News Archives - Page 376 of 887

Biden to Name Judge Merrick Garland as Attorney General

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has selected Merrick Garland, a federal appeals court judge, as his attorney general, two people familiar with the selection process said Wednesday. Garland, a federal appeals court judge, was snubbed by Republicans for a seat on the Supreme Court in 2106. Biden is expected to announce Garland’s appointment on Thursday, along with other senior…

Essentia Health President Optimistic, Yet Cautious as Pandemic Continues in 2021

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Says Northlanders Must Remain Cautious as COVID Vaccinations Continue

January 6, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – While cases of COVID-19 continue to slightly decrease across Minnesota, hospitals in the Northland are still feeling the strain. Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, chatted with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Wednesday morning about vaccine distribution, the current situation inside Northland hospitals, and the outlook for 2021. “I want to thank everyone in the Northland for…

Walz Eases Restrictions on Indoor Dining, Entertainment Venues

January 6, 2021

Site Staff,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is ending his ban on indoor dining and will allow indoor entertainment venues to reopen starting Monday as coronavirus infection rates improve in Minnesota. Walz will announce the changes in a live address at 2 p.m., after which he will take questions from reporters. You can watch Walz’s speech…

Duluth Fire Department Names New Deputy Chief

January 6, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has selected a new Deputy Chief. Jon Otis, a twenty-year veteran of the fire department and now-former Deputy Fire Marshal, will serve as the new Deputy Chief of Life Safety. Otis will be filling the position last held by Marnie Grondahl who retired in May. “Jon will make a great addition to the…

Fire Deaths Increased in Minnesota Last Year

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say careless smoking was the leading cause of fatal fires in Minnesota in 2020. Fifty-three people died in fires last year, a 13% increase over 2019. Seven deaths last year were attributed to careless smoking, the fifth consecutive year it led to fatal fires, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Six victims died…

Morning Update 1-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021

January 6, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Part Stolen From Humane Society Transport Vehicle, Community Rallies in Support

According to staff, their one transport van had its catalytic converter stolen sometime over the weekend.

January 6, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Humane Society is in a bit of a jam. According to staff, their one transport van had its catalytic converter stolen sometime over the weekend. The converter’s main function is to burn out emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. The van is used to take animals to and from appointments among other things….

Will COVID-19 Vaccines Work on the New Coronavirus Variant?

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Experts believe so, but they’re working to confirm that. A coronavirus variant in the United Kingdom has caused alarm because of the possibility that it might spread more easily. But even if that turns out to be true, experts say the COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out will likely still work on the variant. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top…

Two People Fatally Stabbed in Kenosha, One Arrested

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Two people were fatally stabbed in Kenosha early Wednesday and one person is in custody, according to police. About 4:20 a.m. officers responded to the stabbing scene, located about a mile north of where protests occurred hours earlier following a prosecutor’s decision against charging a white officer who shot a Black man in the back, partially…

Warnock Makes History With Senate Win as Democrats Near Majority

The Race Between Republican David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff is Still Too Close to Call

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

ATLANTA (AP) – This morning, Democrat Raphael Warnock has won one of Georgia’s two Senate runoffs, becoming the first Black senator in his state’s history and putting the Senate majority within the party’s reach. Warnock, a pastor who spent the past 15 years leading the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached, defeated Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler. It’s a…

Gov. Evers, Health Officials Ask for Patience During Wisconsin Vaccine Distribution

Health officials said the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while.

January 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis.- The Wisconsin Governor and health leaders addressed obstacles and delays in the state’s vaccine distribution Tuesday. So far 85,609 vaccines have been administered and as of Monday 266,675 doses had been shipped to Wisconsin. According to health officials, the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while. Gov. Tony Evers emphasized that focus should not divert…

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northland Gets Big Donation to Start New Year

Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event.

January 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A local consulting firm has raised more than $11,000 to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland for this new year. Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event. The crew at RSM said they hope the extra money will help during these tougher…

Duluth Businesses Start Planning for Gov. Walz to Loosen Dining Restrictions Wednesday

Some bar and restaurant owners wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable.

January 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected Wednesday to loosen some restrictions for businesses such as restaurants, some in Duluth wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable. “Now what loosening means is still to be determined but let’s be honest, something is better than what we’re doing now,” said Jason Vincent, restaurant owner and Vice…

Visitors Enjoy Snow-Covered Hartley Nature Center

The Harley Nature Center has many different trails so visitors can go skiing, biking, hiking and more.

January 5, 2021

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After Duluth received over eight inches of snow the other week, Northlanders are out taking advantage of the conditions at the Hartley Nature Center. “Winter’s my favorite season so just always enjoyed the peaceful desolation of winter and being up here there’s so many outdoor things to do even in the winter, it’s a lot of fun,”…

The Homegrown Music Festival Will Be Virtual For 2021

"Homegrown is the anchor that keeps all these bands in the Twin Ports coming together," said Matthew Sjelin, a member of the Trash Cats Band.

January 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Coronavirus pandemic is already causing organizers of many entertainment events to make difficult decisions about their upcoming scheduling plans in the new year. It has now been announced the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is going virtual for 2021. The music festival has been a big staple in the community for more than 20 years. “Our planning…

Lake Superior Research Institute Gets Matching Donation For Floating Classroom

The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior.

January 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Generous donors are helping the Lake Superior Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin Superior, inch closer to making a floating classroom a reality. The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior. Alumni Bill and Lynne Rogers will be matching donations up to $100,000 to help…

St. Luke’s Needs Volunteers for COVID-19 Study

St. Luke’s is still in need of Northland first responders and essential workers to partake in a national study on COVID-19.

January 5, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is still in need of Northland first responders and essential workers to partake in a national study on COVID-19. The RECOVER study asks for workers to swab their noses every week to test for COVID-19 and do an occasional blood test to look for COVID antibodies. St. Luke’s along with other research sites across the…

Northland Schools Prepare for School Year

State officials from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Department of Health met recently with superintendent John Magas and the Duluth Public School’s COVID-19 response team, specifically about elementary school students and their return to the classroom.

January 5, 2021

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – State officials from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Department of Health met recently with superintendent John Magas and the Duluth Public School’s COVID-19 response team, specifically about elementary school students and their return to the classroom. “There was an encouragement that we return to in-person learning because the challenges of making sure our students are well-served…

Minnesota Lawmakers Start 2021 Session Dominated by COVID-19 Pandemic

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers will kick off their 2021 session on Tuesday, a session that will be influenced in every way by the coronavirus pandemic. The differences will be on display for Tuesday afternoon’s inauguration. Instead of House and Senate galleries packed with proud family members, the ceremony will be muted. Most lawmakers will be sworn in using…

No Charges Against Wisconsin Officer Who Shot Jacob Blake

January 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin prosecutor has declined to file criminal charges against a white police officer who shot a Black man in the back last summer. Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley said Tuesday that he had decided not to charge Officer Rusten Sheskey and other officers, saying he didn’t think he could prove Sheskey and other officers…

Grammy Awards Shift to March Due to Pandemic Conditions

January 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — The 2021 Grammy Awards will no longer take place this month in Los Angeles and will broadcast in March due to a recent surge in coronavirus cases and deaths. The Recording Academy told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the annual show would shift from its original Jan. 31 broadcast to a later date in March….

Illinois Teen Pleads Not Guilty in Kenosha Protest Slayings

January 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – An Illinois teenager who fatally shot two people and wounded a third amidst sometimes violent summer protests on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, has pleaded not guilty to charges including intentional homicide. Kyle Rittenhouse, 18, entered his plea Tuesday in a brief hearing conducted by teleconference. Prosecutors say Rittenhouse, who is white, left his home in…

Three Arrested in Tuesday Morning Central Hillside Drug Bust

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say three individuals were arrested during an early morning drug bust in the Central Hillside neighborhood. The Duluth Police Department Tactical Response Team conducted a high-risk search warrant in the 400 block of East 6th Street around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday after they received information regarding drug dealing activity and the presence of firearms at a…

Two People Charged in Central Hillside Shooting

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say two people have been charged in connection to last week’s shooting in Central Hillside that left one victim in critical condition. Alexia Cutbank, 19, has been charged with first degree premeditated attempted murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting. Seneca Steeprock, 39, has been charged with first-degree aiding and…

Midday Update 1-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

January 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

If I’ve Already Had the Coronavirus, Can I Get It Again?

January 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – If I’ve already had the coronavirus, can I get it again? It’s possible, but such cases seem to be rare. Evidence is growing that people whose bodies mounted a strong defense to the virus are unlikely to test positive again for at least several months and maybe longer. It’s not unusual to develop some immunity to a virus…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 5

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,612 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 425,261 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,461 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,738,715 tests have been completed to date. There…

Gun Dealers Still Trying to Keep up With Demand in Wisconsin

January 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gun dealers say the spike in demand for guns and ammunition driven by the coronavirus pandemic has not subsided in Wisconsin. Dealers say they are still having trouble keeping their stores stocked ten months after the first COVID-19 cases started showing up in the state. At Superior Shooters Supply in Superior, Pat…

Video Goes Viral After Family Receives ‘Best Christmas Ever’

The Best Christmas Ever Movement Began in 2010

January 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the past ten years, the Best Christmas Ever (BCE) movement has provided families who have fallen on tough times due to no fault of their own with a magical experience filled with joy and gratitude. Recently, Tony Jr. and his six children, all under the age of ten, received notice that they were nominated to receive…

Morning Update 1-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

January 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Teen Charged in Wisconsin Protest Shootings Has Plea Hearing

January 5, 2021

Kelly Tekler,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An Illinois teenager charged in the slayings of two people during street protests in Wisconsin following the police shooting of a Black man was expected to enter a plea in the case Tuesday. Kyle Rittenhouse, now 18, heads to court just as the city of Kenosha is bracing for a charging decision for the white police…

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival to be Held Virtually

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival will be going virtual for 2021. The festival made the announcement Monday on their Facebook page saying, “In response to the Center for Disease Control COVID-19 mitigation recommendations to limit large gatherings, and in the interest of public health and safety, Homegrown Music Festival made the decision that any Festival programming will…

Vikre Distillery Offers Toasty ‘Winter Wunderbar’ Outdoor Seating

The "Winter Wunderbar" consists of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches.

January 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is joining the list of local bars and restaurants with warm places to sit outside for some food and drink while indoor dining is restricted statewide. Vikre constructed their outdoor seating area: the “Winter Wunderbar,” consisting of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. Management hopes customers keep toasty while enjoying hand-crafted…

Local Videogame, Book Stores Busy as More Crave At-Home Entertainment

Games Then and Now and The Bookstore at Fitger's are experiencing boosts in sales recently.

January 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- With so many still schooling and working from home, entertainment has also had to happen at home — so local businesses offering activities like videogames and books are seeing an influx in customers. “As you can see when you guys came in it was constant people in and out of here,” said Jason Matic. co-owner of Games Then and…

KYN: Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts

Starting next week Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

January 4, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – After opening less than one month ago, Weeping Willow Heartfelt gifts has had a steady flow of customers who want something local and unique. “Especially with the holidays and everything that is going on people are really trying to go for the shop local. And just the response has been really awesome,” Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts Manager,…

Northland Public Health Officials Worry For Another COVID-19 Spike

"We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook."We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook.

January 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND – Now that the holidays are over, public health officials in the Northland are bracing for the potential for another spike in COVID-19 cases. The pandemic has already had a deep impact on the Northland. Health experts strongly advised people to avoid holiday gatherings to help keep new COVID-19 case numbers down. “Our numbers have been going in the…

Some People Enjoy Sledding At Proctor Golf Course

"It's just what the doctor ordered," said Sandra Benney, a parent with her kids visiting the sledding hill at Proctor Golf Course.

January 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Some folks were making the most of a Minnesota winter while spending time at the sledding hill on the Proctor Golf Course. One family, with sleds in tow, made a trip to the hill to find a little excitement. Sandra Benney says this is a weekly activity for her family as a way to make up for…

Local Organizations Host Virtual Opening Ceremony For Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Local community organizations kicked off the month with the annual opening ceremony to shed light on this ongoing issue. This is the first year the event had to be held virtually due to the pandemic. Traditions such as the ceremonial indigenous prayer and the dancing women in red shawls continued through…

Gov. Walz To Provide Update Wednesday About COVID-19 Restrictions

January 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz will be holding a press call on Wednesday to discuss the next steps in the state’s response to COVID-19, including an update on restrictions for indoor dining. In a media advisory Monday evening, the Governor’s Office said, “As COVID-19 numbers improve following the pause on activities around the holidays, Governor Tim Walz will hold…

Bent Paddle Introduces New Beer to Support Beargrease

Bent Paddle is partnering with a celebrated Northland event by coming up with a new beer.

January 4, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle is partnering with a celebrated Northland event by coming up with a new beer. In honor of Beargrease 2021, the taproom recently introduced the Beargrease Brown Ale. $5 of every purchase of a to-go growler or crowler goes to the sled dog race. The beer was released on Saturday, and it was a best-seller all…

Vaccination Efforts Continue at Northland Hospitals

Efforts to increase the rate of vaccinations throughout Minnesota are underway as doses continue to trickle into the state for frontline healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Currently, 5,000 shots have been given out to St. Luke’s and Essentia employees with more on the way.

January 4, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Efforts to increase the rate of vaccinations throughout Minnesota are underway as doses continue to trickle into the state for frontline healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Currently, nearly 5,000 shots have been given out to St. Luke’s and Essentia employees with more on the way. There have been 3,000 doses given to healthcare workers throughout Essentia…

Duluth Fire Crews Battle Fire at West Duluth Abandoned Apartment Building

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters responded to reports of a structure fire around 11:16 a.m. Monday morning in West Duluth. When fire crews arrived on the scene at 1927 West 3rd Street they found smoke coming from the second floor of a two-story abandoned apartment building. Crews were able to gain access to attack the fire by removing security boards…

MN Sex Offender Program Announces Third COVID Related Death at Moose Lake Facility

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Another client has died at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program in Moose Lake of COVID-19, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The client passed away on Friday, January 1. This is the third client that has died from COVID-19 among the MSOP facilities. Prior COVID-related deaths occurred on December 2 and December 9, 2020….

Federal Judge Rejects Lawsuit Seeking to Overturn Trump Loss

January 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis, (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit filed by two Republican Wisconsin lawmakers, voting rights groups, and others seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Wisconsin and four other swing states. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg rejected the lawsuit Monday. He says it “rests on a fundamental and obvious misreading of the Constitution.” The…

Prosecutor: Wisconsin Pharmacist Thought Vaccine Was Unsafe

January 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (AP) — A prosecutor says a Wisconsin pharmacist told police he tried to ruin hundreds of doses of coronavirus vaccine because he felt the shots weren’t safe. Police in Grafton, about 20 miles north of Milwaukee, arrested Advocate Aurora Health pharmacist Steven Brandenburg last week following an investigation into the 57 spoiled vials of the Moderna vaccine….

Minnesota to Ramp up Vaccinations Amid Questions of Pace

January 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota officials are aiming to ramp up vaccination efforts as the pace to administer doses to healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff move slower than expected. The Minnesota Department of Health reported on Monday that providers across the state have administered 78,402 doses of their nearly 300,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines — less…

Some Minnesota COVID-19 Restrictions Relax Monday, Sports Resume

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Some of Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed Monday. Gov. Tim Walz’s most recent executive order eased some of his coronavirus-related restrictions, allowing a limited restart for youth and adult sports and group fitness classes in January. The governor’s ban on indoor dining at bars and restaurants, however, remains in place for at least another week. Walz is expected to announce…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,148 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 423,688 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,443 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,723,166 tests have been completed to date. There…

Midday Update 1-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 4, 2021

January 4, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 4, 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

One Injured in Shooting Sunday Night in Eveleth

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

EVELETH, Minn. – Eveleth Police say they are investigating a shooting incident after receiving reports of a 21-year-old male being shot in the leg Sunday night. According to police, they received a 911 call around 7:47 p.m. Sunday that a male had been shot in the 200 block of Fayal Road. When police arrived at the scene they found a…