Author: Emmaleah Allen

Duluth City Council proposes changes to public comment

DULUTH, Minn. — Four members of Duluth City Council are proposing a resolution to make changes to Standing Rules and Order of council meetings. The resolution is being co-sponsored and brought forward by councilors Jordon Johnson, Arik Forsman, Roz Randorf and Diane Desotelle. The series of changes to the city’s council meeting rules, follow recent meetings marked by heated exchanges…

Superior Mayor releases report after police department investigation

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Mayor Jim Paine released an investigative report regarding allegations of misconduct within the Superior Police Department. The findings come after a third party firm, the OIR Groups, looked at collateral and systemic issues within the department. The city hired the firm after an internal investigation into police investigator Mikayla LeRette alleging “attendance violations, tardiness, insubordination and…

Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge celebrates 20 years of serving the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge celebrated their 20th anniversary with an open house. Community members were given tours of the 72-bed recovery facility. The evening featured a program which included a choir performance, testimonials from program graduates, and words from the founder, Pastor Rich Scherber. MNTC serves men of the Northland facing addiction issues and offers long…

The City of Duluth hosts first Lester Park Land Use Study feedback session

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth held its first open house regarding the Lester Park Golf Course Land Use Study. The event gave Duluthians a chance to learn about the work completed so far and shared ideas about what they’d like to see at the site in the future. Attendees were able to review research on existing conditions, including water…

Essentia Health Workers Picket to protect mental health services

DULUTH, Minn. — Dozens of Essentia Health Workers held an informational picket to Protect Critical Mental Health Services. Members of United Steelworkers Local 9460 have filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board over Essentia’s decision to transition recreational therapists into related behavioral health technician roles. The union is urging Essentia to prioritize patient care over profits and to protect…

American Heart Association kicks off ‘Hard Hats with Heart’ Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Heart Association hosted its inaugural kickoff to the ‘Hard Hats with Heart’ Campaign. It’s all about improving the health and well-being of construction workers by promoting healthy food options, encouraging physical activity during breaks, and educating employees on the signs of heart disease. The American Heart Association says 343,000 construction workers have already been diagnosed with…

Twin Ports clothing swap promotes style and sustainability

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Many refreshed their wardrobe without spending a dime at a community clothing swap in Superior. Ritual Marketplace opened its space for the event hosted by Jill Joyce and Tiersa Wodash. Transforming its space into a hub for sharing style and sustainability. From shoes to jewelry, and outerwear to hats, there was something for everyone, with no minimum…

Food Farm hosts 10th annual Great Rutabaga Giveaway

DULUTH, Minn. — Food Farm hosted its 10th annual Great Rutabaga Giveaway at Whole Foods Co-op-Denfeld. The event celebrated local farming in the Northland, highlighting how fresh produce can be grown and stored nearly year-round, even during Minnesota winters. Community members stopped by to grab a free rutabaga, pick up recipe cards, and take home carrot seeds as they prepare…

Minnesota Braver Angels works to bridge political divide

DULUTH, Minn. – Braver Angels, a non-partisan national organization, is spreading its initiative locally, aimed at bringing people together across political divides. Formerly known as Better Angels, Braver Angels was founded in 2016 in New York and has since expanded to chapters across multiple states, including the Northern Minnesota Braver Angels Alliance. The nonprofit is dedicated to political depolarization, bringing…

Olympic medal winners Corey and Korey return to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth-based Olympic medal-winning curling duo has returned. On Monday, a crowd of cheering fans met Olympians Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse as they got off their flight at the Duluth International Airport Family and friends brought noise makers and created signs of celebration. “We’re just so happy to be home now and be able to sleep…

Hoops Brewing closes after nearly 10 years

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Duluth’s premier brewers celebrated its final pours on Monday before permanently closing Hoops Brewing in Canal Park opened in 2017 and was known for its German-inspired beers and deep community roots. Owner Dave Hoops announced the closure in a video posted to Facebook earlier this month. SEE PREVIOUS: Hoops Brewing set to close after nearly…

Minnesota Star Wars Collectors Alliance hosts 3rd annual Frozen Force Art Showcase

HERMANTWON, Minn. — People across the Northland gathered at the AAD Shrine Event Center for the 3rd annual Frozen Force artist showcase. It originally started as a small gathering in the front yard of Stephen Kaarbo. He’s the president of the Minnesota Star Wars Collectors Alliance. This year, the showcase featured more than 20 local and national artists offering original…

Northern Lights Girls Basketball Team host grocery bagging fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Lights Girls Basketball Team held its grocery bagging fundraiser at Super One. Since 1996, the organization’s main focus has been ensuring that every player can compete and improve regardless of financial circumstances. To make this possible, the program hosts fundraisers to help cover fees for families who need assistance, keeping basketball accessible to all. “We’ve…

Piedmont Youth Hockey Association hosts Panther Pancake Breakfast

DULUTH, Minn — The hockey community came together for the Panther Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. The fundraiser was put on by the Piedmont Youth Hockey Association, a community-run non-profit that aims to keep youth hockey accessible, inclusive, and safe. The event doubled as a celebration of a successful hockey season despite the setback that followed last year’s vandalism. Attendees had the…

Ronald McDonald House hosts 5th annual Brew Love North fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — The Ronald McDonald House hosted its5th annual Brew Love North fundraiser. Since opening in 2021, the Ronald McDonald House has supported over 500 families throughout the region. The event consisted of over 20 local craft beverage vendors offering unlimited samples, along with a silent auction and a “Donate to Vote” contest, with 100% of the proceeds going…

Mayor Roger Reinert speaks on skywalk system

DULUTH, Minn. — Following the release of a study regarding the skywalk system, the City of Duluth Mayor, Roger Reinert, weighed in. A six-month study of the skywalk system identified several challenges and outlined three main options: fully reinvesting in the system, removing it entirely, or pursuing a hybrid approach. The study ultimately found that a hybrid approach would work…

UMD students celebrate the Lunar New Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Students of different cultural backgrounds gathered at UMD to celebrate the Lunar New Year. 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing energy, independence, action, and forward momentum. The event featured festive décor, traditional dishes, and cultural activities honoring zodiac traditions and the diversity of Asian culture. “I think it’s really important to me and also…

Superior Choice Credit Union to hold penny memorial

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Choice Credit Union will hold a memorial for the penny this Thursday, Feb. 19. Last fall, the United States Mint ended production of the one-cent coin. In honor of its long-standing place in American history, SCCU has decided to give the penny a special send-off. Throughout the day, the credit union will host three commemorative sessions…

Lake Superior Zoo illuminates winter nights

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo is hosting multiple luminary night walks. The walks began over the weekend with 1,000 glowing ice luminaries lining the zoo’s walking paths, creating a magical winter experience for visitors. While warmer temps have caused many of those ice luminaries to melt, staff have replaced many of them with traditional paper bag luminaries to…

Twin Ports community supports 11th Annual MMIWR Memorial March

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the weekend, people gathered for the 11th Annual Memorial March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The event began with an opening ceremony at the American Indian Community Housing Organization. Family members shared the names and stories of their loved ones. The program featured Indigenous drummers and singers, along with a Red Solidarity Shawl…

Duluth City Council holds study session on future of skywalk system

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council held a meeting regarding the future of the city’s skywalk system. After six months of analysis, consultants from MIG and Civilis identified accessibility challenges, declining foot traffic, high vacancy rates, and ongoing security concerns throughout the skywalk system. They emphasized that the skywalk is nearing or has surpassed its useful life. The consultants…

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory prepares for Valentines Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is getting ready for Valentine’s Day. The local shop says its most popular treats during the holiday are chocolate-covered strawberries and handcrafted truffles. There are options for people who aren’t big fans of chocolate, including salted caramel and assorted candy bags. The shop will also offer dipped dog bones for those celebrating Valentine’s…

College students prepare for upcoming career fair

DULUTH, Minn. — Fuse Duluth partnered with the UMD Career Center to host the second annual “Ready for the Real World Series.” The free event was open to all college students across the Twin Ports, not just UMD students. Local employers, including AMSOIL, Cirrus Aircraft, and Maurices, hosted roundtable discussions focused on interview skills, personal branding, and negotiation strategies. Students…

Many Rivers Montessori Middle Schoolers host Empty Bowl Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Students at Many Rivers Montessori Middle School held their annual “Empty Bowl” fundraiser. Throughout the school year, the students created handmade bowls for their student-run Empty Bowl event. Each piece was thrown on the wheel, glazed, and fired at the school. The students also planned and ran the event themselves, from start to finish. Every purchase included…

Duluth City Council discusses two ICE-related resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council discussed two ICE-related resolutions. One resolution sought to clarify the communication and enforcement relationship between Duluth and the federal government regarding civil immigration laws. Another, urging Governor Tim Walz to issue an emergency order creating temporary statewide housing protections for families affected by the metro surge. “This is an opportunity to us for…

Downtown Duluth hosts 41st annual dinner

DULUTH, Minn. — 500-plus business and community leaders attended “Downtown Duluth’s” 41st Annual dinner. Speakers ranged from Mayor Roger Reinert to small business owners like Christie Erickson of Vitta Pizza. The gathering celebrated the community’s efforts to continue building a safe and welcoming waterfront, while supporting continued leadership and business development. “It’s an organization that brings power and people and…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office PAL Boxing Club hosts open house

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League Boxing Club hosted its first open house this evening. The boxing club is located in the former First Presbyterian Church on East 2nd Street. The program came together through community partnerships and donations. This included equipment and financial support that helped transform the once-empty space into a fully…

DFL Party holds annual Caucus meeting

DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor party held its Caucus Night across Duluth. The meeting took place at five different locations, giving Duluth residents a chance to participate in political discussions regarding the parties’ priorities ahead of upcoming elections. Attendees debated resolutions on topics ranging from immigration enforcement and gun control to non-disclosure agreements. “It is so important to…

UMD students make tie blankets for Aspirus patients

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD Students spent the evening making tie blankets for the St. Luke’s Foundation. The event was organized by the club known as ‘SERVE,’ or Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteer Experiences. Organizers say the goal is to create up to 50 handmade blankets, which will be given to patients and families at Aspirus St. Luke’s to provide warmth…

Nurses lead Nightingale Walk honoring Alex Pretti

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered downtown Duluth for the Nightingale Walk honoring the life of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti. The candlelight vigil was organized by two local nurses. A brief ceremony was held by the Nurse Honor Guard before everyone began the walk along the lake. Participants carried candles during the walk as a symbol of remembrance, grief, and solidarity….

ISMA hosts 136th Grand Lodge Convention

DULUTH, Minn. — A gathering was held for the 136th annual Grand Lodge Convention hosted by the International Ship Masters’ Association. Founded in 1886, the organization represents licensed Great Lakes mariners. Its mission focuses on education, safety, and environmental stewardship from the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway. That mission will be reflected throughout this weekend-long convention. The event…

St. Louis County welcomes new deputies and corrections officers

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office swore in new sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers. Nine deputies and seven corrections officers were sworn in by Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and pinned by friends and family. The event also recognized new civilian staff hires, promotions, and the swearing-in of the department’s newest K-9, Ollie. Among the new deputies is retired…

Protestors gather outside Rep. Pete Sauber’s meeting with Teamsters

DULUTH, Minn. — A protest was held outside the Teamsters Local 346 union hall in Lincoln Park, where Congressman Pete Stauber was believed to be attending a private gathering. People outside said they showed up looking to share their concerns with proposed legislation easing federal restrictions on mining near the Boundary Waters, and the current unrest in Minneapolis involving ICE…

Twin Ports reflect on public reading of the Constitution

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered for a public reading of the United States Constitution at Northern Waters Smoke House. Everyone was handed pocket-sized copies of the Constitution, allowing people to follow along as it was read aloud. With the event taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it gave the community a chance to reflect on the Constitution, honor…

Northland honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

DULUTH, Minn. — People across the Northland spent the day honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by continuing the long-standing tradition of marching, reflection, and celebration. The annual MLK Day celebration, organized by the Duluth NAACP, began with a community breakfast at the First United Methodist Church. Around noon, attendees marched through the DECC’s skywalk,…

UMD unveils $25M main production kitchen renovation

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at the University of Minnesota Duluth for the unveiling of its new Main Production Kitchen, a $25 million renovation designed to feed thousands of Bulldog students and faculty every day. Originally built in 1971, the Main Production Kitchen served around 800 students. After decades of use and an increase in student enrollment, it has been…

‘Push-In Ceremony’ places new Tender 1 Tanker into service

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Town of Superior Fire Department held a “Push-In Ceremony” to officially place Tender 1, their new tanker truck, into service. The Fire Chief began the ceremony with a speech regarding the importance of the truck, which cost approximately $520,000, and took three years to plan, order, and build. The ceremony included filling the tanker…

Shawn Savela announces candidacy for MN House District 8B

DULUTH, Minn. — Native Duluthian Shawn Sevela (R) announced his candidacy for Minnesota House District 8B. Shawn Savela is a lifelong Duluth resident. He says he’s seeking the seat to address fraud, reduce over-taxation and regulation, and restore confidence in Minnesota’s public institutions. Savela says he would create a state oversight office called Minnesota Doge to audit government programs and…