News Archives - Page 14 of 909

Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office investigating possible gold and silver scam

February 6, 2026

Jadie Jones,

AITKIN COUNTY, Minn. — The Aitkin County Sheriff’s office is investigating a possible gold and silver sales scam. Two individuals were arrested in connection to the investigation for “theft by swindle”. The individuals allegedly traded materials presented as gold or silver bars. The sheriff’s office warns the public to use caution when buying, selling, or trading gold or silver bars….

Bad Bunny look-alike contest in San Francisco draws hundreds of fans

February 6, 2026

By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ - Associated Press

A Bad Bunny look-alike contest in San Francisco has turned into a street party as hundreds of fans gather to celebrate the global superstar. More than 30 contestants from across the Bay Area competed Thursday at a packed Mexican restaurant in the Mission neighborhood. They channeled the Puerto Rican singer with his bold looks, including straw hats and aviator hats and his signature “perreo,” or twerking, moves. The grand prize went to Abdul Ramirez Arroyave, a professional Bad Bunny impersonator who broke into song when asked to say a few words to the delight of the artist’s fans who sang along. The event took place ahead of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show this weekend.

Voting opens for MNDOT Name a Snowplow contest

February 6, 2026

Jason VanHorn,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation has opened voting for its 2026 Name a Snowplow contest. The contest received 6,750 submissions and was narrowed down to 30 finalists. You can only vote once and select up to eight names you want to win List of finalists: 867-530 Brine AI: Arctic Intelligence Below Zero Hero Bob Chillin’ Don’t…

Leadership changes in Minnesota follow tensions among agencies over immigration enforcement tactics

February 6, 2026

By REBECCA SANTANA and ELLIOT SPAGAT - Associated Press

The Trump administration’s immigration operation in Minnesota is now being unified under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That announcement this week from White House border czar Tom Homan came after months of internal grumbling and infighting among agencies about how to carry out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. ICE was established more than two decades ago and has conducted street arrests through “targeted enforcement.” Homan has used that phrase to describe narrowly tailored operations with specific, individual targets. It’s a sharp contrast to the broad sweeps that had become common in Los Angeles, Chicago, Minnesota and elsewhere.

Trump’s racist post about Obamas is deleted after backlash despite White House earlier defending it

February 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s social media post featuring a video about election conspiracy theories and a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as primates in a jungle has been deleted. The Republican president’s Thursday night post was deleted Friday and blamed on a staffer after widespread backlash, from civil rights leaders to…

In unusual move, Republican chairman scrutinizes companies tied to husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar

February 6, 2026

By STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar. It’s an extraordinary step of scrutinizing the spouse of a sitting House member. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky sent a letter to Timothy Mynett, a former Democratic political consultant who is married to Omar. Comer is requesting records related to a pair of companies that had a substantial jump in value between 2023 and 2024. Comer’s request marked a highly unusual move by the chair of a committee with a history of taking on politically-charged investigations, but almost always focused on government officials outside of Congress.

Actor Timothy Busfield indicted on 4 counts of sexual contact with a child

February 6, 2026

AP

A New Mexico grand jury has indicted Timothy Busfield has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child. A county district attorney announced the indictment Friday in a social media post. Authorities had issued an arrest warrant for Busfield over allegations of misconduct from when he was working as a director on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady.” Busfield has denied the allegations. He turned himself in to authorities and later was released from jail. Busfield is best known for appearances in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams” and “Thirtysomething.”

Caught Again: Man accidentally released from jail is back in custody

February 6, 2026

Matt McConico,

Michael Todd Hart DULUTH, Minn. – Jail records show Michael Todd Hart is back in custody after being accidentally released. On January 21, Hart was released from the Itasca County Jail. Hart was the subject of a large manhunt when he walked away from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) approximately four months prior. St. Louis County and Itasca County…

Sonny Jurgensen, the strong-arm QB whose personality made him a beloved football figure, dies at 91

February 6, 2026

By BARRY WILNER and STEPHEN WHYNO - AP Sports Writers

Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen has died. He was 91. A spokesperson said Friday the team was informed by Jurgensen’s family about his death. Jurgensen was one of the most beloved figures in Washington football history. That went from his time with the team in 1964 through a lengthy broadcasting career alongside Sam Huff that ended in 2019. Jurgensen threw for more than 3,000 yards in a season five times with Washington and the Philadelphia Eagles during his nearly two-decade NFL career from 1957-1974.

Luigi Mangione speaks out in protest as judge sets state murder trial for June 8

February 6, 2026

By MICHAEL R. SISAK - Associated Press

Luigi Mangione spoke out in court against the prospect of back-to-back trials in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The 27-year-old Mangione on Friday told the judge presiding of the New York case against him: “It’s the same trial twice. One plus one is two. Double jeopardy by any commonsense definition.” He made the remarks as court officers were escorting him out of the courtroom after the judge scheduled his state murder trial for June 8, three months before jury selection in his federal case.

US births dropped last year, suggesting the 2024 uptick was short-lived

February 6, 2026

By MIKE STOBBE - AP Medical Writer

U.S. births slightly decreased in 2025. That’s according to new provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It reports just over 3.6 million births, about 24,000 fewer than in 2024. This decline aligns with expert predictions that the 2024 increase wouldn’t start an upward trend. The CDC updated its data last week, covering nearly all of the babies born in 2025. Final numbers may add only a few thousand more. Despite efforts to encourage births, like expanding in vitro fertilization access, the fertility rate has been declining. Economic conditions and uncertainty continue to impact childbearing decisions.

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show: Here’s some things to expect and what they mean

February 6, 2026

By MARIA SHERMAN - AP Music Writer

Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show Sunday, fresh off his album of the year Grammy win for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” The performance is expected to be a historic moment for Latino culture. A trailer released in January hints at a lively show featuring his single “Baile Inolvidable.” The performance may include symbols like Puerto Rico’s many flags, trees, clothing and traditional instruments. Bad Bunny’s music is in Spanish, so his set will likely follow suit. While special guests are possible, the focus is on his international appeal and cultural pride. Political elements may also appear given his history of activism and amid growing anti-immigrant raids.

Zelenskyy says Ukrainian air force needs to improve as Russian drone barrages take a toll

February 6, 2026

By KAMILA HRABCHUK - Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the air force’s performance in parts of the country is “unsatisfactory.” He said Friday that steps are being taken to improve defenses against Russian drone attacks. The assaults have targeted Ukraine’s power grid, causing blackouts during a harsh winter. As the war nears its fifth year, U.S.-led peace efforts show no progress. Zelenskyy has discussed new air defense measures with military leaders. Recent Russian attacks killed one person and injured others in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s strikes have damaged power facilities in Russia. The front line remains active despite freezing temperatures.

Positively 3rd Street Bakery raises $17,000 for Minnesota Mutual Aid

February 6, 2026

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.– For a little over a week, Positively 3rd street bakery dedicated 100 percent of proceeds to helping out Minnesota Mutual Aid, to help families and refugees affected by the ICE occupation. Bakery staff says, they were blown away at the community support, following the decision to fundraise. They anticipated a goal of 5-7 thousand dollars but raised over…

FILE - U .S. Olympic ice hockey forwards Roger Christian, left, and Bill Christian pose Jan. 6, 1960, at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Rooney, Fil

US Olympic hockey history has been given an outsized boost from a tiny, proud Minnesota town

February 6, 2026

The Associated Press,

FILE – U .S. Olympic ice hockey forwards Roger Christian, left, and Bill Christian pose Jan. 6, 1960, at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Rooney, File) The pursuit of a gold medal that has eluded the U.S. men’s hockey team since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980 appears to be on sound footing. The return of the NHL players after…

Security concerns and skepticism are bursting the bubble of Moltbook, the viral AI social forum

February 6, 2026

By KAITLYN HUAMANI - AP Technology Writer

Moltbook, a so-called social network built exclusively for AI agents, has generated buzz in the technology world and posts from the platform have set the internet ablaze with conversations about autonomous artificial intelligence. While the technology world has been split between excitement and skepticism about Moltbook, many experts have expressed security concerns about the platform. One researcher was able to able to gain unauthenticated access to a database that included personal information and gave him the ability to edit content on the site. More than 1.6 million AI agents are registered on Moltbook, according to the site, but that number has been disputed.

Suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque on Islamabad’s outskirts kills at least 31 and wounds scores

February 6, 2026

By MUNIR AHMED - Associated Press

Pakistani officials say a suicide bomber targeted a Shiite mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad during Friday prayers, killing 31 people and wounding at least 169 others. It was a rare attack in the capital of Pakistan as its Western-allied government struggles to rein in a surge in militant attacks across the country. Some of the wounded in the attack on the sprawling mosque of Khadija Al-Kubra were reported to be in critical condition. Television footage and social media images showed police and residents transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Militant groups across Pakistan often target security forces and civilians.

Trump shares a racist video that depicts the Obamas as primates

February 6, 2026

By BILL BARROW and JOSH BOAK - Associated Press

President Donald Trump has used his social media account to share a video about election conspiracy theories that includes a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as primates in a jungle. The Republican president’s Thursday night post also amplified his false claims his 2020 election defeat was fraudulent. Trump’s post has drawn backlash for its treatment of the nation’s first Black president and first lady, who are Democrats. The White House is pushing back against criticism of the post. An Obama spokesperson hasn’t responded to a Friday request for comment.

The Latest: Democrats describe hostile relationship with Trump’s Washington

February 6, 2026

By The Associated Press

Some Democratic mayors and governors say they are experiencing an increasingly hostile relationship with President Donald Trump, driven by his immigration policies. Trump deployed National Guard troops to some U.S. cities last year over the objection of local leaders. Federal officers remain in Minneapolis despite local opposition, highlighting the growing divide. The tensions have upended longtime Republican arguments that the federal government should leave local governance to the states under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Tensions worsened after federal agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last month.

Lindsey Vonn tests injured left knee in Olympic downhill training, pumps fist after successful run

February 6, 2026

By ANDREW DAMPF - AP Sports Writer

A week after rupturing the ACL in her left knee, Lindsey Vonn opened her chase for Olympic gold at the age of 41 with an aggressive and successful training run down the Olympia delle Tofane downhill course. The American got tight with her line midway down and only narrowly cleared a gate but she led at the final checkpoints, then stood up out of her tuck before the finish. She traded fist pumps and a hug with teammate Breezy Johnson. Vonn tore the ACL a week ago but she plans to race in the the Milan Cortina Games with a large brace on her injured knee. The downhill is Sunday.

Trump’s aggressive tactics force a reckoning between local leaders and Washington

February 6, 2026

By STEVEN SLOAN - Associated Press

Local leaders across the U.S. describe an increasingly hostile relationship with Washington, driven by President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Federal officers remain in Minneapolis despite local opposition, highlighting the growing divide. Local leaders feel pressured by federal priorities, affecting trust and stability. The tensions have upended longtime Republican arguments that the federal government should leave local governance to the states under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Now a Republican president is articulating a muscular federal approach over the protest of Democrats. Trump has expressed frustration at reflexive resistance from Democratic mayors and governors.

US government worked against itself to let Marine adopt Afghan girl, documents obtained by AP show

February 6, 2026

By CLAIRE GALOFARO and JULIET LINDERMAN - Associated Press

Thousands of pages of once-secret court documents show how federal officials and a Virginia court helped an American Marine adopt an Afghan war orphan, in defiance of the U.S. government’s official policy to unite the child with her family. The Associated Press fought for three years for access to the documents, which reveal how the country’s fractured bureaucracy enabled Marine Joshua Mast and his wife, Stephanie, to adopt the child who was halfway around the globe, being raised by a couple the Afghan government decided were her family. The records show the Virginia judge who granted the adoption skipped critical legal safeguards and that some federal employees helped Mast take the child, even as others in their own agencies were trying to keep him away from her.

Newly obtained emails undermine RFK Jr.’s testimony about 2019 Samoa trip before measles outbreak

February 6, 2026

By MICHELLE R. SMITH/THE GUARDIAN and ALI SWENSON/AP - The Guardian and Associated Press

Documents obtained by The Guardian and The Associated Press undermine Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s testimony during his Senate confirmation hearings that the 2019 trip he took to Samoa before a devastating measles outbreak had “nothing to do with vaccines.” Emails sent by staffers at the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations include contemporaneous accounts suggesting Kennedy’s concerns about vaccine safety motivated the visit. Samoan officials later said Kennedy’s trip bolstered the credibility of anti-vaccine activists ahead of the measles outbreak, which killed dozens of people. Kennedy has since said his “purpose” for going there was not related to vaccines. Kennedy was sworn in as U.S. health secretary last February.

Fear in Minnesota’s Somali community deepens, hampering progress on measles vaccination

February 6, 2026

By DEVI SHASTRI - Associated Press

Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota. For years, the state’s large Somali community has been fertile ground for the myth that the measles vaccine causes autism. Data show autism rates in Somali 4-year-olds are high. Researchers don’t know why. Many here blame the measles, mumps and rubella shot. It’s one injection proven to safely protect against the three viruses. The first dose is recommended at 12 to 15 months old. Many Somali parents wait until age 5, though there’s no scientific evidence backing that approach. Before federal immigration authorities launched a crackdown in Minneapolis, immunization advocates noted small victories. But they say now, with many families afraid, progress has been lost.

Colorado funeral home owner faces sentencing for abusing 189 bodies

February 6, 2026

By JESSE BEDAYN and MATTHEW BROWN - Associated Press

A Colorado funeral home owner who stashed 189 decomposing bodies and gave families fake ashes is set to be sentenced. Jon Hallford, who owned Return to Nature Funeral Home with his then-wife Carie, pleaded guilty to nearly 200 counts of corpse abuse. Investigators discovered the bodies in 2023 after reports of a stench. Families of the deceased were devastated to learn the ashes they received were not their loved ones. Jon Hallford faces between 30 and 50 years in prison on Friday. In a related case, the Hallfords admitted to defrauding the federal government of nearly $900,000 in pandemic aid.

Giant snails and tiny insects threaten the South’s rice and crawfish farms

February 6, 2026

By MELINA WALLING and JOSHUA A. BICKEL - Associated Press

Farmers in Louisiana are going toe-to-toe with some nasty enemies: apple snails that clog crawfish traps while laying millions of bubblegum-colored eggs and tiny bugs called delphacids that can wipe out half a rice field while spreading plant disease. Scientists are trying to figure out how to stop them, but the recent surge in these pests that threaten the cultural heritage of the South is still largely a mystery. Researchers are examining possible factors including farming methods, pesticides and extreme weather. They say that in general climate change is helping invasive species find footholds.

Timberwolves acquire Ayo Dosunmu for scoring depth in trade-deadline deal with Bulls

February 5, 2026

By DAVE CAMPBELL - AP Sports Writer

The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired guard Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls. The move adds a proven scorer to bolster their depth for the stretch run in the stacked Western Conference playoffs race. Minnesota agreed to send 2024 first-round draft pick Rob Dillingham, deep reserve Leonard Miller and four second-round draft picks to Chicago for Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips. The rebuilding Bulls made seven trades this week. Dosunmu was a second-round pick by his hometown Bulls in the 2021 draft. He is averaging a career-high 15 points per game and shooting a career-best 45.1% from 3-point range this season.

FACT FOCUS: Trump says tariffs have created an economic miracle. The facts tell a different story

February 5, 2026

By PAUL WISEMAN and CHRISTOPHER RUGABER - AP Economics Writers

President Donald Trump claims his tariffs have revived the U.S. economy, calling it an “American economic miracle.” He argues that tariffs have boosted growth and reduced inflation. However, the facts tell a different story. The U.S. economy was already growing before his second term. During the first three quarters of the year, Trump’s tariffs — or the threat of them — delivered mixed results for the American economy. Inflation figures are skewed by data disruptions, and tariffs have actually increased core goods prices. Trump also claims foreign producers bear most tariff costs, but studies show U.S. consumers and firms are affected.

Savannah Guthrie’s demand for mom’s ‘proof of life’ is complicated in this era of AI and deepfakes

February 5, 2026

By BARBARA ORTUTAY and ED WHITE - Associated Press

Savannah Guthrie made a heart-wrenching plea for “proof of life” of her 84-year-old mother. And in this digital age, the NBC “Today” co-anchor says she knows that voices and images can be manipulated. At least three news organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes about Nancy Guthrie that they handed over to investigators. As technology has advanced, some have grown savvy and used it to their benefit, confusing police and the public and masking their identities. A former FBI agent says “it just adds to the other shoe-leather work” of solving crimes.

In Minnesota, sending a child to school is an act of faith for immigrant families

February 5, 2026

By BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS - AP Education Writer

For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won’t detain them. Thousands of children are staying home, often for lack of door-to-door transportation — or simply trust that they’ll make it to school. For some families, the fear has turned into reality. Many parents and at least some children have been detained. Schools, parents and community groups have mobilized to help students get to class so they can learn, socialize and have consistent access to two meals.

Analilia Mejia, Tom Malinowski race in New Jersey’s special Democratic primary too early to call

February 5, 2026

By MIKE CATALINI - Associated Press

The New Jersey U.S. House Democratic primary between a onetime political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders and an ex-congressman is too early to call. Former U.S. Rep Tom Malinowski started election night with a significant lead over Analilia Mejia. That was based largely on early results from mail-in ballots. The margin narrowed as results from votes cast Thursday were tallied. The winner will face Republican Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, who was unopposed in the GOP primary. That election takes place April 16. The special election for the seat resulted from Democrat Mikie Sherill vacating it after being elected governor last year

Iran and US set for talks in Oman over nuclear program after Tehran shaken by nationwide protests

February 5, 2026

By JON GAMBRELL - Associated Press

Iran and the United States are poised Friday to hold negotiations in Oman at least over Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks follow a chaotic week that initially saw plans for regional countries to take part in talks in Turkey. Previous rounds of meetings turned to ash following Israel’s launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war. Meanwhile, nationwide protests have shaken Iran’s theocracy. It responded with a bloody crackdown that killed thousands and reportedly saw tens of thousands arrested. President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the country in the time since, spurring the talks.

Epstein emails show he helped arrange White House visit for Woody Allen

February 5, 2026

By HILLEL ITALIE - AP National Writer

Woody Allen’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein has been known for years, but emails in the huge trove of records released by the Justice Department illustrate that relationship in new depth. The filmmaker, his wife and Epstein were neighbors in New York City. Records show the three dined together often. They also commiserated with each other about being accused of sexual misconduct. One year, Epstein used his connections to a former member of President Barack Obama’s administration to help Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, get a White House tour. A message sent to an assistant for Allen and Previn via email seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned.

Lake Superior Magazine takes on new ownership

February 5, 2026

Emmaleah Allen,

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Lake Superior’s longest-running magazines is beginning a new chapter with a new publisher. Duluth publisher Linda Nervick is the new owner and publisher of Lake Superior Magazine. “I’ve been in publishing for 30 years, and I’ve worked with Lake Superior magazine twice in the 90s and in the teens, and I’m really excited to be…

Hong Kong ex-media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday after national security conviction

February 5, 2026

AP

Hong Kong’s pro-democracy former media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday following his conviction in December under a Beijing-imposed national security law. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, could face up to life in prison in the case that has stirred criticism from some foreign governments. The judiciary said Friday on its website that it’s calling for the sentencing session at 10 a.m. Monday. Lai was an outspoken critic of China’s ruling Communist Party and was arrested in 2020 under the national security law that Beijing deemed necessary for the city’s stability following anti-government protests the previous year.

Ice Safety Event Taking Place At Munger Landing

St Louis River Alliance hosting winter safety event at Munger Landing

February 5, 2026

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.– A place that was once inhabitable for wildlife and recreation is now hosting a day of fun, safety, and learning. It will take place February 7th at Munger Landing, from 12-2 PM, will be a day dedicated to ice safety. The DNR alongside the St Louis River Alliance will educate attendees on surveying ice thickness, as well as rescuing…

Community Premiere Of "hockey Mom's Revenge" At Northstar Ford Arena.

NorthStar Ford Arena in Hermantown hosting free premiere of “The Hockey Mom’s Revenge”

February 5, 2026

Emily Halling,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– A special premiere at the NorthStar Ford Arena is coming up to highlight a locally produced film. This Saturday, all are welcome to pack the new NorthStar Ford Arena in Hermantown for the first public showing of the movie. “The Hockey Mom’s Revenge” was shot in the longtime original hockey arena next door. It’s a story about a…

National Go Red Day is Friday February 6

February 5, 2026

Matt McConico,

(L to R) NFL Player Damar Hamlin, Profession Soccer player Savy King & American Heart Association. CEO Nancy Brown DULUTH, Minn. – February is American Heart Month and Friday February 6, 2026 is “National Wear Red Day”. FOX 21 got a chance to talk to Damar Hamlin, the NFL player that collapsed on the football field. We also talked to…

Spirit Mountain celebrates opening of Highline chair lift

February 5, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — Spirit Mountain celebrated the opening of its new Highline Chair lift on Thursday. The lift was a 4.4-million-dollar project, which was a smaller part of the larger $26 million dollar Spirit Mountain Restoration Project. “We are so fortunate to have owners who are willing to make these kinds of investments, and we know we have to perform,…

Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter crash kills 2 while responding to shootout

February 5, 2026

By CHEYANNE MUMPHREY and MATTHEW BROWN - Associated Press

An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter responding to a shootout between police and a suspect has crashed in an accident that killed the pilot and a trooper on board. The helicopter was assisting law enforcement officers Wednesday night as they exchanged gunfire with a suspect in a domestic violence incident. The gunfire lasted almost two hours before the suspect was wounded and taken into custody around the same time of the helicopter crash. The cause of the crash was under investigation. No one else was injured.

Duluth Chamber of Commerce and LSC hold Diversity Equity and Inclusion Summit

February 5, 2026

Jadie Jones,

DULUTH, Minn. — The topic of equity and inclusion took center stage Thursday in Duluth for business leaders, educators, and people in the community. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Superior College put on the summit. Experts talked about how noticing, listening, and engaging can create more value and inclusive workplaces and communities. Several speakers and panels went…

Woman sentenced to 3 years for holding ex-boyfriend captive for days

February 5, 2026

KQDS Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. — An Iron Range woman has been sentenced for kidnapping and assaulting her ex-boyfriend. Shelly Jean Goerdt Shelly Jean Goerdt, 41, has been sentenced to 36 months or 3 years in prison for her role in the kidnapping. Officials say that on February 16, 2024, Goerdt lured her ex-boyfriend into a home in Hibbing. Goerdt and her sister,…

Can apes play pretend? Scientists use an imaginary tea party to find out

February 5, 2026

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN - AP Science Writer

A new experiment hints that an ape may be able to play pretend like humans do. Scientists studied a bonobo named Kanzi who was raised in captivity and became a whiz at communicating with humans using graphic symbols. They found he was able to track the locations of imaginary juice poured into separate cups and could also tell the difference between real and imagined juice. But not all scientists are convinced that Kanzi is maintaining false pretenses like humans do. They say his abilities may be because of his special upbringing. The study was published Thursday in the journal Science.

Pizza Hut closing 250 US stores as parent company considers selling the brand

February 5, 2026

By DEE-ANN DURBIN - AP Business Writer

Pizza Hut plans to close 250 U.S. restaurants in the first half of this year as its parent company considers a sale of the chain. Yum Brands said Wednesday it’s targeting underperforming Pizza Hut restaurants in its system. Pizza Hut has more than 6,000 U.S. locations. Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum Brands said in November it was conducting a formal review of options for Pizza Hut, which has struggled with outdated stores and growing competition. The chain’s U.S. same-store sales fell 5% last year. Growth has been stronger internationally, where Pizza Hut’s same-store sales rose 1%. China is Pizza Hut’s second-largest market after the U.S.

A Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democratic demands for ICE

February 5, 2026

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and LISA MASCARO - Associated Press

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Democrats’ demands for new restrictions on federal immigration officers are “unrealistic.” And he’s warning that the Department of Homeland Security will shut down next week if Democrats don’t work with Republicans and the White House. Democrats are pressing for changes at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies in the wake of the fatal shootings of two protesters in Minneapolis last month. The Democratic congressional leaders have come out with an expanded list of 10 detailed proposals. Short-term funding for DHS lasts through Feb. 13.

Chairman of prominent law firm Paul Weiss resigns after release of emails linking him to Epstein

February 5, 2026

By MEG KINNARD - Associated Press

The chairman of prestigious law firm Paul Weiss has resigned from that position after emails revealed his exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein. Brad Karp will remain at the firm where he’s practiced for 40 years and has served as chairman since 2008. He said in a statement from the firm that “recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests” of Paul Weiss. Emails recently released by the Department of Justice as part of its Epstein investigation show Karp thanking Epstein for hosting an unforgettable evening in 2015. Karp also sought Epstein’s help in 2016 for Karp’s son’s film career.

Suspect in December officer-involved shooting found competent to stand trial

February 5, 2026

KQDS Staff,

Dylan Wallace (Credit: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office) SUPERIOR, Wis. — The suspect in a Dec. 7 officer-involved shooting has been found fit to stand trial. In a competency hearing on Thursday, court documents say that the judge declared Dylan Charles Edward Wallace to be presently competent. This means his trial will move forward. Wallace is being accused of shooting a…

Trump administration to launch TrumpRx website for discounted drugs

February 5, 2026

By ALI SWENSON - Associated Press

The Trump administration is set to launch TrumpRx, a website to help patients buy prescription drugs directly from manufacturers at discounted rates. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday’s expected unveiling in a social media post. The website is not a purchasing platform but directs users to drugmakers’ own sites. President Trump first mentioned TrumpRx in September, highlighting deals with pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices. The website’s release faced delays, but it now showcases efforts to reduce costs through agreements with major companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca. However, the actual savings for consumers remain unclear.

Top NHL prospect and Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna charged with felony assault

February 5, 2026

AP

Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna has been charged with felony assault for allegedly breaking a man’s jaw and knocking out a tooth in an altercation last weekend. Police say McKenna twice punched the 21-year-old man in the face, requiring him to undergo surgery. The 18-year-old McKenna is the presumptive top pick in this summer’s NHL draft. He was arraigned and released on $20,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11. The incident happened in the hours after Penn State lost to No. 2 Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium.

A timeline of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the fight to make the government’s files public

February 5, 2026

By The Associated Press

Two decades after Jeffrey Epstein was first reported to police, the Justice Department has started to publicly release investigative files on the late sex offender and his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell. The Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law by President Donald Trump required the Justice Department, the FBI and federal prosecutors to disclose all unclassified documents and investigative materials by Friday. The release is the culmination of a yearslong fight over the records underpinning one of the Justice Department’s most high-profile and highly debated cases. Epstein killed himself in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.

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