News

Senate considers limiting Trump’s war powers after Venezuela raid

A resolution before the Senate would limit President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct further attacks against Venezuela. Democrats have failed to pass several similar measures in the past few months. But Thursday’s expected vote on the latest war powers resolution comes after the U.S. military seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid over the weekend. Some Republican senators say they’re considering whether to vote in favor of the resolution to limit Trump from taking more action in Venezuela. Democratic lawmakers are also preparing a resolution on Greenland after recent comments from Trump about a potential American takeover of the world’s largest island.

Slightly more Americans file for jobless benefits in the last week of 2025, but layoffs remain low

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose in the last week of 2025 but remain historically low, despite signs that the labor market is weakening. The number of Americans filing for jobless claims for the week ending Jan. 3 rose by 8,000 to 208,000, up from 200,000 the previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Applications for unemployment aid are viewed as a proxy for layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market. The total number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the previous week ending Dec. 27 jumped by 56,000 to 1.91 million, the government said.

White House will present Trump’s ballroom project for a review months after construction began

The White House is expected to share details of President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom at a monthly meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission. The meeting is Thursday. An information presentation is often the first step in the review process. Commissioners can ask questions and share observations before a more formal review. Votes and public testimony will be allowed later. Trump in October demolished the East Wing of the White House in preparation for building the ballroom. The Republican president has put the price tag at $400 million — double the original estimate. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction.

Rep. Steny Hoyer, the longest-serving House Democrat, will retire at the end of his term

The longest-serving Democrat in Congress is set to announce he’s retiring at the end of his term. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland intends to deliver a House floor speech about his decision on Thursday and says on social media people should “Tune in.” Hoyer was once a rival to become House speaker. Hoyer served for years in party leadership and steered Democrats through some of their most significant legislative victories. At 86 years old, Hoyer is the latest in a generation of senior-most leaders stepping aside, making way for a newer era of lawmakers eager to take on governing ahead of the midterm elections.

Protests in Iran sparked by economic woes now nationwide, activists say

Protests in Iran, driven by economic issues, have spread nationwide, challenging the country’s theocracy. Activists reported Thursday that Wednesday saw the most intense demonstrations, reaching rural towns and major cities. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the violence has killed at least 38 people and authorities have detained over 2,200. The protests increase pressure on Iran’s government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities haven’t yet fully cracked down. Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for protests, testing his influence. The protests are the largest since Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022.

Saudi Arabia alleges UAE smuggled wanted Yemen separatist leader out of the country

Saudi Arabia alleges the United Arab Emirates smuggled a wanted separatist leader out of Yemen. The leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, is accused of treason. A Saudi military statement claims the leader of the Southern Transitional Council fled Yemen by boat to Somalia. Then, UAE officials flew al-Zubaidi to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates, the statement says. The UAE has not yet responded to the accusation. The situation further escalates tensions between the neighboring nations on the Arabian Peninsula.

All eyes on Stolz: What to know about speedskating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

The biggest name in long track speedskating right now is Jordan Stolz. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin could line up in five events at the Milan Cortina Olympics and will be favored to win multiple gold medals. He is the best in the world at the moment over 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meters, dominating the World Cup season. His main challenger is expected to be be Jenning de Boo, a member of the strong Dutch squad. Erin Jackson will seek to defend her gold medal at 500 meters from the 2022 Beijing Games, where the American became the first Black woman to win an individual title at a Winter Olympics.

Australia’s leader announces a royal commission into antisemitism after Bondi mass shooting

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission into antisemitism, weeks after a deadly attack at a Jewish holiday event in Bondi Beach. It will examine the nature and drivers of antisemitism and the circumstances of the Bondi shooting, Albanese has told reporters Thursday. The royal commission, which is the most powerful form of government-commissioned inquiry, will be led by former High Court judge Virginia Bell. A report is due by December 14. Albanese has emphasized  the attack was antisemitic and inspired by the Islamic State group. The surviving suspect faces multiple charges. Albanese also plans to tighten gun laws and address hate speech in response to the attack.

Glenn Hall, whose NHL goalie starts streak may never be broken, dies at age 94

Glenn Hall, a Hockey Hall of Famer whose streak of 502 consecutive starts as a goaltender remains an NHL record, has died at age 94. A spokesperson for the Chicago Blackhawks confirmed the team was informed of Hall’s death from his family. A league historian in touch with Hall’s son, Pat, said Hall died at a hospital in Stony Plain, Alberta, on Wednesday. A pioneer of the butterfly style of goaltending of dropping to his knees, Hall backstopped Chicago to the Stanley Cup in 1961. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the playoffs in 1968 with St. Louis when the Blues reached the final before losing to Montreal.

Trump’s ‘beautiful’ new law means states have big decisions this year on Medicaid, SNAP and taxes

State lawmakers and governors will have decisions to make in 2026 about the budgets for their biggest social safety net programs. It comes in response to the tax cut and policy law that President Donald Trump signed last year. The measure imposes new work requirements for some people with Medicaid health coverage. It also raises the states’ share of costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries. Many states could also decide whether to fall in line with tax cuts, including eliminating income taxes on tips and overtime.

Dose of uncertainty: Experts wary of AI health gadgets at CES

Gadgets promoting a wide array of health benefits are on display at the annual CES trade show in Las Vegas. Artificial intelligence is the latest trend in health care technology, and companies showed off AI products designed to improve health, track hormones and increase accessibility to medical information. But health and tech experts warn about gadgets’ effectiveness and urge consumers to know where their data is going. Emerging technology comes at a time when the federal government is removing barriers for generative AI’s use. This week the Food and Drug Administration announced it is easing regulations on low-risk general wellness products.

The Banff Mountain Film Fest returns to the Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — The Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Duluth this weekend, bringing stories of adventure from around the world to Symphony Hall. The two-night event is being put on by the Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club and will feature award-winning films from around the world. The films vary from outdoor adventures, environmental stories, and high-energy action sports. Each night…

What to know about the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis

Federal officials and local leaders have clashed over their differing characterizations of a fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. President Donald Trump’s administration described the killing of 37-year-old mother Renee Nicole Macklin Good as an act of self-defense. Minneapolis officials dispute that narrative. The woman was shot in her car in front of a family member in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis. The ICE officer has not been publicly identified. Hundreds of people descended on the scene to protest the shooting.

Mentor North is celebrating National Mentor Month through art

DULUTH, Minn. — January is National Mentor Month. Duluth’s Mentor North is celebrating the month by hosting an Art Show at the Duluth Folk School. The organization is showcasing artwork created by youth, families, and mentors, highlighting the role creativity plays in building strong relationships throughout the Twin Ports. The event also offered hands-on art-making activities, which included making flip…

Driver shot in Minneapolis is at least the fifth person killed in US immigration crackdown

A motorist who was fatally shot by an immigration officer in Minneapolis is at least the fifth person to die since the Trump administration launched its aggressive immigration crackdown last year. The Department of Homeland Security says the woman killed Wednesday was trying to run over officers with a vehicle. But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says video of the incident shows it was reckless and unnecessary. Last September agents in suburban Chicago fatally shot a Mexican man during a traffic stop. Two men died in California and Virginia after being struck by vehicles while fleeing immigration authorities. And in July a California farmworker fell from a greenhouse roof during a raid.

Trump administration funding threats set child care providers and parents on edge

The Trump administration’s crackdown on the $12 billion Child Care and Development Fund, which subsidizes care for 1.4 million children from low-income households, has rattled child care providers and families that rely on the aid money. Citing unspecified allegations of fraud, administration officials are requiring states to provide extra documentation before receiving the money. It’s unclear if or when child care providers and families will feel the pinch. Some states, like Minnesota, also invest state resources in child care programs, which could insulate families from any impacts.

NFL playoff odds: Multiple road teams favored in unusual wild-card round

The NFL playoffs could see an unusual number of road favorites this weekend. As of Wednesday, four road teams are favored at BetMGM Sportsbook. Green Bay is a narrow favorite at Chicago, and the same is true for Buffalo at Jacksonville. That means there’s a chance those road teams won’t be favored by kickoff. The Los Angeles Rams are bigger favorites at Carolina, and Houston is favored at Pittsburgh. There were only three road favorites all of last postseason, according to Sportradar. And even in the games this weekend where the home team is favored, the lines aren’t that big.

Trump proposes massive increase in 2027 defense spending to $1.5T, citing ‘dangerous times’

President Donald Trump is proposing setting U.S. military spending at $1.5 trillion in 2027, citing “troubled and dangerous times.” Trump called for the massive surge in spending days after he ordered a U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and spirit him out of the country to face drug trafficking charges in the United States. U.S. forces continue to mass in the Caribbean Sea. The 2026 military budget is set at $901 billion. Trump in recent days has also called for taking over the Danish territory of Greenland for national security reasons and has suggested he’s open to carrying out military operations in Colombia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ominously warned that longtime adversary Cuba “is in trouble.”

Philippines evacuates 3,000 people after activity increases at Mayon Volcano

The Philippines has evacuated nearly 3,000 villagers from a danger zone on the foothills of the Mayon Volcano after officials raised the alert level due to recent activity. Authorities raised the 5-step alert around the volcano in the northeastern province of Albay to level 3 on Tuesday after detecting intermittent rockfalls from its peak crater in recent days, prompting the initial evacuations. Chief volcanologist Teresito Bacolcol said it is too early to tell if Mayon’s restiveness would lead to a major and violent eruption given the absence of other key indicators, like a spike in volcanic earthquakes.

Cloquet Antique Marketplace opens new location

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Antique Marketplace has officially reopened in a new and larger location. Just a few blocks from its old location, the new space holds more vendors and more items. The new space can hold 25 vendors, while the previous location only held five. Unlike typical antique stores, the marketplace showcases local artists and businesses, offering a…

MiigWitches Brew opens second location at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

CLOQUET, Minn.– A familiar cup of coffee is being brewed up at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. MiigWitches Brew has opened a second location, this time serving up students and staff at the local college. The coffee shop gained popularity in 2024 when a husband and wife team opened a drive-up stand on the Fond du Lac Reservation….

What federal policy says about shooting at vehicles

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield as law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP) – The Department of Justice says in its Justice Manual that firearms should not be used simply to disable a moving vehicle. The policy allows deadly force only in…

Influenza rates at highest level in 25 Years, CDC says

DULUTH, Minn. — Influenza cases are climbing across the region, putting added strain on health systems like Essentia Health as more patients seek care. Christie Erickson, a nurse practitioner at Essentia Health in Hermantown, says flu activity continues to rise — and she doesn’t expect relief anytime soon. “What’s unique is this is happening later in the season and at…

Driver shot in Minneapolis is at least the fifth person killed in US immigration crackdown

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield as law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP) – The fatal shooting Wednesday of a woman by an immigration officer in Minneapolis was at least the fifth death to result from the aggressive U.S. immigration crackdown the Trump…

Governor Walz notifies National Guard to prepare to protect public safety in Minneapolis

TIm Walz News Conference follow ICE shooting of woman in Minneapolis (AP) – An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis motorist on Wednesday during the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown in a major U.S. city — a shooting that federal officials claimed was an act of self-defense but that the city’s mayor described as “reckless” and unnecessary….

US will exit dozens of international organizations as it further retreats from global cooperation

The Trump administration will withdraw from dozens of international organizations, including the U.N.’s population agency and the U.N. treaty that establishes international climate negotiations. It marks the U.S. further retreating from global cooperation. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from 66 organizations, agencies and commissions following his instruction for his administration to review participation in and funding for all international organizations, including those affiliated with the United Nations. Most of the targets are U.N.-related agencies, commissions and advisory panels that focus on climate, labor and other issues that this administration has categorized as catering to diversity and “woke” initiatives.

Security cameras catch another alleged porch pirate in the act

DULUTH, Min. – Duluth Police say Lance William Olson, 30, Duluth stole a package from infront of a person’s apartment front door. It happened at the Ramsey Manor Apartments. The Statement of Probable Cause said  the theft happened the day after Christmas. Documents say Olson was spotted on a Ring doorbell camera taking the package. Police say another security camera in…

California loses $160M for delaying revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants

U.S. transportation officials have announced that California will lose $160 million for delaying the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants. The state notified those drivers in the fall that they would lose their licenses after a federal audit found problems, including licenses for truckers and bus drivers that remained valid long after an immigrant’s visa expired. But then last week California said it would delay those revocations until March after immigrant groups sued the state because of concerns that some groups were being unfairly targeted. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the state was supposed to revoke those licenses by Monday.

Rescuers use drone technology to find dog that escaped along New Jersey Turnpike

A dog traveling from a South Carolina shelter to a planned new home in Maine escaped during a bathroom break along the New Jersey Turnpike. Abbie, a 9-year-old golden retriever mix, wandered for about 25 miles before her tracking tag and drone technology enabled rescuers to find her the next day. Abbie was among several dogs being transported. Volunteers eventually pinpointed her location in a wooded area using thermal imaging from a drone. Woodbridge police rescued her early Sunday. Abbie suffered a hip injury that will require surgery but was otherwise fine, and now she’s back with her foster family in South Carolina.

Applications for 2026 Citizen Police Academy are open

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2026 Citizen Police Academy. This academy offers community members to learn about the different tactics, operations, and divisions of the DPD through in-field hands-on and in classroom learning. The idea is to teach about the process and why they do things the way they do. It will…

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani defends tenant official facing backlash for ‘white supremacy’ posts

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is supporting a new housing official amid backlash over past social media posts. Cea Weaver, a tenant activist, was appointed last week to lead the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants. Her old posts, which called for the seizure of private property and linked homeownership to white supremacy, have resurfaced, drawing national attention. Mamdani on Wednesday defended Weaver’s record of advocating for tenants. Weaver expressed regret over some of her past messages, saying they are “not something I would say today.” Weaver previously led a statewide effort that secured sweeping tenant protections in 2019.

‘One Battle After Another’ dominates SAG’s Actor Awards with 7 nominations

“One Battle After Another” dominated nominations to the Actor Awards on Wednesday, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s ragtag revolutionary saga landing a record seven nods in the annual Screen Actors Guild honors. In the 31 years of the Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, no movie has received more nominations. Along with a nod for the guild’s top award, best ensemble, the cast of “One Battle After Another” was showered with nominations for Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro and its stunt performers. The four other nominees for best ensemble are: “Sinners,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme” and “Frankenstein.”

Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force executes anti-drug trafficking operation in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. —  The Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force is executing a series of narcotics-related warrants and arrests in the Twin Ports, officials say. According to a DPD spokesperson, the task force, along with assisting law enforcement agencies, is executing the warrants in connection with the trafficking of controlled substances in the Twin Ports. This operation is active and…

Minneapolis mayor says ICE officer’s killing of a motorist was ‘reckless’ and wasn’t self-defense

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot and killed a motorist acted recklessly and rejected federal officials claims that the officer had acted in self-defense. During a Wednesday news conference hours after the ICE officer shot the woman, whose name hasn’t been released, an angry Frey blasted the federal immigration crackdown on the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He said, “They are not here to cause safety in this city. … They’re ripping families apart. They’re sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people.”

Minneapolis mayor says ICE officer’s killing of a motorist was ‘reckless’ and wasn’t self-defense

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield as law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting involving federal law enforcement agents, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Baker) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said Wednesday that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot and killed a motorist acted recklessly and rejected federal…

ICE agent shoots and kills a woman during the Minneapolis immigration crackdown

Federal law enforcement officers stand near a roadblock at Portland Avenue and East 32nd Street, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, after reports of a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement has been conducting a major crackdown. (AP Photo/Tim Sullivan) UPDATE— A federal agent shot and killed a Minneapolis motorist when she allegedly tried to run over law enforcement…

Trump threats against Greenland pose new, potentially unprecedented challenge to NATO

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threats against Greenland pose a new and potentially unprecedented challenge to NATO, perhaps even an existential one. The alliance is normally focused on external threats, but it could now face an armed confrontation involving its most powerful member. The White House says the administration is weighing options that could include military action to take control of the strategically located and mineral-rich island. Greenland is part of NATO ally Denmark. Trump’s designs on Greenland could put at risk the entire future of NATO, which was founded in 1949 to counter the threat to European security posed by the Soviet Union.

Trump officials loosen strings on federal education money for Iowa. More states could follow

The Trump administration is giving Iowa more power to decide how it spends its federal education money. Washington is signing off on a proposal that’s expected to be the first of many as conservative states apply for new spending freedom from the federal government. Iowa was the first state to apply for an exemption from certain spending rules after Education Secretary Linda McMahon invited states to request the flexibility last year. Such waivers have been offered for years but are finding new interest under President Donald Trump. Indiana and Oklahoma have made similar requests.

US seizes 2 sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean

(@Sec_Noem/X) WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in back-to-back actions in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, officials said Wednesday. U.S. European Command announced the seizure of the merchant vessel Bella 1 for “violations of U.S. sanctions” in a social media post. The U.S. had been pursuing the tanker since last…

$100K winning lottery ticket sold in Northern Wisconsin still yet to be claimed

WASHBURN, Wis. — A lottery ticket that won a massive payout in Northern WI is currently missing. The Wisconsin Lottery confirming that a $100,000 Powerball winning lottery ticket was sold at Hansen’s IGA in Washburn. The ticket, which included a x2 multiplier to make the prize $100,000, and won the money just before Christmas, has yet to be turned in…

US military action in Venezuela is seen as both a blessing and a curse for Russia’s Putin

The U.S. military operation in Venezuela can be seen as both a benefit and a burden for Russian President Vladimir Putin. His forces botched an attempt to capture Ukraine’s capital and topple its leader at the start of Moscow’s invasion nearly four years ago. The ouster of Nicolas Maduro highlights another Kremlin failure to support allies such as Syria and Iran. With the U.S. determined to establish control over Venezuela, Russia stands to lose a strategic foothold in the Western Hemisphere, along with billions of dollars invested in its oil industry. But the events also are causing unease in Western nations and giving the Kremlin fresh talking points to defend its war in Ukraine.

Ohio governor race takes shape as Ramaswamy and Acton pick running mates

In Ohio’s governor race, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton have announced their running mates. Ramaswamy, a biotech executive, has chosen Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, a seasoned conservative lawmaker. Acton, a former state health chief, has picked David Pepper, a pragmatic former state Democratic Chair. The announcements were made on Wednesday. Current Republican Gov. Mike DeWine cannot seek reelection due to term limits. Ramaswamy praised McColley for his legislative experience. Acton highlighted Pepper’s problem-solving skills and local government experience.

The top 5 affordable cars and SUVs for 2026, according to Edmunds

Everyone is talking about affordability in 2026, so the experts at Edmunds have assembled a list of five cars and SUVs that rank highly in their respective vehicle classes. Whether you’re looking for a small and efficient car or a sporty and fun one, or a three-row midsize SUV that can easily serve family duty while providing a little bit of luxury, there is something affordable here for just about anyone. The selected vehicles are also reasonably fuel-efficient to help save money on gas, and nearly all boast impressive recent crash test ratings.

US Christian leaders minister to an anxious diaspora with Venezuela’s future in flux

Faith leaders are urging prayers for peace following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. In Venezuela, Catholic and evangelical leaders are appealing for calm, while many in the diaspora welcome the change. Miami’s Catholic archbishop says there is anxiety about the future but believes the church can help the country move forward. Since 2014, about 8 million Venezuelans have fled, with many settling in South Florida. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has taken Maduro’s place, offering to collaborate with the U.S. Amid rising uncertainty, faith leaders emphasize prayer, reconciliation and hope for a peaceful transition.

Saint-Tropez bids adieu to Brigitte Bardot with a funeral and public homage

Brigitte Bardot’s funeral was being held with a private service and a public homage in Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera resort where she lived after retiring from movie stardom. The animal rights activist and far-right supporter died Dec. 28 at age 91 at her home in southern France. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, said she died from cancer after undergoing two operations. The service began at the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Catholic Church in the presence of her family and selected guests. Hundreds of residents and admirers were following the farewell on large screens set up in the small town.

Yemen’s anti-Houthi council expels separatist leader and says he faces treason charges

A council fighting Yemen’s Houthi rebels has expelled the leader of a separatist movement and charged him with treason. The leader reportedly declined to travel to Saudi Arabia for talks. The Southern Transitional Council, backed by the UAE, faces new tensions with Saudi-backed forces. An STC delegation flew to Riyadh but lost contact after landing. The STC accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes in Yemen’s al-Dhale governorate. The Presidential Leadership Council accused the STC leader of damaging Yemen’s military and political standing. The conflict has deepened uncertainty in Yemen, already strained by over a decade of war.

Iran army chief threatens preemptive attack over ‘rhetoric’ targeting country after Trump’s comments

Iran’s army chief has threatened preemptive military action over the “rhetoric” targeting the Islamic Republic. The comments Wednesday by Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami likely refer to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” America “will come to their rescue.” It also likely is an effort to show strength as protests sparked by economic woes have grown into a direct challenge to its theocracy. Iran’s government separately began Wednesday paying the equivalent of $7 a month to subsidize rising costs for dinner-table essentials like rice, meat and pastas. But already, shopkeepers warn prices for items as basic as cooking oil likely will triple.