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Jana Hollingsworth

Duluth Reporter | Duluth/Superior
Phone: 218-508-2450

Jana Hollingsworth is a reporter covering a range of topics in Duluth and northeastern Minnesota for the Star Tribune. Sign up to receive the new North Report newsletter.


Jana Hollingsworth spent more than a dozen years covering education and Native American issues for the Duluth News Tribune. She began her journalism career with the University of St. Thomas campus newspaper, the Aquin, and has also worked for the Superior Daily Telegram. She grew up in Proctor, Minn., and lives in Duluth with her husband and daughter.
Recent content from Jana Hollingsworth
Workers repair the former Mountain Iron YMCA in August.

When a beloved YMCA closed, Iron Rangers didn't accept defeat

A grassroots coalition formed a nonprofit, bought a building and will open a new community fitness center in January.
The former St. Mary’s Medical Center in downtown Duluth.

Demolition of Duluth's former St. Mary's hospital set for summer

Essentia Health's new St. Mary's Medical Center opened July 30.
Warroad head coach David Marvin looks up at the scoreboard during a timeout in the second period of the Class 1A girl’s hockey championship Feb. 25

In 'Hockeytown USA,' longtime Warroad coach sues parents

Girls varsity hockey coach David Marvin filed a civil defamation lawsuit this week against several parents of current and former players.
Lovebug

'He couldn't walk on his own:' Duluth woman charged in fatal dog neglect case

The pit bull was largely confined to a crate for more than a month.
Mayoral candidate Roger Reinert thanked his supporters in his victory speech at his election party at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth on Nov. 7.

Duluth election results tip the city in a more moderate direction

Roger Reinert's mayoral win and a City Council that's mostly centrist could mean spending priority changes for Duluth.
Duluth Mayoral candidate Roger Reinert thanks his supporters in his victory speech at his election party Tuesday night at Clyde Iron Works.

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson concedes to challenger Roger Reinert

Voters in Duluth decided an intense race over the next leader of the city of 86,000: the two-term incumbent or a former state lawmaker.
Lynette Ruse dried the feet of her dog, Bentley, after she let him and her other dog, Freya, get some fresh air before turning in for the night Octobe

Cold and frustrating: Car-living in Duluth

A downtown Duluth parking lot that serves people who live in their vehicles has finished its first season of operation.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is facing a challenge from Roger Reinert.

PAC money fuels record spending in Duluth mayor's race

Mayor Emily Larson and challenger Roger Reinert have raised about half a million dollars combined, records show.
Two paddlers missing in northwest Wisconsin since Saturday

Two paddlers missing in northwest Wisconsin since Saturday

Family found the capsized canoe of the two men shortly after midnight.
The former West Duluth Kmart.

Sale of former West Duluth Kmart tied up in court

The Minneapolis-based buyer has a vision that includes pickleball courts inside the former big-box store.
Duluth City Council President Janet Kennedy, right, talked about the near-completion of the U.S. Steel/Spirit Lake cleanup effort at the site Wednesda

Once-polluted Duluth riverfront to reopen after $165M cleanup

The 92-acre U.S. Steel Superfund site in Morgan Park opens next summer with new trails and wildlife habitat.
The freighter BBC Xingang came into the Duluth Harbor in 2020 carrying wind turbine tower segments.

Strike hits Great Lakes shipping, cutting off Duluth from international traffic

A union for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. in Canada went on strike Sunday following a 72-hour notice.
Duluth Public Schools are posing two levy questions to voters that together would raise nearly $80 million over the next decade.

Duluth schools say innovative programs, jobs on the line unless voters approve levies

Pandemic aid that allowed schools to build up mental health and academic support runs dry next year.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson spoke at a news conference along the Duluth harbor Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, as the Vista Star docked.

After delays, Duluth begins $18 million seawall reconstruction

"This project is going to create a very distinctive and compelling new Duluth space," Mayor Emily Larson said.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is facing a challenge from Roger Reinert.

Gripping Duluth mayoral race pits longtime DFLers against each other

Two-term Mayor Emily Larson faces former state lawmaker Roger Reinert.
David Cichosz with his Lake Superior-caught coho salmon.

Record coho salmon caught in Lake Superior

The catch breaks a 53-year record.
The DECC’s Amsoil Arena.

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center lays off employees in wake of financial struggles

The publicly funded entertainment complex secured a $1 million line of credit from the Duluth City Council last week.
The Knife River Marina on the North Shore has about 100 boat slips.

North Shore residents fear marina sale will harm community

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources owns the Knife River Marina on Lake Superior, and is eyeing a sale as costs to maintain the basin escalate.
The new Cirrus Aircraft innovation center in Duluth. Cirrus is the leading U.S. maker of single-engine piston planes.

Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft opens $20 million innovation center

Duluth sold the building to Cirrus for $1.
An entrance to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

Struggling Duluth Entertainment Convention Center gets $1 million line of credit

The Duluth City Council approved a $1 million line of credit to the publicly funded entertainment center, good for one year as the DECC looks to reduce spending.
The Duluth campus of the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Controversial group at U of M medical school in Duluth divides students

The Catholic group opposes gender-affirming care, sparking concern for future patients.
A study commissioned by the city of Duluth for downtown housing shows potential for growth.

2,500 new homes in downtown Duluth in 5 years? Maybe.

Duluth is exploring the potential to replace vacant office space with places to live.
Duluth mayoral candidates Roger Reinert, left, and incumbent Emily Larson debated Wednesday afternoon at the Garden in Duluth’s Canal Park.

Duluth mayor, challenger clash in standing-room-only debate

Two-term Duluth Mayor Emily Larson faces off against Roger Reinert, a former state legislator.
Journey Brotherton, a member of Michigan’s Bay Mills Indian Community, enters the arena during the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe powwow Sept. 8 at the C

'Everyone is welcome': What to know about attending a powwow

Tribes like the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe blend modern life with old traditions as they gather for powwows.
A replacement is proposed for the Duluth Public Library.

Duluth proposes new $72 million downtown library — if it gets federal and state help

A new library would house several city entities, including police units.
Carlton County wildfire continues to smolder despite rain; three homes remain evacuated

Carlton County wildfire continues to smolder despite rain; three homes remain evacuated

Hot and dry conditions contributed to rapid spread of flames on Labor Day.
Wildfire burns in Carlton County, threatening properties

Wildfire burns in Carlton County, threatening properties

The fire, estimated to be between 40 and 70 acres, was detected Monday.
Steven Cooper, center, is a 31-year-old felon who was charged with possession of a firearm after he turned in a gun he found to police. He spoke at a

Minnesota felon who turned in brother's gun pleads guilty

Steven Cooper's attorney said he will argue for probation at the October sentencing in Duluth.
Craig Collins, 64, of Minneapolis, finished the final leg of a 48-mile swim relay on Lake Superior along the North Shore. A team of six began Tuesday

Lake Superior swimmers battle towering swells, seasickness on 'magical' 48-mile route

Six marathon swimmers swam the relay to raise awareness about a warming lake.
Karen Zemlin of Plymouth practices her swim route on Lake Superior south of Split Rock Lighthouse this month.

Marathon swimmers attempt 24 hours in Lake Superior

The group aims to shed light on a warming lake.
Former IRRR Commissioner Mark Phillips died Wednesday.

Former IRRR Commissioner Mark Phillips dies at 73

He is remembered as a "true Iron Ranger" who leaves long-lasting benefits to northeastern Minnesota.
Cenovus Energy’s Superior, Wis., refinery experienced a second fuel leak in as many days Thursday.

Second fuel leak in as many days at Superior refinery

The Superior Fire Department said the public isn't in danger.
A pair of moose calves stood at the water’s edge as their mother foraged at dusk in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Topaz Lake in 2021.

Visits to the Boundary Waters dropped last year — and that's a good thing, forest officials say

The number of people paddling, hiking and boating in the BWCA last year returned to pre-pandemic levels and was in line with a reduction in the number of available permits.
A propane leak at Cenovus Energy’s Superior refinery led to an emergency response Wednesday morning.

Propane leak at Superior refinery, site of a 2018 explosion, sets off emergency response

Cenovus Energy's own crews handled the leak at the refinery.
A mountain lion was captured on video in Duluth on Aug. 20 near McQuade Harbor.

Mountain lion captured on video in Duluth

Footage of the unusual sight was taken Aug. 20 near McQuade Harbor on the North Shore.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson proposes 'good news' budget with influx of state money

The proposed budget, presented to the City Council on Monday night, follows her stunning defeat in the primary earlier this month.
Grand Rapids man killed in Iron Range motorcycle crash

Grand Rapids man killed in Iron Range motorcycle crash

The incident happened around 5 p.m. Sunday.
The 60th Avenue and London Road intersection in Duluth.

After pushback, controversial MnDOT road plan in Duluth is altered

A roundabout at an intersection leading out of the city and up the North Shore would have meant the demolition of a house.
A lawsuit has been filed against St. Louis County and the Minnesota Department of Commerce related to tax-forfeited land and timber leases.

Lawsuit: Seizure, sale of properties over unpaid taxes is 'revenue-generating scheme'

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision led to the Iron Range lawsuit.
Duluth has banned pot smoking in its city parks.

Duluth bans smoking — cannabis, vapes and cigarettes — in city parks

The City Council approved an ordinance Monday night that leaves people with sidewalks and streets when it comes to smoking in public.
A fire burned in the BWCA southeast of Ely, Minn. on Tuesday Aug. 8, 2023.

Superior National Forest fire near Ely is now contained

The August Lake Fire was detected Monday.
Suit against Duluth for overcharging stormwater fees certified as class action

Suit against Duluth for overcharging stormwater fees certified as class action

Commercial property owners in the city each stand to recoup thousands of dollars.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and challenger Roger Reinert.

Former state lawmaker stuns incumbent in Duluth mayoral primary

Roger Reinert and Mayor Emily Larson, who is running for a third term, both advance to the Nov. 7 general election.
Cook, Minn., man dead after crashing vintage Corvette into tree

Cook, Minn., man dead after crashing vintage Corvette into tree

The wreck happened around 8 p.m. Sunday night.
The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad passenger train along the St. Louis River in Duluth.

All aboard! Duluth train back in action after long hiatus along a changed St. Louis River

The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad returns with improvements to both the train cars and the scenery.
Two men charged in fatal Duluth shooting, the city's first homicide of the year

Two men charged in fatal Duluth shooting, the city's first homicide of the year

Paris Allen, 19, was killed Wednesday.
Two men arrested in fatal shooting in Duluth

Two men arrested in fatal shooting in Duluth

A 19-year-old died and an 18-year-old was injured but is expected to survive.
FILE - Voting signs in front of Duluth City Hall. Duluth is the only city in the state with a primary this year.

Your Duluth 2023 primary election guide

The only primary election in Minnesota this year is in Duluth, which is Aug. 8. Find your precinct, and learn more about the candidates running for mayor, City Council and school board.
One dead in Duluth shooting, two arrested

One dead in Duluth shooting, two arrested

A 19-year-old was killed and a second man, age 18, was shot and wounded, police said.
A view of the proposed expansion area on the western edge of Moose Mountain. The popular Oberg Mountain area is in the background at top right.

Proposed Lutsen Mountains expansion deferred as ski resort rethinks tribal rights

The resort had hoped to add 495 U.S. Forest Service acres to expand its offerings.
From left, John Wyllie, of Bemidji, Eugene Sayers, of Red Lake and Bill Skinner, of Ferguson, share a joint and a blunt before the state’s first rec

As marijuana becomes legal in Minnesota, cheering, dancing at Red Lake dispensary

The northern Minnesota reservation opened the first recreational marijuana dispensary in the state Tuesday.
The Duluth News Tribune building on West First Street.

Duluth News Tribune sells building to school district

The downtown property has been on the market since 2017.
The newly built tiny home on Sixth Avenue East in Duluth has caused a furor over its listing price.

Duluth tiny home listed for eye-popping $182,500: 'Everything that could go wrong did go wrong'

The asking price of the 205-square-foot home has drawn wide-ranging criticism.
Duluth’s Lakewalk is one of the outdoor public spaces where the smoking of marijuana would be banned.

Duluth poised to ban pot smoking inside city parks, impose $300 fine

The law would extend ban to cigarette and vape smoking as well.
The Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation in Eveleth.

Iron Range official takes new approach to population decline

The Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation has a new, homegrown leader.
The lobby of the new Duluth Essentia Health hospital and clinic.

New Duluth Essentia Health hospital opens this month after four years and $915M

The project is the largest private investment in Duluth history.
Lake Superior College President Patricia Rogers posed for a portrait in front of the college in 2019.

Second whistleblower suit filed against Duluth college

Both suits allege retaliation for raising concerns about a toxic industrial chemical.
Duluth’s Miller Creek runs near the proposed hotel development.

Duluth hotel opponents fail to post $1.6 million bond to halt construction

The proposed hotel would be built near an impaired trout stream.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaks at a news conference Wednesday in Duluth, along with Mayor Emily Larson, to announce $8 million in federal funding for

In Duluth, major fixes ahead for oft-battered Lakewalk

More than $8 million in federal money paves the way for 2.5 miles of improvements for the city's trail along Lake Superior.
Land near Grand Marais for sale by Seth Jeffs.

Grand Marais land tied to polygamy sect, Warren Jeffs is for sale

The 40-acre plot is largely undeveloped.
A 10-unit luxury condo building on Lake Superior in Duluth is expected to open in 2024.

At $3 million, a lakefront penthouse is the most expensive listing in Duluth in decades

A luxury condo complex overlooking Lake Superior will open in 2024.
A passenger is helped on to a ramp in a self-driving car in Grand Rapids last fall.

Self-driving car project flourishes on Iron Range

A free, on-demand car service makes public transportation more accessible in Grand Rapids.
The Greenwood fire in 2021 burned some 41 square miles. A Hibbing air tanker base is getting an overhaul to accommodate larger air tankers used to fig

Hibbing air tanker base gets overhaul to help fight wildfires

DULUTH - A Hibbing air tanker base used for fighting wildfires will get a major overhaul thanks to more than $6 million set aside in…
Miller Creek in Duluth, near a proposed hotel site.

Opponents of Duluth hotel must pay $1.6 million to pause construction

The bond payment hinges on a Minnesota Court of Appeals decision.
Minnesota briefs: Solar power for church in Duluth

Minnesota briefs: Solar power for church in Duluth

A new 34.4 kilowatt solar array will provide 40% of the power for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
The Esko football team huddled before a game in 2019. The school district will change its “Eskomos” mascot in light of a new state law.

New law forces some schools to confront mascot, nickname issues

Schools from Warroad to Sleepy Eye will need to change Native American-themed nicknames and logos — or go through a process to win an exception that involves working with the state's tribes.
Two men died Wednesday morning when the plane they had taken for a test flight crashed in a wooded area outside of Duluth.

Two dead after vintage plane crashes north of Duluth

The men were both employees of Cirrus Aircraft.
A June 16 view from a plane of the remains of the Spice Lake Fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Boundary Waters closure area drastically reduced

A wildfire that began last week is completely contained.
The Spice Lake Fire in the BWCAW June 14.

Boundary Waters wildfire started by humans, officials say

The Forest Service detected the Spice Lake Fire last week. On Monday, it was 22 acres and 80% contained.
A single-engine plane made an emergency landing on Interstate 35 south of Duluth on Friday afternoon.

Plane lands on Interstate 35 near Duluth

No one was injured in the Friday afternoon incident.
Duluth Central High School uniforms are displayed at a new summer exhibit at the Duluth Depot.

Duluth Central relics find a home for all to see

An auction of school memorabilia last summer galvanized alumni of the now defunct school in the center of Duluth.
Racers took off along the start of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth in 2021.

What happens if 'unhealthy' air returns to Duluth for Grandma's Marathon?

Air quality is expected to be "moderate" Friday and Saturday with some lingering smoke.
About 20 acres were burning near Spice Lake on Wednesday night in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which encompasses about 1 million acres.

BWCA fire smolders as forest officials close large surrounding area

The Spice Lake Fire was detected Tuesday.
A Lake Superior College instructor moved debris around inside a shipping container that was simulating a residential fire to allow smoke to vent out d

Lake Superior College to address PFAS contamination in western Duluth waterways

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency first discovered contamination at the college's firefighting training site in 2009.
William Kalligher

Former Duluth restaurant owner sentenced for child sexual assault

William Kalligher was first charged in 2021.