Features

Coffee Conversation: TLC’s Trading Spaces Star Laurie Smith at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The Arrowhead Home and Builder’s Four-Day Showcase kicked off Thursday at the DECC, featuring interior designer Laurie Smith, known for her role on TLC’s Trading Spaces. Smith joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Friday to share more about her experience and offer design advice. Smith will host seminars offering design tips for attendees, with a chance to…

Coffee Conversation: Midwest Garden Gal Classes at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Midwest Garden Gal Lisa Howard will be hosting classes throughout the Arrowhead Home & Builders Show at the DECC from Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 6. On Thursday, Howard appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to share budget-friendly gardening tips and advice for gardening in every season. Click here for the Home Show schedule and here…

Northern Star: Donald West

West is entering his 4th straight year as the starting quarterback for CSS.

DULUTH, Minn.-Spring ball is usually a time for team’s to freshen up their skills and focus on the fundamentals. But for St. Scholastica quarterback Donald West and his teammates, they’re also adjusting to a new head coach in Matt Bremer. “They’ve been smoothly. The guys took the change and ran with it. It wasn’t as much change, it was just…

Coffee Conversation: UW-Superior Theatre Presents Unique Twelfth Night Production

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior Theatre Department is bringing a modern twist to Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Twelfth Night. Joining the production are Hailey Bault, who plays Olivia, and Elle Evenson, who portrays Maria. The two actors recently shared their excitement about the show on Fox 21’s morning newscast. This production marks the department’s first performance of the spring. The…

Coffee Conversation: 9th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever Returns to Two Harbors

DULUTH, Minn. — The 9th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever is back in Two Harbors this weekend, bringing together regional talent and community spirit. On Thursday, Two Harbors Community Radio spokesperson John Krengel and performer Steve Solkela appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to discuss the upcoming event. Hosted by Two Harbors Community Radio (KTWH-LP), the event will take place on…

Northern Star: Nicole Schmitt

Schmitt leads the team in home runs with 10.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team enters the 2025 season with a young squad, with only two seniors on the team. One of the two seniors is infielder Nicole Schmitt who has been making plays in the field and at the plate for the Bulldogs. ” She’s fantastic, just a gifted hitter. Very high standards for herself. There is an…

Coffee Conversation: Essentia Health Raises Awareness for Colorectal Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. — March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. On Tuesday, March 25, Dr. Jon Reich from Essentia Health highlighted the signs, symptoms, and treatment options. With over 100,000 expected diagnoses in 2025, Dr. Reich spoke on the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, but with proper care…

KYN: ‘Miigwitches Brew’ Coffee Shop Fuels the Community

FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. — Out in the middle of the of the Fond Du Lac Reservation, an idea was brewing for coffee shop owner Jackson Ripley. “We didn’t know what to expect. Neither my wife nor I am actual businesspeople, you know, so we weren’t sure what to expect. The summer was amazing, and people started to ask if…

Protestors Shout Down Pastor’s ‘Last’ Service After Past Abuse Comes to Light

DULUTH, Minn. – Tensions ran high as police, protestors, and parishioners stood off outside of Revive City Church of Duluth after records showed the lead pastor pled guilty to sexually abusing two girls in 2000-2001 while he was working as a youth minister for a different church.  On Friday, Revive City Church’s Facebook page created an event titled “One Last…

Coffee Conversation: Time Arc Theater Presents “12 Angry Men” in Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — Time Arc Theater is bringing the powerful drama 12 Angry Men to the stage, starting this weekend. Cast members Rob Larson, Jerry Bacon, and Ben LaBerge joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of opening night. The play explores the complex dynamics of a jury deliberating the fate of a 19-year-old boy accused of murder….

Coffee Conversation: Motorhead Madness Returns to the DECC This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The highly anticipated Hunt Electric Motorhead Madness is cruising back to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) this weekend, March 22 and 23, 2025. Co-Owner Mike Podgornik joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk more about the event’s history and significance. The northland’s biggest indoor custom car show promises to be a thrilling event…

Duluth Church Leader Speaks About Past Criminal History Surrounding his Time as a Youth Pastor

Click the video above for the full on-air story DULUTH, Minn. – The pastor of a recovery focused Duluth church is speaking about his past criminal history involving sexual conduct convictions against two 13-year-old girls while he was working as a youth pastor at a different church. Pastor Ronald Allen and his wife, October, started Revive City Church of Duluth…

Northern Star: Cherry Boys Basketball

Cherry will face BOLD on Thursday at 11 AM at the Target Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the fourth straight year, the Cherry boys basketball team has made it to the big dance. As a repeat attendee, the Tigers know there’s not much time to celebrate beforehand. “Obviously the goal is to take care of business one step at a time. Win the section and this team has big goals. We’ve been at the…

Coffee Conversation: The Northland’s First Mock Wedding at Norway Hall

DULUTH, Minn. — Wild Rose Company invites the community to The Northland’s First Mock Wedding on Sunday, March 23rd, at Norway Hall Event Center (upstairs). Amber Brostrom and Maggie McLeod-Shovein from Wild Rose Company appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to talk about the event. The venue, located on the second floor of historic downtown, is accessible by stairs or…

Northen Star: UMD Women’s Hockey

The Bulldogs finished the regular season with a 21-14-2 record and earned their fifth-straight NCAA tournament appearance.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey program continues to compete at a high level in the WCHA and the NCAA. All under a new head coach at the helm in Laura Schuler. But this isn’t the first time Schuler has been apart of the UMD coaching staff. As she was an assistant coach from 2008 to 2015 and helped the…

‘Metamodernity’ by Local Filmmaker at Ely Festival

DULUTH, Minn. — The 3rd Annual Ely Film Festival will take place from Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 16, at the Historic State Theatre. Local filmmaker Drew Kerner appeared on the Fox 21 morning newscast to talk about his film Metamodernity, which will be featured at the festival. Kerner’s short film is an experimental documentary that tells its story…

Northern Star: UW-Superior Women’s Basketball

Yellowjackets making first national tournament appearance since 2018.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The UW-Superior women’s basketball team ended a lengthy drought on March 1st, clinching the UMAC title and a securing a spot in the national tournament. So just how long has it been? “I think coach said it was maybe her sophomore year was the last time they made the tournament. She reminded us, guys I’m old that’s a while…

Coffee Conversation: Spruce Budworm Outbreak Raises Wildfire Risks

DULUTH, Minn. — A spruce budworm outbreak is damaging trees across Northern Minnesota, raising concerns over increased wildfire risks as a dry spring approaches. In a live interview on Fox 21 Morning News, Sean Klongerbo of Red Beard Cutting & Clearing urged homeowners to clear dead trees and create defensible spaces to prevent a repeat of the 2021 Greenwood Fire….

Sawyer County Arsonist Remains at Large as Victims Remain Fearful

The string of fires last November saw homes and businesses destroyed

SAWYER COUNTY, Wisc. – As some victims attempt to rebuild, they grapple with the fear of an arsonist still at large. Nearly 100 days since the last fire, the small communities and towns in the southeastern Sawyer County have been left scarred. The six structure fires occurred over a nine-day period in late November and impacted homes, businesses, and even…

Northern Star: Trent Beseth

Beseth has been named MIAC athlete of the week five times this season.

DULUTH, Minn.-The CSS senior thrower Trent Beseth has made his mark in the national standings. As he is currently ranked second in the nation for division III indoor shot put with a distance of 17.57 meters. During Beseth’s time at CSS, Track and Field wasn’t the initial sport he was recruited for. “He didn’t originally join the track and field…

KYN: Coop’s Pizza Welcomes in Both Local and Global Regulars

HAYWARD, Wis. — Coop’s Pizza, down the road from Main Street is known to be a Hayward staple. The restaurant unsurprisingly specializes in pizza, alongside many other things. “So, pizza is our main thing. But then we have pasta and burgers and subs. A great salad bar. Appetizers, if you name it, we probably got it,” said Lora Hills, the…

Coffee Conversation: UMD’s Feast of Nations Celebrates Global Cultures

DULUTH, Minn. — On Saturday, February 22, UMD will host its annual Feast of Nations event, celebrating cultural expressions from around the world. Yagna Manasa Boyapati, Graduate Student Representative of the IC Club, and Harika Yarlagadda, Treasurer of the IC Club, appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to preview the event. The Feast of Nations will be held from 4:30…

Coffee Conversation: Chum Duluth Mardi Gras Fundraiser for Shelter Expansion

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum Duluth is gearing up for a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser to support its shelter expansion, set for February 27th. Bradley Zwagerman, Director of Communications and Marketing at Chum Duluth, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to talk more about it. The event, known as the Expansion Extravaganza, aims to raise critical funds to expand the shelter…

Boat Club Productions Debuts New Show, The Last 5 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions presents The Last 5 Years, debuting Thursday, Feb. 13, at Spirit of the North Theatre. This emotional musical by Jason Robert Brown tells the story of a marriage in reverse and chronological order, starring Stuart Gordon as Jamie. Gordon joined Fox 21’s morning newscast Thursday to share more about the show. Performances run through…

Coffee Conversation: 218 Days Winter Celebration Returns Bigger Than Ever

DULUTH, Minn. — Northern Minnesota’s biggest winter event, 218 Days, kicks off this Friday, marking its third year with expanded festivities. Vice President of Marketing at Odyssey Resorts, Aaron Bosanko, joined Wednesday’s morning newscast to share the exciting news. The five-day celebration will run through the weekend and includes a full slate of new events, activities, and dozens of participating local…

KYN: El Jefe’s Sees Successful Start South of Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — You know that feeling when you go home to your parents’ house, and they’ve redecorated? That’s what the owner of El Jefe likely felt returning to his former Bucktails location near Pattison Park. Don’t let the name fool you, El Jefe is so much more than a Mexican restaurant. While the menu does feature some classic Mexican…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth & St. Louis County Capitol Days

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol Days will be held on February 12-13, 2025, to advocate for key legislative priorities that will benefit Northeastern Minnesota, including housing, economic development, workforce support, and local projects. Daniel Fanning, Duluth Area VP of Strategy & Policy and Executive Director of the Chamber Foundation, joined Fox 21 on the…

Minn House Reaches Agreement to End Historical Standoff

ST. PAUL, Minn. – For the first time this legislative session, the Minnesota House of Representatives saw chairs fill up on both sides of the aisle. The historic standoff between the DFL and Republican caucuses came to an end, after party leaders reached a power sharing agreement earlier today. When the session began three weeks ago, a vacancy in the…

View Search Warrants into Investigation of Infant Left At Duluth Shelter

FOX 21 provides the signed warrants and sworn affidavits from department's search of Safe Haven

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Chief of Police Mike Cenoywa released a video statement Wednesday regarding two search warrants that were executed at a shelter operated by Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center on Jan. 21. According to the two warrant applications sworn to by Officer Ryan Puhle, and warrants signed by Judge Shawn Reed, officers responded to a call from…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Ballet Presents “Harvest Moon” Performance

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, dancers Juliana DeBellis and Karl Von Rabenau joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to discuss the upcoming Harvest Moon performance, presented by the Minnesota Ballet. The story follows the adventures of three WW2 servicemen enjoying their last night out before being deployed. The performance will also include original works by Minnesota Ballet company members….

Knowing Your Neighbor: Free Air Life Co. Reopens Doors at a New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Free Air Life Co., an outdoor lifestyle store has reopened its doors to a new and bigger space after a 2-year hiatus. Husband and wife Sarah and Justin Steinbach first started the store in 2019. “We had a space down the block in Lincoln Park, and it was very small. Things were going really well for us….

Coffee Conversation: NYS Black History Month Brunch & BIPOC Business Showcase

DULUTH, Minn. — Neighborhood Youth Services presents a Black History Month Brunch and BIPOC Business Showcase this weekend. Pez Davila from NYS joined Fox 21 Local News on Monday morning to chat more about the brunch and business event. The brunch will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 300 E. 2nd St., Duluth,…

Newborn Left at Duluth Shelter Triggers Police Investigation

Duluth Police say they were called to Safe Haven, over claims a baby was left outside the shelter

DULUTH, Minn. – Search warrants for the Safe Haven Shelter in Duluth show an ongoing investigation, after a staff member called police to report a newborn was abandoned outside in subzero temperatures. Around 5:00 pm on January 21, Duluth Police responded to a call from the Safe Haven Shelter. According to warrant applications, Shelter Director Ethan Powers had found a…

Coffee Conversation: Cold Front Winter Celebration at Bayfront Park This Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Megan Lidd, Recreation Specialist with Duluth Parks and Rec, joined us on the FOX 21 morning newscast to preview the Cold Front event happening this Saturday, February 1, from noon to 6 p.m. at Bayfront Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature snow play, dog sled rides, curling, ice skating, sledding, fat biking, and more. Categories: Coffee…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse to Stage One-Act Play That Goes Wrong

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse is gearing up for an upcoming showcase of The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong at the Northshore Theatre. Stars Dan Prevette, who plays Robert portraying Thomas Colleymoore, and Alyson Enderle, who brings Annie the Stage Manager to life, joined the morning show to discuss the production. The comedy will be running from January 31…

Coffee Conversation: Dr. Swiston Highlights Glaucoma Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. — January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Nearly 4 million Americans are affected by glaucoma, but shockingly, half of them don’t even know they have it. Dr. Cole Swiston, an ophthalmologist at Essentia Health, has devoted his career to glaucoma care and appeared on the Fox 21 morning show Friday to share more about the condition.   Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

Coffee Conversation: DSA Community Foundation Awards $1 Million in Grants

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday’s Fox 21 Morning Show, Shaun Floerke, CEO of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, and Mike Waldron, Executive Director of 23rd Veteran, discussed the Foundation’s recent $1 million grant distribution to 51 local organizations, including 23rd Veteran. Waldron shared how the grants help 23rd Veteran’s programs, which support veterans transitioning to civilian life. Floerke highlighted…

Coffee Conversation: LOON Gears Up for “The Radio Hour” in 20th Anniversary Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Lyric Opera of the North (LOON) is kicking off another exciting chapter in its 20th Anniversary Season with the upcoming production of The Radio Hour. The performance will feature a talented cast, including Chorus Director Michael Fuchs and his wife, Jennifer Fuchs, who is making her debut with LOON. The couple joined FOX 21 on the morning…

Coffee Conversation: Nate Knutson Talks First-Ever Hockey Day Cloquet

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, January 9, Nate Knutson was live on Fox 21’s morning show to talk about the inaugural Hockey Day Cloquet. A regulation-size outdoor hockey rink has been set up at Veterans Park for Cloquet’s first-ever outdoor hockey celebration, featuring local teams in a weeklong tribute to the sport. The event will conclude with four exciting Lumberjacks’…

Coffee Conversation: Mindfulness and Mental Well-Being in 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — As we step into 2025, it’s important to reflect and set intentions for the months ahead. To kick off the year, Clinical Counselor Lindsey Martinson joined Fox 21’s morning newscast, offering expert advice on cultivating a positive and mindful approach to the year ahead. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Armory Renovation Updates & Buddy Holly Tribute Preview

DULUTH, Minn. — Michelle Miller, Co-Executive Director of the Armory Arts and Music Center, appeared on the morning show Tuesday, Dec. 31, to share updates on the ongoing renovation of the historic Duluth Armory and preview the upcoming Buddy Holly Dance Party. The annual Buddy Holly Dance Party fundraiser is set for Sunday, Jan. 26th, at Clyde Iron Works. The…

Coffee Conversation: Classic Christmas Tales at Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. — The holiday season is officially underway at Glensheen Mansion, and this year, visitors can immerse themselves in a magical experience as they explore the grounds with the new theme, Classic Christmas Tales at Glensheen. Director Dustin Heckman was on the morning newscast to talk more about it. Twelve rooms within the historic mansion are transformed, each beautifully…

KYN: “Chicken and Whaat?!” Opens Up Shop

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite this restaurant’s name being a big question there’s no doubt about it, “Chicken and Whaaat?!” is attracting chicken lovers in West Duluth. “My wife has been eagerly anticipating the opening here for a long time so yeah, we had it on the calendar,” said customer Jack Beahler. What used to be Charley’s Cheesesteaks on North Central Ave,…

Coffee Conversation: “The Parents Launch Code” with Dr. Jack Stoltzfus

DULUTH, Minn. — Launch coach and author Dr. Jack Stoltzfus appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast Tuesday to discuss his book, The Parents Launch Code, and the issue of estrangement between young adults and their parents. To learn more about Dr. Stoltzfus, his work, and his latest book, click here. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show Returns to the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The highly anticipated Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show is back this weekend at the DECC, presented by Eskimo. Shamrock Production President Chris Navratil and Eskimo Representative Matt Halverson joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. Among the highlights is the popular Sea Lion Splash, where attendees can enjoy a show and…

Coffee Conversation: MN Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale”

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ballet will showcase The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale at the DECC Symphony Hall from December 13 to 15, with performances starting at 7:00 PM. Minnesota Ballet Dancers Juliana DeBellis and Isaac Sharratt joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday ahead of opening night. You can get tickets at Ticketmaster, or by calling the box…

KYN: Cloquet Writer Embarks on a 6 Month Journey

DULUTH, Minn.– An ambition to travel the world, is something Cloquet writer Jess Waldbillig has felt for years. And just recently, she finally made it happen. “I think like a lot of people who got into the van life thing, I became kind of obsessed with it during college and during quarantine. And so, I like followed a ton of…