Good morning, Duluth.

Spirit Halloween and Ragstock have opened at Miller Hill Mall; the seasonal store offers costumes and decorations (across from Champs near Center Court) while Ragstock sells vintage and basic apparel (near the Food Court left of JD).

The Duluth School Board approved an operating referendum on Nov.

3 to help address a $3.9M shortfall and plan for long-term financial stability. The ballot includes two levy options with modest tax increases (about $8/month for a $300,000 home) while further cuts may be needed next school year.

Eric Omdahl, an undergraduate at UW-Superior, is studying how muskrats might help wild rice come back along the St. Louis River at the Superior National Institute and Research Reserve.

He is recording footage (including muskrat dens) to compare areas with and without muskrat activity as part of his long-term research.

Doctors at Essentia Health say that after many years of lower rates, heart disease is rising as obesity and diabetes increase — a sign that adults should get tested for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels to catch issues early.