News – Latest News

A New App Is Providing Easy Access To Help For Police Officers Dealing With Stress

DULUTH, Minn. – Working in law enforcement can be stressful for officers in the line of duty. Hoping to combat potential mental health concerns, the Duluth Police Department is testing out a new app called Peer Connect to help provide additional support for officers dealing with stressful situations. “Everybody in this organization, because of the type of work we do,…

UWS Hosts Virtal Panel with Local Leaders Discussing Breonna Taylor’s Death

In a virtual panel, Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander and Duluth Human Rights Officer Carl Crawford discussed the case and how the Superior Police Department works hard to de-escalate situations and reduce the chance for deadly force.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior’s Legal Studies and Criminal Justice Program hosted a dialogue with community leaders discussing the killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor was killed when police executed a ‘no-knock’ warrant to which her boyfriend said he did not know it was the police and fired a warning shot. Louisville Police then fired 32 rounds into Taylor’s…

WATCH LIVE: Trump, Biden Heading Into Final Debate

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — It’s debate night for President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. They will square off in Nashville in their final face-to-face confrontation before the election. It’s one of the last high-profile opportunities for the trailing president to change the trajectory of an increasingly contentious campaign. Some Trump advisers are urging him to trade his aggressive…

Snowboards and Skiers Out Hiking Chester Bowl

Accumulations of several inches were enough for winter lovers to hike up the hill at the park and show off their skills coming back down.

DULUTH, Minn. – Down by the shore of Lake Superior warmer air prevented snow from accumulating, but just a mile up the hill, it was a much different, and snowy scene on Thursday. Snowboarders, skiers, and families were taking advantage of the early fall snow wonderland up at Chester Bowl. Accumulations of several inches were enough for winter lovers to…

A Large Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled By Duluth Police & Other Law Enforcement Agencies

Nearly 50 people are now being charged after a year-long investigation focused in Duluth, Rochester, and on the Iron Range brought down this drug operation.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department and a string of other law enforcement agencies including the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Taskforce have shut down a significant drug trafficking ring that extended throughout Greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Duluth police say this is the largest drug bust in history for the region. Nearly 50 people are now being…

Management at St. Regis Apartments Asks Tenants to Leave Due to Heat Problems

An apartment building in downtown Duluth will be shutting down because of its broken heating system and tonight, we are learning management gave residents only a little over a week's notice before telling them to leave the apartment building.

DULUTH, Minn. – An apartment building in downtown Duluth will be shutting down because of its broken heating system, and tonight, we are learning management gave residents only a little over a week’s notice before telling them to leave the apartment building. The order from management at St. Regis Apartments in downtown Duluth is for its ten families to leave…

2021 Duluth Boat Show Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel, & RV Show scheduled for February 2021 has been canceled. The announcement was made on the Duluth Boat Show’s Facebook page Wednesday afternoon. The show was set to take place February 18-21, 2021 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, but has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. “The safety of our attendees,…

Walz Activates Minnesota National Guard Following Developments in Floyd Case

(Courtesy: Twitter/MN National Guard) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – On Thursday Gov. Tim Walz announced he has activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist local law enforcement in public safety efforts in the Twin Cities area following today’s court rulings in the George Floyd case. “In light of developments in the George Floyd case, we’ve taken the precautionary step of asking the…

Trucker Who Drove Through George Floyd Protesters Is Charged

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A truck driver who drove into a large crowd of protesters on a bridge in Minneapolis following the killing of George Floyd was charged Thursday with two criminal counts. Hennepin County prosecutors charged Bogdan Vechirko, of Otsego, with making threats of violence, a felony, and criminal vehicular operation, a gross misdemeanor, the Star Tribune reported. Prosecutors allege that he…

Eveleth Shooting Suspect Charged With Felony Assault

EVELETH, Minn. – A Duluth man arrested for shooting at one individual and assaulting another in an Eveleth Subway parking lot earlier this week has been formally charged. Authorities say 29-year-old Jamar Maurice Smith has been charged with felony second-degree assault, felony domestic assault, felon in possession of ammunition or a firearm, and fifth-degree possession of methamphetamine. According to the…

Midday Update 10-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, October 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 128,152 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 20 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,301 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,587,268 tests have been completed to date. There are 113,976 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,226 patients have required hospitalization…

MISO Desserts and Catering Showcase Handcrafted Sweet Treats

Cooking Connection: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Debuting a new business during a global pandemic is no easy task, but Cindy and Jonathan Katzmark were ready for the challenge. The duo has worked in the culinary industry for many years, and finally decided to branch off and begin an adventure of their own. The team works out of the kitchen space located inside the…

Liberal Legal Group Formed Ahead of Election in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new legal group has been created just days before the election by Wisconsin attorneys who have represented Democrats and others opposed to Republicans on issues ranging from redistricting to the lame-duck legislative session. Law Forward said Thursday that its focus will be defending Wisconsin’s “progressive traditions” and fighting voter suppression in the election. The group…

Northland Newborns 10-22-20

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essential Health, Local…

Morning Update 10-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Judge Dismisses 3rd-Degree Murder Charge Against Derek Chauvin, Other Charges Remain

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Hennepin County judge has dismissed the third-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin but denied the defense’s motions to dismiss the other charges against him. Chauvin remains charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Judge Peter A. Cahill issued several critical rulings Thursday….

Gop-Led Senate Panel Advances Barrett Despite Dems’ Boycott

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate. Republicans powered past a Democratic boycott of the session Thursday to keep confirmation of President Donald Trump’s pick on track before Election Day. Democratic senators refused to show up in protest of the GOP’s rush to install Trump’s nominee to…

Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth Helps Bentleyville Crews Deck the Halls

The Rotary Club members' job: putting up the "5th Avenue Tunnel" lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow’s not the only thing getting Duluth in the winter spirit –setup is continuing at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, and they are continuing to receive help from the community. About 15 volunteers from the Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth came ready to deck the halls at Bayfront Park. Normally they help out with other parts of the…

Early Snow Creating Buzz for Snowmobiling

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.– This early snowfall can be a headache for some but it’s also creating some excitement for snowmobilers looking to get out on the trails. Moose Lake Implement and Sport says they’ve been seeing a lot more buzz for this year’s snowmobile season. The shop has been putting their winter vehicles out on the floor in preparation for…

St. Luke’s New 3D Mammogram Machine Makes More Detailed Breast Cancer Scans Accessible in Superior

The first 3D system in Superior allowing patients to get more detailed scans without traveling as far as Hibbing or Mountain Iron.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new machine unveiled at St. Luke’s Mariner Medical Center in Superior will now provide more detailed 3D mammograms, which are known to detect cancer earlier. The new Hologic 3D Mammography system captures 15 different images for each scan and divides them into one milometer layers so doctors can scan the breast tissue for abnormalities — detecting cancers…

Ministry Group Raises Money for Hurricane Relief Down South

Jesus is Life Ministries will be in the Hobby Lobby parking lot until Sunday raising money to bring supplies to Florida and Alabama.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth church is once again collecting donations to give aid and supplies to those impacted by the hurricanes that have decimated the Southern United States. Every year Jesus is Life Ministries raises money in parking lots of various stores on Miller Hill. They will be in the Hobby Lobby parking lot until Sunday when they go to…

Duluth Police Advise Slow, Cautious Driving Ahead of More Snow

Police also remind drivers to leave room behind other to provide enough distance to brake in slippery conditions.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland prepares for another blast of snow officials with the Duluth Police Department want to remind people that driving is going to have to change with the road conditions. They say that when there’s snow, drive slow. Many road accidents can be avoided just by doing that, they say, especially with Duluth’s hilly terrain. Police also…

COVID Deaths Tie Record Daily High in Minnesota

The commissioner of the Department of Health calls the number of 35 deaths tragic, but it's not unexpected with the state seeing a continued surge of cases.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting 35 more COVID-19 deaths in the state which matches the previous statewide daily high. The commissioner of the Department of Health calls the number of 35 deaths tragic, but it’s not unexpected with the state seeing a continued surge of cases. Just last Friday, Minnesota hit a record high…

Carlton County Preps for Another Round of Early Snow

CARLTON, Minn.– Crews were out all over the Northland clearing out roads for one of the earliest snowfalls in recent years. Those in Carlton County say they are ready to take on the snow in October. After the first snowfall earlier this week, crews in Carlton County are prepping for the next round of upcoming snow. The county has a…

Churches Collaborate To Offer Safe Halloween Alternative

DULUTH, Minn. – Trick or treating this Halloween, may not be the safest activity as the pandemic continues to cause health concerns. Several places of worship in the Twin Ports, including Coppertop Church and First Lutheran Church in Duluth, are partnering to provide a safer alternative for Halloween. Each church will host its own drive-thru event at the same time…

Flu Shots Available At Essentia Health Vaccination Clinic At Miller Hill

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is now offering a flu shot clinic at the Miller Hill Mall, to help accommodate the need for more people to be vaccinated. Patient volumes for Essentia Health’s walk-in vaccination clinic at the mall have been a little slower than anticipated so far. Health officials are expecting a surge to start soon. The pandemic poses…

US Officials Call Out Iran, Russia For Election Interference

BOSTON (AP) — Iran is responsible for emails meant to intimidate American voters and sow unrest in multiple states, U.S. officials said Wednesday night in calling out both Tehran and Russia for activities meant to interfere in the upcoming presidential election. The announcement at a rare news conference just two weeks before the election underscored the concern within the U.S….

New Solar Garden in Superior

Superior is getting a new solar garden aimed at providing energy to more than 100 homes.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is getting a new solar garden aimed at providing energy to more than 100 homes. Earlier this month, the Public Service Commission approved the Superior Water, Light and Power plans for the site on Hammond Ave. near Heritage Park, which will be funded by the organization’s customers. “Not everybody owns a home or has the roof…

Local School Hosts Theatre Production

After sending a plan to the administration and getting permission from the school board, students at Duluth East are putting on a show that is both physically distanced and timely with Halloween closely approaching. 

DULUTH, Minn. – After sending a plan to the administration and getting permission from the school board, students at Duluth East are putting on a show that is both physically distanced and timely with Halloween closely approaching. The play is called “The Drowning Girls,” which is a ghost story filled with bathtubs and a murderous husband. Performers won’t be wearing…

Rotary International Celebrates World Polio Day

A celebration was held in Duluth today for the rotary club for all the progress made in the fight against polio.

DULUTH, Minn. – A celebration was held in Duluth today for the rotary club for all the progress made in the fight against polio. For the past 32 years, Rotary International has raised $2.1 billion to help fund research and provide polio vaccinations. Rotary members tell us they are proud to be a part of such an important cause. “It’s…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s K9 Diesel Passes Away

St. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – According to a Tuesday Facebook post by the Northland K9 Foundation, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a second K-9 Officer within a week. K-9 Diesel passed away Tuesday morning after being off duty for several months due to a degenerative spinal issue. The post said Diesel had almost reached…

Wisconsin Records Record-High Virus Deaths With 48

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin recorded its highest one-day total of new COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday and the first patient was admitted to a field hospital near Milwaukee that opened last week to help hospitals coping with the influx of patients. The surge that began in early September showed no signs of slowing with 48 new deaths reported Wednesday and…

Bars, Restaurants Can Host Sports Leagues Under New Guidance

(FOX 9) – Bars and restaurants in Minnesota are allowed to host leagues for sports like darts, pool, or beanbags amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new guidance released Wednesday. The Minnesota Department of Health updated its guidance for bars and restaurants amid the COVID-19 pandemic to allow bars and restaurants to host leagues under certain conditions. Under the new guidelines, bars and restaurants must…

Minnesota Traffic Fatality Numbers Up This Year State-Wide

According to the department of public safety, more than 90 of those fatalities are a result of speed-related incidents which they say are up by more than 50 percent from this time last year.

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Traffic fatalities are up this year in Minnesota which is why those who work in public safety got together in Rochester on Tuesday to remind drivers that getting behind the wheel and making bad choices can be life-changing for the worse. So far in 2020, 314 people have died compared to 288 at this time last year….

Wisconsin Gov. Evers Discusses CARES Act Funding in COVID Update

As of October 9, the state has spent $476 million and committed an additional $479 million for COVID related relief.

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers provided an update on Wisconsin’s fight against the COVID pandemic on Tuesday during a press conference in Madison. Gov. Evers discussed where the federal CARES Act funding has gone which was spread out between public health and emergency response initiatives, plus economic relief for residents, communities, and businesses. As of October 9, the state…

Great Outdoors: Into the Wild Artography Gallery Opening in Aurora

Aaron Jordahl started taking pictures around 10 years ago and got so good that people started requesting portraits and prints.

AURORA, Minn. – Minnesota’s natural beauty is no secret and photographer Aaron Jordahl is using that beauty to open his own art gallery called Into the Wild Artography in downtown Aurora. “Everybody dreams about being an artist when they grow up I’m trying to make that dream a reality,” says Jordahl. Jordahl and his camera can be found most often…

Francis Becomes 1st Pope to Endorse Same-Sex Civil Unions

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to endorse same-sex civil unions. The comments drew cheers from gay Catholics and demands for clarification from conservatives, given the Vatican’s official teaching on the issue. The remarks came in the documentary “Francesco,” which premiered at the Rome Film Festival. In the documentary, the pope says: “Homosexual people have the…

In Tennessee, Final Presidential Debate Puts Surging Virus in Spotlight

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — When President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden arrive in Nashville for their final debate, they’ll be greeted by a city with rising coronavirus case counts. Tennessee is also embroiled in a debate about mask-wearing. Thursday’s in-person presidential debate is at Belmont University, which also hosted the 2008 debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, October 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 126,591 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 35 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,281 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,560,520 tests have been completed to date. There are 113,158 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,147 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 10-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Salvation Army: 20 Who Went to Minnesota Event Test Positive

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Salvation Army says 20 of its staff members from Minnesota and North Dakota tested positive for the coronavirus after 62 people attended a recent conference in northern Minnesota. “Despite adherence to the health guidance, we fully acknowledge that COVID-19 is formidable and highly contagious,” Salvation Army spokesman Dan Furry said in a statement Tuesday, the Star Tribune…

Us Officials: Oxycontin Maker to Plead to 3 Criminal Charges

(AP Photo/Douglas Healey, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department officials told The Associated Press that Purdue Pharma, the company that makes OxyContin, will plead guilty to three federal criminal charges as part of a settlement of more than $8 billion. OxyContin is the powerful prescription painkiller that experts say helped touch off an opioid epidemic. The officials say Purdue will…

A Place for Fido Expanding in Duluth’s Fitger’s Complex

Jamie Parent, Co-Owner of A Place for Fido, is Aiming to Open the New, Bigger Location by Mid-November

DULUTH, Minn. – Expanding a business is no easy task, but for the owners of one local pet supply store, this year has been full of first-time adventures. The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t putting a pause on expansion plans at A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s complex. “One thing that’s super exciting is we’re going to have a lake view,”…

Morning Update 10-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

More Than 75,000 People Voted in-Person in Wisconsin

(Angela Major/The Janesville Gazette via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 75,000 people cast their ballots in-person on Tuesday, the first day that was available in battleground Wisconsin, the state elections commission reported. Mail-in absentee voting has been available since September and more than 1 million people have already returned their ballots that way. Taken together with the 75,518 who voted…

Parts of Minnesota Get Record Snow for This Early in October

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A record-setting October snowstorm dumped heavy snow in Minnesota and parts of northern Wisconsin and the eastern Dakotas, causing slippery driving conditions. It was the heaviest snow this early in October for many Minnesota locations and some in northwestern Wisconsin. The National Weather Service said Lakeville and some other southern Twin Cities…

Pumpkin Patch in Superior Raising Money for Church Community Outreach

Faith United Methodist Church is selling pumpkins in the Hardee's parking lot off Belknap. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A pumpkin patch outside a local church in Superior is raising money for community outreach. Faith United Methodist Church is selling pumpkins in the Hardee’s parking lot off Belknap. They’ve sold about 600 of the roughly 1,000 they’ve been selling since the beginning of October. “We got a lot of carving pumpkins, we got a lot of different…