Terms of Use

Last Updated: February 5th, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to South Metro Scoop! By subscribing to our newsletter, visiting our website (southmetroscoop.com), or using any of our services, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you don't agree, please don't use our services.

2. Description of Service

South Metro Scoop is a hyperlocal news publication covering Dakota County and Scott County communities in Minnesota. We provide curated local news, government coverage, and community information through:

  • Twice-weekly email newsletters
  • Website content and blog posts
  • Social media posts and videos
  • Potential future products or services (podcasts, premium memberships, events, etc.)

3. Content Ownership and Copyright

All content published by South Metro Scoop—including articles, newsletters, videos, graphics, and other materials—is owned by South Metro Scoop or used with permission. This content is protected by copyright law.

You may:

  • Read and enjoy our content
  • Share links to our content on social media
  • Quote brief excerpts with proper attribution (e.g., "According to South Metro Scoop...")

You may NOT:

  • Republish our full articles or newsletters without written permission
  • Copy our content to your own website or publication
  • Use our content for commercial purposes without permission
  • Remove attribution or claim our work as your own

If you'd like to republish our content, email us at brady@southmetroscoop.com.

4. User Conduct

When interacting with South Metro Scoop (through comments, emails, or social media), you agree to:

  • Be respectful and civil
  • Not harass, threaten, or abuse others
  • Not post spam or promotional content
  • Not impersonate others
  • Not share illegal content or engage in illegal activity

We reserve the right to remove subscribers or block users who violate these guidelines.

5. Accuracy and Disclaimers

We strive for accuracy in our reporting, but South Metro Scoop is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind.

Important disclaimers:

  • Not Professional Advice: Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, real estate, or professional advice. Consult qualified professionals for specific guidance.
  • No Guarantee of Accuracy: While we fact-check and verify information, we cannot guarantee that all content is 100% accurate, complete, or up-to-date. News and situations change.
  • Third-Party Content: We sometimes cover or link to third-party businesses, events, or websites. We are not responsible for their actions, content, or services.
  • Opinions: Commentary and analysis represent our views and should not be considered objective fact.

6. Paid Subscriptions and Products

If you purchase a paid subscription, product, or service from South Metro Scoop:

  • Payment is processed securely through Stripe
  • Subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel
  • Refund policies will be clearly stated at time of purchase
  • We reserve the right to change pricing with reasonable notice

7. Newsletter Sponsorships and Advertising

Our newsletter may include sponsored content or advertisements from local businesses. Sponsored content will be clearly labeled. Sponsorships do not influence our editorial coverage or opinions.

8. User-Submitted Content

If you send us tips, story ideas, photos, or other content:

  • You grant us permission to use, edit, and publish that content
  • You confirm you have the right to share it with us
  • You understand we may or may not use it
  • We are not obligated to provide compensation unless agreed upon in advance

9. Termination

You can stop using South Metro Scoop at any time by unsubscribing from our newsletter. We reserve the right to terminate or suspend access to our services for any user who violates these Terms.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, South Metro Scoop and its owner(s) are not liable for any damages arising from your use of our services, including:

  • Errors or omissions in content
  • Service interruptions or technical issues
  • Decisions made based on our content
  • Third-party actions or content

11. Indemnification

You agree to defend and hold harmless South Metro Scoop from any claims arising from your violation of these Terms or your use of our services.

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Use from time to time. Changes will be posted with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

13. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

Agreement to Arbitrate:

You and South Metro Scoop agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of our services will be settled by binding arbitration, rather than in court, except that you may assert claims in small claims court if your claims qualify.

Arbitration Process:

  • Arbitration will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules
  • Arbitration will take place in Dakota County or Scott County, Minnesota, or another mutually agreed upon location
  • The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding
  • You and South Metro Scoop agree to waive the right to a jury trial

Class Action Waiver:

You and South Metro Scoop agree that any arbitration will be conducted on an individual basis and not as a class action, consolidated action, or representative action. You and South Metro Scoop expressly waive the right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

Exceptions:

This arbitration agreement does not prevent either party from seeking relief in small claims court for disputes within that court's jurisdiction, or from seeking injunctive or equitable relief in court for intellectual property disputes.

Opt-Out Right:

You have the right to opt out of this arbitration agreement. To opt out, you must send written notice to brady@southmetroscoop.com within 30 days of first accepting these Terms. Your notice must include your name, email address, and a clear statement that you wish to opt out of the arbitration agreement. If you opt out, all other terms of these Terms of Use will still apply.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to conflict of law principles.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

16. Contact Us

Questions about these Terms? Contact us:

Email: brady@southmetroscoop.com
South Metro Scoop