Author: KQDS Staff

Dan Hanger

ANCHOR / REPORTER / PRODUCER

Dan joined FOX 21 Local News as a reporter in October 2010 before being promoted to main anchor in August 2011 for the station’s evening newscasts.  He has more than 20 years of experience in television, radio and online journalism. Dan arrived in Duluth in 2006 as a multi-media journalist for KBJR-TV before being promoted to morning anchor.  Before that,…

Wasabi Sushi Closing Downtown Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Wasabi Sushi will be closing its Downtown Duluth location on January 1. It is located in the historic 1889 City Hall building on Superior Street. Owners plan to focus on their Superior location which was newly rebuilt in May. A fire took down the building in January of 2023. The Oliver Inn is seeking a new tenant…

FOX 21 Volunteers During ‘Broadcasters Week Of Kindness’

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Broadcasters Association has declared this week as “Broadcasters Week of Kindness.” The goal is for local journalists to get out into their communities and volunteer. Earlier this week, FOX 21 Reporter Emily Halling visited Wired Whisker Cat Cafe in Duluth. And on Thursday, FOX 21’s Maria Vollom, Rusty Mehlberg and Dan Hanger headed out to…

Emily Halling

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

  Emily joined the FOX 21 news team in March 2024. As a Duluth native with a strong connection to the Twin Ports, she’s excited to further engage with the community as a reporter. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Spring 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in writing studies (Go Bulldogs!). It was during her college years…

Power up the Plaza Returns to Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The plaza located next the to Minnesota Power building hosts a weekly community friendly event. Power up the Plaza returns to Downtown Duluth this summer. Downtown employees can grab some free coffee from Duluth Coffee Company and listen to some tunes from local musicians. The hour long event is a way for Duluthians to utilize space, while…

Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — A one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit has opened at the DECC featuring Mattel’s most iconic female figure. You guessed it. We’re talking about the famous Barbie. The iconic toy has taken over Paulucci Hall displaying 65 years of history and cultural impact of Barbie. You can check out vintage dolls, life-sized fashion designs, barbie boxes, and you can even…

UMD Political Professor Discusses Gov. Walz As Harris’ V.P. Pick

MINNESOTA — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was selected to Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris’ Vice President pick on Tuesday. In light of Gov. Walz becoming Harris’ running-mate, the political spotlight turned to Minnesota as many outside the Midwest look into Walz’s record. Since taking office in 2019, Gov. Walz has voted to protect reproductive freedom for woman and gender-affirming care for…

Man Airlifted from Tettegouche Sunday Afternoon

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. — A 70-year-old man was airlifted from Tettegouche State Park after falling down the steps at the High Falls. This happened Sunday afternoon, around 12:25 p.m. Park Rangers, Lake County Ambulance and Lake County Rescue arrived to the scene around 1 p.m. The man was bleeding from his head. A nurse on scene reported that the patient…

4th Annual Agate Festival Returns to Support Duluth MakerSpace

DULUTH, Minn. — Ursa Minor Brewing was the place to find agates this weekend for the 4th Annual Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival. Duluth MakerSpace and Ursa Minor partnered, to host this year’s festival. People enjoyed food, beer, raffle drawings, and live music; all while shopping fort agate-based artwork created by vendors. All the artworks were made from agates found around the Lake…

Lake Superior Zoo Introduces Sand Cats

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo has two of the cutest new critters! Their names are Tony and Pumpkin and they are male Sand Cats. Sand Cats are native to the Sahara Desert in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of central Asia. They make burrows in the sand where they shelter during extreme temperatures. They eat small rodents…

Community Action Annual Training Conference Takes Place at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Community Action’s Annual Training Conference kicked off Tuesday at the DECC. “It’s my honor and pleasure to welcome and thank you Minnesota Community Action Partnership for hosting your 60th anniversary here in Duluth. The theme ‘Our Legacy, Our Future’ feels particularly fitting,” said Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert. “To work with people to address causes and conditions…

Bass Pro Shops Opening in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Bass Pro Shops is opening a new outpost retail location in Hermantown. This will be the company’s 5th store in Minnesota. Bass Pro Shops will take over the former Camping World building on the 4200 block of Haines Road. The new store will combine retail with entertainment, outdoor education and conservation. Military veterans and front-line workers like…

Rescue Divas EMS Camp For Girls Happening This Week

ASHLAND, Wis. — It was a ruff and rescue day at Northland College on Monday. The Rescue Divas group started nearly a decade ago. It brings middle school girls together to learn important life skills. The weeklong program consists of everything from CPR training to K-9 aided search and rescue. Those involved with it think it’s a dog-gone good time….

Duluth Encampment Told To Vacate After Explosion, Overdose, Defecating In Fountain

DULUTH, Minn. — A three-month-old encampment outside Duluth City Hall was declared a serious health and safety risk Tuesday morning. The city’s Life Safety Team informed those camping on the property to vacate within seven days. The camping tents first popped up in May as a pro-Palestine demonstration and have since grown to include people who are homeless. The city…

Art Fair Features Women-Made Crafts

DULUTH, Minn. — Local artists gathered at the Peace United Church of Christ for the 15th annual Woman-Made art and gift fair organized by Wendy Up North. Over 20 local women artists had booths at the fair. Customers had an opportunity to purchase items like Stained glass art, jewelry, pottery, baked goods, and more. Customers could also connect with the…

Falastin Temporarily Closes Due to Graffiti Threats Found on Property

DULUTH, Minn. — A local Palestinian market and deli closed its doors temporarily on Friday after threatening graffiti was found on the property. The Duluth Police Department says it was a “derogatory anti-Palestinian” message occurring at Falastin on the 4700 block of East Superior Street. Authorities say it appeared to have occurred sometime between 3 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m….

CASDA Hosts 12th Annual Socks for Survivors Golf Scramble

SUPERIOR, Wis. — CASDA held their 12th annual Socks for Survivors Golf Scramble Thursday. The tournament was held at Nemadji Golf course in Superior. This is one of their two main fundraising events each year. In addition to the tournament, they had live music, a raffle, door prizes, and a Sock Contest. The sock contest had several prizes for different…

One Dead After Early Morning Fire in Duluth Apartment

DULUTH, Minn. — One person is dead after an early morning fire that happened in Duluth. The Duluth Fire Department says the call came in just before 2:30 a.m. Thursday on the 600 block of 47th Avenue East. Fire crews located an active fire inside a unit on the first floor of a three-story, seven-unit apartment complex. Authorities say the…

Essentia Health Introduces New Surgical Robots

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health held an event for the community to meet their new surgical robots. Four different robots were on display. Each of them provides a minimally invasive surgery that reduces both the time under anesthesia and recovery time. Surgeons were on hand to ask questions. People could touch and play with the robots to learn how they…

Stuff the Bus Offers a Busload of Support for Students

DULUTH, Minn. — Students are getting a busload of support from local businesses and the public through the annual Stuff the Bus project. The goal is to gather school supplies to ease the financial burden on families. Each year, they’re able to hand out hundreds of backpacks filled with supplies to students in need throughout the Northland. This year, one…

4-H Hosts First Ever Puppet Camp at the Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Depot is hosting some puppet-masters in the making this week. 4-H Duluth, in collaboration with the Depot is holding its first ever puppet camp. It’s a week-long program that aims to teach 3rd through 6th graders the art of the puppet. From choosing the story to designing the characters, these students are in control of…

Pedestrian Dead, Another Injured After Being Struck By Vehicle Near Coleraine

COLERAINE, Minn. – One person is dead and another is critically injured after being struck by a vehicle early Monday morning. The incident happened around 1:15 a.m. on Highway 169 near Coleraine in Itasca County. According to the report, a Chevy Monte Carlo was heading southbound when it struck two pedestrians walking in the southbound lane. Dakota Kimberly Jones, 14,…

Hermantown Fire Department Launches New Program

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown Fire Department has launched its new community connect program. This program is about supply first responders with vital information to better meet the needs of the community when they are called upon. Hermantown residents and businesses can voluntarily input any information that they think will aid responders. Users can outline their health or mobility issues,…

Widespread Global Tech Outage Disrupts Flights, Banks, and Hospitals

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport posting on their Facebook page Friday that “system outages” are affecting flights there. They let customers know to check the status of their flights before arriving to the airport and to call their airline directly for assistance. FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A global technology outage caused by a faulty software update grounded flights, knocked banks…

1M Gallons of Ash Wastewater Leaked at Boswell Energy Center

COHASSET, Minn. — One million gallons of ash wastewater has accidentally gotten loose at Minnesota Power’s Boswell Energy Center in Cohasset. Minnesota Power said, the leak occurred from a pipeline that transfer wastewater from an inactive coal combustion residual pond to the plant for water processing. The wastewater has flowed over land and into Blackwater Lake. Minnesota Power does not…

Duluth Used Less Lethal Force Armed Burglar Caught in Act

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police used less lethal options against an armed burglar who they say wouldn’t peacefully surrender after getting caught in the act. This happened around 3:10 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in an apartment complex on E 2nd St. The 47-year-old male suspect was eventually arrested. Authorities say he was armed with a box cutter. No officers were injured….

Man Arrested After Downtown Duluth Stabbing

Update (2 p.m.): Duluth police have arrested a 30-year-old Duluth man after an early morning stabbing downtown Tuesday. The man is being held on pending charges of first-degree assault after police say the man stabbed the victim in the neck at 214 E. Superior Street, which is the Gichi-Ode’ Akiing Park. The stabbing was reported around 3:45 a.m. The victim,…

MnDOT Crews to Repaint Route Arrows in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Lane closures and delays are expected along the crosswalks and intersections of Hwy 169 in Grand Rapids. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be refreshing turn arrows and crosswalks for easier viewability throughout the next week. Motorists are asked to use extra caution when traveling through work zones, seek alternate routes, and avoid left turns at…

Man Dead After ATV Crash Monday Morning

HIBBING, Minn. – A man is dead after crashing an ATV in Hibbing early Monday morning. According to the police report, around 5:30 in the morning on Monday the Hibbing Police Department responded to the 3700 block of 7th Ave. W. for the report of a 38-year-old man laying in the road with an ATV near him. Authorities say that…

Civic Center Farmers Market Filled With Local Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. — The 6th annual Civic Center Farmers Market is back in Duluth with local vendors. Eggs, meat, and homemade baked goods were among items there on Thursday. Plants, flowers, soaps, crafts, live music and food trucks, too. Superior Currents is an art business that features driftwood earrings and necklaces made with beach glass. The art is heavily inspired…

Hibbing Man Arrested in Connection of Trafficking Drugs in Iron Range

HIBBING, Minn. – A Hibbing man has been arrested in connection to trafficking drugs on the Iron Range. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force (LSVOTF) investigated Phillip Davis, 53, of Hibbing, after receiving information that he was having individuals deliver methamphetamine and fentanyl. Authorities found out this information through electronic monitoring. …

Road Work Ahead for Hwy 37 & County Road 5 Safety Improve

HIBBING, Minn. – Expect detours from Hwy 37, just east of Hibbing, as construction crews work on improving both intersections with County Road 5. The intersection improvement project is expected to start July 15. Between the two intersections, crews will work on pavement resurfacing as well as setting up new lighting. Hwy 37 will remain open. However, County Road 5…

19-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed Near Nashwauk

LONE PINE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A pedestrian was killed after being struck walking in the traffic lane near Nashwauk. According to the report, a 2005 GMC Yukon was heading southbound on US Hwy 169 when it struck a pedestrian walking in the traffic lane. The incident happen right after 11 p.m., Wednesday night. The 19-year-old pedestrian was pronounced dead on…