Coffee Conversation

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…

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

Coffee Conversation: Reba the Chicken Survives Wildfires in Northern MN

NORTHLAND – As wildfires tear through the Northland, destroying homes and displacing families, one unlikely survivor—a chicken named Reba—is offering a spark of hope amid the ashes. On the Fox 21 morning newscast Friday, May 23, Mikala Schliep, Reba’s owner, shared the incredible tale of how this resilient bird survived when the rest of her flock tragically did not. Categories:…

Coffee Conversation: Runaway Sheep Brad Stars in Maria Vollom’s New Book

DULUTH, Minn. — He ran, he roamed, and now he’s in a kid’s book. The Great Sheep Escape: Brad’s Big Adventure follows Brad, the runaway sheep who captured hearts across the Northland. Brad’s owner, Farmer Ryan Osvold, joined FOX 21 Morning News anchor and author Maria Vollom on Wednesday to share more about Brad’s unforgettable journey. Written by Vollom and…

Coffee Conversation: 30th annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. — The 30th annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament returns to Duluth on May 30–31, 2025. David Kolquist, president of Never Surrender Inc., joined FOX 21 to discuss the event and its mission: supporting individuals and families affected by ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. On Saturday, May 31, The Light of Hope ALS Conference…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse to Debut “Home, I’m Darling” at NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is set to open its latest production, Home, I’m Darling, this Friday, May 23, at the historic NorShor Theatre. Cast member Jess Hughes, who stars as Judy, and director Mary Fox appeared live on FOX 21’s Tuesday morning newscast to share what audiences can expect from this sharp, entertaining show. Home, I’m Darling is…

Coffee Conversation: Junk Food Film Festival Hits Zeitgeist Zinema This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The Junk Food Film Festival is taking over the Zeitgeist Zinema in Duluth on May 16 and 17, serving up two days of bold, bizarre, and wildly fun films. Matthew Dressel joined the FOX 21 Morning Show to talk more about the festival and what audiences can expect. From cult classics to underground oddities, this event comes…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Art Institute Annual Member Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Now through June 9, the Duluth Art Institute’s Annual Member Show is on display, celebrating the vibrant and diverse talents of local artists across a wide range of mediums. Christina Woods, Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute (DAI), joined the broadcast to share details about the community exhibit. The Annual Member Show features around 140 works…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Career Specialist Shares Job Market Insight

DULUTH, Minn. — As graduation season kicks into high gear, many college seniors are feeling the pressure of entering a competitive and uncertain job market. On Tuesday, May 13, UMD Career Specialist Molly Stonesifer joined the FOX 21 Morning Newscast to offer valuable advice and encouragement for recent and soon-to-be graduates. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Duluth’s Best Bread Wednesday Night Farmer’s Market

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s officially farmer’s market season — and this year, Duluth’s Best Bread is adding a fresh spin by hosting its own Wednesday night markets throughout May at both its Downtown Duluth and Superior locations. Co-owner Robert Lillegard appeared live on Fox 21’s morning show to share more about the event. The weekly market runs from 6:00 PM…

Coffee Conversation: Bent Paddle Celebrates 12 Years With Festiversary

DULUTH, Minn. — This Saturday, May 10, Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is marking 12 years of craft beer excellence with its annual outdoor celebration—Festiversary. Hannah Bourgault, Marketing Coordinator at Bent Paddle, joined Fox 21 News live Friday morning to share the details. From 2 to 8 p.m., West Michigan Street and the surrounding neighborhood parking lots will be transformed into…

Coffee Conversation: Gender Joy Art Show Returns to Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2nd Annual Gender Joy Art Show is on display at Zeitgeist from May 2–31, celebrating expression and identity through community art. YWCA Duluth Executive Director Morgan Beryl joined FOX 21’s morning newscast Wednesday to share details. A special opening event is set for May 9 from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a collaborative art project, light…

Coffee Conversation: Helping Grads Gain Financial Confidence

DULUTH, Minn. — As high schools, colleges, and universities across the Northland gear up for commencement, families are celebrating a major milestone: graduation. With the transition into post-college life on the horizon, financial readiness is top of mind for many. Amanda Bruggman from Affinity Plus joined us this morning to share essential tips for new graduates and their families. She…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musician of Band “Slape” Evan Arnold Performs Live

DULUTH,  Minn — Viewers of the FOX 21 Morning Newscast were treated to a special in-studio performance on Friday, May 2, as local musician Evan Arnold, a member of the band Slape, joined the broadcast for a live musical segment. Fans can catch more of Evan and Slape live during this year’s Homegrown Music Festival, with a performance scheduled for…

Coffee Conversation: Fox 21’s Dan Pugleasa Live Musical Performance

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday morning’s FOX 21 newscast featured a special guest who’s both a familiar face and a creative force behind the scenes. Dan Pugleasa, local musician and FOX 21’s Creative Services Director, joined the show to share more than just his marketing expertise — this time, he brought his musical talent. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News –…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Schools Seek Tutors for Fall 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth schools are among those across Minnesota looking to fill over 700 tutoring positions for the 2025-26 school year through AmeriCorps programs Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps. Americorps Staff Member Lindsey Molstad joind Fox 21 live on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the need. The city needs 16 tutors to help students build…

Coffee Conversation: Salvation Army’s 2nd Annual Black and White Ball Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is preparing to host its 2nd Annual Black and White Ball on Friday, May 16, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at The Malting Building. Cyndi Lewis from The Salvation Army, along with David Schere and Kristen Trump of Simply Ballroom, appeared on FOX 21’s morning newscast to share details about the upcoming event. Guests…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Junk Hunt Returns to the DECC This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Get ready to dig for treasure! The Duluth Junk Hunt returns to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) this weekend, April 25–26, 2025. Organizer Emily Broman says shoppers can expect plenty of “rusty, chippy, vintage goodness” and one-of-a-kind finds. This two-day indoor vintage market brings together vendors from across Minnesota and beyond, offering a unique mix of…

Coffee Conversation: Jason Young Leads Depot Foundation Forward

DULUTH, Minn. — Jason Young, newly named Executive Director of the Depot Foundation, joined the Fox 21 morning newscast live in-studio to share exciting updates about the organization’s future. With a nonprofit background dating back to 2001 and fundraising experience since 2006, Jason brings deep expertise and passion to the role. On-air, he discussed what’s next for the Depot under…