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Hello Duluth! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Smart spheres on power lines, the last transporter bridges, and the mystery of the northern lights + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Duluth protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Sensors pinpoint weather damage: Minnesota Power has introduced “smart spheres” on Duluth transmission lines. They will be deployed at 52 locations across six lines, covering 190 miles, to improve reliability and reduce costs — see how the sensors work.

An evolution of bridge design: March’s Duluth Deep Dive explores the rare transporter bridges, with only eight still in use, and revisits Duluth’s original canal crossing, converted to today’s lift bridge in 1929 — read the full story.

County updates sale procedures: Douglas County will shift tax-deeded land sales online this spring, bringing new appraisal and bidding rules. Minimum appraisal will be $1,000 per acre while 25% down on large bids stays — see how sales will work.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Explore the mystery of northern lights
• Join HGF Family Day in Duluth
• Learn to decorate Easter brunch cookies
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Pie worth a detour: When your sweet tooth starts campaigning, Rustic Inn Cafédelivers flaky, hand-rolled crusts, from-scratch fillings, that five-layer chocolate situation, and plenty of fruity, crumb-topped beauties. Dessert first sounds reasonable… pretend it’s a wellness choice anyway.

Brighten your week: Whether you’re sharing a kind nudge or hunting a well-mannered centerpiece, Dunbar Floral & Gifts delivers artful bouquets, plants, and subscriptions. A real local team with thoughtful design, plus same-day delivery across Duluth, for birthdays you almost forgot or rooms that need a lift.

Chalk up, Duluth: If your grip has been hibernating, Duluth Climbing and Fitness is a member-owned bouldering co-op with fresh sets, a first-name community, and sessions that run long in the best way. Low-pressure vibes meet real progression, with new problems always waiting to project.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Check out my favorite online options →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🍿 Family Movie Night @ Morgan Park Community Center | Friday (3/13) at 6:30 PM – Make Friday nights easy and head to Morgan Park Community Center for a free family movie, big screen, comfy chairs, and free popcorn. Bring a blanket or your favorite seat, enjoy PG picks, and relish the rare thrill of not paying $12 for soda.

👸 Sleeping Beauty @ UMD Marshall Performing Arts Center | Friday (3/13) at 7:00 PM – If you’ve been craving a night of elegance that doesn’t require sequins, catch Sleeping Beauty at UMD’s Marshall Performing Arts Center. Lush score, wicked curse, magical fairies, and choreography sharp enough to wake a princess. Bring the kids, or just your inner royal napper.

🌎 Sensory Friendly Program: Earth’s Wild Ride @ Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium | Saturday (3/14) at 4:00 PM – Going sensory friendly under the planetarium dome, Earth’s Wild Ride pairs a grandpa-grandkid eclipse watch from the Moon with tales of volcanoes, dinosaurs, lightning, and thunder, minus the overwhelm. Stay for Tonight’s Sky, and call it quality time you didn’t have to tidy up for.

👨 2026 Father Daughter Dinner Dances @ Greysolon by Black Woods | Saturday (3/14) at 6:00 PM – Break out the bowties and sparkly shoes, Greysolon’s beloved Father Daughter Dinner Dances are back, with multiple nights to choose from. For $26 a person, feast on a grand buffet, visit the cash bar, and dance off an endless dessert spread, awkward dad moves included.

📖 Midwinter Storytelling: Stories of Hope & Resilience @ Spirit of the Lake Community Arts | Sunday (3/15) at 6:00 PM – Whether you grew up on Paul Bunyan yarns or need thawing after another round of shoveling, a midwinter storytelling night at Spirit of the Lake delivers warmth, humor, and heart. Expect myth, memory, and puppetry from seasoned voices. Ten bucks, bring a food shelf donation.

🍀 Annual Ceili Fundraiser @ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church | Tuesday (3/17) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats a sober, family friendly ceili that feeds folks. Head to St. Paul’s, Greysolon entrance, to support Loaves and Fishes, with beginner lessons in the first half hour. It’s $10 solo, $25 family, $5 students, or pay what you can, no one turned away.

🌌 Wonderstruck Wednesday: The Mystery of the Northern Lights @ Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium | Wednesday (3/18) at 7:00 PM – Skip the TSA lines and catch a free planetarium show that demystifies the northern lights, right here at home. It’s a tight, half-hour escape with first-come seating, so arrive early, bring your curiosity, and leave the snacks, drinks, and crinkly wrappers behind.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Duluth report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 37°F – Low: 17°F – Precip: 41%

A chance of snow before 8am, then a chance of snow and a chance of snow showers between 8am and 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 37. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 17, with temperatures rising to around 20 overnight. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 34°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 43%

A chance of snow showers between 7am and 1pm, then a chance of snow between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: Rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

This house is wild

This 1898 Traditional in Hunters Park offers 6 beds, 2 baths, and 3,316 sq ft on a 0.49-acre lot. Gleaming hardwoods, a living room with gas fireplace, formal dining, and an eat-in kitchen showcase rich wood trim. A third-floor primary with ensuite potential, a backyard patio and loafing shed, and a 36×26 three-car garage shine, minutes from 660-acre Hartley Park.

Take a peek inside →