Features

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…

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…

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…

Northern Star: Clara Swanson

Esko & Swanson are currently 12-2 this season.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko Volleyball team has started their 2025 season red hot. A key piece of that early success for Esko is thanks to Senior Outside hitter Clara Swanson,  who has made a big jump from her junior to senior year. “She was very consistent last year, hitting really well and not making many errors. This year, the power…

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…

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…