News

Attorneys Sift Strong Opinions, Anxiety Among Chauvin Jurors

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jury selection opens its second day Wednesday in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death last May. Derek Chauvin faces second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. Several potential jurors were dismissed Tuesday, including some who said they wouldn’t be able to set aside their strong views about…

Animal Allies Humane Society Hosting Two Free Microchip Clinics in March

The Clinics Are Taking Place Monday, Mar. 15, and Wednesday, Mar. 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies wants all Northland pet owners to be aware of two upcoming free microchip clinics. They’re happening Monday, Mar. 15, and Wednesday, Mar. 17 at the shelter location along Airport Road in Duluth. The microchips will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. “We have enough supply where it will be completely free for I believe…

Wisconsin Protest Shootings Trial Delayed at Least 7 Months

(Antioch Police Department via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The trial for an 18-year-old from Illinois accused of killing two people and wounding a third during a protest against police brutality in Wisconsin has been pushed back by seven months and could be delayed even longer. Kyle Rittenhouse’s trial was scheduled to begin March 29, but both sides told a…

Animal Allies: Gus Gets Adopted, Precious Patiently Waits to Find Forever Home

The Two Pups Received the Funds for Life-Saving Heart Surgery Thanks to Generous Donors in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth is celebrating quite the success story months in the making. It was back in January when the shelter made the call for the community to help them save two precious pups. Now both have brighter days ahead thanks to a lot of love and compassion. “She will jump to get your…

Morning Update 3-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

House Set to Vote on Virus Relief, Biden on Cusp of Triumph

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is poised to approve a landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. That puts President Joe Biden on the cusp of a triumph that advances Democratic priorities yet also showcases the unity his party will need for future victories. House passage seems certain, probably coming Wednesday. The bill aims to fulfill Democrats’ campaign promises to beat the…

Colon Cancer Survivor Hopes Lighting Enger Tower Blue Encourages Early Screenings

Anna Dahlgren was screened earlier than the recommended age, catching the disease in her early 30s.

DULUTH, Minn.-Enger Tower in Duluth was lit up blue Tuesday in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an initiative led by the city, and Colorectal Cancer survivor Anna Dahlgren. Dahlgren was screened earlier than the recommended age, catching the disease in her early 30s. Doctors say if she had waited until the typical screening age of 45 — it…

Tree Clearing for Bats, Soil Processing Last Steps Before Mission Creek Restoration Work in August

Crews start tree clearing Wednesday, and expect soil processing to finish by the end of July.

DULUTH, Minn.- Reconstruction work is finally set to begin this summer on the Mission Creek burial site in Duluth’s Fond Du Lac neighborhood, three years after MnDOT crews accidentally tore it up working to replace the Highway 23 Bridge there. Before they can get started, they have to finish some prep work which includes a plan to keep the area’s…

Hunters Park Residents Enjoying Final Days of ‘Snowhenge’ Fort

"By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone," Boucher says. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is beginning to take shape. “Unless we get a lot of snow I don’t anticipate rebuilding it again this year,” Hunters Park Resident, Norman Boucher says. This spells bad news for the hunters park neighborhood creation “Snowhenge.” “By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone,” Boucher says. During a winter…

A Criminology Expert Weighs In On Chauvin Trial Jury Selection

It's expected to take several weeks to decide a final jury as the process includes checking backgrounds.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the proceedings continue in the George Floyd case, we caught up with a local jury selection expert who helped explain more about the process. UMD Adjunct Criminology Professor Fred Friedman says it’s all about finding out what biases people have, which are determined by attorneys asking a variety of questions. The hope is to have an…

WITC- Superior Hosts Drive-Thru Recruiting Event

Potential students who stopped by the drive-thru event also received a free application voucher to help them start their educational path at WITC.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – WITC hosted a drive-thru event on Tuesday making it possible for potential students to learn more about continuing their educational journey while also keeping everyone safe. This is the first on-campus recruiting event WITC has held in the last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. People interested in attending WITC pulled up in their cars to the…

Superior City Council Approves To Pay Off $2.5 Million Debt From Kestrel Aircraft Deal

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is no longer carrying the burden of more than $2 million in debt caused by the Kestrel Aircraft Company project deal. The Superior City Council recently approved to pay off the debt a year early. In 2012, the company had plans to build a manufacturing plant for its aircrafts, which would have brought…

House GOP Asks for Loosening of Restrictions in Minnesota

On the heels of Governor Walz announcement today, Minnesota GOP leadership held their own news conference asking for the loosening of restrictions at a variety of businesses and for events like wedding receptions.

MINNESOTA – On the heels of Governor Walz announcement today, Minnesota GOP leadership held their own news conference asking for the loosening of restrictions at a variety of businesses and for events like wedding receptions. They argue Minnesota has tighter restrictions than other states around it like Wisconsin, which impacts business. “It’s time to announce the next phase of reopening…

Caregivers Can Now Get Vaccinated

Caregivers of people with complex medical needs are now able to get the COVID vaccine in St. Louis County

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Caregivers of people with complex medical needs are now able to get the COVID vaccine in St. Louis County. Complex medical needs mean that the person has one or more medical issues that require a higher level of direct care than is typical for someone of the same age. For instance, a caregiver could be a…

More Minnesotans Included in Vaccine Eligibility

Beginning Wednesday, more than 1.8 million Minnesotans will be eligible for the vaccine. Governor Walz says this shift comes after vaccinating 70% of the elderly population three weeks ahead of schedule.

MINNESOTA – Beginning Wednesday, more than 1.8 million Minnesotans will be eligible for the vaccine. Governor Walz says this shift comes after vaccinating 70% of the elderly population three weeks ahead of schedule. Now the vaccination process is opening up to those with specific underlying health conditions like sickle cell disease and down syndrome, food processing plant workers, and Minnesotans…

WH: States Get 900K More Vaccine Doses This Week

WASHINGTON — The U.S. is making an additional 900,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available to states and pharmacy partners this week. White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced that states and territories will receive 15.8 million doses of the two-shot vaccines, up from 15.2 million last week. Another 2.7 million doses will be distributed through the federal pharmacy…

When to Expect Payments, Other Benefits From Relief Package

(AP) – As the latest federal pandemic relief package makes its way to President Joe Biden’s desk, Americans may be wondering when the benefits will reach them. The $1.9 trillion known as the “American Rescue Plan” is massive, both in size and scope. It includes direct payments to most Americans, aid to small businesses, financial help for schools, and much…

Watch: Derek Chauvin Trial Jury Selection

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Jury selection in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd, will resume Tuesday after it was delayed a day while the court waits for more direction from the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Peter Cahill was ready to start jury selection on Monday, but state prosecutors filed a request with…

Midday Update 3-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Morning Update 3-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

More Minnesotans Eligible for Coronavirus Vaccine

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz says Minnesota is expanding eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine after reaching its goal of inoculating at least 70% of people 65 and older. The state will expand eligibility to the next two phases of Minnesotans at once. Walz said Tuesday the next two priority groups include people with underlying health conditions and those at…

Spirit Mountain Task Force Comes Out with Findings on Financial Stability

The 250-page report included recommendations to Spirit and to the City.

DULUTH, Minn.- After nine months of work, the Spirit Mountain Task Force has released its findings involving the ski resort’s financial stability. The task force appointed by Mayor Larson found that for every one dollar in tourism tax Spirit Mountain produced an $18 economic impact return to the city. The 250-page report included eight business improvement strategies. The task force…

BLM Protesters March Through Streets of Duluth on First Day of Derek Chauvin Trial

Then the group started marching through downtown, over the I-35 bridge, through Canal Park -- stopping traffic along the way.

DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens of protesters marched throughout the City of Duluth Monday, even stopping traffic, to express their views and demands of justice for George Floyd. The main organizer, Veronica “Vee” Davis, was not able to speak in person at the march. But she released the following statement to FOX21:  “We were marching tonight in honor of George Floyd. We…

KYN: Frame Up

The owners of the shop are thankful for these artists allowing them to stay busy in these difficult times.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local frame up shop in Grand Rapids has been thriving during the pandemic with owner Eric Mann taking it over nearly three years ago. “The majority of our work is custom framing. So people bring in their own artwork and pick out mats, pick out frames and make it look good,” Frame Up Owner, Eric Mann…

Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project Creates Concern for Indigenous Community

Enrbidge Reports All of the Workers on the Line 3 Replacement Project Have Gone Through Extensive Human Trafficking Awareness Training

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – After six years of work to acquire the proper permitting, ground broke on the highly controversial Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project in Dec. of 2020. Of the total 1,100 miles, a stretch roughly 340 miles long will run through Minnesota. Enbridge has conducted many hours of training with more than 5,000 workers on the project, but…

Some Iron Range Schools See A Drop In Enrollment

Many remain hesitant about sending their kids back to in-person instruction during the pandemic.

AURORA, Minn. – Multiple Iron Range public school districts are still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are reporting a decline in enrollment because of the ongoing health crisis. It’s not uncommon for some Northland school districts to see a slight drop in student enrollment from year to year, but the coronavirus pandemic is causing an even greater decline…

Duluth YMCA Give Thanks To Local AmeriCorps Members

Currently, there are about 100 AmeriCorps members stationed in the Duluth area that work in many different fields, including helping in local schools.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Family YMCA is giving a special thank you to AmeriCorps members that have dedicated their time helping make a difference in the Duluth community. This week is National AmeriCorps week. Local chapter members and their families will get a chance to enjoy free entry to the YMCA all week. Currently, there are about 100…

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Receives Grants from MnDOT

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive two grants totaling $7.4 million from MnDOT to help improve and repair port infrastructure.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive two grants totaling $7.4 million from MnDOT to help improve and repair port infrastructure. $5 million will go to help repair 1,200 feet of dock wall at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth while another $2.4 million will be used to create a 112,000-square foot warehouse that will feature…

International Women’s Day Gives Reason to Celebrate Women in Business

Today is International Women's Day and people throughout the country are celebrating the importance of women-led organizations.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is International Women’s Day and people throughout the country are celebrating the importance of women-led organizations. Reimagined by T. Underwood is a women-led business in Duluth, which sells things like paint, DIY projects and plants. The business is also run as a creative co-op, which means they sell products from other shops, which are mainly owned…

Dylan Fest Returns To Duluth For The 11th Year

The festivities will mainly be virtual with some in-person events hosted at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth Dylan Fest is coming back this year despite the pandemic. This year will be the 11th year the event has been held and will commemorate Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday. The festivities will mainly be virtual with some in-person events hosted at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior. This year, there will also be a songwriter contest…

Duluth Students Near Full In-Person Learning

Other grades will be transitioned in next following week as part of the hybrid learning model. 

DULUTH, Minn. –  6th, 9th, and 12th graders were in attendance today at Duluth area schools on Monday. Other grades will be transitioned in next following week as part of the hybrid learning model. During the week, the freshman are getting tours and used to their surroundings while the seniors received help with classes they may have been struggling with…

VFW Celebrates New Location in Light of Anniversary of Fire

It was one year ago when the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1720 burned down in Grand Rapids. The loss of the VFW building hit area veterans hard. However, the brand new VFW Post is now complete.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – It was one year ago when the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1720 burned down in Grand Rapids. The loss of the VFW building hit area veterans hard. However, the brand new VFW Post is now complete. After the fire happened, crews were able to enter the building and save important items, but much was lost…

2 Million More Wisconsin Residents to Be Vaccine Eligible

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – About 2 million more Wisconsin residents, including those with certain pre-existing conditions, will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine in the next round to be announced later this week. Wisconsin Deputy Health Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said Monday the new eligibility group will likely be unveiled on Thursday. The last expansion, which included teachers and…

Watch: Derek Chauvin Trial Live Stream, Updates

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The judge overseeing the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer accused in the death of George Floyd has paused jury selection while an appeal proceeds over the possible reinstatement of a third-degree murder charge. Judge Peter Cahill agreed Monday that he does not have jurisdiction to rule on whether the third-degree murder charge should be reinstated…

2021 Duluth Dylan Fest to Feature New Songwriting Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – To commemorate Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday this yea,r Duluth Dylan Fest has partnered with Song From the North Country to add a twist to the annual songwriter contest. “We are excited about the new twist on the songwriter contest this year,” said committee member Mark Poirier. “The pandemic has inspired our committee to think creatively and provide…

Midday Update 3-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Mar. 8, 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

Fully Vaccinated People Can Gather Without Masks, CDC Says

NEW YORK (AP) — Fully vaccinated Americans can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing. That’s according to long-awaited guidance from federal health officials. The recommendations were announced Monday. They also say that vaccinated people can come together in the same way with people considered at low-risk for severe diseases, such as in the…

Shamrock Shake Season Sparks Donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities

The Shamrock Shake Fundraiser Runs Through Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening now through Wednesday, Mar. 17, you’re encouraged to treat yourself to a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake to help those in need. The annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser donates 25 cents per sale of each shake to help Ronald McDonald House Charities across the Midwest. Since 2014, more than $600,000 has been raised, which goes directly back into multiple…

New Idea to Spread Internet Access in Rural Wisconsin Areas: Drones

EAGLE RIVER, Wis. (AP) — Students in the northern Wisconsin school district without reliable home internet will soon be able to connect to their school networks via a drone-powered cellular signal. The project comes from a Wisconsin startup via a state-funded pilot program in the Eagle River area. Wisconsin Public Radio reports the goal is to test the use of drones as…

Morning Update 3-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Mar. 8, 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, weather

Derek Chauvin Trial Begins in Death of George Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill has ruled jury selection in the Derek Chauvin trial for the death of George Floyd can move forward Monday morning despite the unresolved issue of a third-degree murder charge in the case. Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, told the court he intends to file a petition for the Minnesota Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals opinion…

Jury Selection Is 1st Battleground at Trial in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The fate of a former Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into George Floyd’s neck as the man said he couldn’t breathe will be decided by 12 residents of Hennepin County who will be picked after extensive grilling about their views. Jury selection begins Monday in the trial of Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree…

Tickets Selling Fast for Thomas the Tank Engine’s Return to Duluth in August

Organizers say Preseason Thomas ticket sales are running about 300% ahead of 2020 and 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- The second year of the pandemic is not keeping Thomas the Tank Engine down; he’s making a trip back up to Duluth this summer. Thomas and his green friend Percy will be back at the North Shore Scenic Railroad the first two weekends of August. This year the event is almost entirely outside this year with social distancing…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Welcomed Boost for Duluth Breweries During Pandemic Winter

Staff at Ursa Minor and Blacklist Brewing say the warm weather is bringing many customers to sit outside, and inside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Small breweries across Duluth say the unseasonably warm temperatures — pushing 50 degrees in some places Sunday — has brought their businesses closer to normal than they’ve ever felt in the past year. “It has been nice to do things back to, quote-unquote, ‘normal,’” said Niki McArthur, Bartender and Pizza Oven Tender at Ursa Minor Brewing. It looked…

Construction Prompting Continued Backlash for Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project

Ground Broke for the Final, Minnesota Portion of the Project in December of 2020

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – A project six years in the making has officially broken ground. It was back on Oct. 24, 2014, when Enbridge Energy filed its notice plan with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to begin moving forward on a massive 2.9 billion dollar replacement project of its Line 3 pipeline responsible for transporting crude oil. Ground broke on…

Cohasset City Leaders Look to Expand Industrial Park

Cohasset city officials announced they've received over $4 million in funding

COHASSET, Minn. – The city of Cohasset will soon be building a brand new manufacturing facility with the hope of attracting new businesses. Last week Cohasset city officials announced they’ve received over $4 million in funding courtesy of a multi-million dollar grant from the economic development administration and other funds from the city of Cohasset economic development. “We’ve known we…