>>IRS Extends Drought Tax Relief for Minnesota Livestock Producers
(Washington, D.C.) — Some Minnesota farmers and ranchers affected by drought are getting more time to replace livestock sold because of dry conditions. The IRS says Minnesota is among 49 states covered by an extension of federal tax relief. It applies in qualifying areas that experienced severe, extreme, or exceptional drought during the year ending August 31st. Eligible producers who sold draft, dairy, or breeding livestock because of drought can receive additional time to replace those animals and defer taxes on gains from the sales. Livestock raised for slaughter and poultry are not included.
>>Duluth Bans New Short-Term Rentals in Single-Family Homes
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth is banning new short-term vacation rentals in existing single-family homes as the city looks to protect its housing supply. It also strengthens permitting requirements and adds penalties for illegal rentals. Existing licensed vacation rentals are unaffected, and homeowners can still rent rooms or smaller structures on the property where they live. City officials say Duluth has about 200 licensed vacation rentals, with potentially hundreds more operating illegally. The new rules take effect next month.
>>Former DGF Teacher Raises Concerns Over Workplace Culture
(Dilworth, MN) — A former Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton teacher is calling on the school board to evaluate Superintendent Shannon Hunstad amid concerns about workplace culture and student discipline. Jodeen Roberts told board members Monday that 14 female educators have resigned or been dismissed from the high school over the past six years. She also raised concerns about how some student misconduct has been handled. District leaders did not respond during the meeting. Hunstad later pointed to a district statement saying privacy laws limit what officials can discuss and that the district’s silence should not be viewed as confirmation of the allegations.
>>Carleton College to Eliminate Loans from Financial Aid
(Northfield, MN) — Carleton College plans to eliminate loans from its need-based financial aid packages. Beginning in fall 2027, loans will be replaced with grants and scholarships for new and returning students who qualify for financial aid. Families will still be responsible for their expected contribution, and student work requirements will remain. College officials say the change will make Carleton the first college in Minnesota to offer need-based financial aid without requiring students to take out loans.
>>Minneapolis Schools Weigh Closing Up to 16 Buildings
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis Public Schools are considering closing up to 16 schools as the district looks to consolidate buildings and redraw attendance boundaries. District leaders unveiled three proposals Tuesday, saying the changes could strengthen staffing and academic programs. Families have until October 16th to provide feedback before a final recommendation is developed. The school board is expected to vote in November, with any changes taking effect for the 2027-28 school year.
>>Former Lions Club Treasurer Accused of Stealing More Than $58,000
(Circle Pines, MN) — The former treasurer of a Minnesota Lions Club chapter is facing felony theft charges for allegedly stealing more than $58,000 from the organization. Anoka County prosecutors say 86-year-old Virginia Hestekind made unauthorized cash withdrawals while serving as treasurer of the Circle Pines-Lexington Lions Club between 2018 and 2025. Investigators say bank records showed numerous withdrawals at gambling and pull-tab locations. Hestekind told investigators she used club money for supplies and donations but did not keep receipts. Hestekind was charged by summons and is scheduled to make her first court appearance in November.
>>New License Plate Design Contest Begins
(St. Paul, MN) – Any thoughts on what the new state parks and trails license plate should look like? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to see your ideas. The DNR is now accepting entries from now until October 31st for designs for the new state parks and trails license plate. The plate design should celebrate Minnesota’s North Shore and the state’s gemstone, the Lake Superior agate. After the entries are closed, a panel of judges will select three finalists, and then the public will have a chance to vote in early December. The winner will be announced in mid-December with the new plates available in late January 2027.
>>Minnesota Archery Deer Season Opens This Weekend
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s archery deer season opens this weekend, and the DNR is asking hunters to help track wildlife while they’re in the field. Hunters can use the agency’s online observation survey to report sightings of deer, turkeys, bears, coyotes, bobcats, and other wildlife. DNR research scientist Tyler Obermoller says the agency compares reports year to year to determine whether populations are increasing, declining, or stable. The information helps wildlife managers make future hunting and harvest decisions.
