Editor’s note: A version of this article appeared as two opinion pieces in the Duluth News-Tribune in spring 2025. Since then, the Minnesota Legislature has reduced funding for the Northern Lights Express (NLX) by some $77 million, and Republicans in Congress are threatening to cut off federal funds. Amid the flurry of activity at the State Capitol in May as the 2025 Minnesota Legislature worked to balance the state budget, $77 million in funding for the Northern Lights Express was realloca...
