News Archives - Page 321 of 857

US Jobless Claims Rise to 770,000 With Layoffs Still High

March 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

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 Women Leaders in Education Host Discussion

Women leaders from colleges throughout the Northland came together today to talk about the difficulties that they face in their positions.

March 17, 2021

Jane Kim,

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%…

Family-Owned Business Expanding To Former Shopko Location In Two Harbors

March 17, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

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…

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated at Bars and Restaurants One Year after Being Shut down Due to COVID-19

March 17, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

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…

Ethics Commission: Mayor Paine’s Marriage to Councilor Could Cause Conflicts

March 17, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

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…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Getting Ready to Open Next Week

March 17, 2021

Site Staff,

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…

T-Shirt and Hoodie Fundraiser to Honor K-9 Luna

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.

March 17, 2021

Jane Kim,

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…

Small Business Development Center Day Celebrated Throughout the Nation

We checked in with the center over at UWS who has been instrumental in helping businesses during the pandemic.

March 17, 2021

Jane Kim,

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…

Tourism in Superior Rising Above the Pandemic

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.

March 17, 2021

Jane Kim,

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…

Wisconsin Judge Charged With Seven Child Pornography Counts

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

Officials: Violent Extremists Pose ‘Elevated Threat’ to US

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

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….

Minnesota to receive $81 million from 1998 tobacco lawsuit

March 17, 2021

By Jim Monk

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…

Cocktails to Go Would Be Legal in Wisconsin Under Bill

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

Sidewalk Days Among Events Set to Return to Downtown Duluth

The Greater Downtown Council is planning to put on Eat Downtown week next month, while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return.

March 17, 2021

KQDS Staff,

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…

Walz Quarantining After Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

March 17, 2021

KQDS Staff,

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…

Midday Update 3-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021

March 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

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

Atlanta-Area Shootings Leave 8 Dead, Many of Asian Descent

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

(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…

Officials: Wisconsin Man Kills 2 Co-Workers, Later Dies

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

Wisconsin Judge Arrested, Suspected of Possessing Child Porn

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

Tickets Selling Fast for Lake Superior Zoo’s Easter Egg-Stravaganza

The Easter Egg-Stravaganza is Happening Saturday, April 3 at the Lake Superior Zoo

March 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

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…

Morning Update 3-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021

March 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

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

Juror Dropped From Chauvin Trial After $27m Settlement

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

Teens Fueling Slight Increase in COVID-19 Cases in Minnesota

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

Bayfront Park to Host Summer Entertainment Again After Dark Pandemic Year

Fourth Fest, Reggae and World Music Festival and more are set to return this summer.

March 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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…

Some Duluth Bike Shops Get Busy As Spring Nears

Stewart's Bikes, Sports and Trophies is seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes

March 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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…

Locals Enjoy the Dog Days of Winter at Pine Valley Ski Area

In This Week's Great Outdoors, Local Ski Enthusiasts Share Experience, Passion as the Season Winds Down

March 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

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, Minnesota to Be ‘Hopping’ With Grasshoppers, Grapes for 46th St. Urho’s Day Saturday

Most festivities will be outdoors while events like the "Miss Helmi" cross dressing Beauty Pageant will be virtual.

March 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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…

UMD Associate Professor Continues Research on Climate Change

A professor at UMD is now part of research into climate change that's been published in an academic journal.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

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…

Goodwill to Host Job Fair

Goodwill in Duluth is hosting its first hiring event on Friday since the pandemic began as they have a big need for workers.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Goodwill in Duluth is hosting its first hiring event on Friday since the pandemic began as they have a big need for workers. There will be hiring of many entry-level positions, including sales clerks and people in the production department. Entry-level wages will be $11 to $14 depending on the position across the board. “It feels good,”…

COVID Cases Continue in Itasca County

During the past couple of weeks, Itasca County has experienced four deaths due to COVID-19, including two females in their 60s and 70s and two males in their 60s and 90s.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

ITASCA COUNTY – During the past couple of weeks, Itasca County has experienced four deaths due to COVID-19, including two females in their 60s and 70s and two males in their 60s and 90s. Health experts say these recent ones have been a surprise had been going down but now they are seeing an uptick. Currently, there are 19 per…

Cases Climb in Some Portions of St. Louis County

St. Louis County has seen overall numbers of COVID-19 case rates creeping up a bit but they are fairly low compared to where they were in October and November.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County has seen overall numbers of COVID-19 case rates creeping up a bit but they are fairly low compared to where they were in October and November. According to officials in the Northern portion of the county, some rural areas have seen triple the case rates over the last couple of weeks, including Ely….

Food Boxes Distributed to People in Proctor

Whether it's chicken, hot dogs, onions, or even butter, these boxes had it all for those who needed them the most.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Whether it’s chicken, hot dogs, onions, or even butter, these boxes had it all for those who needed them the most. The pandemic has hit many Northlanders hard who may have lost their jobs so some Northland organizations came together to help during a food giveaway at the St. Luke’s Sport and Event Center in Proctor. “It’s…

DECC Launches Search for Its Next Executive Director

March 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is formally searching for its next permanent Executive Director. According to a recent press release, a Search Committee has been established to lead the process. The Search Committee, chaired by Don Ness, Executive Director of the Ordean Foundation and former Mayor of Duluth, is made up of Board Members and community members…

Ex-Officer Wants Jury to Hear About 2019 George Floyd Arrest

March 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Lawyers for a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death are asking the judge to admit evidence of a previous arrest in which the Black man was found with drugs, a request the prosecutor derided as an attempt to “smear” Floyd’s character. Derek Chauvin’s attorney Eric Nelson says Floyd’s arrest in May 2019 and last…

Wisconsin Senate Approves Sexual Assault Kit Bills

March 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate overwhelmingly approved a pair of bipartisan bills Tuesday that would establish protocols for collecting and tracking sexual assault evidence kits. The first bill would require health professionals to notify police within 72 hours whenever a sexual assault kit has been collected and police to send kits to the state crime lab within 14 days. The…

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in Lakeside Neighborhood

March 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Lakeside neighborhood. The break was reported around noon today and is located at Otsego Street at 54th Avenue East. The city says water has been shut off on Otsego Street between Tioga Street and 54th Avenue East. It is not known how…

Vaccine Eligibility for Next Phase Moved a Week Earlier

March 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — People age 16 and up with certain preexisting conditions in Wisconsin will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine starting Monday, a week earlier than previously announced. Last week, the state said people in that eligibility group would be able to get vaccinated starting March 29. But Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday said vaccinations are proceeding quickly…

Midday Update 3-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2021

March 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, weather

Diverse Jury So Far for Ex-Cop’s Trial in Floyd’s Death

March 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The jurors seated so far for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death are a diverse group. It’s an element being closely watched in a case where race plays such a central role. Nine jurors have been seated through Monday, including five who are white, one who is multiracial, two who…

Minnesota Fires Coach Richard Pitino After 8 Seasons

March 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has fired men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino. The Gophers went 14-15 this season after losing lost 11 of their last 14 games. The university will owe Pitino a $1.7 million buyout of his contract that had three years remaining. He was hired to replace Tubby Smith at age 30, with one prior year of experience as…

Morning Update 3-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2021

March 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Mar. 16, 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

Watch: Derek Chauvin Trial Resumes Jury Selection

March 16, 2021

Site Staff,

Categories: Crime, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

State Estimates $1.4 Billion in Relief Funding for Schools

March 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction estimates the state will receive about $1.4 billion to distribute to schools from the latest federal coronavirus relief package. Precise allocations to each state are still being finalized, but DPI expects this round of funding to be double the amount in relief funds allocated in December. The federal bill allows…

Some Duluth Dog Parks Close Due to Wet Conditions

Jean Duluth and Keene Creek Dog Parks are just too wet right now.

March 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The change in seasons has closed some of Duluth’s dog parks. Jean Duluth and Keene Creek Dog Parks are just too wet right now. But the city’s other dog parks are in good enough condition to have some fun, including at Observation Park on West Third Street. “Since the field’s been drying out and someone dropped all these…

Foster’s Bar and Grill Prepping for St. Patrick’s Day Wednesday

Foster's is prepping hundreds of pounds of corned beef, cabbage, Irish potato soup, and more traditional eats.

March 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Foster’s Bar And Grill along with other Irish pubs and bars in Duluth are preparing for a St. Patrick’s Day party that’s closer to normal, after Governor Walz’s loosened restrictions kicked in today. Foster’s Bar and Grill on Arrowhead Road is prepping hundreds of pounds of corned beef, cabbage, Irish potato soup, and more traditional eats. Owners say…

U.S. Rep. Stauber Hears Iron Rangers’ Hopes to Bring Critical Minerals Mining to Region

In what he called a community conversation in Aurora, MN, the Congressman heard feedback which he plans to bring back to Washington D.C.

March 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

AURORA, Minn.- 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber stopped by the Aurora Community Center Monday for a town hall style meeting with Iron Rangers, joining them in wanting to bring critical minerals mining to the Iron Range. “It’d be nice to see a new generation of people coming to the Iron Range to take on the next generation of mining,” said…

Local Shop Combines Vintage & Modern Kitchenware

Potluck Vintage & Modern Kitchenware is Located Along Chapman Street in Ely, Minnesota

March 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

ELY, Minn. – It was back in 2019 when the Ely Shopko shut its doors. The closure caused a big blow to many of the residents, who relied on the store for everyday essentials for the home or cabin. Now residents are thrilled to have a shop down the block to frequent for everyday items. “I tried to bring in…

Gov. Walz, U.S. Senators Tout COVID Relief Funding Coming to Minnesota

Walz Extends Peacetime Emergency

March 15, 2021

Site Staff,

TWIN CITIES-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, along with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, were at the Mall of America vaccination site today to discuss the passage of the COVID relief bill and its impact on Minnesota. Nearly $5 billion will be coming to Minnesota to help state and local governments like Duluth which is getting $60 million and St….

Canal Park Brewing Stays Closed for Time Being

While businesses throughout the state are preparing to expand their services, some are choosing not to open.

March 15, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – While businesses throughout the state are preparing to expand their services, some are choosing not to open. Management at Canal Park Brewing says their business model is designed for high volume, and they say right now, they’re losing less money by being closed than by being open. With January and February traditionally being their slower months, they…

Bulldog Pizza Excited to Get More Customers

The owner of Bulldog Pizza is happy about being allowed to have more Northlanders in their restaurant after dine-in services went down dramatically during the pandemic.

March 15, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – We checked in with one local dining establishment to find out how they feel about the loosening of restrictions. The owner of Bulldog Pizza is happy about being allowed to have more Northlanders in their restaurant after dine-in services went down dramatically during the pandemic. The owner says this is an indication we are one step away…