Features

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…

Northern Star: Martin Sleen

Sleen and Hermantown will host Proctor this upcoming Friday at 7 PM.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Martin Sleen had his fair share of touchdowns in 2024. That trend continued in Week 1 when the junior running back found the end zone three times in Hermantown’s 52 to 7 win over Duluth Denfeld. “When I’m on the field and I’m gone for a big touchdown, I don’t really have much going through my head. It’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,…

Social Media and Kids

Duluth, Minn- Apps such as Tik Tok, Instagram, and X (formally known as Twitter) are examples of social media platforms we easily get lost in.  It’s easy to get distracted while doom scrolling for a couple of hours. Adults can tell the difference between skits and Artificial Intelligence, but young children may lack that skill.  Child psychology specialist, Lauren Browender says,…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Brinn Gordon A.K.A Octavia Forté

DULUTH, MINN- Superior resident Brinn Gordon is a multi-talented individual. During the day, they’re a bank teller. By night,  they’re a DJ, rapper, and a drag performer. As a child, their family would either sing in choir or play instruments.  They would watch music videos on the Black Entertainment Television and Music Television channels, that’s when they knew there was…

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…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Small Town Sindrome

 DULUTH, MINN- Brian Gandy, John Hakala, and Adam Mahoney are three close friends from Grand Rapids Minnesota. Their passions for music started as young as seven, they have memories to rocking out to the band Kiss with their families and picking up guitars while coming to the realizations they found their callings. They started off playing songs on Brian’s back…

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…

Northern Minnesota produced film releases poster

Small Town Girl Poster DULUTH, Min. & CHISHOLM, Min. –  A movie produced in large part in Northern Minnesota now has an official new poster. “Small Town Girl” director Bill Cooper announced the poster in an e-mail blast to film followers. He also announced composer Brian Bryson will officially be the music supervisor for the post-production of the film. The…

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,…

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…

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…

Minnesota teen the youngest ever to medal at World Aquatics Championship

DULUTH, Minn. – An 18-year-old from Minnesota medaled in the High Dive at 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Just three weeks prior you might have seen Maya Kelly jumping into Duluth Harbor in the Superior High Dive Challenge. Fast forward she won a bronze medal. Making her the youngest ever to make the podium for the High Dive World Aquatics…

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…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Harbor Monsters

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Harbor Monsters Arena Football Team is preparing for one last showdown at home this weekend on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Head Coach Tony O’Neil,  Quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson and Defensive Back “Sosa” Maxwell joined Maria Vollom to talk about their upcoming home finale. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Features, Professional Sports, Sports

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…

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…

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…

Coffee Conversation: Zenith City Radio Gears Up for Annual Business Gal

DULUTH, Minn. — Zenith City Radio is set to host its Annual Business Gala this Sunday, June 29, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Clyde Iron Works Event Center. The free, public event celebrates local businesses and honors community leaders. Creative Director and CEO Victor Martinez, along with President Solomon Witherspoon, joined FOX 21’s morning newscast on Tuesday to…

Coffee Conversation: Midweek Mindfulness Launches Free Meditation Series in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Generations Health Care Initiatives and Mindfulness Works are inviting community members to Midweek Mindfulness—a free guided meditation series on Wednesday’s at Gichi-ode’ Akiing Park in Duluth. Local yoga and meditation instructor Katrina Pierson, along with Jessie Peterson from Generations Health Care, appeared on Fox 21’s Monday morning newscast to discuss the importance of mindfulness and share details…

Coffee Conversation: A Runner’s Journey of Hope Through Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. — Tomorrow morning, thousands of runners will gather at the starting line for Grandma’s Marathon. Among them is Tony Loyd—a familiar face at the race—returning to the course with a new lung cancer diagnosis and a renewed perspective. On Friday morning, Tony was on the Fox 21 morning newscast to share his story of hope, resilience, and the…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author’s New Novel Inspired by APD

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday morning’s Fox 21 newscast, local author Erika Lynn Adams joined the show to introduce her new young adult novel, Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the book follows Allie, a young girl with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), as she navigates a world that often misunderstands her. The story is semi-autobiographical, drawing…

Coffee Conversation: Make Music Day Returns to Superior with New Energy

Superior, WI – Get ready to turn up the volume! Make Music Day returns to Superior this weekend on June 21, bringing a fresh wave of local energy and global spirit. This year’s celebration is led by new event director Traxx Nelson-Kavajecz, who aims to make the event louder and livelier than ever. Traxx and his sister, rokkyn, are members…

Coffee Conversation: The Chicken Hat Plays Return for 2025

DULUTH, MN — The 2025 Chicken Hat Plays are officially back, bringing another round of spontaneous theater from Duluth’s own Rubber Chicken Theater. Brian Matuszak, Executive Producer of Rubber Chicken Theater, appeared on the morning newscast Thursday to share more about the fast-paced, 24-hour theater challenge. This year’s event takes place Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Harbor…

Coffee Conversation: Boat Club Productions Debuts “Doubt, A Parable” Friday the 13th

DULUTH, Minn. — On the morning newscast Wednesday, June 11, Boat Club Productions stopped by the studio to preview their latest theatrical production, Doubt, A Parable, debuting this Friday the 13th. Cast members Jacque Black and Ellie Martin joined us to discuss the themes of Doubt, A Parable and what audiences can expect from the production. You can catch the…

KYN: Bailey Builds Crafts a Coffee Shop

DULTUH, Minn. — Bailey Builds is a community driven space right off of North 56th Avenue in Duluth. They’re known for their impressive art display, or simply a place to get to know some peers. But now, they recently crafted something new for everyone to enjoy. “I know they love community. You know, it’s that’s the whole, the whole idea of…

Coffee Conversation: Flag Day Celebration and Pinning Ceremony in Superior

SUPERIOR, WI – American Legion Post 435 will host a Flag Day Celebration and pinning ceremony on Friday, June 14, at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior. Mary Houk, Registrar and Honorary Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and American Legion Commander Butch Liebart joined FOX 21’s morning newscast on Tuesday to share more about…

Coffee Conversation: Science on Deck Sets Sail with UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory

DULUTH, MN – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory is launching its 2025 Science on Deck series this summer, inviting the public aboard the research vessel Blue Heron for hands-on science experiences. Scientist Cody Sheik joined Fox 21 live on the morning newscast with more information. The first event is set for Friday, June 27 from 11 a.m….

Coffee Conversation: Glensheen Mansion Announces Full Lineup of Summer Fun

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen Mansion is gearing up for an exciting summer season, with free events, specialty tours, and scenic experiences on the shores of Lake Superior. Marketing Manager Mike Mayou joined FOX 21 to share what’s ahead, including the return of the popular Concerts on the Pier, celebrating its 10th anniversary this July and August. Starting June 4th, Glensheen’s…

Coffee Conversation: LOON Celebrates 20 Seasons with “Die Fledermaus”

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lyric Opera of the North is raising the curtain on a milestone—its 20th anniversary season—with a new production of Die Fledermaus. Conductor Dirk Meyer and star baritone Lee Gregory joined Fox 21’s morning newscast Wednesday to share more about the upcoming production. The operetta, filled with bubbles, waltzes, and masked ball mischief, holds special meaning for…

Coffee Conversation: Local Entrepreneur Makes Bug Repellent Stylish

NORTHLAND, Minn. — Mosquito season has arrived, but one local entrepreneur is adding a fashionable twist to bug repellent. Barb Owen-Boerger, founder of Getaway Kimonos, joined FOX 21’s morning show to showcase her stylish solution for keeping insects at bay. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Gordy’s Hi-Hat Gears Up for Curbside Classic Car Show

Duluth, Minn. — Gordy’s Hi-Hat is revving up for its annual Curbside Classic Car Show, happening Thursday, May 29 from 5 to 7 PM! Co-owner Sever Lundquist, along with his kids Wilk and Kennedy, joined Fox 21 on the morning show to share more about the beloved event. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Self-Taught Mushroom Expert Turned Kid’s Book Author

DULUTH, Minn. — Self-taught mushroom identification expert turned local author Ariel Bonkoski joined FOX 21’s morning newscast Tuesday to share details about her new children’s book, Mushrooms & Fungi for Kids: An Introduction to Mycology. Click here for more information on Bonkoski, mushroom foraging, and her book.  Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News