at the Duluth VFW. Fox 21’s Photo journalist…
Local Postmaster Shares Tips for Holiday Shipping
DULUTH, Minn.–With the holidays only a few weeks away, some people will wait until the last minute to send gifts but according to the Duluth Postmaster packages should be mailed the sooner the better. The Duluth Post Office sees an influx of packages coming in and out of their building this time of year, a trend they see every time…
How Duluth’s Sister Cities Celebrate Christmas
DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth has five sister cities throughout the world. During December you can check out five Christmas trees at the DECC that show each Sister City’s country decorates and celebrates Christmas. The five trees are located inside the “D” doors at the DECC. Next to each of the trees is information about the city and…
Unofficial Recount Results Complete For MN Dist. 3A, 3B
DULUTH, Minn. — Ballot recounts for northern Minnesota’s House districts 3A and 3B are complete, with unofficial results remaining the same — give or take a vote or two, according to David Zoll, attorney for the DFL party. The official results will need to be signed off by the State Canvassing Board later this month. Zoll told FOX 21 Wednesday…
Juul Reaches Settlements Covering Thousands Of Lawsuits
(AP) — Embattled vaping company Juul Labs has reached settlements covering thousands of lawsuits over its e-cigarettes, which in recent years became a scourge in schools and communities nationwide. Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Juul said that it has secured an equity investment to fund it. Buffeted by lawsuits, Juul announced hundreds of layoffs last month…
Justices Skeptical Of Elections Case That Could Alter Voting
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed skeptical of making a broad ruling that would leave state legislatures virtually unchecked in making rules for congressional and presidential elections. In nearly three hours of arguments, liberal and conservative justices appeared to take issue with the main thrust of a challenge asking them to essentially eliminate the power of state courts to strike…
Interracial Marriages To Get Added Protection Under New Law
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — One day in the 1970s, Paul Fleisher and his wife were walking through a department store parking lot when they noticed a group of people looking at them. Fleisher, who is white, and his wife, who is Black, were used to “the look.” But this time it was more intense. “There was this white family who…
US To Boost Natural Gas Exports To UK In Energy Partnership
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States will increase exports of liquefied natural gas to Britain under a new agreement calling for the two countries to work together to boost energy security and drive down prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the agreement Wednesday as part of a larger effort to reduce…
Food Desperately Needed at CHUM
DULUTH, Minn. — Food is a basic necessity for everyone, and for those who are facing tough times, its getting even harder for them to get food. Fox 21 talked with CHUM about its empty shelves and the dire situation it is facing. In the past food shelves would give people whatever they had on hand. Scot Van Daele, CHUM’s…
Coffee Conversation: ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ in Virginia, MN
VIRGINIA, Minn. — Lyric Center for the Arts presents: ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical,’ debuting Thursday at the Minn. North College Mesabi Range Virginia Campus. Steve Solkela joined FOX21 on the morning show to chat about the upcoming performance. The show dates and times are listed below. Dec. 8 & 9 at 7pm. Dec. 11 at 2pm. Dec. 16 &…
Coffee Conversation: ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol’ in Duluth, MN
DULUTH, Minn. — The Boat Club and St. Luke’s present Minnesota spoof, ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol.’ Inspiration for the musical stems from Charles Dickens’ famous “A Christmas Carol.” Boat Club Restaurant Owner, Jason Vincent joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the upcoming performance. It’s taking place throughout Dec. 9-18 at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theater….
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
CLOQUET, Minn. — It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas with the snow and the trees decorated. But it is also the time of year when the fire danger in your home increases significantly. There are a number of things that could cause problems for you this holiday season. Jesse Buhs, District Fire Chief in Cloquet referred to…
Democratic Sen. Warnock Wins Georgia Runoff Against Walker
ATLANTA (AP) — Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a Georgia runoff election Tuesday, ensuring Democrats an outright majority in the Senate for the rest of President Joe Biden’s term and helping cap an underwhelming midterm cycle for the GOP in the last major vote of the year. With Warnock’s second runoff victory in as many years, Democrats…
Duluth Chambers ‘After Hours Holiday Party’ Returns in Person
DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, The Duluth Chamber held its annual “After Hours Holiday Party” at Greysolon Plaza. This is the first time the event was back in person since 2019. It’s an end-of-the-year celebration for members to come together and recognize their accomplishments as well as spotlight certain individuals. Those who attended also had a chance to get some Christmas…
Duluth City Council Votes to Lower Tax Increase
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council held a public hearing Monday night to discuss lowering property tax growth in the coming year. This comes after some residents weren’t happy with a proposed property tax levy increase to 8.9 percent in 2023 which was proposed by Mayor Emily Larson and her administration. At last Monday night’s meeting, those concerns were…
District 3A and 3B Recounts Continue
DULUTH, Minn. — Day two is over in the recount for two northern Minnesota legislative districts. Districts 3A and 3B are the two being recounted. The recount started Monday and continued Tuesday at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. The recount is also going on in other counties in the two districts. The difference in vote totals between the…
17 People Arrested For Allegedly Being Part Of Northland Drug Ring
MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN — The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force says it has busted up an alleged drug ring in the Northland. 17 people have been arrested on accusations of being involved in it. The task force says the group worked with other drug traffickers to bring in narcotics to the area. That includes meth, as well as meth mixed with…
Vehicle Crashes Into Pond In Grand Lake Township
Courtesy of Pete Kramer, from the St. Louis County Rescue Squad GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — The driver of an SUV lost control on a slippery road in Grand Lake Township and ended up crashing into a pond. The incident happened around 8:30 Tuesday morning on the 5200 block of Munger Shaw Road. The vehicle did not fully sink, and…
Jan. 6 Committee To Issue Criminal Referrals, Chairman Says
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol will make criminal referrals to the Justice Department as it wraps up its probe and looks to publish a final report by the end of the year, the panel’s chairman said Tuesday. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told reporters that the committee has decided to issue the referrals…
Trump Organization Convicted In Executive Tax Dodge Scheme
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s company was convicted of tax fraud on Tuesday in a case brought by the Manhattan District Attorney, a significant repudiation of financial practices at the former president’s business. A jury found two corporate entities at the Trump Organization guilty on all 17 counts, including conspiracy charges and falsifying business records. The verdict came on…
Highway 53 Bridge Demolition in Duluth, MnDOT Says Expect Noise
DULUTH, Minn. — As part of the Twin Ports Interchange project, demolition for the Highway 53 bridge in Duluth has begun. MnDOT says residents and visitors in Lincoln Park can expect to hear noise on Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some critical demolition may occur until 9 p.m. including Saturdays. The demolition began on December 1 between…
Minnesota’s Budget Surplus Stands At $17.6 Billion
(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) — Minnesota’s budget surplus just keeps setting records. State budget officials on Tuesday projected that Minnesota has a surplus of $17.6 billion between now and June 2025. Higher-than-expected tax receipts and the state Legislature’s failure this year to agree on an $8 billion tax cut and spending package contributed to the glut…
Duluth Public Schools Host ‘Education After Hours’
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools is putting on ‘Education After Hours’ sessions where community members have a chance to talk to Superintendent John Magas one on one. These sessions are an opportunity for anybody to stop by with questions, thoughts, or concerns. The Superintendent plans to reach out to all communities throughout Duluth with visits to each community center…
St. Luke’s And Essentia MNA Nurses Reach Tentative Deal Ahead Of Authorized Strike
DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s and Essentia Health announced that a tentative contract agreement was reached between the hospitals and its nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association ahead of a planned strike Dec. 11. St. Luke’s said in a written statement at 11:30 p.m. Monday: “We are pleased to announce that St. Luke’s and MNA reached a tentative contract agreement….
Biden’s Efforts To Protect Abortion Access Hit Roadblocks
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is still actively searching for ways to safeguard abortion access for millions of women, even as it bumps up against a complex web of strict new state laws enacted in the months after the Supreme Court stripped the constitutional right. Looking to seize on momentum following a midterm election where voters widely rebuked tougher abortion restrictions, there’s a renewed push…
‘Lake Effect Restaurant & Bar’ To Open On Island Lake
ISLAND LAKE, Minn. — The co-owners of Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar in Duluth’s Canal Park are expanding with a new restaurant on Island Lake called Lake Effect Restaurant & Bar. The menu will be similar to Lake Ave.’s, but the vibe will be centered around the Northwoods. Click the video above to see the progress of the new location,…
Annual Holiday Benefit Concert for the ‘Kids’ Closet’
DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Holiday Benefit Concert for the Kids’ Closet of Duluth happened Monday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. The concert is organized by the Dougherty family and included performances of holiday songs from the Twin Ports Tenors. Kids’ Closet of Duluth helps families with children who are in need of warm winter…
