Author: Maria Vollom

Duluth Man in Custody After Late-Night Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man is in custody following a late-night shooting incident that occurred early Thursday morning. According to a press release from the Duluth Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire just before midnight on Wednesday, September 24, in the 500 block of North 57th Avenue West. Authorities say a 36-year-old man arrived at the location…

Coffee Conversation: Boat Club Productions Presents “Tick, Tick… Boom!”

DULUTH, Minn. — Helena Goei and Jace LeGarde from Boat Club Productions joined Fox 21 live to talk about their latest musical showcase, Tick, Tick… Boom! Running from September 26 to October 5, 2025, at the Spirit of the North Theatre (3rd Floor, Fitger’s Complex), the production tells the powerful, semi-autobiographical story of Jonathan Larson — the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning…

Coffee Conversation: DoDuluth Breaks Down Upcoming Fall Festivities

DULUTH, Minn. — Autumn has arrived in the Northland, and DoDuluth is breaking down all things fall happenings. Jess Worden, the creator behind the DoDuluth website and local event calendar, joined Fox 21 live Tuesday morning to share some upcoming seasonal events. Pumpkin Patches & Fall Farms: Ru-Ridge Corn Maze – Carlton, MN Whoopsa Daisy Farm – Duluth, MN Farmer…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth’s Sophie Hiroko Gains Buzz in Music Scene

DULUTH, Minn. — Born and raised in Duluth, local musician Sophie Hiroko is making waves across the region with her unique sound she calls “tender bubble grunge.” Hiroko joined Fox 21 live Friday, Sept. 19, on the morning newscast for an interview and two live performances. Her genre-defying style reflects both her roots and a bold creative vision that’s gaining…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse Kicks Off New Season with Million Dollar Quartet

DULUTH, MN — Duluth Playhouse is launching its 2025–2026 season with the high-energy musical Million Dollar Quartet, at the NorShor Theatre. New Associate Artistic Director Charlie Sutton, a Broadway veteran, joins the creative team, bringing fresh energy to the Playhouse. Davis Wood stars as Johnny Cash. Both Sutton and Wood appeared live on FOX 21’s morning newscast to share more…

Cloquet Police Seek Help Identifying Theft Suspect

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to identify a suspect linked to a recent theft at a local business. If you have any information, you’re urged to contact police at 218-879-1247, or email tips@cloquetmn.gov. You can also remain anonymous by texting “TIP CLOQUETPD” followed by your message to 888777. Categories: Minnesota, News, News…

Coffee Conversation: Chester Bowl Fall Fest Returns This Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl Fall Fest returns this Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Chester Bowl (1801 E. Skyline Pkwy), celebrating the season and community. On Monday, Sept. 15, Programs and Operations Director Sam Luoma joined Fox 21 live to talk more about it. The event features 135+ local vendors, live music, food trucks, and…

Former UMD Turning Point Leader Reflects on Death of Charlie Kirk

DULUTH, Minn. — Political tensions on college campuses continue to rise, with students often caught between free speech and fierce backlash. The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk has reignited those debates, especially for one former UMD student who once led a chapter of Kirk’s organization. Charlie Kirk built a national movement by engaging young conservatives — including students at the…

Coffee Conversation: Ru-Ridge Corn Maze Opens for Fall Fun in Carlton

CARLTON, Minn. — The Ru-Ridge Corn Maze in Carlton, Minnesota, officially opens for the season on Friday, September 12. Spanning over eight acres, the maze offers a fun and challenging experience for both kids and adults. Ahead of opening day, owner and operator Angela Line joined FOX 21 live on the Thursday morning newscast to share what visitors can expect…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Children’s Museum Hosts 5th Annual Mini Harvest Festival

DULUTH, MN — The Duluth Children’s Museum is celebrating fall with its 5th Annual Mini Harvest Festival this Saturday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Executive Director Drew Jensen shared more about the event during a live segment this week, inviting families to come celebrate the season together. Activities include playful harvesting, pumpkin decorating, sunflower science, and a…

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior College Kicks Off 80th Anniversary Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College will launch a year-long celebration marking 80 years of education in Northeastern Minnesota with a kickoff event on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. LSC Vice President David Kline discussed the celebration live on FOX 21 Monday morning. The event will feature hands-on demonstrations from programs such as Allied Health, Aviation, Firefighting,…

Coffee Conversation: St. Luke’s 22nd Annual Circle of Light Gala

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s Foundation will host its 22nd annual Circle of Light Gala – Ribbons of Hope – on Friday, September 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the DECC. Proceeds will benefit St. Luke’s Cancer Care Fund, supporting comfort, dignity, and hope for patients facing cancer. St. Luke’s Foundation Executive Director Catherine Carter Huber joined Fox 21 live on…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Oktoberfestival Returns to Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Oktoberfestival is back September 12–14, 2025, at Bayfront Festival Park. The celebration features German bier, Bavarian food, live music, games, and activities for all ages. Put on locally by Kern and Kompany, President Ryan Kern joined Fox 21 live on Thursday, Sept. 4, to talk more about the event and its authentic base. Recently named Minnesota’s…

Coffee Conversation: Nice Girls of the North Monthly Craft Show in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Nice Girls of the North will host their monthly craft show on Saturday, September 13, at the Spirit of the Lake Community Arts Center. Group president Theresa Hornstein joined FOX 21’s morning newscast Wednesday to share details about the event. Shoppers can browse a variety of handmade items, including jewelry, cards, home décor, hand-dyed yarn, candles, clothing,…

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Harvest Festival Returns to Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. — A family-oriented event featuring a huge farmers market, live music all day, expanded Energy Fair experience, nonprofit exhibitors tent, educational demonstrations and more will take over Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, September 6, 10 am to 4 pm. Julie Allen, Director of the Lake Superior Harvest Festival, joined Fox 21 live Thursday morning to talk more about…

UPDATE: Shooting at Annunciation School: 20 victims reported; 3 dead, sources say

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Several children were injured and multiple people, including the suspect, are dead in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. UPDATE (10:55 AM): According to FOX 9, “Reuters, citing a DOJ official, is reporting three people, including the shooter, are dead and about 20 people are injured. The Associated Press is reporting a…

Coffee Conversation: Second Harvest Northland Feeds Kids on Weekends

DULUTH, Minn. — Second Harvest Northland’s Backpack Program is gearing up to provide weekend meals for students facing food insecurity. On Monday, Aug. 25, Kelsey Miller, Director of Partnerships and Programs at Second Harvest, joined Fox 21 to highlight the growing need. Volunteers pack easy-to-open, nutritious meals, which are then delivered to schools across the Northland. Teachers and school staff…

Coffee Conversation: Northern Lights Foundation Charity Softball Game

DULUTH, Minn. — The 16th annual Northern Lights Foundation Charity Softball Game, also known as the “Battle of Badges,” is taking place Thu, Aug 21, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Wade Municipal Stadium. It’s played between the Duluth Fire Department and Duluth Police Department to raise money for local families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. Christy Strohm with the…

Coffee Conversation: Fuse Fest Celebrates Connecting Young Professionals in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Fuse Duluth, the young professionals division of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating 20 years with its annual Fuse Fest networking event. Fuse Duluth Program Director Aubrey J. Hagen joined Fox 21 Wednesday morning to share more about the milestone event. This year’s gathering takes place Thursday, Aug. 21, from 5–7 p.m. at Glensheen Mansion &…

Coffee Conversation: Local Sailor Joins All-Amateur Crew in Legendary Transpac Race

DULUTH, Minn. — Local sailor Lizzie Easter joined Fox 21’s morning newscast Monday, August 18, to share her recent accomplishment: competing in the 2025 Transpacific Yacht Race, a 2,225-mile journey from Los Angeles to Honolulu. Easter, who grew up sailing in Minneapolis and now races out of Duluth, was part of an amateur crew aboard a fully restored 1981 Norseman…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musician to Perform National Anthem at Brewers Game

DULUTH, Minn. — Local musician Abrianna Schmidt joined the FOX 21 Morning Newscast Friday, August 15, to share her latest milestone. After singing the national anthem at a Minnesota Twins game last summer, Schmidt has now been invited to perform the anthem at the Milwaukee Brewers game on August 25. Schmidt first made headlines last year after winning the Country Music…

Coffee Conversation: Art in Bayfront Park Returns to Duluth This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Bayfront Festival Park will come alive with creativity this weekend as Art in Bayfront Park returns to the Duluth lakefront. Event Director Sara Collins joined Fox 21 live on the morning show Thursday, Aug. 14, to talk more about it. The free festival features more than 100 artists showcasing juried works, including jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, metalwork,…

Crash Involving Construction Equipment Sends Two to Hospital in Duluth

DULUTH, MN — A crash involving construction equipment sent two people to the hospital Thursday afternoon. According to Duluth Police, it happened around 4:48 p.m. in the 600 North Block of 6th Avenue East. The DPD says a small piece of construction equipment was crossing the avenue when it collided with a northbound vehicle. The slow-moving impact caused the vehicle…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Author Bree Bacon Tackles Burnout in New Book

DULUTH, Minn. — This morning, Minnesota author Bree Bacon joined the Fox 21 morning show to share insights from her powerful new book, Your Elite Energy: A Blueprint to Break Free from Burnout and Restore Your Vitality. Drawing from personal experience, balancing a high-pressure career, motherhood, and a battle with stage-three breast cancer—Bacon delivers a practical blueprint to help readers…

Coffee Conversation: Family Freedom Center Fundraiser, Empowered by Zenith City Radio

DULUTH, Minn. — The Family Freedom Center is set to host its fundraiser, It Takes a Village, on Wednesday, August 13th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the historic Greysolon Ballroom. This year’s event is proudly presented in partnership with Zenith City Radio. Victor Martinez, CEO of Zenith City Radio, appeared on FOX 21 Tuesday morning to share details…

Coffee Conversation: St. Joseph’s Church Neighborhood Night Out

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Joseph’s Church is gearing up for its 2nd annual Neighborhood Night Out, happening Tuesday, August 5th, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Gloria Brunette and Father John Petrich from St. Joseph’s Church joined Fox 21 live on the Monday morning newscast to share more about the event. The event will feature free food, live music, a bounce…

Maria Vollom Jumps From Plane to Explore Psychology of Skydiving

DULUTH, Minn. — From skydiving to mountain climbing, extreme sports continue to attract thrill-seekers. To understand why, Fox 21’s Maria Vollom joined them—jumping from 12,500 feet with Skydive Duluth. A local psychotherapist, Makena Easker of Arrowhead Psychological Clinic, joined Maria live on the morning show to explore the psychology behind fear and thrill. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Local Christian Band Presence Music Upcoming Performances

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of local Christian pop-worship band Presence Music stopped by to share exciting updates on their ministry and music. The band, led by owner, vocalist, and pastor Brandon Monson and his wife Leah Monson, has some major performances on the horizon. Fans can catch Presence Music live at: Recovery on the Hill – Thursday, July 31, 6:00–8:30 PM at…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musician Ross Thorn Releases New Album, Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Musician Ross Thorn joined Fox 21 live on the morning newscast Tuesday, July 29, to talk about his new album and an upcoming album release show. Thorn, a folk and country musician in Duluth, will be playing  an album release show at Bent Paddle on Wednesday, August 6th, before heading out on a national tour. He performed…

Coffee Conversation: FinnFest Returns to Duluth This Month

DULUTH, Minn. — FinnFest is making a much-anticipated return to Duluth from July 31 to August 3, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of Finnish culture, traditions, and innovation. Executive Director Ira “Mimmu” Salmela joined Fox 21 live Thursday morning to share the excitement. Held at the DECC, the four-day event will feature traditional and contemporary Finnish music, authentic cuisine,…

Coffee Conversation: Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival Kicks Off This Week

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2025 Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival is set to make a splash from July 24th to 27th, bringing four days of fun, family-friendly entertainment to the community. Joining the morning show live Wednesday morning to preview the event were committee members Nikki Swanson and Cherie Grams, along with reigning Queen Ashley Fossell. Highlights of the carnival include…

Minnesota Woman Turns Nature Passion into Kids’ Book Series

MINNESOTA — Jess DeWindt is turning her love for the outdoors into a children’s book series, Outdoor Kids, while also sharing her personal journey with infertility. The six-book collection encourages families to unplug and explore nature, inspired by Jess and her husband Kirk’s dreams of one day adventuring with children of their own. “We’ve struggled with infertility for a few…

Coffee Conversation: “Don’t Sweat It” Safe Haven Shelter Hygiene Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — On Saturday, July 19, “Don’t Sweat It”, a hygiene product drive supporting Safe Haven Shelter & Resource Center, will be held at 190 Coffee & Tea from 9 a.m. to noon. Safe Haven Community Engagement Coordinator Brittany Lind Libby joined Fox 21 on the morning Newscast Friday to talk more about the drive and its purpose. The…

IFalls Weighs Future of Ambulance Service Amid $2M Deficit

International Falls, Minn. — The future of International Falls’ ambulance service is facing big questions. At a recent special city council meeting, the entire discussion centered on the city-run service and the financial pressure it’s under. Right now, the ambulance fund is more than two million dollars in the red, and the city has been dipping into reserves just to…

Coffee Conversation: UMN’s NRRI Open House to Showcase Innovation

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is inviting the public to an open house on Friday, July 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at NRRI Duluth, located at 5013 Miller Trunk Highway (Highway 53). Jamie Alexander, NRRI’s Director of External Affairs, appeared on the Wednesday morning newscast to discuss the institute’s mission and share…

Coffee Conversation: Kay Robinson Unveils Vision as UMD’s New Student Life Leader

DULUTH, Minn. — Kay Robinson, EdD, a seasoned student affairs leader with over 23 years of experience in higher education, has been appointed vice chancellor for student life at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). On Tuesday morning, July 15, Dr. Robinson appeared live on Fox 21’s morning newscast to discuss her new role and share her vision for supporting…

Coffee Conversation: Taste Twin Ports to Take Over Bayfront Festival Park Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Taste Twin Ports, formerly known as Festival by the Lake, is set to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Bayfront Festival Park. Pez Davilla and Joe Macor, the co-hosts of the Taste Twin Ports podcast and the creative minds behind the event, joined FOX 21 live on the Friday morning newscast to share more details….

Coffee Conversation: Annual Nordlager & North Star Chapter Show in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. — Beer lovers, collectors, and nostalgia enthusiasts, mark your calendars — the Nordlager Beer Show is happening this Friday and Saturday, July 11–12, at the Northeastern Hotel. Bert Whittington and none other than Hammy the Bear joined the morning newscast on Thursday, July 10, to talk about this fan-favorite summer event: the Nordlager & North Star Chapter’s Annual…

Coffee Conversation: Festival of Sail Returns to Duluth July 10-13

DULUTH, Minn. — The Festival of Sail Duluth returns to the city this week, July 10-13, with an exciting new addition: a high dive competition. Festival organizer Craig Samborski and Owen Weymouth, national event coordinator for USA Diving, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast with more. The annual celebration brings maritime history to life with towering ships, deck tours,…

Coffee Conversation: Downtown Duluth Days Kick Off This Week

DULUTH, Minn. — Downtown Duluth is gearing up for its biggest summer celebration with the newly rebranded Downtown Duluth Days, formerly known as Sidewalk Days. Kristi Stokes, Downtown Duluth President, joined Fox 21 live on the morning newscast Monday to talk more about it. The event is taking place July 9 and 10. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee…

Coffee Conversation: Great Lakes Woodwind Quintet Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — As part of Duluth Navy Week, members of the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes Woodwind Quintet appeared live on Fox 21’s morning show Thursday. Petty Officer Third Class Cameron West and Lieutenant David Harbuziuk joined the broadcast to talk about their ensemble, Fair Winds. The group performed their rendition of the national march, “The Stars and Stripes…

Fire Destroys Home in Holyoke Township

Holyoke Township, MN — July 1, 2025 — A house fire late Tuesday night in the 1000 block of N Holyoke Drive resulted in a total loss of the home, according to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the scene around 9:50 p.m. and found the residence fully engulfed in flames. The homeowners were not present at the…

Giant Peanut on Wheels Rolls Into Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The iconic PLANTERS NUTmobile, weighing the equivalent of 3 million peanuts, is hard to miss — and it’s making a stop in the Northland as part of its nationwide tour. “Everyone’s pretty shocked to see a 26-foot-long peanut on wheels driving down the road,” said Hudson Richie, one of three “Peanutters” traveling coast to coast. Richie and…

Coffee Conversation: 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney Returns to Pinehurst July 4

Cloquet, Minn. – The 6th annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament is set to return to Pinehurst Park in Cloquet on the Fourth of July. Organizer Paul Cameron joined FOX 21’s morning newscast to share more about the event. Teams are still welcome to register, and in past years, the tournament has drawn as many as 30 teams. Those interested in competing…