Morning Update 12-23-21
FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ken Slama have the news and weather you need to head out the door. Categories: Minnesota, News
News
US Adds Merck Pill as 2nd Easy-to-Use Drug Against COVID-19
(Merck & Co. via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. regulators have authorized a second pill against COVID-19, an antiviral drug from Merck that may help blunt the wave of infections driven by the omicron variant. The Food and Drug Administration granted the drug emergency use Thursday for adults with early COVID-19 who face the highest risks of hospitalization. It comes…
Potter Jury To Return Thursday For 4th Day Of Deliberations
(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The jury at the trial of a suburban Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Black motorist Daunte Wright was to return Thursday for a fourth day of deliberations as the Christmas holiday loomed. The jury weighing Kim Potter’s fate has been out 2 1/2 days, or about 23 hours, since getting…
Former Gannucci’s Owner Charged With Sexually Assaulting 2 Children
DULUTH, Minn. – The longtime owner of Gannucci’s Italian Market in West Duluth is charged with sexually assaulting two children. William Kalligher, 61, is facing seven felonies, including one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. This comes after numerous allegations came to light this summer. Court documents say a 25-year-old man told police that Kalligher forced oral sex on him…
Duluth Salvation Army Hands Out Toys, Meals To Hundreds Of Families
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Salvation Army is the place to be this week for a lot of Christmas excitement. They’re distributing hundreds of toys and meal kits to families who need a little boost this holiday season. Each child who registered gets to go shopping at the Salvation Army to pick out three toys. Organizers say all the hard…
Duluth Receives Highest Municipal Equality Index Score in its History
DULUTH, Minn. – In an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign to evaluate how inclusive 506 of the largest cities in America are, the City of Duluth has recorded its highest score since it became part of the survey in 2015. Each city receives a rating based on how inclusive its laws, policies, and services are to the…
Chester Bowl Opens For Season
DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl has officially opened for the season on Wednesday. The popular ski hill opened this morning with the first people getting on the chair lift at 11 a.m. Members of Essentia Health were also there and awarded a $25,000 grant to Chester Bowl. This will allow them to plan for future infrastructure developments. “So to be…
Duluth’s ‘Sled Sheds’ Are Back This Winter!
DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Parks and Rec has brought back “Sled Sheds” this winter. A free sledding opportunity, Sled Sheds can be utilized by anyone who wants to go out and have some fun in the snow. These sheds can be found at three locations, Lincoln Park, Leif Erickson Park, Portland Square, and a fourth shed location will be coming…
NAPA Auto Parts Gives Away $1,000 Certificates
DULUTH, Minn. -Nine lucky winners were awarded $1,000 gift certificates to be used at auto care centers around the Twin Ports. NAPA Auto Parts in west Duluth hosted the certificate giveaway today in light of the holiday season. Recipients were nominated by their loved ones, and were selected by shop owners after being determined to be the most deserving of…
Santa Visits Steve O’Neil Apartments
DULUTH, Minn. -The Steve O’Neil Apartments had a special visitor today. Santa Claus stopped by to visit with families in celebration of the holiday season. Children in attendance received gifts as well as cookies made from staff. Families were able to take pictures with Santa while enjoying Christmas classics from keyboardist Samuel Black. “A real festive day for the community…
Christmas Lighting Challenge Winners Announced
DULUTH, Minn. – Some of the best Christmas light displays in the Twin Ports region earned special recognition Wednesday. Over 2,700 voters helped to determine the winners of the 7th annual Christmas Lighting Display, covering homes and businesses in Duluth, Superior, Hermantown, Cloquet and other nearby regions. For some, the event is a chance to continue a holiday tradition. Bill and…
Businesses See Rush of Last Minute Holiday Shoppers
DULUTH, Minn. – With only a few more shopping days left before Christmas, businesses across the Northland are seeing plenty of last minute shoppers. At Fitger’s Mall, business managers say they have been busy the past few days, continuing what has been a strong season. Denise Kaitala, a manager at Duluth Kitchen Co. and Market Gourmet, says she has done her…
Duluth Fire Department Warning About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
DULUTH, Minn. – The deaths of seven family members inside a Moorhead home due to carbon monoxide poisoning has the Duluth Fire Department reminding people to do their part to prevent any similar events in the Northland. “We don’t want to see anyone getting sick or injured or potentially killed by carbon monoxide,” says Deputy Chief of Life Safety Jon…
Midday Update 12-22-21
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather
Blood Donors Needed to Avoid Delays in Patient Care
The American Red Cross Blood Supply at Historically Low Levels, Continuing to Decline
DULUTH, Minn. – The American Red Cross blood supply is at historically low levels and it continues to decline. Officials with the American Red Cross say if more donors don’t come out to give, hospitals may be forced to delay care to patients relying on blood transfusion. The Red Cross is announcing all who come to give through Jan. 2…
U.S. Economy Grew at 2.3% Rate in Q3, Up From Earlier Estimate
WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy grew at a 2.3% rate in the third quarter according to a third and final estimate of the nation’s economic growth for that period. But prospects for a solid rebound going forward are being clouded by the rapid spread of the latest variant of the coronavirus. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that the nation’s…
U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises Despite Omicron, Higher Prices
WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. consumer confidence rose this month as Americans shrugged off concerns about rising prices and COVID’-19’s highly contagious omicron variant. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Wednesday that its consumer confidence index – which takes into account consumers’ assessment of current conditions and their outlook for the future – rose to 115.8 in December, the…
Potter Trial: Jurors Begin Third Day of Deliberations
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Jurors in the trial of a suburban Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Black motorist Daunte Wright have begun their third day of deliberations after a question to the judge suggested some are concerned they may not be able to reach an agreement. The jury asked Judge Regina Chu on Tuesday afternoon how to proceed if…
Morning Update 12-22-21
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather
Mask Mandate To Be Lifted For Superior School District Jan. 3
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District is ditching its mask mandate after the holiday break, Supt. Amy Starzecki said in an email Tuesday evening to the Spartan community. Starting Monday, Jan. 3, students, staff and visitors can choose whether to wear a mask in any of the district’s buildings because Starzecki says COVID cases have been on the decrease…
Hartley Nature Center Hosts Winter Solstice Luminary Hike
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the Winter Solstice Tuesday with Hartley Nature Center. A half-mile loop was lit up for a luminary hike, along with hot chocolate, a photo booth and a fire pit – all to celebrate winter’s the shortest day of the year. “Especially at night when we’re in the darkest days is…
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Holds Holiday Gift Party
DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of teens with the Boys and Girls clubs of the Northland got to pick out a gift under the tree Tuesday thanks to FOX 21’s Gifts for Teens drive. Area businesses and organizations donated to the drive so each child could get a gift between $20 and $40. Organizers said it means the world to the…
A Close-Up Tour of Bentleyville Before Christmas
Categories: Community, Entertainment, Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
Itasca County Health Officials Urge Caution Ahead of Holiday Gatherings
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Interest in new COVID-19 vaccinations is slowing in Itasca County. Leaders with Itasca County Public Health say roughly 60 percent of eligible residents in the county are vaccinated, a number that hasn’t grown as of late. Four percent of vaccinated residents in the county have still tested positive for COVID-19. The Public Health Dept. is reporting…
Coffee Shops Enjoy Added Winter Business, Holiday Rush
DULUTH, Minn. – As temperatures drop and snow piles up, coffee shops have seen business pick up. At Amity Coffee, they say they are seeing more people coming in to enjoy a hot beverage over an iced one. “People are just looking for a place to stay warm,” says Supervisor Jaren Pykkonen. “Just heat up and get some caffeine, get some…
New Snowfall Brightens Landscape, Doesn’t Stop Dog Owners
DULUTH, Minn. – Several inches of snow Tuesday morning helped to make the Northland look more appropriate for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Most who were clearing it away from sidewalks and driveways had their usual complaints, but one person prefers the light and fluffy flakes. “I’d rather have snow than cold,” says Curt Timmerman of Duluth, “I mean it stays…
DECC Covid Site Ready for Increased Testing Ahead of Christmas
DULUTH, Minn. — As the Christmas weekend approaches, health experts are encouraging everybody to get tested beforehand at places like the DECC. More people have been testing at that site this week. The even bigger push from local health officials is to get vaccinated, especially for vulnerable adults because they say the omicron variant is a growing problem. With hospital…
Duluth Fire Department Ringing Bells for Salvation Army
DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army has enlisted the help of the Duluth Fire Department to make a final push for donations this holiday season. Current and former members of the department were at several locations in the Miller Hill Mall on Tuesday ringing bells for a good cause. With the department assisting the non-profit for over 30 years, they…
Duluth City Councilors Prioritize Public Safety, Affordable Housing in 2022 Budget
DULUTH, Minn. — Monday night, Duluth city councilors made significant investments in their budget for public safety and housing. After hearing a need to recruit and retain police officers, councilors will increase their wages by 10 percent for all DPD staff in the 2022 budget. They have also increased the training budget of the DPD and the fire department to…
Lakeside Elementary Students Provide Holiday Cheer
DULUTH, Minn. –Lester Park Elementary students provided some holiday cheer for residents at Ecumen Lakeshore Senior Living on Tuesday. K through 5th graders raised nearly $3,000 to buy several trees, decorate them and then pass them out to residents. In its 19th year, now more than ever these residents need some Christmas cheer after isolation caused by the pandemic. “We…
Fairlawn Mansion Hosts Twinkling Evenings
DULUTH, Minn. –Fairlawn Mansion in Superior hosts Twinkling Evenings. Each room in the mansion is decorated with trees and other Christmas décor. Guests are welcome to treats and are challenged to find all the hidden snow globes throughout the mansion. Though the tour is self-guided, hosts are there to share the history and customs once held at Fairlawn. “Christmas was…
20-Member FEMA Headed To Overwhelmed Green Bay Hospital
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A 20-member team from the U.S. Navy is headed to Green Bay’s Bellin Hospital to help the overwhelmed facility treat patients with COVID-19. Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency dispatched the team to assist. Wisconsin hospitals are struggling to keep up with a surge in COVID-19 patients while also dealing with…
Evers Signs Gambling Deal With St. Croix Chippewa
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ administration has signed a deal allowing gambling on sports and other events at St. Croix Chippewa tribal casinos. Evers’ administration announced Monday that it has amended the state’s gambling compact with the tribe to offer event wagering. The St. Croix Tribal Council approved the amendment on Nov. 30. The U.S. Department of…
Midday Update 12-21-21
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather
Gov. Walz Tests Positive for COVID-19
(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday announced he has tested positive for COVID-19 along with his wife and son. A statement released from his office this morning reads: “Yesterday, my 9th grade son tested positive for COVID-19. Gwen and I were both tested that same day, and after initially testing negative yesterday morning, last…
US Population Growth at Lowest Rate in Pandemic’s 1st Year
(AP) – U.S. population growth dipped to its lowest rate since the nation’s founding during the first year of the pandemic as the coronavirus curtailed immigration, delayed pregnancies, and killed hundreds of thousands of U.S. residents, according to figures released Tuesday. The United States grew by only 0.1%, with only an additional 392,665 added to the U.S. population, from July…
Minnesota Regulators Reaffirm Air Permit for Proposed Mine
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — State regulators who three years ago issued an air quality permit for a proposed copper-nickel mine in northwestern Minnesota stood by their decision in a report released Monday that said the mine did not provide misleading information on its plans. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report is a blow to several environmental groups and the…
Morning Update 12-21-21
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather
Biden to Pledge 500M Free COVID-19 Tests to Counter Omicron
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden plans to deliver 500 million free COVID-19 tests to Americans, increase support for hospitals and expand the availability of vaccines to confront a winter surge of coronavirus cases driven by the fast-spreading omicron variant. Biden will stress in a Tuesday speech the importance of getting vaccinated to protect from a wave of infections as…
Jury at Kim Potter Trial in Wright Death Returns Tuesday
(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A jury will resume deliberations in the trial of a suburban Minneapolis police officer who says she meant to use her Taser instead of her gun when she shot and killed Daunte Wright. The jury returns Tuesday after meeting for about a half-day Monday following closing arguments. Prosecutors accused Kim Potter of…
Grand Rapids Attorney Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct Of Client
A Grand Rapids attorney is facing serious charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a client multiple times. Jesse Powell, 32, of Powell Law, is facing five charges ranging from 3rd degree to 5th degree criminal sexual conduct. According to court documents, Powell raped her in his office after episodes of non-consensual touching of her body, including kissing. Powell faces…
Twin Ports Homes Get Festive For Christmas
Here’s a look at some of the festive lighting displays in the Twin Ports. Categories: Community, Entertainment, News, News – Latest News
Superior Meats Staying Busy This Holiday Season
DULUTH, Minn. — Superior Meats has been busy with people looking for last-minute meals for the holidays. With a variety of items including summer sausage, logs, beef sticks, and gift boxes the shop is trying to keep up with demand even with a short staff. The staff advises people to get your prime rib early because they ran out a…
Wisconsin Health Officials Concerned For COVID Surge Caused By Holidays, Omicron
96% of ICU beds and 98% of immediate care beds are full statewide.
WISCONSIN – State health officials in Wisconsin echo the desperate pleas of those regionally and across the country, declaring a public health advisory as they anticipate a surge in disease activity due to the Omicron variant. There were more than 13 hundred new COVID cases reported in the state yesterday, with 19 Omicron cases detected so far. Experts expect that…
World of Wheels hosts Skate with Santa
DULUTH, Minn. – Skate with Santa, a fun event for families, was hosted Monday at the World of Wheels skate center in Superior. Kids tied up their skates and rode around the rink with a special guest, Santa Clause, in the spirit of the holiday season. Those who joined received candy canes, and Santa tells us they were made with…
Former Duluth Police Chief Is Back, Might Run For St. Louis County Sheriff
DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay and his family have moved back to Duluth, and Ramsay, 49, is eyeing what’s next locally for his career, which could include a run for St. Louis County sheriff. For the last six years, Ramsay has been the top cop for Kansas’ largest police department in Wichita where he has managed…
Plans Unveiled to Give Duluth Armory New Life as Multi-Use Community Building
The multi-use building will include a public marketplace in the street-level drill hall and the lower level -- a community kitchen for nonprofits and small businesses.
DULUTH, Minn.- The stars of a vision, plan, and developers have aligned to bring new life to the Duluth Armory, as its redevelopment was announced via press conference Monday, inside the building which has sat largely unused on London Road for decades. “They say good things come to those that wait, and if that’s true the Armory project is going…
Whole Foods Co-Op Keeping Up With Holiday Demand
DULUTH, Minn. — Whole Foods Co-Op is doing its best to keep up with customer demand this holiday season. With popular items including holiday floral, gift ideas, and more holiday staples. Store managers stress the importance of shopping local, not just during the holidays but for every season. The atmosphere is a little more special during the holidays. “It’s so…
Caution Recommended This Holiday Season As Hospital ICU Beds in Limited Supply
DULUTH, Minn. — Healthcare workers continue to fight the deadly Covid-19 virus. This as hospital beds are at an all-time short supply with flu season on the horizon. Currently in St. Luke’s, over the last month, they have cared for a little over one-hundred patients who were hospitalized due to Covid-19. 85% of those patients were not vaccinated. Additionally, Minnesota…
Omicron Sweeps Across Nation, Now 73% Of US COVID-19 Cases
NEW YORK (AP) – Omicron has raced ahead of other variants and is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S. Federal health officials said Monday that omicron accounted for an estimated 73% of new infections last week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers show nearly a six-fold increase in the proportion of infections in only…
