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The second week of witness testimony is underway in the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who’s accused of killing George Floyd.  The doctor who pronounced Floyd as dead and Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo are to take the stand this week.  In a pre-trial motion hearing, Judge Peter Cahill issued a split-ruling allowing another part of Chauvin’s body worn camera to be shown to the jury.  Defense attorney Eric Nelson argued for all footage to be shown

Severe thunderstorms are headed for the central U.S. this week.  To start the week and going into mid week there are thunderstorms predicted for most of Minnesota, Wisconsin and  a portion of Iowa.  The National Weather Service also says late Tuesday and into Wednesday strong storms will bring heavy rains and damaging hail to parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa. Locally we will keep you posted on any weather that could turn severe.

President Biden would welcome a congressional bill canceling ten-thousand dollars in student debt. So said Press Secretary Jen Psaki during her daily White House briefing.  Some Democrats have called for a much larger government cancellation of student loan debts. 

A high threat of fire is prompting Governor Tony Evers to declare a State of Emergency.  The Department of Natural Resources says there have been over 300 wildfires in the state this year.  Warm temperatures, low humidity and dry conditions are a dangerous combination and have put Wisconsin in a very high fire danger range.  Officials are asking people to avoid outdoor burning of any kind including campfires. 

The number of COVID-19 cases confirmed statewide now tops 580-thousand.   Wisconsin health officials reported 307 cases over the last 24 hours.  One additional death raises that toll to 66-hundred-and-40. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM WI DHS.

The Wausau Chamber of Commerce announces the closure of the Wausau Center Mall.  The closure is effective immediately.  The mall is scheduled to be demolished in May.  A development plan includes over 400 residential units, retail and office space. 

The family of animals at Henry Vilas Zoo is expanding with the birth of three otter pups.  The pups were born in February and until they learn to swim, zoo officials say they will be raised by their mother.  The baby otters will stay out of public sight until later in the spring.  The zoo is targeting late May to introduce the pups to the public. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE ZOO.

A new regional COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire’s Zorn Arena is scheduled to open on Thursday, April 8th. The vaccine clinic at Zorn Arena will provide at least 3,500 and up to 7,000 vaccine doses each week with a maximum daily capacity of 1,400 people. As a reminder, starting today anyone 16 years or older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL VACCINATION INFO AND APPOINTMENTS.

The 2021 Wisconsin Spring Primary Election is tomorrow. To find your polling place, visit my-vote-w-i-dot-gov WITH AN EASY CLICK HERE. There you can search for your ballot to find information about local elections and how to vote in person.

Eau Claire is a great place for trail-riders, or walkers, or hikers. The city is home to the second longest trail system in Wisconsin. That’s nearly 30 miles of trails around the city alone. It seems like a nice afternoon to get outside. The National Weather Service says highs could reach the low 80s in Western Wisconsin, but it could rain a bit later tonight.