Features

The “Leif Erikson Viking Ship” to be back on public display after 40+ years

KNIFE RIVER, Min. – Following more than 40-years of restoration the “Leif Erikson Viking Ship” will be on display and open to the public. Viking Ship Restoration Project Save Our Ship, Inc. has been working on the restoration. It will debut at the annual “Julebyen Christmas Village” celebration in Knife River. The boat was built in Norway in 1926 as a…

Esko-native to retire after more than 37-years of military service

Command photo of Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson, the Minnesota National Guard’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader taken in Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Oct. 16, 2024. ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard is honoring Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson. Chief Master Sgt. Erikson will be honored in a Saturday, December 6, 2025 ceremony. The ceremony…

Coffee Conversation: Christmas City Express returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Christmas City Express is officially on the tracks in Duluth. Executive Director of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad Ken Buehler joined Fox 21’s morning newscast to talk more about it. Click here for details and ticket information. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Road to gold: Duluth’s Korey Dropkin talks Olympic pursuit

Duluth, Minn. — Duluth curler Korey Dropkin is headed to the biggest stage, the 2026 Olympics. He’ll compete alongside his curling partner, Cory Thiesse. FOX 21’s Maria Vollom sat down with Dropkin to talk about his journey on the ice and the road ahead. COMING SOON: Dropkin teaches Vollom how to curl like an Olympian. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News,…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Salvation Army seeks toys, volunteers, and donations

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Salvation Army Community Engagement Director Cyndi Lewis joined FOX 21 to share how residents can get involved with giving back this holiday season. Hartel Disposal is matching donations up to $75,000. The Salvation Army is especially in need of toys for children, plus volunteers to serve as bell ringers at Red Kettles around the region. Shoppers…

Coffee Conversation: “A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol” brings holiday spirit to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions is bringing a little nostalgia to the Northland this holiday season. “A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol” opens this Thursday at the Spirit of the North Theatre inside the Fitger’s Complex. John Ryde-Crane, who plays Isadore “Buzz” Crenshaw, and Keith Russell, who takes on the role of Clifton Feddington, joined FOX 21 live in studio….

Northern Star: Chloe Carlson

Carlson is the captain of the Proctor girls basketball team.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor senior guard Chloe Carlson has already built up quite the impressive resume. She’s the team captain. A Division II commit. And she’s already surpassed 1,000 career points. “She’s a lead by example player. She’s not a fire and brimstone type kid. She does everything right. Get on board and follow me, I’ll take you there,” said head…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota author inspires kids to live their ‘Best Life Ever’

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota author Clancy Clark joined FOX 21 Tuesday morning to share his new children’s book, Best Life Ever! with The Fulfillment Kids™. Clark — a writer, speaker, and coach — says kids rarely hear about purpose or fulfillment, which inspired him to bring that message to a younger audience. The book follows Sophie and Seymour, two elementary-aged…

Duluth-Native and Red Bull extreme skydiver talks about his latest ground breaking stunt

DULUTH, Min. & MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, Cal. – Duluth-native Mike Swanson is on the the “Red Bull Air Force” and they just pulled off what has been labeled the “Most Extreme Flying Obstacle Course Humans Have Ever Attempted”. The “Ultimate Aerial Obstacle Course” is a 15-stage airborne flight connecting open skies, mountains, and city skylines in what appears to be one…

Coffee Conversation: Disney’s Frozen comes to life at Duluth Playhouse

DULUTH, Minn. — Frozen the Musical is bringing the winter magic to Duluth Playhouse. Amelia Barr, who stars as Elsa, and Jonah Hale, who plays Kristoff, joined FOX 21 this morning to share a preview of the production. Running November 22 through December 21, 2025, the show promises wonder, laughter, and unforgettable songs as the NorShor Theatre transforms into a…

Northern Star: Taye Manns

In Manns freshman season with the Royals, he led the team in rushing yards with 815.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Duluth Denfeld running back Taye Manns has been tearing up the football field at the college level at Bethel. In his freshman season with the Royals, Manns led the team in rushing yards with 815. He also found the end zone 15 times this year. But Manns doesn’t take all the credit for his breakout season. “I…

Coffee Conversation: Local band Blue ObCityon rocks the FOX 21 morning show

DULUTH, Minn. — Blue ObCityon co-founders Ethan Warn and Tracy Christian joined the FOX 21 Morning Newscast live on Friday for an interview and in-studio performance. The local band draws inspiration from both past and present, blending elements of classic rock, grunge, blues, and modern rock into their signature sound. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Northern Star: UW-Superior Men’s & Women’s Soccer

Another year and another UMAC title for both the UWS men's & women's soccer teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Another year and another UMAC title for both the UWS men’s & women’s soccer teams. But at times this season, it didn’t look like that was a possibility. The Yellowjacket men overcame a slow start amidst plenty of veteran changes on the roster. “We knew that leadership was going to be great. It takes a minute for guys to…

Coffee Conversation: WinterFest at Fitger’s Returns This Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — WinterFest is back at Fitger’s this Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Organizer Linda Nervick and Casey Sims from Trailfitters joined FOX 21 live to share more about how to embrace the winter season in style. The one-day expo features local and regional exhibitors, prizes and giveaways, and is dog-friendly — yes, you can…

Coffee Conversation: Veterans Day Ceremony to Honor 250 Years of U.S. Military Service

DULUTH, Minn. — Jay Hagen from the St. Louis County Historical Society and Veterans Memorial Hall, along with Sharon Bergquist from Duluth Women of Today, joined FOX 21 Morning News to share details about this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the St. Louis County Depot. The 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy, and…

REMEMBERING THE EDMUND FITZGERALD: What Would A TV Forecast Look Like on November 9, 1975?

NORTHLAND – Just after 2 p.m. on November 9, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald left port in Superior, Wisconsin for what would be its final voyage.  Over the next 27 hour, the ship was damaged from the weather conditions it encounter while trying to cross Lake Superior.  It was around 7:15 p.m. the next day, November 10, 1975, that the ship…

Northern Star: Barnum Football

Barnum is making it's first state tournament appearance since 2012.

BARNUM, Minn.- The 2025 football season will be one to remember for the Barnum Bombers. After earning the top seed in the section 7A playoffs, the Bombers squared off against Mountain Iron-Buhl in the title game with a trip to the state tournament on the line. The Bombers rose up to the occasion defeating M-I-B 34 to 8 to earn…

Coffee Conversation: UMD student athletes kick off winter clothing drive for kids

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD student-athletes are teaming up to make a difference this winter through a community-wide clothing drive. Led by members of the university’s DEI Council, including athletes Mattie Thompson and Emily Bastian, the effort aims to collect new or gently used winter gear — jackets, boots, hats, mittens, and more — for Duluth-area schoolchildren. The drive kicked off November…

Coffee Conversation: DECC expands its reach with national tours and productions

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is expanding its reach — bringing a wider variety of performances to the Northland, from local favorites like the Minnesota Ballet to national touring productions. This winter, Minnesota Ballet’s The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale will return to Symphony Hall, with performances December 12 at 7 p.m. and December 13–14 at 3 p.m….

Northern Star: Britta Koski

Koski had nine goals and seven assists in the team's first 17 games of the season.

ESKO, Minn.- Britta Koski is not hard to miss on the field. She rocks two different colored cleats and is a big part in almost every goal for the Esko girls soccer team. “One of Britta’s strengths is being able to see the game before the game even really happens. She can see where that pass needs to go to…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Monsters join AF1 & debut new coach/logo

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Monsters are officially joining the new Arena Football One League, also known as AF1, and unveiling their new head coach and official team logo. Joining FOX 21 live in studio to share more about the big news were Jerry Kurz, CEO of the Arena League, and Steve Walters, General Manager of Minnesota Monsters. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

Coffee Conversation: Time Arc Theatre Launches Season with “When Storms Come Calling”

SUPERIOR, WI. — Time Arc Theatre is opening its new season with When Storms Come Calling — a powerful blend of music and storytelling honoring the history and mystery of the Great Lakes. Written by Kathleen Laakso and composed by Bruce Nelson, the play explores 300 years of Great Lakes shipwrecks, from the Griffin in 1679 to the Edmund Fitzgerald…

Coffee Conversation: How to Keep Your Wallet Merry This Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The season of giving doesn’t have to mean overspending. Amanda Bruggman with Affinity Plus joined FOX 21 live on Tuesday, October 28, to share simple, practical ways families can keep their holiday budgets on track. From creative strategies to cut costs and track spending, to local events that bring holiday cheer without the hefty price tag —…

Former Wisconsin Rep. Angie Sapik Releases New Memoir

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Former Wisconsin Representative Angie Sapik joined FOX 21 live Tuesday, Oct. 21, to discuss her new memoir, sharing insight into her time in office, the “political machine,” and a decision she says she made “for the good of the party.” Sapik, who represented District 73 from January 2023 to January 2025, reflects on her accomplishments in Madison…

Jebeh Edmunds Releases Liberian-Inspired Novella “The Orange Blossom”

DULUTH, Minn. — Educator, cultural-competency leader, and now author Jebeh Edmunds joined Fox 21 live to share her new book, The Orange Blossom. Published by Hezzie Mae Book Publishing, the novella draws inspiration from Liberian culture, weaving themes of identity, heritage, and resilience. The Orange Blossom is now available through Hezzie Mae Book Publishing and select retailers. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Kimberly Christine

DULUTH, MINN- Kimberly Christine has been doing what she calls,” dark tourism”  for 13years. She’s lived in Savanah, Georgia and LA, California where she was introduced to paranormal investigation and tour guiding. She started Duluth Ghost Tours in 2022. The tours starts from the Boardwalk in Canal Park and ends at the Lighthouse. At the end of the tour Christine…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Fiber Guild Gears Up for Annual Fall Sale & Seasonal Events

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fiber Guild is gearing up for its annual Fall Sale on November 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Guild member Kit Sitter joined FOX 21 live Tuesday morning to share details about the upcoming sale and other seasonal events. The Guild will also be demonstrating at “Boo at the…

Former MN Reporter Shares Story of Addiction and Redemption

Once a familiar face delivering breaking news, Beth McDonough is now stepping into a new kind of spotlight—one defined by truth, healing, and transformation. The former TV crime reporter and anchor, known for her work at FOX stations in Philadelphia and Minnesota, is opening up about her personal journey in her new memoir, Standby. In the book, McDonough shares a…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Honors Everyday Peacemakers with Peace Hero Awards

DULUTH, Minn. — The Waging Peace Project is flipping the script on violence with the return of the Peace Hero Awards. Founder Diana Oestreich joined us live on the morning newscast Thursday, October 9, to share how the initiative celebrates those quietly waging peace in our community. The $1,000 Peace Hero Award honors someone making a positive impact in Duluth, with a…

Northern Star: Ethan Harms

In his senior year he has rushed for 424 yards and 6 touchdowns as QB and racked up 367 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns as receiver.

MAPLE, Wis.- When teams play the 7-0 Northwestern Tigers, they make sure they know where number three is on the field. Ethan Harms has been making plays for the Tigers in his Senior year in multiple different positions. On offense, Harms can line up under center and play quarterback or go out wide and play receiver for the Tigers. “He’s…

Coffee Conversation: MN Ballet Launches 60th Season in Duluth with Celebrity Dance Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ballet is celebrating 60 years in Duluth with a season full of exciting performances, starting with the Celebrity Dance Challenge on October 9. Company dancer Taylor Phillips and drag performer ThatQueerIsa joined Fox 21 live to share more details about the upcoming showcase. The rest of the season lineup includes: Giselle – October 24–26 The…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Zoey Nicole

DULUTH, MINN-Zoey Nicole has been the lead makeup artist of the Haunted Ship for four years.  She was 16 when she started volunteering.  She said her first night volunteering was imitating.  “Here I am trying to imitate everybody next to me. I see three other artists and their awesome. They’re amazing! I was just blown out of my mind because…

Coffee Conversation: Laundry Love Hosts Fall Fest Fundraisers to Support Neighbors in Need

DULUTH, Minn. — Laundry Love, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing clean clothes to those in need, is partnering with the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd to host two upcoming fundraising events in October. Susan Boutin with Laundry Love joined Fox 21 live on Tuesday, October 7 to talk more about the fundraises and the organizations mission. A Fall Fest…

Schedule for The Haunted Ship 2025

DULUTH, Min. – The Haunted Ship at the William A, Irvin is back for its 30th year. This year, you can look forward to more activity outside of the ship on Harbor Drive—picture strewn lights, bonfires, drinks and food available for purchase, and more. The Announced Schedule for The Haunted Ship: Friday, October 3 6:30pm-10:30pm Saturday, October 4 4:00pm-10:30pm Thursday,…

Coffee Conversation: The search continues for Bigfoot in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Minn. – Whether you’re a seasoned Sasquatch seeker or just curious about the legend, the Minnesota Bigfoot Conference 2025 is taking over the Timberlake Lodge & Hotel in Grand Rapids, MN on Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Abe and Donovan appeared live on FOX 21 this Thursday to discuss Bigfoot research and the…

Northern Star: Jevon Williams

Williams leads the Saints with 503 rushing yards this season.

DULUTH, Minn.-St. Scholastica sophomore running back Jevon Williams is having quite the 2025 breakout campaign. In just three games this season, he’s already surpassed his rushing yards total from a year ago by 201 yards. “Just this whole off-season I’ve been really putting my focus towards just being a bigger part of this program, like really showing out for the…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Brian Matuszak

DULUTH,MINN- Brian Matuszak wears many hats — a college professor, a mentor, and an actor. But at his core, his greatest passion has always been comedy and the stage. Matuszak’s acting journey began in 1984 when he performed in Fools by Neil Simon at the Duluth Playhouse. “I auditioned for a few other shows but hadn’t been cast in anything,…

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…

Northern Star: Colleen Claude

Claude is on the verge of 200 assists for the season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In volleyball, the saying goes bump, set, spike. And it seems that the crowd tends to remember the spike the most. However, none of that happens without a perfect set. For UWS, Colleen Claude is a player who can set up plays for her team. Over the years, the senior setter has learned exactly what ball her teammates…

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…

Northern Star: Benson Peterson

Peterson tallied 17 goals in the first eight games of the season for Duluth Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Changing positions can sometimes be an adjustment for players. But for Duluth Marshall senior striker Benson Peterson, it’s resulted in 17 goals in just eight games of action. “I’ve adapted my right wing game at striker. I tend to drive more and use my body to shield the ball and it’s led to lots of opportunites opening up…

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…