Recent content from Jana Hollingsworth
Duluth car-living site shut down as neighbors appeal permit
The City Council will affirm or reverse a Planning Commission decision to grant the permit June 5.
Duluth tenants want faster repairs. City officials instead call for more tenants' rights education.
City Council proposes its own new renter legislation after union tries to shape policy.
![Hundreds of trees stand after being charred by the Camp House wildfire in Brimson, Minn. on Thursday, May 15, 2025. ]
ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/REGDNXOI4BAUHMNSNQGSM3CQTQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
11 days in, northeast Minnesota wildfires inch closer to being contained
Many evacuation orders and road closures are lifted, but the challenging Jenkins Creek blaze is just one-third under control.
Duluth billboards blast DOGE cuts to Voyageurs National Park
The billboards are part of a national campaign from progressive nonprofit news outlet More Perfect Union.
A massive development is proposed for a northeastern Minnesota city. Local officials aren't saying what it is.
The industrial project proposed for Hermantown carries some hallmarks of a data center.
Fierce winds test containment lines in wildfires north of Duluth
The Brimson-area fires have burned for more than a week, destroying at least 30 year-round homes. Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency.
Northeast Minnesota fires cover 44 square miles, St. Louis County declares state of emergency
More than 600 people are now fighting the Brimson Complex wildfires.
Surrounded by a charred landscape, a small cabin sits unscathed
Amid the destruction of the northeast Minnesota wildfires, evacuees celebrate the saves.
Rain tempers northeast Minnesota fires, burned areas opened to property owners
Groups have organized relief funds for those affected by the fires, and officials promise more support.
Duluth OKs rezoning for 60-unit condo development in Woodland
Some worried it doesn't fit the character of the wooded neighborhood; others saw it helping ease the city's chronic housing shortage.
As wildfires north of Duluth rage, DNR designates part of state 'explosive'
All three St. Louis County fires remain uncontrolled.
A Duluth church offered its parking lot for 'car-living' homeless. Neighbors are unhappy.
The city Planning Commission approved the new location of Safe Bay anyway.
Winds could complicate northern Minnesota wildfires. Here's what you need to know.
The Camp House fire near Brimson, Minn., has destroyed 146 structures, the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said.
Northern Minnesota wildfire response: 'This is when you find out what kind of community you live in'
By midday Tuesday, the Camp House fire near Brimson had grown to 12,000 acres.
Three wildfires grow north of Duluth, destroying homes, as Gov. Walz calls for National Guard help
The Guard will help with with fire suppression as blazes continue to expand.
If Duluth crime is down, why are residents afraid?
As city leaders work to revitalize downtown, they fight negative perceptions.
North Shore resort owner plans Mille Lacs Lake retreat
Del Mar Dunes in Garrison, Minn., is expected to have 12 units ready this summer, with more to come on its 90 acres.
Fix underway for mine pit that threatened to flood northern Minnesota town
The Canisteo Mine Pit has long threatened to flood nearby Bovey.
Do you sweat while you drive? UMD researchers say stress affects your decisions behind the wheel.
Stress and other emotions take a toll on driving behavior just like alcohol and sleepiness, they say.
Anxiety increases over possibility that Duluth EPA Great Lakes lab could close
Klobuchar, Smith send letter to EPA administrator as doubt mounts that the lab's 170 jobs are safe.
Evicted tenants of Minnesota trailers deemed unsafe for human life settle with owner
The Maple Field trailer park in Hermantown is expected to close.
Thousands of Minnesotans rally against Trump in nationwide 'Hands Off!' protest
Protesters mobilized in St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester and dozens of other locations to oppose "assault on our freedoms."
Indigenous activists clash with Minnesota GOP legislators over wild rice rights
Religion, protecting the unborn and rights for a plant are debated in environmental committee hearing.
Trump's order to gut community-building program 'existential threat' to Minnesota lenders
A March 14 executive order halts spending to a Treasury Department program supported by Republicans and Democrats.
Duluth mayor pushes downtown living
But work remains to make the area livable, Mayor Roger Reinert said in his state of the city address, where he also warned of possible property tax hikes.
Allete meets tough hometown crowd over pending sale of Duluth company
The potential $6.2 billion sale, which includes Minnesota Power, would take it private.
'Incredibly inequitable': Schools surrounding Minnesota's cabin country homes struggle as taxes go to state
A long-ago shift of a portion of seasonal home property taxes away from schools is messing with communities, says Sen. Grant Hauschild, who has introduced legislation to replace a portion of the taxes.
More than 600 Iron Range steelworkers out of work as auto industry cuts orders because of tariffs
Cleveland-Cliffs, the largest iron ore operator in Minnesota, is idling operations in Hibbing and Virginia.
Duluth airport generated more than $200 million in 2024
A University of Minnesota Duluth analysis found that its economic output surpassed $1.2 billion.
For Anishinaabe musher, the sport connects him to the outdoors, his past and those dogs
Jesse Terry was the only Anishinaabe man in the 40th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon this month. In this race, named for an Anishinaabe man, Terry knows he's representing his culture.
Hermantown trailer park owner begins to close in lieu of fixing life-threatening problems
Maple Fields mobile home park residents have faced raw sewage leaks, caved-in ceilings and serious fire hazards despite repeated complaints to the park owner.
Pine County township OKs controversial lakefront property ordinance
A new shoreland management plan is expected to slow development to protect lake ecosystems in Windemere Township.
Erin Aili wins this year's John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
The 2021 Beargrease champion was closely followed by Erin Altemus.
Lakefront property proposal in Pine County roils residents
Tiny Windemere Township has a high concentration of lakes, popular Sturgeon and Sand among them. But the shoreline is overbuilt, planners say, and it's hurting area waters.
Duluth skywalk: A relic or still critical?
City leaders hope to study the system's future as post-pandemic use hasn't returned to previous levels.
Duluth undertaking major fixes in its complex, uphill water system
The EPA found a host of deficiencies in 2023, and a new property owner surcharge will replace a prior one to pay for upgrades.
Demolition begins on a historic downtown Duluth eyesore
The dismantling of the Pastoret Terrace, home to elegant townhomes in one era and the divey Kozy Bar in another, was approved last month after years of litigation.
New partnership hopes to restore this 'species of special concern' to the St. Louis River
Lake sturgeon, the largest of all Great Lakes fish and as ancient as dinosaurs, once thrived in the river until overfishing and pollution wiped it out.
First retail tenant announced for massive Duluth hilltop housing project
The first building in the Incline Village development is set to open next year.
Duluth federal prison camp closure in apparent limbo
The Federal Bureau of Prisons said it is conducting a facility assessment before determining next steps, as most inmates remain.
Duluth schools poised to eliminate athletics and activities directors as cuts loom
Duluth is among school districts across the state struggling to keep up with costs.
Federal funding for 'green' iron manufacturing study could be caught up in politics
Duluth-based University of Minnesota Natural Resources Research Institute pursues 'green' iron manufacturing in northern Minnesota but depends on a feasibility study.
Desegregation, overpopulation behind Duluth Spanish immersion expansion
About 650 kids attend Lowell Elementary, built for just 500. But access for underserved students plays a role in the decision to send part of a popular program to another school.
Duluth's notorious former Kozy Bar is poised for demolition, after long legal dispute
The once-stately structure, formally known as the Pastoret Terrace, has been largely destroyed by fire and decay. A settlement lays out design guidelines for the downtown historic district.
Duluth overdose deaths prompt questions of supportive housing provider
Within 15 months, three women died alone in Grace Place housing. Their bodies weren't discovered for days.
Campaign manager for Duluth mayor cleared of legal wrongdoing
Public records that showed Amber Gurske's direction of city employees on behalf of Mayor Roger Reinert didn't violate any statutes, external investigation says.
Duluth's historic Aerial Lift Bridge finally getting a major makeover
The city will be awarded an $11.2 million federal grant for the "unofficial symbol of Duluth."
500 Duluth city workers reach union contract, averting strike
The members of AFSCME Local 66 include snowplow drivers and utility workers and make up the city's largest union.
Hermantown trailer park owner on hook for lodging costs of displaced residents
A St. Louis County judge ordered Elevated Property Management to make immediate repairs to units without water.
Duluth man charged with stealing 40 hockey sticks in theft that derailed Mankato team
Cole Saice said he returned to the bus after the initial theft because another man "wanted in."
Duluth's new city administrator comes from same role in St. Cloud
Matt Staehling replaces Dave Montgomery, who served in an interim capacity for Mayor Roger Reinert's first year.
As Duluth's Vikre Distillery turns 10, it leads charge to shop local
New liquor laws have benefitted the Canal Park distillery, but business flowing to large corporations still hurts it, owners say.
Closure of northern Minnesota camp is 'the greatest story.' Here's why.
Willow River, Minn., camp One Heartland is for sale after serving kids there for nearly three decades.
Fond du Lac Band plans Munger Trail connection
The band is in planning and design stages on the trail that will link to Black Bear Casino and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
Bois Forte Band member killed in hit-and-run near northern Minnesota casino
The FBI has identified a person of interest in the case.
Why did Biden release a Duluth head shop owner who created a public health crisis?
Convicted synthetic drug-trafficker Jim Carlson, whose products harmed many, lives in a Twin Cities halfway house. He is among the nearly 1,500 granted clemency by President Joe Biden.
Duluth's snowplow drivers, others in large union authorize strike, citing 'crushing' workloads
Nearly 500 members of AFSCME Local 66, which includes snowplow drivers and water line maintenance workers, could strike in mid-January.
Construction begins on Duluth's 'newest neighborhood,' at scenic former high school site
The vacant site of the former Duluth Central High School will become the home of a major housing development with some of Duluth's best views.
In controversial move, Duluth picks Arizona agency to push tourism
Duluth city councilors had the final say in a committee's recommendation to steer marketing of a $1 billion industry.
Owner of 'deplorable' Duluth-area mobile home park pleads guilty
The owner of Elevated Management will be sentenced Jan. 2 for failure to provide safe drinking water and other required public health and safety measures.
Hermantown, Minn., cracks down on trailer park owner over 'deplorable' conditions
From minor code violations to a condemned status, all 50-plus units have compliance issues, potentially forcing some residents out as temperatures plummet.
Duluth picks out-of-state agency over local firms to market tourism
In his successful campaign for mayor last year, Roger Reinert criticized incumbent Emily Larson for choosing a Minneapolis firm over locally connected groups to market the city. Now the city is looking outside Minnesota.
Duluth awarded legal win over stormwater fee class action suit
The lawsuit by two Duluth businesses, including Moline Machinery, was originally filed against the city in 2021.
Duluth school district expects to cut $5 million next year
The end of federal pandemic relief aid is a driver of projected reductions, which equates to about 50 full-time teacher positions.
Duluth chamber makes historic choice to lead board
Chiamaka Enemuoh is the first person of color appointed as board chair of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.
Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber easily defeats Democrat Jennifer Schultz in northern MN rematch
Stauber, the incumbent, wins a fourth term in the Eighth Congressional District. Schultz is a former state legislator.
Northern Minnesota congressional candidates polite but pointed in only debate
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber and challenger Jennifer Schultz face each other in an Eighth Congressional District rematch.
No jail time for convicted felon who turned in gun
Charges against Steven Cooper raised controversy after he called his parole officer in 2022 to say he had found a gun among his deceased brother's possessions.
Will Minnesota's long-blue Iron Range turn red in November?
Minnesota Republicans are hopeful the region's rightward shift will help them win every state House seat on the Range this year and end the DFL's trifecta control of state government.
Critics say Duluth judicial candidate fought improvements to domestic violence work as city attorney
Gunnar Johnson said he needed to vet opportunities intended to improve domestic violence case outcomes before agreeing to them.
Campfire ban lifted at Superior National Forest, including BWCAW
Recent rain and humidity have improved conditions on the Superior National Forest's 3 million acres and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota.
New employer-led nonprofit hopes to lure workers to Duluth with housing investments
Essentia Health is the first major employer to invest in Duluth-based Northland Housing Partners.
Former Duluth East hockey coach Mike Randolph created 'hostile' culture, report finds
One parent felt as if they were "condoning child abuse" when their son played for Randolph, according to a newly released investigation.
Duluth to investigate role mayor's girlfriend plays in city business
An internal review is complete, but city administration wants one done externally for transparency.
