News

Do You Know Anyone Homeless? St. Louis County Wants To Know Thursday

St. Louis County is holding its annual homeless count this week to see how many people are living unsheltered. Those unsheltered places include cars, a park, storage unit, the woods or even people who are couch-hopping. County officials say the count is vital because it helps local, state and federal agencies understand just how big of a homeless problem we…

Wisconsin Assembly OKs Vaccine Passport Ban, Immunity Waiver

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republicans who control the Wisconsin Assembly has approved bills that would require employers to count a prior coronavirus infection as an alternative to vaccination and testing and prohibit vaccine passports. Both measures would face a likely veto from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The governor last year vetoed a GOP bill that would have barred public health…

COVID-19 Booster Drive Is Faltering in the US

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) NEW YORK (AP) – The COVID-19 booster drive in the U.S. is losing steam, worrying health experts who have pleaded with Americans to get an extra shot to shore up their protection against the highly contagious omicron variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 40% of fully vaccinated Americans have received a…

Gov. Walz Proposes $5.1 Billion in Additional Education, Social Program Spending

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is proposing $5.1 billion over the next three years in additional spending on education and social programs. Walz released the proposals during a visit to an Inver Grove Heights elementary school. The plans go to the divided state Legislature to consider during the session that starts Monday. “The naysayers will tell us…

Wisconsin Budget Forecast Improves by $2.9 Billion

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s budget picture improved by nearly $2.9 billion with a revised forecast released driven by higher-than-expected tax collections that will force the Republican-controlled Legislature to decide whether to spend the surplus, save it or put it toward tax cuts. Republican legislative leaders said Tuesday that the money would go toward tax cuts in the next budget…

Only Citizens Could Vote in Wisconsin Under Amendment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate has passed a constitutional amendment that says only citizens can vote in elections. The Republican-authored amendment approved Tuesday must also pass the Assembly this year and both houses of the Legislature next session before it would go to voters to decide. The governor has no power to veto constitutional amendments. The Wisconsin Constitution…

Virginia Man Arrested, Charged With Felony Domestic Assault

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A Virginia man arrested over the weekend for fleeing police following an alleged domestic assault incident with his girlfriend has now been formally charged. According to cour documents, 37-year-old Matthew James Jefferson has been charged with two felony counts of domestic assault, one count of domestic assault by strangulation, one count of stalking, and one count of…

Midday Update 1-25-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Human Smuggling Suspect From Florida Released Without Bond

(John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP) FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A Florida man arrested for human smuggling after the bodies of four people were found near the Canada and U.S. border during a blizzard has been released from jail without having to pay the bond. Steve Shand is charged with the transport or attempted transport of illegal immigrants after the…

Pfizer Begins Testing Omicron-Matched COVID Shots in Adults

(AP) – Pfizer and BioNTech have begun studying a COVID-19 vaccine tweaked to match the omicron variant in healthy adults. COVID-19 vaccine makers have been updating their shots in case global health authorities decide a change is needed. The study announced Tuesday will include more than 1,400 volunteers ages 18 to 55. Most already are vaccinated and will get boosters…

Morning Update 1-25-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Assembly to Vote on Bill Barring Vaccination Discrimination

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly is set to vote on a Republican-authored bill that would prohibit government entities from creating COVID-19 vaccination passports. The bill’s main Assembly sponsors, Reps. Rob Stafsholt and Scott Krug, say they developed the legislation because they’re worried the Biden administration may mandate such passports. They say the bill would prevent government outreach. The…

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College To End Football Program

CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College on Tuesday announced it would be ending the college’s football program. Leaders at the college say budget limitations and a lack of facilities were big factors that ultimately led to the difficult decision. “We realize the importance of activities to student engagement and how they contribute to the overall college…

Essentia Joins Nationwide Study to Test Medications for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has joined a nationwide study to evaluate repurposed medications in the search for effective, safe treatments for mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Repurposed medications are those already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for other indications. “We are very excited and fortunate to have this important clinical trial available to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Rajesh…

Duluth Car Enthusiast With ‘Souped Up’ Mazda RX7 Eyes Next Lap: Florida Drag Race

Michael Janousek's Mazda RX7 Convertible can reach 150 mph in 9.6 seconds.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth car enthusiast — and his modified car that’s perhaps more famous than he is — are taking on a drag race in Florida which will truly test their metal. Michael Janousek had his 1988 Mazda RX7 Convertible featured on the Discovery Channel back in 2017. He said he taught himself how to modify the car after…

UMD hosts Intro to Winter Camping Class

DULUTH, Minn. – Getting outside more during these colder months has it’s challenges, but for some, it’s the perfect time of year to do some winter camping. The University of Minnesota Duluth held an intro to winter camping session Monday at the Bagley Nature Area. Topics included proper warmth attire, food necessities, and reliable heat sources. One UMD student with…

UMD Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD is offering a vaccine clinic to the campus community and beyond this week. The university has partnered with Saint Louis County Public Health for past vaccine clinics where the turnouts have exceeded expectations. This time around they will have Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson shots on hand, whether you want to come in for your…

School Systems Continue To Fight Staffing Shortages and Covid

As covid continues to grip the community, some schools are talking about moving to remote learning again, with some already doing it.

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn. — The Duluth Public Schools, and Proctor school transportation systems are few of the many impacted by covid. Aside from positive cases, the staff shortages are also playing a role in having to move things around, to keep the learning going. As covid continues to grip the community, some schools are talking about moving to remote learning again,…

Duluth Council Approves Application Process To Fill Derek Medved’s Seat

Applications will be accepted only through 4:30 p.m. February 14th, Medved's last council meeting.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday the City of Duluth will begin accepting applications to fill the At-Large Council seat soon to be left open by Derek Medved, who announced his resignation last week. Medved abstained from the vote at the council meeting Monday, making it 7 to 0. He announced he’s leaving the council to focus on his KornerStore business. The…

Lake Superior Brewing Co. Looking at Summer Re-Opening with Brewpub, Apartments

The new owners of Lake Superior Brewing are a year and a half into redeveloping the building in the Lakeside/Lester Park Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn.- One of the oldest breweries in Minnesota is inching closer to its reopening in its new Lakeside/Lester Park building this summer. The new owners of Lake Superior Brewing are a year and a half into redeveloping the building formerly occupied by Xcel Xercise and Sun City Tanning Center on Superior Street. The Maxims are turning the building into…

Court Offers Mixed Views on Water Permit for Minnesota Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota appeals court has issued a mixed opinion in a complicated case contesting one of the key permits that a St. Paul-based company needs to build what would be the state’s first copper-nickel mine. The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed a decision by regulators to issue the PolyMet Mining Corp. a water quality permit…

US Puts 8,500 Troops on Heightened Alert Amid Russia Tension

(AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Pentagon says that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has put about 8,500 troops on heightened alert, so they will be prepared to deploy if needed to reassure NATO allies in the face of ongoing Russian aggression on the border of Ukraine. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Monday no final decisions have been made…

VP Harris Touts Replacing Lead Lines During Milwaukee Stop

(Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Vice President Kamala Harris says during a stop in Milwaukee that removing and replacing lead pipes is a moral imperative and must be one of the nation’s highest priorities. She noted the environmental and health risks lead exposure presents from children to the elderly. Harris said Monday that the country is…

Minnesota Police: Poison Gas That Killed 7 Came From Furnace

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a furnace was the source of carbon monoxide that last month killed seven members of an immigrant family from Honduras living in Minnesota. Police in Moorhead have said blood samples from the victims showed a lethal level of carbon monoxide, but further testing was needed to determine whether the source was the furnace or…

Midday Update 1-24-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 24, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 24, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, midday update, News

Laura MacArthur Elementary School Grades 3-5 Move To Short-Term Remote Learning

DULUTH, Minn. – Laura MacArthur Elementary School grades 3-5 will be moving to temporary remote learning beginning Tuesday. Schools officials say in a Monday press release that the decision was made due to ongoing staffing shortages. Students are expected to return to in-person learning on Monday, January 31. “We understand the significant impact remote learning will have on district families,”…

Preps Underway for 6th Annual Lake Superior Ice Festival

The Festival Runs Jan. 28 & 29 of 2022

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Ice Festival is back for its sixth year at its current capacity. There are a lot of new activities happening this year including an ice carousel, hot air balloon rides, mini-golf, live music, and a ton more. The family-orientated event in and around Barker’s Island will also have activities targeted for kids like ice…

Morning Update 1-24-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 24, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 24, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Kohl’s Confirms Approach About Potential Acquisition

NEW YORK (AP) – Kohl’s is confirming that it has been approached about a possible sale of the department store chain, sending shares up more than 30% in early trading. The company said that it would not comment further, but its confirmation Monday follows media reports that the private equity firm Sycamore Partners had approached Kohl’s about a potential deal….

COVID-19 Patient at Center of Ventilator Fight Dies in Texas

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An unvaccinated COVID-19 patient flown from Minnesota to Texas during a legal battle over whether his ventilator should be turned off died Saturday, the family’s attorney said. A Minnesota judge had issued a restraining order on Jan. 13 blocking Mercy Hospital from turning off the machine that was keeping Scott Quiner alive, after his…

Trial To Begin for Cops Accused of Violating Floyd’s Rights

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The federal trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights as Derek Chauvin pinned the Black man’s neck to the street is set to begin Monday with opening statements. J. Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao are broadly charged with depriving Floyd of his civil rights while acting under…

Businesses Near Beargrease Starting Line in Duluth Ready for Spectators to Return

For the small Breeze Inn on the outskirts of Duluth, last year's lack of fans after a year riddled with COVID shutdowns was tough.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a year with no fans, the small community of businesses out where the Beargrease starting line is are excited and relieved to have people inside watching the race again. For the small Breeze Inn on the outskirts of Duluth, last year’s lack of fans after a year riddled with COVID shutdowns was tough. So this year they’re…

Staffing Shortage Is So Bad In Schools, Even The Duluth Superintendent Is Filling In

DULUTH, Minn. — The national staffing shortage in schools is also being felt locally, with even the Duluth schools superintendent filling in in the classroom. Superintendent John Magas says he’s stepped in as both a paraprofessional and a substitute teacher, adding that he’s never seen staffing shortages so severe in the education field before. Even the number of bus drivers…

The Family Business: Two Harbors Wallins’ Prepares For Another Beargrease Marathon

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is just around the corner, and while teams across the country are getting ready for the races, here in Two Harbors., it’s just another day at the office for the Wallin’s. “It’s just a real celebration of being a Minnesotan and loving the winter,” Colleen Wallin said. The Wallin’s have…

City Of Duluth Wants DNR Grant To Fight Emerald Ash Borer

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors will also vote on a resolution to continue the city’s effort to remove and replace diseased trees from Emerald Ash Borer. The resolution authorizes the city apply for a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ forest program to not exceed $150,000. The money will help reimbursement for removing more than 500 infected…

Council To Vote Monday On Procedure To Fill Medved’s At-Large Seat

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will decided how to move forward with Derek Medved’s at-large seat after he announced he’s leaving the council Feb. 14 to focus on his KornerStore business. The proposal is calling for an application process through the city’s website, which will close at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 14, which is Medved’s final council meeting. The…

All 100 Lab Monkeys Accounted For After Several Escape Crash

DANVILLE, Pa. (AP) — The last of the escaped monkeys from the crash of a truck towing a trailer load of 100 of the animals was accounted for by late Saturday, a day after the pickup collided with a dump truck on a Pennsylvania highway, authorities said. Several monkeys had escaped following Friday’s collision, Pennsylvania State Police said. But only…

Access Again An Issue At Federal Trial In Floyd’s Killing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A closed hearing in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers in George Floyd’s killing was canceled Friday after prosecutors and the media objected. It’s the second time in just days that access to the proceedings became an issue. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson scheduled the conference on the admissibility of some evidence…

EXPLAINER: Will Chauvin Testify At Trial Of 3 Other Cops?

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – As the federal trial for three former Minneapolis officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights is set to begin Monday, some wonder whether Derek Chauvin will take the stand. Many legal experts say they don’t anticipate the jury will hear from Chauvin,…

Minnesota Lawmakers Face $7.7B Surplus In 2022 Session

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature will confront a $7.7 billion surplus when it convenes Monday, Jan. 31. And that’s bound to set up clashes in this election year over whether to spend the money on unmet needs or give it back to taxpayers. The main job for lawmakers in even-numbered years traditionally is a public works…

Freezing 5k Doesn’t Stop Northland Runners From Giving Their All

It didn't even reach 1 degree yet at Spirit Mountain Saturday morning, when some tough runners warmed up for the Wild Winter Wipeout 5k.

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s what skiers would call a blue bird day, but we’re not here at Spirit Mountain right now for skiers, we’re here for a different kind of athlete who’s come out and braved the elements to do what they love. It didn’t even reach 1 degree yet at Spirit Mountain Saturday morning, when some tough runners warmed…