Good morning, Duluth.

The McKnight Foundation has announced a $6 million investment for six rural foundations in 2026 — each will receive $1 million plus an extra $500,000 in operating support.

Northland Foundation is among the local partners set to use the funds for community projects.

Local businesses in Ely remain open and invite residents and tourists despite wildfire containment efforts in the BWCA and Superior National Forest.

A roundtable discussion on economic impacts is scheduled Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Minnesota North College Vermilion Campus Theater as organizers promote the Harvest Moon Festival.

BusinessNorth started in 1992 (celebrating 35 years this year) and covers 16 counties in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Rising printing and postage costs may force it to move to digital soon.

Some bus shelters in East Hillside now feature murals by local artist Carolyn Olson as part of the Twin Ports Bus Shelter Art Project; the art is visible at shelters (13th Ave E, Superior St, and near 6th Ave E).

Officials lifted 23 evacuation zones on the western edge of the Superior National Forest wildfires (mostly near Crane Lake and Johnson Lake) after fire officials and the U.S. Forest Service reviewed the statuses, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said.

Officials continue monitoring conditions in the area.

The Superior National Forest said a wildfire is only 'contained' when a fire line is built around its edge, not when flames die down.

Firefighters remove fuel on both sides (using barriers like streams and rocks) and continue to monitor until rain or snow cools the fire.

Northern Minnesota residents in wildfire evacuation zones may face temporary power outages if county officials change orders from 'Set' to 'Go', and Minnesota Power is working with Lake and St. Louis County to protect firefighters and public safety.

Restoration may take days, so customers should secure their appliances.

Essentia Health donated an AED to Arrowhead Youth Soccer Association on Wednesday following a CPR clinic for coaches.

The donation will help keep youth soccer events safe after assistant director Morgan Maclean survived a heart attack last December.

William A. Irvin Museum Tour

10 a.m. — William A. Irvin Museum — Tickets starting at $11.55 — Explore this historic freighter with guided insights at key locations.

Legally Blonde The Musical

7:30-10:30 p.m. — NorShor Theatre — $30 – $60 — Catch the high-energy, award-winning musical about ambition, self-discovery, and fashionable fun.

Toast - The Ultimate Bread Experience

7 p.m. — Symphony Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a delightful journey into the world of bread with Toast.

wedi Certified Installer Workshop

11:00 a.m. — Hanks Specialties — Free entry — Get certified in wedi’s waterproof systems while enjoying free food and swag.

Will They Kiss | Gill Weather | Galleon

7-10 p.m. — Wussow's Concert Cafe — $11.63-$106.17 — Experience local alt-rock and dream pop bands in a cozy cafe atmosphere.

All Pints North Summer Brew Fest 2026

3:30-7 p.m. — Bayfront Festival Park — 21+ Only — Enjoy Minnesota craft beer, live music, and local food trucks along the shores of Lake Superior.

Anne Wilson Live in Duluth

Time TBD — Bayfront Festival Park — Tickets available now — Experience Anne Wilson's soulful blend of country and Christian music amidst a spiritual atmosphere.

Summit North Trail Runs

August weekend — Spirit Mountain Grand Avenue Chalet — Registration info available — Experience a thrilling trail-running adventure in the scenic trails of West Duluth.

City on The Hill Music Festival

1-8:30 p.m. — Bayfront Festival Park — Ticketed — Celebrate faith and music with top artists in a beautiful lakeside setting.