Howie: Breaking News, Monday afternoon

APPs at Essentia Health plan historic ULP strike

DULUTH, Minn. — In a first for Minnesota, more than 400 Advanced Practice Providers across Essentia Health’s East Market have announced an Unfair Labor Practice strike set to begin July 10. The APPs — including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists — say Essentia has refused to recognize their union or bargain, despite certification by the National Labor Relations Board nearly a year ago.

The Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents the APPs, accuses Essentia of violating federal labor law through retaliation, intimidation and unilateral changes to assignments. Providers cite unsafe staffing levels, corporate interference in care decisions, and restrictive non-compete clauses that limit rural patient access.

Nearly 400 APPs voted to unionize in 2024. With Essentia declining to negotiate, the walkout is viewed as a last resort. The strike aligns with earlier actions by nurses at four hospitals and six Essentia clinics, hospice and surgery centers slated for July 8, with additional strike authorizations still active for metro sites.

Under federal requirements, APPs have given a 10-day notice to allow facilities to arrange patient coverage. The union says the goal remains to secure a fair agreement and avoid disruptions, but providers are prepared to strike to protect patient care, uphold bargaining rights and push Essentia to negotiate in good faith.

Police identify victim in Duluth fatal stabbing
DULUTH, Minn. — Authorities have identified the woman fatally stabbed Saturday evening in Duluth as 49-year-old Anissa Cope. Officers found her with stab wounds around 7:30 p.m. on North 27th Avenue West; lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Later that night, police arrested a suspect on Interstate 35 in Pine County without incident. He was booked into the St. Louis County Jail on pending charges of second-degree murder and felony domestic assault. Investigators said the victim and suspect knew each other.

Around the Northland: The local weather forecast, Navy Week highlights, Fourth Fest at Bayfront, DECC events and more

DULUTH, Minn. – Here’s a look at Duluth’s weather forecast today through Sunday, followed by how conditions may shape plans for Fourth of July events in the region.

Forecast summary

• Monday–Wednesday: Warm to hot temperatures in the 80s, predominantly sunny with a chance of scattered showers today.
• Thursday: Cooler and more comfortable, with partly sunny skies and highs around 70°F.
• Friday (July 4): Cloudy and humid, with a strong thunderstorm expected. Daytime highs near 75°F and overnight lows in the upper 60s.
• Saturday: Continued humidity and breezy conditions, with late‑day thunderstorms possible.
• Sunday: Drier and more pleasant, with highs in the mid‑70s and a mix of sun and clouds.

Today	81° 59°	Sun and some clouds with a couple of showers; warm
Tuesday	86° 61°	Very warm with plenty of sunshine
Wednesday	82° 61°	Mostly sunny and remaining warm
Thursday	70° 55°	Partly sunny and not as warm but pleasant
Friday	75° 67°	Cloudy and humid with a strong thunderstorm
Saturday	78° 62°	Variable cloudiness, breezy and humid with a thunderstorm or two
Sunday	76° 57°	Pleasant and less humid with sunshine and a few clouds

Impact on Fourth of July event plans
Stormy conditions on Friday are likely to stay the course through Friday evening, which may force organizers to alter or postpone key activities:

• Parades and outdoor festivals scheduled for early to mid‑day could face cancellations or delay.
• Fireworks displays, typically held after dark, may be held off or rescheduled due to lightning risk.
• Family gatherings and lakefront barbecues may shift indoors or under shelter; event coordinators should communicate any contingency plans.

If storms clear overnight, post‑holiday events on Saturday could remain damp and unsettled, with a chance of scattered storms through the afternoon. Sunday’s improving conditions offer a favorable window for rescheduled events, cleanup efforts, and outdoor recreation.

Planning recommendations
Community leaders and families should monitor local forecasts closely through Thursday night. A backup plan is advisable for Friday’s activities—whether relocating to covered venues, adjusting start times to before the storm window, or choosing Sunday as a fallback. Flexibility and timely communication will be key to ensuring safe and enjoyable celebrations.

Meanwhile, here’s a handful of select public events across our region this week:

Tuesday, July 1

• 10-10:45 a.m.: Duluth Navy Week kicks off with a proclamation at the USS Duluth anchor on the Lakewalk. Expect light pedestrian traffic along the lakeshore.
• 1-2 p.m.: Navy Band Great Lakes’ Fair Winds Woodwind Quintet performs at the Bong Center.
• 5-6 p.m.: Table events continue at the Bong Center.
• Evening: The DECC hosts conferences and summer tourist events; lots fill early.

Wednesday, July 2

• 10-11:30 a.m.: Liberty Call Brass Band plays downtown. Expect mid-morning street closures or parking restrictions.
• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Navy visits the Duluth Children’s Museum.
• 11-11:30 a.m.: Sailors help feed sturgeon at the Great Lakes Aquarium.
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Octopus and crow enrichment follows.
• 5:15-7 p.m.: Navy joins Wednesday Night at the Races at Bayfront Festival Park, drawing families and heavy foot traffic.
• 7 p.m.: Duluth FC men’s soccer at Public Schools Stadium. Crowds expected around Fourth Street.

Thursday, July 3

• Noon-1 p.m.: Navy Band concert at the St. Louis County Depot.
• 2-3 p.m.: Navy returns to the Children’s Museum.
• 5:30 p.m.: Fair Winds Woodwind Quintet joins “City Sounds” at the Duluth Public Library.
• Evening: Steady activity at the DECC with arts and visitor showcases; parking ramps may fill.

Friday, July 4

• 10 a.m.-noon: Navy units march in Superior’s parade. Plan for road closures along the route.
• 10-11 a.m.: Brass ensembles perform the National Anthem.
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Navy joins Cloquet’s festival.
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Appearances continue at the Bong Center.
• Noon-3 p.m.: Woodwind Quintet plays at Carlton County celebration.
• 1:30-10:15 p.m.: Fourth Fest at Bayfront draws thousands; parking and traffic backups expected downtown.
• 6-7 p.m.: Liberty Call Brass Band on the Bayfront stage.

Saturday, July 5

• 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Duluth Air and Aviation Expo at the airport. Large crowds and shuttle delays possible.
• 11 a.m.-noon: Quintet at Lake Superior Zoo.
• Evening: DECC remains busy with holiday weekend visitors; allow extra time to navigate Canal Park.

Sunday, July 6

• 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Air and Aviation Expo continues. Expect steady lines and packed parking lots around Duluth International.

New Life Link III hangar to break ground at Duluth airport
DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Airport Authority will break ground Tuesday on a new hangar for Life Link III at Duluth International Airport, expanding local aviation infrastructure and emergency medical services. The 11 a.m. ceremony kicks off construction on the north side of the airfield, an area long slated for aviation growth. Officials say the facility will house both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, improving regional medical response and creating jobs. The project is expected to finish by mid-2026.

Blatnik Bridge inspections to close lanes starting July 7
DULUTH, Minn. — Drivers crossing the Blatnik Bridge between Duluth and Superior will encounter right lane closures beginning July 7 as crews conduct routine inspections. Work is scheduled 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with a 10-foot width limit and speed reduced to 45 mph. The checks come ahead of a major replacement project expected to start in 2027.

Great Lakes Aquarium marks 25th anniversary with week of events
DULUTH, Minn. — The Great Lakes Aquarium will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a series of activities beginning Sunday, July 20, culminating in an open house Friday, July 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. Highlights include a raffle drawing at 7:30 p.m. that evening. Proceeds support animal care, education and exhibits. Details are at GLAquarium.org/25thAnniversary.