Duluth Mayor Emily Larson on Thursday is expected to announce the Love Your Block mini-grant recipients for the remainder of 2023.
The Love Your Block program supplies small mini-grants to support resident-led projects that reduce blight in the Lincoln Park and Central Hillside Neighborhoods.
Love Your Block is part of a rich tapestry of current efforts by agencies, organizations and individuals to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all Duluthians.
Local Government Aid alone covers nearly $35 million, about one-third of the budget. It’s the difference between black ink and red. Lose even 5 percent of that aid, and Duluth’s “balanced” budget implodes by millions. That’s not financial strength — that’s dependence disguised as stability.
Duluth’s short-term goal is tactical — keep Inland’s exclusivity alive, hit the paperwork milestones, and convince the Legislature to fund the $10.85 million in site-prep money the city calls the key that unlocks $250 million in private investment.
In 2025, for instance, they raised the levy by 1.85 percent but declared it a “0 percent” year for current taxpayers because new development supposedly absorbed the increase. But that’s a shell game. The levy still grew by nearly $800,000.
The city expects test results over the weekend and will share updates when available.
UMD’s offense continues to run through sophomore forward Max Plante, who still leads the NCHC with 23 points through 13 games. Plante remains second in the league with 10 goals and ranks fourth in shots with 45, giving the Bulldogs one of college hockey’s most efficient high-volume scorers.
After retiring as a player, Jackson moved into coaching and quickly rose through the indoor ranks. He spent multiple seasons with the Salina Liberty, eventually taking over as defensive coordinator.
A busy day on the Arena Football One wire featured a notable trade and several roster additions across the league. Minnesota dealt wide receiver LeDarian McAllister to Oregon in exchange for future considerations. McAllister, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound target from Kentucky State, adds size and experience to Oregon’s receiving unit.
This team could shock some folks. They could win the division. They could also give up 48 points in the paint to some 6-foot-5 bruiser who’s built like a woodpile. But the entertainment value? Through the roof.
