News

Countries Call on Drug Companies to Share Vaccine Know-How

PARIS (AP) — Across Africa and Southeast Asia, governments and aid groups, as well as the World Health Organization, are increasingly calling on pharmaceutical companies to share their coronavirus vaccine know-how and technology more broadly. They say it’s the only way to meet a huge global shortfall in a pandemic that already has claimed over 2.5 million lives. The Associated…

9 Rescued in Downtown Virginia Apartment Fire, Cause Unknown

The Northland Chapter of the Red Cross is assisting those displaced tenants with lodging and necessities.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- An investigation is underway after an apartment building in downtown Virginia went up in flames Sunday morning. All tenants inside the apartment at the time of the fire got out alive without injuries. The cause of that fire is still under investigation by the state fire marshal. “We ask anybody that has any info to come forward, that…

Local Business Helps Honor Fallen DPD K-9 Luna Through Memorial Service

"Everything that we do is of course honoring their pet and paying the utmost to them," said Bob Atkins, Owner of Fur Ever Loved Pet Cremation Services.

DULUTH, Minn.– On Saturday, the Duluth Police Department, along with the rest of the Northland said they’re final goodbye to K-9 Luna in a special way. Luna was honored in a police procession Saturday that started in Duluth and ended at Fur Ever Loved Pet Cremation Services in Scanlon where a memorial service was held for the K-9. “Everything that…

9 Residents Displaced in Downtown Virginia Apartment Fire

Courtesy: Northland FireWire VIRGINIA, Minn. – An apartment went up in flames in downtown Virginia Sunday morning. Fire officials tell FOX 21 nine residents were inside at the time of the fire.  All got out uninjured, including one of the tenants who needed to be rescued by firefighters.  Two cats were also safely rescued. The fire was reported around 10…

Over Half Of Wisconsinites Age 65 And Up Have Begun Vaccines

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – State data shows over half of Wisconsin residents age 65 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the state is on track to begin vaccinating teachers, child care workers and other eligible groups Monday. Some of the newly eligible groups include public transit workers, utility workers and food supply chain…

Growing Tension in Minneapolis As Trial Looms In Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Barbed wire and concrete barriers surround the courthouse where the former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd is due to soon go on trial. It’s a sign of the deep uneasiness hanging over the city where violence erupted after the Black man’s death and protests reverberated around the world. Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov, Tim…

2 Dead, 2 officers Struck In Police Shooting in Wadena County

NORTH GERMANY TOWNSHIP, Minn. (FOX 9) – Authorities are investigating a police shooting that left two people dead and a deputy injured in Wadena County, Minnesota. According to the sheriff’s office, at about 8:48 p.m. Saturday, deputies tried to stop a vehicle for a traffic offense near the intersection of 205th Avenue and 280th Street in North Germany Township. The vehicle eventually stopped near…

BCA: Emergency Response Team Fatally Shot Man Who Killed K-9 Luna

The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office has identified the man as David Joseph Wayne Conwell, 37, of Duluth. 

  ST. PAUL, Minn.- The man who held Duluth Police and St. Louis County Sheriff’s crews in a 20-hour standoff from Thursday night to Friday evening was fatally shot, according to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man as David Joseph Wayne Conwell, 37, of Duluth. According to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,…

K-9 Luna Honored with Police Procession After Dying in the Line Of Duty

The procession started off at grand avenue and 34th Avenue West in Duluth, led by Aaron Haller, the handler for both Luna and Hass.

DULUTH, Minn.–On Friday, Duluth Police K-9 Luna was shot and killed in the line of duty in a 20-hour standoff between police and a suspect. And now as the dust settles, Duluth citizens and the police department are honoring their fallen K-9. It was a quiet and somber feeling late Saturday morning as a funeral procession was held for the…

Johnson & Johnson’s 1-Dose Shot Cleared, Giving US 3rd COVID-19 Vaccine

One dose was 85% protective against the most severe COVID-19 illness, in a massive study that spanned three continents.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. now has a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two. Health experts have anxiously awaited a one-and-done option to help speed vaccinations. The virus has already killed more than 510,000 people in the U.S. and…

Armed Suspect who Killed K-9 Luna Dies After 20-Hour Standoff with Police

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has taken over investigation of this incident.

DULUTH, Minn.– After holding Duluth police in a standoff since Thursday night, the suspect who shot and killed police K-9 Luna is dead tonight, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Law enforcement officials were still on scene hours after the incident ended at the 2300 block of West 4th Street in Duluth, where a standoff lasted over 20…

Vaccination Help for Minority Communities

St. Louis County Public Health along with Essentia and Healthy Alliances for All reached out to the West Duluth neighborhood today and offered a vaccine clinic, specifically targeting minority communities.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health along with Essentia and Healthy Alliances for All reached out to the West Duluth neighborhood today and offered a vaccine clinic, specifically targeting minority communities. Up to 50 people were expected to attend today and management say they wanted to make sure the vaccine was available to all kinds of people. “Black…

Resident Glass Blower Comes to Northland

In order to bring awareness to new art to the Duluth community, the Lake Superior Art Glass has a new resident artist glass blower.

DULUTH, Minn. – In order to bring awareness to new art to the Duluth community, the Lake Superior Art Glass has a new resident artist glass blower. Dante Germain has been doing glass blowing for the past seven years and says being able to come to the studio and experience with his work is a great opportunity. “By being able…

Black-Owned Businesses Showcased in Community Event

DULUTH, Minn.– Over in the Hillside community today, some Black-owned businesses got a chance to showcase their products. The Northland Black Business Showcase featured over 20 shops and establishments across the Twin Ports. The event was hosted by Neighborhood Youth Services and took place at the Washington Center Gym where area Black business owners were able showcase their skills to…

Suspect Who Killed K9 Luna, Dies in Police Standoff This Afternoon

DULUTH, Minn.-The standoff that lasted about 20 hours between Duluth police and an armed suspect who killed police K9 Luna, has ended with the suspect deceased. “The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is on the scene of an officer involved shooting in Duluth. The subject of a standoff that began on Thursday at approximately 8:30 p.m., is deceased,” the Minnesota…

Major Funding Comes to Wisconsin to Help Those Hit by the Pandemic

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced a $300 million federal program that provides funding to Wisconsin residents hit hard by the pandemic pay rent and utilities.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced a $300 million federal program that provides funding to Wisconsin residents hit hard by the pandemic pay rent and utilities. So far, the Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency has helped 600 since the pandemic started. Leadership from this group says this new funding should help the community a great deal. “They’ve lost…

US Advisers Endorse Single-Shot COVID-19 Vaccine From J&J

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health advisers have endorsed a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson that’s expected to provide an easier-to-use option to fight the pandemic. The panel of Food and Drug Administration experts ruled on Friday that J&J’s vaccine protected against COVID-19 and should be made available for adults. The FDA is expected to quickly follow the recommendation…

Ordinance Changes Incorporates Waived Conversion Fee, Encourages Increase of Affordable Housing Options

The City of Duluth will now be waiving a fee that’s been in place for years. It’s part of an effort to help promote affordable housing in the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth will now be waiving a fee that’s been in place for years. It’s part of an effort to help promote affordable housing in the area. The Duluth City Council has changed an ordinance to help encourage people to invest in condemned properties and turn them into rentals. The city has been charging a $1,500…

Duluth Police K9 Luna Shot, Killed During Standoff

Standoff with suspect continues on the 2300 block of West 4th Street.

UPDATE: Our reporter on the scene says multiple officers entered the home and gunshots were fired. Police have not confirmed if the standoff is over. We’ll update you as more information becomes available. __________________________________________________________________________ 24th Avenue West between 3rd Street and 5th Street is closed to traffic until further notice. Our reporter on the scene says at 11:45 a.m. the police…

Cooper Recalls 430K Light Truck Tires Due to Sidewall Bulges

DETROIT (AP) — Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is recalling more than 430,000 light truck tires in the U.S. because they can develop sidewall bulges that could lead to tire failure. The recall covers certain Discoverer, Evolution, Courser, Deegan, Adventurer, Hercules, Back Country, Multi-Mile, Wild Country, and Big O tires in several sizes. The company says in documents posted Friday…

Minnesota Budget Swings From $1.3B Deficit to $1.6B Surplus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s budget outlook has swung from a nearly $1.3 billion deficit to a $1.6 billion surplus, state economists announced Friday, an improvement that sets up debates for the rest of the legislative session over taxes and spending. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz called for raising taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans and large companies as part of the $52 billion…

Power Outages Reported in Duluth, Hermantown, Cloquet and Surrounding Areas

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power crews are working to restore power to roughly 1,000 customers Friday afternoon. The outage was reported around 11:30 a.m. and is affecting customers throughout the Duluth, Hermantown, and Cloquet area. So far, power has been restored to customers in the west Duluth and Proctor areas. You can click here to view the current power outage…

Midday Update 2-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Northland Newborns 2-25-21

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. Calling all proud parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! Email a picture and date of birth to fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv for a chance to see your little one on the big screen. Click here for more information.  Categories: Community, News,…

Wisconsin Mall Shooting Case Staying in Juvenile Court

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The case of a 15-year-old boy charged with shooting and wounding eight people at a suburban Milwaukee mall last year will remain in juvenile court. The Milwaukee teen in a petition for juvenile delinquency faces eight felony counts of first-degree reckless injury and one misdemeanor count of possessing a firearm while under 18 in connection with the…

Morning Update 2-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at news and weather making headlines this Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Ex-Cop Appeals Murder Conviction to Minnesota Supreme Court

(Renee Jones Schneider/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former Minneapolis police officer convicted of third-degree murder in the 2017 fatal shooting of an Australian woman is asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to take his case. Mohamed Noor is seeking to have his conviction in the death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond overturned after a Court of Appeals panel upheld…

Minnesota Officer Deadly Force Working Group Gives One-Year Progress Report

They group was key in the bi-partisan passing of the Minnesota Police Accountability Act of 2020.

MINNESOTA- A working group looking at ways to reduce deadly force encounters between police and citizens in Minnesota says many of their recommendations are being implemented — but there is still work to be done. The group was organized last year by Attorney General Keith Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington, before the killing of George Floyd under the…

COVID-Adapted American Birkebeiner Skis On

The course is closed to spectators to avoid spreading Coronavirus, and skiers can participate virtually.

CABLE , Wis.- The 47th American Birkebeiner Ski Race, the largest cross-country ski race in North America and third largest in the world, began in a completely new way Wednesday. Skiers for each race started in waves over five days in Cable, Wisconsin. Participants who come from across the globe can still take part virtually if they couldn’t make it…

US Bombs Facilities In Syria Used By Iran-Backed Militia

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against facilities in eastern Syria that the Pentagon said were used by Iran-backed militia groups, in response to recent attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq. The airstrikes were announced by Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, who said the action was authorized by President Joe Biden. Kirby said the U.S. attacks destroyed multiple facilities…

Gov. Walz Lays Out Vaccine Rollout Timeline for All Minnesotans to Get First Dose by Summer

ST. PAUL, Minn.– One year ago on February 25, the first Minnesotan was officially diagnosed with COVID-19. Now fast forward to Thursday and Governor Tim Walz is putting out the framework for every Minnesotan to get the vaccine within months. “This has never been attempted in this country. To vaccinate this number of people at this rate of speed, it’s…

Bent Paddle Festiversary for 2021 Canceled

For the second year in a row, Festiversary will be canceled at Bent Paddle due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second year in a row, Festiversary will be canceled at Bent Paddle due to the pandemic. The celebration usually takes place in May around the anniversary of the brewery where they celebrate with plenty of music and of course, beer. Organizers are hopeful next year’s event will go off without a hitch. “It’s just such…

Mental Health Issues Increase During Pandemic

Some mental health service centers in the Northland have seen an uptick in clients since the pandemic began.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some mental health service centers in the Northland have seen an uptick in clients since the pandemic began. Over at North Shore Mental Health Services in Duluth, therapists say 75% of their current clientele are new and have never been to therapy in the past. One therapist we spoke to says the pandemic is a big factor,…

Busy Week for DECC

The DECC has been having its busiest week since the start of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC has been having its busiest week since the start of the pandemic. This week there is UMD Women’s Hockey, UMD Men’s Hockey, COVID-19 testing along with a performance by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. With athletics, music, and entertainment all happening, management at the DECC is happy to hear that the space is being utilized….

Boxes of Food Distributed to People in the Area

The DECC parking lot was busy with cars as boxes of food were distributed for free to people in the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth labor unions and organizations came together to distribute thousands of boxes of food at the DECC to Northland residents hit hard by the pandemic. The DECC parking lot was busy with cars as boxes of food were distributed for free to people in the area. There were two semi-trucks full of 2,400 boxes and 2,400 gallons…

AG: Ex-Olympics Gymnastics Coach Kills Himself After Felony Charges, Including Sex Trafficking

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A former U.S. Olympics gymnastics coach with ties to disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar has died by apparent suicide after being charged with two dozen crimes, including forms of human trafficking. Michigan’s attorney general announced John Geddert’s death on Thursday afternoon. It came about three hours after a news conference where Nessel announced that Geddert was…

Bayfront Ice Rink to Close for the Season Due to Warm Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. –  Due to recent warm temperatures, the Bayfront Park ice rink will close today for the remainder of the season. The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department says the Bae-Front Valentine’s skating event that had been postponed due to cold temperatures, has now been canceled due to the rink’s closure. The event was scheduled to take place…

Wisconsin Hunters Exceed Wolf Target by Nearly 100 Animals

(AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Hunters and trappers have exceeded the state’s wolf kill target by almost 100 animals. Registration data the state Department of Natural Resources released Thursday morning show hunters and trappers have killed 215 wolves, blowing past the state kill target of 119. The hunt began Monday and was supposed to run through…

Evers Announces Federal Rent, Energy Assistance Program

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new $322 million federally funded program announced Thursday by Gov. Tony Evers provides money to Wisconsin residents who need help paying for rent and utilities due to income loss caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a risk of losing their housing, have lost income due…

Snowmobile Catches Fire at Gas Station in Tower, No Injuries Reported

TOWER, Minn. – According to the Northland FireWire, multiple fire crews responded to a fire at the Vermilion Fuel and Food in downtown Tower Thursday morning. Firefighters from Tower, Breitung Township, and Greenwood Township were dispatched to the area around 10:00 a.m. after a snowmobile caught fire at the gas pumps. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire…

Midday Update 2-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

UMD’s Annual Equity, Race, & Ethnicity Summit Going Virtual March 2-4

Registration is Now Open for the Summit Taking Place March 2, 3, & 4, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland residents are encouraged to register and take part in the 2021 Equity, Race, & Equality Summit at UMD. The event has taken place on the campus since 2003, but this year will move to a virtual platform due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Participants are welcome to attend for one day, one workshop, or for one…

Female Victim Identified in Rice Lake Hit-And-Run Incident

RICE LAKE, Minn. – The female victim of Tuesday night’s hit-and-run crash in Rice Lake has been identified. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia E. Berger, 68, remains hospitalized in stable condition with serious injuries. The Sheriff’s Office says Berger sustained a life-threatening head injury when she was struck by a white SUV on Arnold Road around…

Chef Arlene Coco’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Just in Time for St. Patrick's Day, Chef Arlene Coco Shares Her Tastefully Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Coco’s Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Serving size: 8 Calories per serving: 238 Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage frozen and thawed 2 cups cooked brown rice 1 each onions diced small 2 cups soy crumbles 8 ounces mushrooms chopped small 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (optional) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup fresh parsley minced 4 cups tomato…