Features

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…

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…