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Ryan Kern’s vision took flight — and Duluth’s sky hasn’t been the same since

At a time when the city was searching for ways to reinvent itself beyond shipping and snow, Kern dared to see Duluth as a destination. The airshow he created has now become a staple of the summer tourism calendar, injecting millions into the local economy year after year.

Duluth Airshow founder Ryan Kern. Howie / HowieHanson.com

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Obit: Steven Kuehn

Obit: Steven Kuehn

Steven John Kuehn, age 72, of Knife River died on December 19, 2025 surrounded by an army of loved ones. He was born in Duluth, MN on January 22, 1953 to loving parents, Howard and Marjorie (Kymala) Kuehn. Growing up, Steve enjoyed running cross country, biking, basketball, and of course,

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Howie: Arena football’s future won’t be won on cable, but on access
2025 Monsters season. Howie / HowieHanson.com

Howie: Arena football’s future won’t be won on cable, but on access

AF1’s real challenge is not production quality or rule tweaks or even competitive balance. It is relevance. And relevance, in 2026, is earned by showing up — consistently, freely, and without friction — in the lives of people who didn’t know they were fans yet.

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