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John Deere is settling a major lawsuit that accused the company of locking farmers out of repairing their own equipment—forcing them to rely on authorized dealers for access to critical software and tools. The 10-year agreement grants farmers and independent shops the same repair access as dealers, empowering them to choose their fixers or even DIY repairs. Sparked by a multi-state lawsuit oversee...

St. Louis County courts are buzzing with a mix of minor and major offenses—from DWI and theft to domestic assault and revenge porn—each case revealing the justice system’s varied responses: fines, probation, or even jail time that’s stayed, dangling over heads until terms are met. Repeat offenders, especially in driving violations, underscore persistent community challenges, while restitution and...

Minneapolis is poised to launch a groundbreaking “Drone as First Responder” program after a drone saved an 82-year-old man from a ravine in under ten minutes—sparking debate over whether this tech can save lives or erode privacy. Proponents, including City Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, tout faster emergency responses, smarter policing, and real-time intel from rooftop-launched drones. But critics...

In the 1970s, Duluth’s “dry nights” teen parties sparked legal trouble when city officials blocked unsupervised minors from bars—even without alcohol. Meanwhile, in 1956, the city braced for a massive American Legion convention drawing ten thousand attendees. Back in 1926, a Chicago daredevil got city approval to jump off the Aerial Bridge into the ship canal. Fast forward to 2006, and a contortio...

Fifteen Indian tourists died in a deadly speedboat accident in Vietnam as authorities investigate the crash. Meanwhile, NYT reporters face subpoenas over their coverage of Air Force One. Trump escalates tensions with Iran after a funeral sparked calls for his death. In Duluth, a shooting injured one person — the suspect and victim didn’t know each other — and local beaches are under E. coli adviso...

Fire Chief Maddison Zikmund of Maple Grove is on administrative leave after being charged with felony criminal sexual conduct stemming from alleged abuse of a teenage cadet in 2017. The victim recently came forward, triggering a police investigation. Zikmund, who took over the department in April 2023, admitted to sending explicit messages and inappropriate touching during police questioning, thou...

A free, family-friendly carnival called “The Golden Ticket” celebrated aging in style in Proctor on July 10th, organized by the Northland Aging Care Network to bring joy, connection, and community to older adults—and everyone else. With games, food trucks, a classic car show, and local resources on hand, it was a vibrant, no-cost event designed to honor the aging process while uniting neighbors of...

Thunderbirds pilots crashed a movie night — literally — at Leif Erikson Park’s “Movies in the Park” kickoff screening of Apollo 13, hanging out with fans before their next-day air show. The pilots say connecting with communities is one of the best parts of their job, as they visit over 30 cities yearly. Meanwhile, students rocked colorful wigs for a summer bucket list challenge, turning strangers...

Seventeen wildfires are burning across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with four directly inside the protected zone, forcing an emergency closure to aid firefighting efforts. Local outfitters are scrambling to manage bookings as their livelihoods hinge on access to these wild spaces. While campfires and grills are banned, gas stoves remain allowed. Fire behavior remains unpredictable, a...

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Brooklyn Park when a nine-year-old boy, Muad Abdurezak Mohamed, lost his life in a collision with a pickup truck on Friday. The driver, who remained at the scene and called 911 himself, is cooperating fully with authorities—no signs of impairment or arrests have been reported. Minnesota State Patrol is now assisting local police in the ongoing investigation. Thi...

Senator Amy Klobuchar is sounding the alarm over new USPS policies that are delaying mail delivery in the Northland, forcing residents to wait up to 24 extra hours for their mail due to distant sorting hubs. She’s demanding the Postal Service reverse course and restore timely service, arguing that all Americans deserve equal access to reliable mail delivery — especially in growing communities like...

Get ready for the biggest Duluth Airshow ever — featuring the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and a jaw-dropping lineup of aircraft. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days, but don’t miss the free pre-party Friday at Leif Erikson Park, where you might even catch pilots off-duty. This is sky-high excitement for aviation fans and thrill-seekers alike. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow...

A couple’s heartbreaking loss after a rare pregnancy complication and Cassie’s subsequent cancer diagnosis sparked the creation of Weeping Willa, a nonprofit now gaining national acclaim for its mission to support grieving families across 23 states. Offering financial grants, grief resources, and mental health services—including advanced treatments—they’re also launching monthly support groups and...

Early Friday morning, Hermantown police pulled over a 37-year-old man fleeing a domestic call at a motel—his erratic behavior and a K-9 alert led to the discovery of over 45 grams of suspected cocaine. The arrest follows multiple charges including drug trafficking, jail contraband, possession, and DWI. His identity remains undisclosed as the investigation continues, with toxicology results pending...

When the heat hits hard, Duluth’s street outreach teams are going above and beyond to keep unhoused folks safe—offering water, cooling centers, and personal checks to prevent heat-related emergencies. Organizations like Chum and the Damiano Center are stepping up, especially for vulnerable seniors and those with health conditions, handing out cold water and guiding people to shelter. These dedicat...

Duluth’s biggest dog showdown is back at the DECC, featuring 150+ breeds battling for Best in Show — and Brody, the Nova Scotia Duck Toller, is already making waves after his group win. His handler, Katie Johnson, admits she was nervous returning after an 18-month break, but Brody’s flawless performance and sharp training made it all click. With the final rounds ahead, Brody’s got his eyes on the...

St. Louis County Public Health launches “Our Recovery, Our Community” to spotlight real stories of recovery, shatter stigma, and celebrate the strength of individuals and their support networks — with events already held in Duluth, Virginia, and Ely, and a major campaign rollout planned for September’s National Recovery Month. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.c...

A convicted child sex offender from Minnesota, Tou Lue Vang, received a state pardon just a month ago — halting his deportation for now — sparking outrage from federal immigration officials who blame state leaders for the move. Though granted legal status in 1994, that status vanished after his 2006 conviction. Supporters argue he took responsibility, rehabilitated, and earned victim forgiveness —...

Minnesota’s motorcycle death toll has skyrocketed this year, with 37 fatalities already logged—up from 24 at the same point last year. If current trends continue, the state could hit 90 deaths by year’s end, a level not seen in decades. Riders and officials are sounding the alarm, highlighting dangerous intersections where motorcycles are often caught during lane changes, turns, or corners. The me...

Duluth’s cool reputation is fading as temps soar into the 90s—locals are rushing to install AC units. Wall units are most efficient, but window and portable options work too—though your window type matters. Match the BTU rating to your room size, not the biggest unit you see. Don’t let your AC sit idle—run it occasionally and keep coils clean. Get a pro check-up before summer’s peak to avoid break...

Senator Amy Klobuchar is sounding the alarm over new USPS plans that are delaying mail delivery in rural Minnesota, calling the Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) system a disaster for communities reliant on timely mail for prescriptions, paychecks, and news. The RTO forces rural post offices to hold mail overnight, adding at least a day to delivery times — a move she says disproportionate...

A 31-year-old man from Hibbing, Travis Lukkar, is serving over a decade in prison for selling fentanyl that killed a 36-year-old woman, Ginae Songer. After a six-day trial, a jury convicted him of third-degree murder, citing text messages, location data, and testimony confirming his presence at Songer’s apartment the night she died. Despite claiming someone else delivered the drugs, evidence point...

Travis Lukkar, 31, just got a brutal 12-year sentence for selling fentanyl that killed 36-year-old Ginae Jo Songer—just two days before her death. After a six-day trial, a jury convicted him of third-degree murder, sending a stark message: dealers face real consequences. Plus, the county’s seeking nearly $18K to cover out-of-state expert witness costs. This case is a chilling reminder of fentanyl’...

A 32-year-old man, Jodeston Robinson, faces up to 60 years in prison after police link him to a fatal overdose involving cocaine and MDMA, plus drug trafficking charges. The victim, found dead in his apartment April 28, had a Snapchat conversation with Robinson about buying cocaine — which led to a meet-up. The phone was plugged in after the exchange but never touched again. Robinson allegedly del...

In just one week, Duluth witnessed four alarming incidents involving young people and weapons—three with gunfire, all leaving injuries. Police say this surge is unusual, prompting urgent community action. Chief Ceynowa stresses that stopping violence requires collective effort, focusing on early intervention for at-risk youth. Active investigations are underway, including an open warrant for a 19-...