Knowing Your Neighbor: Brian Matuszak
Categories: Community, Entertainment, Knowing Your Neighbor, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
Features
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…
Knowing Your Neighbor: Lance Todd
DULUTH, MINN- Lance Todd is a film maker who lives in Duluth. He’s been a professional film maker for 15years, but he’s been making films his whole life. “It was never really a choice. I just, the second I can hold up that camera I was making movies.” Says, Todd. He went to The LA Film School for two years…
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…
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,…
Knowing Your Neighbor: Jeremy Dickson And The Ectomobile
DULUTH, MINN- Jeremy Dickson is a man of many hats. He’s a retired volunteer firefighter, a local filmmaker, but you may know him as a Twin Ports Ghostbuster. Better known as the man behind the wheel of the Ectomobile. It all started with his love for the 80s movie, Ghostbusters; starring Bill Murry. Dickson says, Ghostbusters was the first movie…
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: Apricot Lane Duluth Talks Summer Style, Model Call & Sales
DULUTH, Minn. — Wendy Myers, owner of Apricot Lane Duluth, joined the morning show to talk summer fashion, a Model Casting Call on July 12, and upcoming Sidewalk Sales from July 16–19. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
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: Rear Admiral Mike Brown Talks Duluth Navy Week
DULUTH, Minn. — It’s Navy Week, and Fox 21 was joined live in studio by Rear Admiral Mike Brown, who serves at the Pentagon on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. With 30 years of experience as a Naval intelligence officer, Rear Adm. Brown has served across the country and is a combat veteran of Afghanistan. He helped…
Coffee Conversation: 65th Annual Gordon Good Neighbor Days
GORDON, WI – The small town of Gordon is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for its biggest event of the year — Gordon Good Neighbor Days! Board members Erik Finstad and Dave Hodek joined FOX 21 live on the morning show to share what’s in store. This beloved annual celebration brings the community together for a weekend filled…
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…
