Thursday, August 27, 2026 · Duluth 61°F · Wind NE 12 mph
MinnesotaizzeStatewide news & business · minnesotaizze.com

Featuring NorthlandLife — our Northlandizze edition covering Duluth, the Iron Range and the North Shore.

Featured edition · Northlandizze

NorthlandLife — Duluth, the Iron Range & the North Shore

Northland businesses
Aerial view of the Duluth harbor and aerial lift bridge at sunrise

Harbor

Record iron ore season pushes Duluth–Superior port toward a 10-year high

Dock operators added a third shift through October as lakers queued past the ship canal. Port authority officials say the surge is straining rail capacity on the Iron Range.

By Marta Lindgren · August 26, 2026

Top stories

Six new storefronts open on Cloquet's Avenue C as vacancy hits a decade low

Business

Six new storefronts open on Cloquet's Avenue C as vacancy hits a decade low

A revolving façade loan and cheaper rents downtown drew a bakery, a bike shop and a co-working space to the block this summer.

By Devon Aho · August 26, 2026

Hermantown council delays vote on the Midway Road corridor plan

Government

Hermantown council delays vote on the Midway Road corridor plan

Residents packed the chamber for three hours of testimony over sidewalks, stormwater and a proposed roundabout at Ugstad.

By Rae Petersen · August 25, 2026

Northland hockey preview: eight teams, one very crowded 7AA

Prep Sports

Northland hockey preview: eight teams, one very crowded 7AA

Grand Rapids returns most of a state-tournament roster, but Duluth East and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton both reload up front.

By Joel Sandstrom · August 25, 2026

Around the region

Cabin country color report: birch turning two weeks early along the Cloquet River

Outdoors

Cabin country color report: birch turning two weeks early along the Cloquet River

DNR foresters point to a dry August. Peak color could land the second weekend of September.

By Ingrid Salo · August 24, 2026

A taproom on every corner? Northland brewers say the market is finally settling

Food & Drink

A taproom on every corner? Northland brewers say the market is finally settling

After a decade of growth, three taprooms consolidated this year while two opened in smaller towns.

By Devon Aho · August 24, 2026

This week's events

  • Aug 28Cloquet Farmers MarketDunlap Island Park
  • Aug 29Bayfront Blues warm-up showBayfront Festival Park, Duluth
  • Aug 30Two Harbors Heritage Days paradeSeventh Avenue
  • Sep 2Hermantown council work sessionCity Hall
  • Sep 5Iron Range Fall Craft FairVirginia Miners Memorial

Northland business directory

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Food & Drink · Duluth

Lift Bridge Coffee Roasters

Small-batch roaster and café in Canal Park with beans from the same three farms since 2011.

Home & Trade · Cloquet

Aho Hardware & Rental

Fourth-generation hardware store. Chainsaw sharpening, log splitters and ice auger rentals.

Outdoors · Two Harbors

Superior Shore Outfitters

Guided paddles, Gunflint gear rental and shuttle service for the Superior Hiking Trail.

Health · Hermantown

Northern Pine Dental

Family dentistry with evening appointments and same-week emergency slots.

Retail · Grand Rapids

Boreal Books

Independent bookseller with a strong Minnesota history shelf and a Thursday-night reading series.

Food & Drink · Knife River

Knife River Fish House

Smoked lake trout, whitefish and cisco off the dock. Cash and card, no reservations.