Community

APP strike begins, bargaining stalled by legal review

  DULUTH, Minn. — Today, July 01, 2025, marks the start of the Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) striking at Essentia. APP’s joined the picket lines at the Duluth, Superior, and Virginia locations. Negotiations are currently off the table as Essentia awaits a legal review from the National Labor Relations Board. The MNA proposed creating the APP bargaining unit in a…

Acute Care Nurses Approve Agreement with Essentia

DULUTH, Minn. — Acute Care nurses at Essentia have voted to ratify the agreements made last week. Nurses voted on the agreement Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The agreement includes provisions that will give nurses more scheduling predictability and flexibility. It also provides a nearly ten percent increase in pay spread over the next three years. RELATED: Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses…

DNR K9 Team Demonstrates Zebra Mussel Detection

DULUTH, Minn. – The Two Harbors, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ newest K9 team gave a demonstration at McQuade Harbor, showcasing how they utilize a detection dog’s powerful sense of smell to locate invasive zebra mussels on boats. Conservation Officer Cassie Block was recently partnered with Jet, a specially trained four-year-old black lab. Jet is one of the Minnesota DNR’s…

Twin Ports Celebrates its First Disability Pride Event

DULUTH, Minn.– Across the state of Minnesota, numerous disability pride events have been celebrated. And now, advocates felt it was time for the Twin Ports to join in. “The reason we’re doing this, is we want to celebrate disabilities, their contributions to our community, we’re here to stay. It doesn’t discriminate,” said Amanda Crosby, Executive Director ‘Arc Northland’. Around the…

Minnesota State Fair Foods Announced!

ST. PAUL, Minn. — This year’s lineup of savory, sweet, and downright strange foods at the Minnesota State Fair have been announced. They’ve announced the lineup of new foods, as well as a list of new vendors. The Fair runs from August 21st through Labor Day. Afro Bean Pops Afro Deli Savory deep-fried bites of ground black-eyed peas, onions, jalapeños,…

Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota Slip Bridge to have special hours during Festival of Sail

DULUTH, Minn. – The Aerial Lift Bridge and Minnesota slip bridge will have special lift schedules during Festival of Sail. On Thursday, June 10, 2025 the Parade of Sail will travel under the Aerial Lift Bridge. The parade is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am and end around 1:00 pm. During the Parade of Sail, the public should expect longer…

LSC Awarded Grant to Develop Unique Program for Students with Disabilities

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College has received a significant grant to support the development of a new Program for Accessible College Education, called PACE for short. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education awarded LSC over $185,000. LSC is one of only three grantees awarded funding statewide. According to the press release, this is the first program of its kind in…

Nonprofits Gather to Address Concerns Over Federal Funding Cuts

DULUTH, Minn. – 23 local nonprofits gathered for a press conference to address the potential impacts of federal budget cuts. Chum, Second Harvest Northland, Safe Haven, One Roof Community Housing, and 19 other local nonprofits outside Representative Pete Stauber’s office in Hermantown to address the concerns of potential federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other social safety net programs supported…

Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses at Essentia Health Begin to Strike

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning, at multiple locations around the Northland, more than 290 Essentia Health nurses and health care professionals with the Minnesota Nurses’ Association are making their voices heard. “Since issuing our strike notice, we have offered to meet every single day, and Essentia has declined every single time, only offering two meetings this month, we are here demanding…

St. Louis County waiving permit fees for wildfire rebuilding

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has voted to temporarily waive the fees associated with land use and septic permits for those trying to Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. rebuild after the 2025 spring wildfires. They are waiving permit fees through January 4, 2026. It’s specifically for replacement of structures and…

25th Annual Duluth Air Show Set Record Attendance

DULUTH, Minn. – The 25th annual Duluth Air Show brought a showstopping lineup, resulting in record-breaking crowds. The Air and Aviation Expo brought high-flying excitement to the Duluth International Airport over the Independence Day weekend, even setting a new record for attendance today. This year’s “Red, White and Blues” celebration featured performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Forces…

MNA Cancels Proposed Strike Against Aspirus St. Luke’s As Tentative Agreement Nears

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Nurses Association has cancelled their proposed Unfair Labor Practice strike against Aspirus St. Luke’s as a tentative agreement for a new contract nears. On Thursday, the MNA said “significant movement was made across the bargaining table” following more than 30 hours of negotiations over the past week.  Minor details will still be finalized early next…

The Blue Angels Prepping for the 2025 Duluth Air Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Anyone that’s been in Duluth long enough knows the roar of the Blue Angels’ jets racing across the sky. Thousands will gather at the Airport this weekend, to watch as they perform dazzling stunts. They’ll do practice runs throughout today and tomorrow, getting a lay of the land before the big event. But, before the practice runs…

STARBASE Explorers Joined by U.S. Navy Guest Speaker

DULUTH, Minn. – The STARBASE explorers ended their graduation launch ceremony TODAY, with a special guest speaker from the U.S. NAVY As part of Duluth Navy Week, the STARBASE explorers wrapped up their week-long STEM summer camp with a graduation launch ceremony, where they showcased the hands-on skills they learned. The event was made even more special by a visit…

St. Louis County opening Brimson Wildfire Complex debris collection site 

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Environmental Services is opening a temporary solid waste collection site in the Brimson-area to dispose of materials damaged by recent wildfires. The collection site will be at the old County garage, 3115 Highway 44 in Brimson. This site is for wildfire debris only. Beginning Monday, July 7, the site will…

President’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Would Cost St. Louis County At Least $16M, County Says

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis county leaders put out a warning to residents Wednesday to say President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” – if passed — would cost the county at least $16 million. As written now, the federal bill would shift Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs from the federal government to the states, according to the county. For…

10th Annual Concerts on the Pier

  DULUTH, Minn. – The 10th annual Concerts on the Pier are back, bringing live music to the water. People gathered for an evening of live music at the Glensheen Lakeside Pier. The free event is open to everyone, offering food, drinks, and room to bring lawn chairs or blankets. It’s a unique way to enjoy summer with friends and…

Pre-Independance Day Fireworks Excitement is Skyrocketing

SOUTH RANGE, Wis.– Customers are wasting no time getting their firework fix. “I think everybody’s feeling pretty patriotic this year and looking to celebrate good,” beamed Jason Deatherage, owner of ‘KG Fireworks’. But before it gets to the customers, there’s a lot to keep in mind leading up to it. “We always try to be prepared and have a lot…

Navy’s Woodwinds Quintet Plays at the Bong Center

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Continuing the Navy Week Coverage, the Woodwind Quintet played at the Bong Veterans Historical Center yesterday. The five active-duty musicians are here to show the area that there is a variety of opportunities in the Navy. They mainly perform ceremonies and events, playing at boot camp graduations, retirements, promotions, public concerts, and more. “We play a ton…

City, SWL&P Reach Lead Pipe Replacement Agreement

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – There is good news tonight for homeowners who have lead service lines. After the city of Superior and Superior Water, Light and Power reached a contractual deal, Governor Tony Evers signed the Senate bill into law, allowing the funding to come to Superior. “The federal funding will now flow through the utility, and the city has committed…

State Disaster Assistance for St. Louis County approved

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz announced the authorization of emergency assistance for areas of St. Louis County that suffered damage caused by wildfires in May. The funding and public assistance will aid in rebuilding public infrastructure damaged by the fires. In making the announcement Governor Walz said in a news release, “I’m…

July 1st Proclaimed Navy Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Mayor Reinert Officially proclaimed July 1st as Navy Day for the City of Duluth. This proclamation helps recognize the history between Duluth and the U.S. Navy. The Navy Band and Ceremonial Guard performed at the proclamation. Duluthians and Navy Sailors gathered for the ceremony. The Sailors will be here all week, at public events to engage with…

Sign installed for Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway

DULUTH, Minn. – Signs are now up recognizing the “Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway”. The expressway is Highway 169 between Itasca County Road 69 in Marble and St. Louis County Road 7 in Mountain Iron. In 2024 the Minnesota State Legislature passed bills to designate the highway sections for the areas Tomassoni served. He was elected to…

Hibbing Police Department’s newest K9 duo ready to go to work

Hibbing Police Department Office Sydney Haugan and K9 Officer Gunner HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing Police Department Officer Sydney Haugan and K9 Officer Gunner have taken their first big step. They graduated from McDonough K9 School on Friday, June 27. The school is an intensive 15-weeks of training in firearms detection and criminal apprehension. Gunner is a 1-and-a-half year old male German…

Police Release Name of Fatal Stabbing Victim

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Police have released the name of the victim involved in the fatal stabbing. Police found 49-year-old Anissa Cope deceased with multiple stab wounds on the 600 block of North 27th Avenue West in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Police responded to the area for reports of a stabbing around 7:30 Saturday night. The male suspect fled the…

‘Lola Farms’ Opens up Honeyberry Fields

WRENSHALL, Minn.–When it comes to owning a farm, it leads to a ton of passion ideas. Such as raising chickens and eventually expanding into an ‘AirB-n-Bawk’. And right now, it’s full steam ahead for Farm Lola with all things honey berry. They’re showcasing rows upon rows of ripe berries ready to be picked. But with this special fruit, there’s more…

St. Louis County Assessor’s Dept. Tackling Brimson Wildfire Aftermath

BRIMSON, Minn.– A dedicated team in the Brimson area is conducting damage assessments, and re-assessments of over 130 properties affected by the fires. With these thorough inspections, they are determining overall property value. They’re taking pictures, updating systems, and putting together applications for property owners to apply for damage relief. That being said, many of the affected landowners already know…

53rd Annual Park Point Art Fair Returns

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend marked the 53rd annual Park Point art fair People gathered at the annual art fair held at the Park Point recreation area for a weekend of celebration. This lively event is the region’s longest-running art fair held outdoors, and it features food, live music, demonstrations, family activities, and a variety of handmade arts, ensuring something…

‘Right to Repair’ and alternative ordinance discussed at Special Meeting

CITY HALL – The ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative and an alternative suggested ordinance are read at a special meeting of the Duluth City Council. After petition signatures for the ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative were certified by the Duluth City Clerk’s office, the proposed ordinance is required to be read by the City Council at two separate meetings. The…

5th Annual Mentor North Summer Fest Fundraiser

SUPERIOR, Minn. – Mentor North held its 5th annual Summer Fest Fundraiser in support of its youth programs. People were invited to attend the Summer Fest Fundraiser at the Earth Rider Festival Grounds to raise money for Mentor North, a local non-profit that empowers youth through its youth programs across the Twin Ports. The event featured live music, food trucks,…

Birch Cove Recreation Beautification Project Completed

HOYT LAKES, Minn. — Hoyt Lakes celebrated completing their Birch Cove Recreation Beautification yesterday. They planted a ceremonial tree at the celebration. Attendees also got a tour of the improvements made. This project was funded by grant money from America in Bloom and other sponsors. The recreation area is open to visitors. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Free Museum Admission in Minnesota This Saturday

MINN. — Select museums across Minnesota will have free admission this Saturday. The area museums with free admission include Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, and Snake River Fur Post in Pine City. The Free Admission Day will be held four times a year, with the next dates including September 20th, January 10th,…

Brewster’s Birthday Bash Raises $2K For Animal Allies

DULUTH, Minn. — Brewster, Dan Hanger’s adopted dog, has turned 15!  The community celebrated his big milestone Tuesday in the Fitger’s Courtyard while raising money for Animal Allies Humane Society.  Around 200 people stopped by for Brewster’s Birthday Bash, and that included dogs! A Place For Fido, which is located in Fitger’s, helped organize the event during its Tuesday evening…

Minnesota Nurses Association Votes on Strike Authorization

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association vote for whether or not to authorize a strike. Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) voted Monday over whether or not to authorize the union to strike. A vote ‘to authorize’ would allow the union to strike after giving a 10-day notice to hospital employers. Local members could cast their…

Peregrine Falcon Chicks Receive Identification Bands

DULUTH Minn. – Peregrine falcon chicks in Duluth and Cohasset are now sporting identification bands as they gear up to spread their wings. Seven Peregrine falcon chicks born at Minnesota Power’s Hibbard Renewable Energy Center and Boswell Energy Center were recently named and fitted with identification bands by experts from the Raptor Resource Project and volunteer employees at Minnesota Power….

Damage Assessment Begins on Properties Affected by Brimson Fire Complex

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard BRIMSON, Minn. — St. Louis County Assessors are going to start apprising property damage from the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires. Staff are beginning the process in Brimson and Fairbanks Township today. They will be assessing and documenting the level of damage, which will be used to determine the percentage of value lost. Owners could…

Hayward Musky Fest Returns for 75th Year

HAYWARD, Wis. — The Musky Fest returned to Hayward, Wisconsin this past weekend, for its 75th year. The festival was started 75 years ago as a way to celebrate the town of Hayward’s fishing history, which includes the world record musky that inspired the name of the event. The multi-day festival draws in people from across the region. “I mean,…

Medical Tents Gearing Up Ahead of Grandma’s Marathon

DULUTH, Minn.– All volunteers for the big race are preparing for everything. And with the medical tents set up, they are no exception. Over 250 medical volunteers will participate for Grandma’s Marathon. Essentia Health is stocked up with cots, wheelchairs, air conditioning, and hydration stations. The ski patrol from Giant’s Ridge will also be stationed throughout the course to aid…