By Sarah Horner, Duluth News-Tribune, Minn. Jul. 28--After years of planning, months of stressing and days of frenzied activity, Finnfest 2008 has officially left the city.

By Brad Dokken, Grand Forks Herald, N.D. Jun. 1--Steve Foss, a Grand Forks native and former Herald staffer, has written a book on Lake Vermilion in northeastern Minnesota. "Lake Vermilion: A multi-species fishing guide to northern Minnesota's crown jewel," was released in May.

By Brandon Stahl, Duluth News-Tribune, Minn. May 31--The Duluth City Council voted during a special meeting Friday to hire a Minneapolis law firm to represent the city in a lawsuit brought by retired employees.

By Duluth News-Tribune, Minn. May 30--The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency again this summer is giving away free samples of nonlead fishing jigs and sinkers to persuade anglers to stop using lead tackle.

By Duluth News-Tribune, Minn. May 29--In order to save about $400,000 a year, SMDC Health System is trimming from five to three the number of cafeterias on its Duluth campus. Beginning June 9, the Duluth Clinic -- Third Street Cafeteria and the Clinic Physician's Dining Room will close.