News

Lieutenant: Kneeling on Floyd’s Neck ‘Totally Unnecessary’

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The head of the Minneapolis Police Department’s homicide division has testified that kneeling on the neck of someone who is handcuffed and lying on his stomach is top-tier, deadly force, and “totally unnecessary.” Lt. Richard Zimmerman testified Friday at the trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with killing George Floyd last year. His testimony…

Authorities Investigating Death in Sawyer County

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – Authorities in Sawyer County are investigating a death after deputies responded to a residence in the Town of Sand Lake on reports of a deceased female early Friday morning. When deputies arrived at the residence around 12:26 a.m. Friday they discovered a 42-year-old female dead from apparent gunshot wounds. A death investigation is now underway by…

Wisconsin Agency Suspends Burn Permits Amid Dry Conditions

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is suspending burning permits in its jurisdictions in 43 counties and mobilizing firefighters as the state heads into an unseasonably warm and dry weekend. The agency regulates burning in 43 of the state’s 72 counties. Department Fire Suppression Specialist Catherine Koele announced Friday that the agency has suspended burning permits…

Car Rams 2 Officers at Capitol Barricade; One Officer Killed, Driver Shot Dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man rammed a car into two Capitol Police officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday afternoon before being shot to death by authorities when he got out of the vehicle while holding what appeared to be a knife, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. Both Capitol Police officers were taken to…

US Capitol on Lockdown After Someone Rammed a Vehicle Into Two Capitol Police Officers

(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — A car rammed a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday afternoon, injuring two Capitol Police officers and leading to the driver being shot, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. At least one officer was in serious condition, while the driver was in critical condition. Capitol Police say the crash happened…

Midday Update 4-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, April 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, April 2, 2021. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson, weather

MDH: Minnesotans Can Leave Long-Term Care Facilities for Easter, Other Celebrations

(FOX 9) – Minnesota long-term care facility residents can now leave their facilities for less than 24 hours without having to quarantine when they return, giving many Minnesotans the opportunity to visit family and friends ahead of the Easter holiday weekend. The Department of Health announced the updated guidance Thursday, allowing for one-day outings for holidays such as Easter, Passover, and other…

Fully Vaccinated Can Travel Again, Says New CDC Guidance

NEW YORK (AP) — Add travel to the activities vaccinated Americans can enjoy again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance Friday to say fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without getting a COVID-19 test or going into quarantine. The agency previously cautioned against unnecessary travel even for vaccinated people. The agency says vaccinated people…

Essentia Health Expands Vaccine Eligibility in Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Friday that it is expanding its vaccine efforts to increase accessibility following Gov. Evers’ announcement that anyone aged 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine starting Monday. Essentia says they are now vaccinating people 16 and older in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Appointments can be scheduled through Essentia’s online portal…

Morning Update 4-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, April 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, April 2, 2021. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

US Employers Add 916,000 Jobs in March as Hiring Accelerates

WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers unleashed a burst of hiring in March, adding 916,000 jobs in a sign that a sustained recovery from the pandemic recession is taking hold as vaccinations accelerate, stimulus checks flow through the economy and businesses increasingly reopen. The March increase — the most since August — was nearly double February’s gain of 468,000, the Labor…

Vaccination Clinic Takes Place for BIPOC Community at Domiano Center

DULUTH, Minn.– Everyone 16 and older in Minnesota can now get vaccinated, and today St. Louis County Public Health officials were in downtown Duluth vaccinating the BIPOC community. County public health officials administered 80 doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the Damiano Center. It’s part of an effort to give more vaccines to black, indigenous and other people of color…

Volunteers, City Crews Clean Up Homeless Encampment

DULUTH, Minn.– A massive cleanup effort is underway in Duluth from what’s left of a homeless camp there. “We need a solution, we don’t have the housing right now, the numbers are higher than ever and I could foresee people just coming back to this spot,” said Chum Outreach Coordinator Deb Holman. Last October, groups of people experiencing homelessness in…

Frozen Four Gear Now Available at UMD Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn.– Frozen Four gear has arrived in Duluth so you can properly cheer on the UMD Bulldogs Men’s Hockey team as they head to Pittsburgh next week. Shirts, sweatshirts, pucks, and sticks with the frozen four teams including the bulldogs are now at the UMD bookstore. Staff worked a month in advance to get designs and product ready for…

Sen. Klobuchar Touts Biden’s Infrastructure Plan at Duluth Port

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth’s maritime infrastructure is part of President Biden’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure package involving roads, bridges and more across the country. Thursday, Senator Amy Klobuchar joined Mayor Emily Larson at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority to talk about the president’s plan, which features $17 billion for inland water ways and ports around the country. “This is the first time…

Douglas County Leaders Read Proclamation Denouncing Sexual Violence and Assault

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse held a virtual press event to kick of sexual assault awareness month. According to the organization, more than 1,000 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect were reported to Douglas County last year. Superior Mayor Jim Paine and Douglas County Board Chair Mark Liebaert read a proclamation denouncing sexual violence and…

Duluth Children’s Museum Has Pop-Up Play Place

The Duluth Children's Museum has opened a pop-up play space in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Children’s Museum has opened a pop-up play space in downtown Duluth. Right now, they are using an empty storefront on the 300 block of East Superior Street, which serves as a mini-museum, including an indoor playground and fossil exploration. This all coming as the new children’s museum in Lincoln Park is expected to open in…

Itasca County Residents Reflect on Gratitude One Year Since Pandemic Began

41 Percent of Itasca County's Population Has Started Vaccination Efforts

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – In Itasca County, the COVID-19 case rate per 10,000 people continues to increase steadily, however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. 41 percent of the county’s population has begun their vaccination efforts. Over 45,000 residents live in the county, and health officials report nearly 10,000 have completed both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine….

Temporary Vaccine Clinic Held at Black Bear Casino

The next round of vaccines will take place in 28 days at the same venue in the casino.

CARLTON, Minn. — “The first word that comes to mind is excitement,” Public Health Nurse, Casey Johnson says. It was a joint effort to make the Moderna vaccine available for Carlton County residents. For the first time the vaccine was available to Fond Du Lac community members in a public setting. “It’s definitely part of our plan and our mitigation…

New Restaurant to Open in Superior

"It's a blessing," said Zudi Maksutoski, the owner of Dolce Vita. "You know, I kind of grew up in the kitchen from a little baby and then now to actually get to do this to open up my first place and then now I get to actually bring out my whole potential and try it out and everything will be made from scratch."

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new restaurant is set to open in a few days in Superior on the 5800 block of Tower Avenue. Dolce Vita is a new restaurant with a flair for European cuisine. Owners say it’ll be all about steaks and pasta, and will showcase local wines and beers. They say they’re grateful for the opportunity to open…

Job Numbers Improve in the Northland

The unemployment rate fell in the Northland from 6 to 5.5% in February.

NORTHLAND – The unemployment rate fell in the Northland from 6 to 5.5% in February. The labor force also added almost 2,000 workers, which is a 1.2% increase. Duluth has regained about half of the jobs that were lost due to the pandemic, according to experts from workforce development. The largest number of jobs lost because of COVID were in…

Army Corps To Lead Park Point Beach Cleanup Involving Metal Debris

Erosion has been taking place on Duluth’s Park Point Beach for years, but a group effort is now underway to help restore the beach, which includes picking up sharp metal debris from a recent dredging project.

DULUTH, Minn. – Erosion has been taking place on Duluth’s Park Point Beach for years, but a group effort is now underway to help restore the beach, which includes picking up sharp metal debris from a recent dredging project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a survey to pinpoint the location and depth of a large amount of…

Over 113k Minnesotans Still Need to Renew Driver’s License, ID After COVID-19 Extension Ends

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Thousands of Minnesotans still need to renew their driver’s licenses or identification cards after the COVID-19 extension for expired identification ended on March 31, according to the state’s Department of Public Safety. About 113,814 Minnesotans now have invalid driver’s licenses, instruction permits, or ID cards, DPS said Thursday. The legislation had extended the expiration…

Minnesota Tops 2,000 Daily Cases for First Time in Months

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota exceeded more than 2,000 daily cases of the coronavirus on Thursday for the first time in months as cases in recent weeks continue to trend upward. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 2,140 new cases and 12 more people have died due to the coronavirus, putting the state’s totals at 521,667 cases and 6,860 deaths since…

Duluth Chamber of Commerce Accepting Applications for Chamber President Position

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce says they are now taking applications for the position of Chamber President. After 24 years in the position, current President and CEO Ravid Ross announced last January his plans to step down effective August 4, 2021, his 65th birthday. In a notice distributed to Chamber members, Ross stated, “I have been…

Midday Update 4-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Virtual Fundraiser Planned to Help Support Two Harbors Area Food Shelf

Music to Feed the Soul is Happening Virtually Saturday, April 3 from 4 - 6 p.m.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – On Saturday, April 3, you’re invited to tune into a virtual YouTube live stream concert to help support the Two Harbors Area Food Shelf. The ‘Music to Feed the Soul’ fundraiser was unable to take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is now back, and bigger than ever before in 2021. The event…

Child Among 4 Dead in Shooting at California Office Building

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The latest U.S. mass shooting has happened at a Southern California office building where four people were killed, including a child, and a woman was critically wounded. The gunman was also wounded and hospitalized. Police did not disclose a motive for Wednesday’s shooting in the city of Orange southeast Los Angeles. When officers arrived, shots were…

Chef Coco Tosses Together Cajun Cauliflower Rice with Vegetables

Cooking Connection: Cajun Cauliflower Rice with Veggies

…a note from Chef Coco – Reminiscent of a Cajun Fried Rice I used to eat in New Orleans years ago, this rice is versatile and lasts up to a week in the fridge when cooked. Grapeseed oil can be substituted for olive oil. I used a mix of fresh green peppers and canned roasted red peppers. Frozen Cauliflower rice…

Morning Update 4-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Body of 1 of 2 Missing Canoers Recovered From Lake Winnebago

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) — The body of one of the two canoers presumed drowned in Lake Winnebago has been recovered, according to Fond du Lac County sheriff’s officials. Sonar devices used by the sheriff and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources search teams produced an image late Wednesday afternoon that sent divers into the water to investigate. They recovered…

Get Your Skateboard Ready for Spring

DULUTH, Minn.-As spring has arrived, one local skateboard shop is seeing an uptick in business. Whether it’s kids or people in their 40s, Damage Boardshop ownership say they are seeing more new customers, for a sport that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. “It’s pretty easy. You really don’t need to maintain a skateboard that much as long as you…

DFD Saw Record Number of Calls, Increase in Structure Fires in 2020

DULUTH, Minn.– 2020 was a year filled with change for fire and emergency responders across the country due to the pandemic, including right here in the Northland. Those at the Duluth Fire Department have been working through the circumstances to try and keep Duluthians safe. The Duluth Fire Department released its incident report for 2020, where fire and EMS responders…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum to Reopen Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.– Business is back at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum after being closed for a few months while the depot acted as a vaccination site. The museum will officially open back up Thursday. Crews have been using the down time to give the museum a new look with some renovations, including an expanded gift shop. Museum staff are ready…

Hartley Nature Center Preparing for Spring

The center has begun planning eleven-week summer camps starting in mid-June.

DULUTH, Minn. — Northlanders are looking forward to the warmer temperatures on the horizon. Now, more and more people have begun to get outside. At Hartley Nature Center, although the building is closed their trails are still open to the public. The center has begun planning eleven week summer camps starting in mid-June. Community members have been eager to feel…

Lester Park Elementary Students Give Back

Lester Park Elementary has raised over 20 tons of food since they began participating in the food drive 14 years ago.

DULUTH, Minn. — As part of Minnesota FoodShare Month, Lester Park Elementary students made a major donation to the Union Gospel Mission Church. In total, the school raised over one and a half tons of food and over $2,000 in support of FoodShare Month. Organizers say that although fifth graders were helping load the bins of food, it’s never too…

Hardware Stores Busy for Spring

Local hardware stores are busy as people come in to buy springtime items they need for their houses and their yards.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local hardware stores are busy as people come in to buy springtime items they need for their houses and their yards. At Marshall Hardware, management there says people are buying things to clean up their yards, like rakes and garbage bags. People are also getting seeds as well for their gardens. For tips to take care of…

Businesses Experiencing Little Impact by Can of Worms

While the construction is creating some detours, businesses we talked to say they are not seeing much impact at this point.

DULUTH, Minn. – As traffic detours begin, businesses in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District are being impacted by major construction on the Twin Ports Interchange, also known as the “Can of Worms” project. Girders are now set on the 27th Avenue West bridge and work is starting on some of the bridges connected with the Blatnik for a project that…

Greater Downtown Council Conducts Survey

The Greater Downtown Council is teaming up with the City of Duluth to survey business leaders to learn more about how the workforce is returning to the office.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Downtown Council is teaming up with the City of Duluth to survey business leaders to learn more about how the workforce is returning to the office. Some have already seen employees coming back and the Greater Duluth Council wants to see what it looks like for the summer months to gauge their future plans. According…

Pfizer Vaccine Safe for Kids 12 to 15

Pfizer recently came out with a study saying its COVID-19 vaccine is safe for kids 12 to 15.

DULUTH, Minn. – Pfizer recently came out with a study saying its COVID-19 vaccine is safe for kids 12 to 15. In the study of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers, data showed that the vaccine was highly effective when participants were given the full adult dose. Health officials say it’s exciting news as this is another milestone that research has…

Otters Celebrate Eighth Birthdays at Aquarium

DULUTH, Minn.-The otters Agate and Ore celebrated their eighth birthdays today at the Great Lakes Aquarium. The duo celebrated by getting a tower filled with treats including shrimp and smelt. Staff are happy this year’s events worked out a lot better than last year’s, as the otter’s birthday party was one of the first big events they had to cancel…

Minnesota Supreme Court Rejects Appeal in Snowmobile Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed the conviction in the case of a snowmobiler sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for crashing into an 8-year-old boy on Chisago Lake and killing him. Eric Coleman, of Chisago City, was sentenced in February 2019 for the January 2018 death of second-grader Alan Geisenkoetter Jr. The boy’s…

Minnesota Hospitalizations Due to Virus Exceed 400

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota cases and hospitalizations driven by coronavirus variants in recent weeks continue to steadily climb, even as officials make progress on the state’s vaccination efforts. Just over 400 patients are hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19 as of Tuesday, including 102 in intensive care — the most since late January, according to the state’s dashboard. While hospitalizations…

Gov. Walz, Great Lakes Governors Call on President Biden to Support Critical Water Infrastructure

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Walz joined three other Great Lakes governors on Wednesday calling on President Joe Biden to prioritize federal investments in long-neglected water infrastructure. In a letter to the Biden Administration, lauded the American Rescue Plan Act’s $360 billion in direct aid to state and local governments and the inclusion of water and sewer infrastructure as acceptable…

International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Hopeful for Success this Spring, Summer

The U.S., Canadian Border Remains Closed to Non-Essential Travel as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – With summer just around the corner, many small communities in the region are anticipating a boost in tourism as the weather starts to warm. Tricia Heibel is President of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and is hopeful the spring and summer seasons will be beneficial this year for local businesses. Heibel says overall, she’s…