Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Duluth. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Lake Superior Zoo is celebrating Malkia, an 18-year-old lioness whose age exceeds the norm for her species. The zoo is focusing on her care and invites visitors to honor her milestone today. WDIO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Xcel Energy disputed a report that said it paid no federal income tax for 2025 — stating tax credits and adjustments will result in a $58 million liability while helping keep customer bills low. The company also said it remains Minnesota’s largest property tax payer. KSTP
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Duluth Playhouse announced that Wes Drummond stepped down after five years and the board is launching a national search for both an Artistic Director and an Executive Director — a change that marks a new chapter for the historic venue. WDIO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Great Lakes Aquarium hosted Women in Science Night to honor local women's science achievements. WDIO meteorologists Sabrina Ullman and Lea Zmurko led the event with weather updates and answered questions, and project manager Kate Pease said it united local scientists plus community members. WDIO
- ➤ On Friday, St. Scholastica and Essentia Health celebrated their long-time partnership at CSS at Essentia Health Day, highlighting improvements in education + workforce development for local health care. Over 800 alumni already work in the system, helping to ease the region's provider shortage + strengthen community health. WDIO
- ➤ University of Wisconsin-Superior will host a free Law Day panel at 5 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 30 at the Yellowjacket Union’s Shippar Atrium (1605 Catlin Ave), where panelists will talk about the role of law in promoting justice, democracy and civic responsibility while providing a meal. BusinessNorth
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ecolibrium3 is hosting EcoFest at Clyde Iron Works today from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.—the free family friendly event features interactive booths and local organizations that teach sustainability. WDIO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Alex Bodin of St. Louis County 911 Dispatch was honored as Emergency Communications Specialist of the Year today. He has worked for three years and credited his team for his recognition (he never expected the award) while underlining his commitment to public safety. WDIO
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Earth Month offers Duluth residents a chance to refresh their wardrobes sustainably by shopping local resale stores like Plato's Closet, where selling unwanted items can add cash + smart savings. The spring style reset helps reduce waste while keeping fashion affordable. BusinessNorth
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The 37th annual Fitger's 5K, presented by the Young Athletes Foundation, will start at 9:00 a.m. today at Fitger's Complex. Drivers should expect traffic delays with parking restrictions beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Superior Street (closures extend to other roads until the race is set-up). WDIO
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VOTE DAILY to help launch the LNPK Grocery
Vote daily (April 13-25th) to help Ecolibrium3 win a $27,500 grant to launch the LNPK Grocery this spring. Go to oldnational.com/cyc and enter Ecolibrium3 as your nonprofit of choice.
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An Afternoon with the Romantics
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Sacred Heart Music Center — $20 — Enjoy an organ concert featuring romantic works and a piece by J.S. Bach on a historic Felgemaker pipe organ.
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The Entrepreneur Reset
A half-day, in-person workshop for entrepreneurs to step back from the day-to-day and reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change in their business. You’ll walk away with greater clarity, renewed confidence, and tangible next steps.
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Penny Whistle Sound Techniques Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Duluth Folk School — Class fee varies — Learn how to make your penny whistle sing with new techniques and confidence.
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Make Your Own Cold Process Soap Workshop
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM — Duluth Folk School — $72+ — Create your own all-natural soap from scratch while learning valuable crafting skills.
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The Old 13 String Bandits, Cosmic Otter Club and Kyle Orla
8-11 p.m. — Cedar Lounge Earth Rider Brewery Taproom — $12.44 — Enjoy a dynamic musical evening with a diverse range of folk and string performances.
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JAM Duluth Jazz Crawl
6:30-11 p.m. — The Caddy Shack Indoor Golf & Pub — Free entry — Explore the vibrant jazz scene with live performances from local bands.
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Autism Walk - Northland
10 AM – 1 PM — Duluth Entertainment Convention Center — Entry fee applies — Celebrate and support the autism and neurodivergent community during this uplifting walk.
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The Music Man
12 AM – 9 PM — Duluth Entertainment Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a classic musical comedy about a charming salesman and his adventures in River City.
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Beginner Crochet Workshop
5:30-8 p.m. — Duluth Folk School — Registration fee required — Learn the basics of crochet and create your first project.
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Bored Teachers Comedy Tour
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Duluth Entertainment Convention Center — Tickets on sale now — Enjoy an unforgettable night of laughter with the funniest teacher-comedians and their new jokes.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
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