News Archives - Page 5 of 881

Crosby Fire nearly fully contained, Superior Hiking Trail set to reopen

October 15, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

Crosby Fire 10/11/2025 TOFTE, Minn. — In an update Wednesday, fire officials said the Crosby Fire is nearly fully contained. According to officials, the fire in the area of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park remains at 300 acres and is now 95% contained. SEE PREVIOUS: Crosby Fire now 85% contained The portion of the Superior Hiking Trail that was…

Judge says she’s inclined to block the Trump administration from firing workers during the shutdown

October 15, 2025

By JANIE HAR - Associated Press

A federal judge says she’s inclined to block President Donald Trump’s administration for now from firing workers during the government shutdown. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston said at a hearing in San Francisco on Wednesday she believes the evidence would ultimately show the firings were illegal and in excess of authority. The hearing is continuing. The judge hasn’t issued a ruling. The White House budget office said Friday mass firings of federal workers had started. That announcement prompted labor unions for federal employees to ask the judge for a temporary restraining order blocking the Republican administration from issuing new layoff notices and implementing those already sent out.

3 injured in Sawyer car crash

October 15, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

SAWYER, Minn. — Three people were seriously injured in a car crash in Sawyer. Officials say they responded to reports that a car had hit a tree Wednesday morning on the 3200 block of West Moorehead Road. Upon arrival, officials found three people in the car, all of which were injured. Two were airlifted via Life Link, and the third was…

New York health officials confirm state’s first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus

October 15, 2025

AP

New York health officials have confirmed the state’s first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus and the first such case in the country in six years. The state Department of Health said Tuesday that the mosquito-borne virus, which has been spreading in China and elsewhere, was identified in a person living in Nassau County on Long Island. The county’s health department said the unnamed individual began experiencing symptoms in August after traveling outside of the region but not out of the country. Health officials say it’s not clear how the individual contracted the virus, but that they were likely bit by an infected mosquito.

UN agency says C02 levels hit record high last year, causing more extreme weather

October 15, 2025

By JAMEY KEATEN and SETH BORENSTEIN - Associated Press

The United Nations weather agency said carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reached record highs last year, intensifying climate change and extreme weather. The World Meteorological Organization said CO2 growth rates have tripled since the 1960s, reaching levels that existed 800,000 years ago. The report, released Wednesday, highlights emissions from coal, oil, and gas, along with wildfires, as major contributors. Despite flat fossil fuel emissions last year, CO2 levels continue to rise. The agency has urged policymakers to reduce emissions, warning that the world is heading into a dangerous state. Other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide have also hit record levels.

This family visit to a military based ended with ICE deporting a Marine’s dad

October 15, 2025

AP

A U.S. Marine says his parents were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after they visited a California military base and one of them was later deported. Steve Rios, of Oceanside, California, told NBC that his parents were detained late last month while picking up his pregnant sister and her husband, who is also a Marine at Camp Pendleton. Rios says his parents came to the U.S. from Mexico three decades ago and had pending green card applications. He says they were initially released with ankle monitors. But after another visit to the base, ICE agents stopped them at the gate and detained his parents. Rios says his father has since been deported.

LeBron James, Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry enter season as the NBA’s largest 20-year club

October 15, 2025

By TIM REYNOLDS - AP Basketball Writer

LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Kyle Lowry are making history as they enter their 20th NBA seasons or more. This marks the first time the league has three players in the 20-season club simultaneously. James will soon become the first to play 23 seasons. Despite their age, they continue to contribute significantly, thanks to rigorous personal training programs. Paul recently re-joined the Los Angeles Clippers, while Lowry is balancing his playing career in Philadelphia with a new analyst role at Amazon Prime. Other players say their dedication and longevity is inspiring.

Democrats say they won’t be intimidated by Trump’s threats as the shutdown enters a third week

October 15, 2025

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

The government shutdown is entering a third week, and Democrats say they’re not intimidated by President Donald Trump’s efforts to fire thousands of federal workers or by his threats of more firings to come. In fact, Democrats appear emboldened. And they’re showing no signs of caving as they return to Washington from their home states. On Tuesday evening, Senate Democrats once again rejected a Republican bill to open the government. At the same time, Republicans are confident in their strategy not to negotiate on Democratic demands on health care until Democrats provide the votes to reopen the government,

Trump threatens to yank World Cup games from Boston though it’s up to FIFA to choose sites

October 15, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Donald Trump is threatening to relocate World Cup matches set to be played next year in suburban Boston. He suggested Tuesday that parts of the city had been “taken over” by unrest. The city is set to stage seven matches as the U.S. cohosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. It wasn’t immediately clear what unrest Trump was referring to, but earlier this month there were multiple arrests in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent on Boston Common. World Cup host sites aren’t up to Trump but are contracted with FIFA, which would face significant logistical and legal issues if it made changes now.

Why a Supreme Court case from Louisiana will matter for the future of the Voting Rights Act

October 15, 2025

By GARY FIELDS - Associated Press

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is the primary way plaintiffs can challenge racially discriminatory election practices. The Supreme Court on Wednesday is hearing arguments in a Section 2 case out of Louisiana. It’s a rehearing of a lawsuit over Louisiana’s redrawn congressional map. At the heart of this case is whether the remedy for racially discriminatory voting and election practices violates the U.S. Constitution. A ruling against Section 2 would leave the 60-year-old law largely neutered, after the court overturned another of its core provisions 12 years ago. A ruling is due next year.

Walking is good for you. Walking backward can add to the benefits

October 15, 2025

By STEPHEN WADE - AP Sports Writer

Backward walking, also known as retro walking or reverse walking, adds variety to an exercise routine. Turning around not only provides a change of view, but also makes different demands on your body. While taking a brisk walk can have impressive mental and physical benefits, hoofing it for your health may feel repetitive and even boring after a while. Backward walking can be done on or off a treadmill, solo or with a partner. It can serve as a warmup or a mini form of cross-training. Experts say the key is to start off slowly.

Photos show polar bears chilling at home in abandoned Russian research station

October 15, 2025

By VADIM MAKHOROV

Polar bears that have taken over an abandoned polar research station off Russia’s far eastern coast were intimately captured in drone footage by Vadim Makhorov. The photographer was filming the landscape of Kolyuchin Island during a cruise in the Chukchi Sea in September, when he noticed polar bears using one of the abandoned buildings as a shelter. The small island…

Portion of Michigan Street closed for construction

October 15, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

DULUTH, Minn. — A portion of Michigan Street will close for construction starting on Wednesday. The closed portion is between Glen Place and Mesaba Ave. Officials say the closure is due to the replacement of communications lines in preparation for the MNDOT pedestrian bridge replacement project. The closure should last one week. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Road…

Scientists hope underwater fiber-optic cables can help save endangered orcas

October 15, 2025

By ANNIKA HAMMERSCHLAG - Associated Press

Scientists from the University of Washington recently deployed a little over 1 mile of fiber-optic cable in the Salish Sea to test whether internet cables can monitor endangered orcas. The technology is called Distributed Acoustic Sensing. It transforms cables into continuous underwater microphones that can pinpoint whale locations and track their movements. If successful, the world’s 870,000 miles of existing undersea cables could become a vast ocean monitoring network. It could provide real-time data on how marine mammals respond to vessel noise, food scarcity and climate change. The breakthrough would be particularly valuable as new marine protected areas are established under the High Seas Treaty in January.

The Latest: Supreme Court set to hear arguments over the Voting Rights Act

October 15, 2025

By The Associated Press

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday over a core provision of the Voting Rights Act that is designed to protect racial minorities. Lawyers for Louisiana and the Trump administration will try to persuade the justices to wipe away the state’s second majority Black congressional district and make it much harder to take account of race in redistricting. The current lineup of justices previously upheld Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in a 2023 case that required Alabama to draw an additional congressional district to benefit Black voters. Now the conservative-led court is poised to rehear a similar case this time out of Louisiana that could modify or undo that decision.

Federal workers endure financial strain and fear layoffs as the government shutdown drags on

October 15, 2025

By FATIMA HUSSEIN, JOEY CAPPELLETTI, JESSE BEDAYN and SAFIYAH RIDDLE - Associated Press

Federal workers furloughed or working without pay are feeling the financial squeeze and fear being swept up in the Trump administration’s layoffs. The fate of the federal workers is among several pressure points that could push lawmakers to agree to resolve the stalemate. The shutdown began Oct. 1 after Democrats rejected a short-term funding fix, demanding an extension of health insurance subsidies. The Republican White House has used the workforce as leverage to pressure Democrats. Labor unions have filed lawsuits to stop the layoffs. Frustration among workers is growing as the shutdown drags on. Furloughed federal worker Peter Farruggia says some bills will go unpaid this month.

Madagascar’s military coup leader tells AP he is “taking the position of president”

October 15, 2025

AP

Madagascar’s military coup leader has said he is “taking the position of president” in an interview with The Associated Press at his barracks. Col. Michael Randrianirina, who led a rebellion by soldiers that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, said he expects to be sworn in as the Indian Ocean country’s new leader in the next few days. Randrianirina announced Tuesday that the armed forces were taking power in Madagascar, capping weeks of protests against Rajoelina and his government by mainly youth groups. He said Wednesday he is taking the role as head of state after the country’s High constitutional Court invited him to do so.

Former Kenyan premier Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, dies at 80

October 15, 2025

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI and RODNEY MUHUMUZA - Associated Press

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died of a heart attack in India. He was 80 years old. A statement from a hospital in Kerala State said Odinga suffered a cardiac arrest and didn’t respond to resuscitation efforts. Odinga ran for Kenya’s presidency five times over three decades. In March, he signed a political pact with current President William Ruto that involved his opposition party in government policymaking. Odinga was known for advocating democratic reform and regional diplomacy. He recently lost an election to become the African Union chairperson.

Edmunds small SUV comparison: New Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V

October 15, 2025

By ROBERT DUFFER - Edmunds

The redesigned 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan aims to steal shoppers’ attention from the Honda CR-V and its winning hybrid model in a showdown of two of the largest compact crossover SUVs on sale today. Edmunds’ automotive experts compare them in four areas: performance and fuel economy; comfort and cargo space; tech and safety; and price and value.

The government shutdown is putting a renewed spotlight on the cracks in the US aviation system

October 15, 2025

By RIO YAMAT - AP Airlines and Travel Reporter

The U.S. government shutdown’s strain on the aviation system is starting to show. An air traffic control tower near Los Angeles closed for six hours less than a week into the shutdown because of a controller shortage. Since the shutdown began Oct. 1, the FAA has reported staffing issues in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Houston. Flight delays have spread to airports in Nashville, Denver, Newark and more. Experts say cracks quickly emerged because the system already was stretched by chronic staffing shortages and aging equipment. They say air travel could face deeper problems if the shutdown continues.

Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano unleashes new burst of hot ash

October 15, 2025

AP

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, is erupting for a second straight day, spewing towering columns of hot ash 6 miles high. Ash and debris blanketed villages, but no casualties were immediately reported. Indonesia’s Geology Agency said the volcano had two eruptions Wednesday after erupting three times Tuesday. One lit up the night sky with glowing lava and bolts of lightning. Officials warned residents to be vigilant about heavy rainfall that could trigger lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano. The volcano has been at the highest alert level since June and an exclusion zone was widened as eruptions became more frequent.

Russia makes more precise drones and is using them to attack Ukraine’s vital rail network

October 15, 2025

By ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press

Russia is intensifying drone strikes on Ukraine’s rail network, a critical lifeline for commercial freight, passenger traffic and military logistics. A recent “double tap” drone attack in northeast Ukraine, less than 43 miles from the Russian border, killed a 71-year-old man, injured at least eight people and destroyed train cars. Ukrainian officials say strikes have surged since the summer, driven by upgraded Russian drones equipped with cameras and radio modems that allow operators to detect air defenses and carry out precision strikes. Ukraine’s rapid repair crews are keeping trains running, but experts warn that the continued strikes are likely to take a bigger toll on the country’s transport and energy infrastructure.

Israelis are identifying the second group of bodies handed over by Hamas as tenuous truce holds

October 15, 2025

By MELANIE LIDMAN - Associated Press

Israel has identified more bodies of dead hostages that were handed over by Hamas to ease pressure on a fragile ceasefire in its war with Israel. The handover came after an Israeli military agency warned it would slash aid deliveries to Gaza as the militant group was not returning the remains as agreed. Three of four bodies handed over on Tuesday night were identified as Israeli hostages but the identity of the fourth remained in question. The U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan had called for all hostages — living and dead — to be handed over by Monday but if that didn’t happen, Hamas was to share information about deceased hostages and try to hand over all as soon as possible.

Pakistan reports a new clash with Afghan forces along border

October 15, 2025

By RIAZ KHAN - Associated Press

Pakistan’s state-run media say clashes have erupted between Pakistani and Afghan forces in a remote border region. Pakistan TV accused Afghan troops of opening “unprovoked fire” on Tuesday night. It said Pakistani forces responded, damaging Afghan tanks and military posts. In Afghanistan, Tahir Ahrar, a deputy police spokesperson in Khost province, confirmed the clashes but provided no further details. This is the second time this week that the two sides have traded fire along their long border. Pakistan’s state-run media reported that Afghan forces and Pakistani Taliban jointly opened fire at a Pakistani post “without provocation,” prompting what it described as a “strong response” from Pakistan in Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández says ‘nobody to blame but myself’ for his role in weird NLCS double play

October 15, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández says he watched a replay of that bizarre double play in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series only one time as the clip went viral across social media. The Dodgers won 2-1 despite running into an unsual 8-6-2 double play. Hernández said “there’s nobody to blame but myself” for his baserunning mistake. Hernández was on third when Max Muncy hit a drive that popped out of center fielder Sal Frelick’s glove and hit the wall before Frelick caught it. The Brewers forced out Hernández at home plate.

Max Muncy sets Dodgers record by hitting his 14th career postseason homer

October 15, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Max Muncy set a franchise record by hitting his 14th career postseason homer in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Muncy’s 412-foot drive over the center-field wall in the sixth inning broke the Dodgers mark he had shared with Justin Turner and Corey Seager. The solo shot off Freddy Peralta extended Los Angeles’ lead to 3-1 in Muncy’s 70th postseason game with the Dodgers.

Slumping Brewers must improve their approach at the plate to have any hope of coming back in NLCS

October 15, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

The Milwaukee Brewers are making the types of mistakes at the plate that they avoided while producing the best regular-season record in the major leagues. No wonder they’re leaving home facing a 2-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series. The Brewers ranked second in the majors in on-base percentage and third in runs and batting average while posting a franchise-best 97-65 regular-season record. But they’ve totaled just five hits through the first two games of this series and mustered only one run in each of them.

Trump’s approval on immigration drops among AAPI adults, new AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll finds

October 14, 2025

By TERRY TANG and LINLEY SANDERS - Associated Press

A new AAPI Data/AP-NORC poll finds that after months of aggressive immigration enforcement measures from the Trump administration, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults are more likely to disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration than they were in March. The findings come as federal immigration agents expand a crackdown in the Chicago area, where more than 1,000 immigrants have been arrested since last month. A solid majority of AAPI adults also say the Republican president has overstepped on deporting immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. Most also oppose several specific tactics used by the administration, such as deploying the military or National Guard to carry out arrests or deportations.

Supreme Court takes up GOP-led challenge to Voting Rights Act that could affect control of Congress

October 14, 2025

By MARK SHERMAN - Associated Press

The Supreme Court is taking up a major Republican-led challenge to the Voting Rights Act, the centerpiece legislation of the civil rights movement, that could gut a key provision of the law that prohibits racial discrimination in redistricting. The justices on Wednesday are hearing arguments for the second time in a case over Louisiana’s congressional map, which has two majority Black districts. A ruling for the state could open the door for legislatures to redraw congressional maps across the South, potentially boosting Republican electoral prospects in the closely divided House of Representatives by eliminating majority Black and Latino seats that tend to favor Democrats. The court’s conservative majority has been skeptical of considerations of race.

Yamamoto throws 3-hitter as Dodgers beat Brewers 5-1 for 2-0 lead in NLCS

October 14, 2025

By STEVE MEGARGEE - AP Sports Writer

Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a three-hitter for the first postseason complete game in eight years as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 to extend their lead in the National League Championship Series. Teoscar Hernández and Max Muncy each hit a solo homer as the Dodgers left Milwaukee with a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series, which shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday. Muncy’s drive was the 14th homer of his postseason career, breaking the Dodgers record he had shared with Corey Seager and Justin Turner. Yamamoto allowed a home run to Jackson Chourio on the first of his 111 pitches but shut down the Brewers the rest of the way. The right-hander’s complete game was his first in two major league seasons.

Photos show life slowly returning to abandoned Himalayan villages in India

October 14, 2025

By SATISH SHARMA - Associated Press

MARTOLI, India (AP) — Dozens of dilapidated stone buildings are what is left of the once-thriving border village of Martoli, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled in Johar Valley and surrounded by Himalayan peaks — the most notable being Nanda Devi, once considered the tallest mountain in the world — this village had traded sugar, lentils, spices and…

Fire Chief, Neighbors React To Hibbing House Explosion

October 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

HIBBING, Minn. – A house explosion in Hibbing Sunday night sent flames into the air and injured one person. One day later, heavy equipment moved in, as the investigation into a cause of the blast continued. “All the neighbors were out, pajamas, bathrobes, whatever. People just came out. Everybody was chasing dogs every which way trying to, I suppose, when…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Kimberly Christine

October 14, 2025

Violette VueHansen,

DULUTH, MINN- Kimberly Christine has been doing what she calls,” dark tourism” for 13years. She’s lived in Savanah, Georgia and LA, California where she was introduced to paranormal investigation and tour guiding. She started Duluth Ghost Tours in 2022. The tours starts from the Boardwalk in Canal Park and ends at the Lighthouse. At the end of the tour Christine…

St. Louis Co. Board Chair Annie Harala Talks Process Of Non-Disclosure Agreements

October 14, 2025

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Board Chair Annie Harala was one of three commissioners to sign a non-disclosure agreement involving a proposed data center in Hermantown. Some members of the public have voiced frustration over what they call a lack of transparency involving the proposed project. Commissioner Ashley Grimm responded to those concerns by calling for a ban on…

Alaska residents displaced by remnants of Typhoon Halong have limited options as winter sets in

October 14, 2025

By BECKY BOHRER and GENE JOHNSON - Associated Press

Officials in Alaska are rushing to find housing for people from tiny coastal villages devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. But the remote location and severe damage are limiting their options as they race against other impending storms and the onset of winter. High winds and storm surge seawater battered low-lying, isolated Alaska Native communities in western Alaska over the weekend. The Coast Guard plucked two dozen people from their homes after the structures floated out to sea in high water, three people were missing or dead, and hundreds of people were staying in school shelters — including one with no working toilets, officials said. Across the region more than 1,300 people were displaced.

Some airports refuse to play Noem video on shutdown impact, saying it’s political

October 14, 2025

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON and RIO YAMAT - Associated Press

Airports around the country are saying they won’t play a video with a message from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in which she blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown and its impacts on operations to screen travelers. Airports in Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix and Westchester County say the video goes against their airport policy because of its political content. The shutdown has halted routine operations and left airports scrambling with flight disruptions. Various government agencies, in emails to workers and on websites, have adopted language that blames Democrats for the shutdown.

Instagram says it’s safeguarding teens by limiting them to PG-13 content

October 14, 2025

By BARBARA ORTUTAY - AP Technology Writer

Meta says teenagers on Instagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default and won’t be able to change their settings without a parent’s permission. This means that teens will see photos and videos on Instagram that is similar to what they would see in a PG-13 movie. The company is also adding an even stricter setting that parents can set up for their children. As it seeks to add safeguards for teens, Meta has already promised it wouldn’t show inappropriate content to teens, such as posts about self-harm, eating disorders or suicide, though this does not always work.

Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce head weighs in on Non-Disclosure Agreements

October 14, 2025

Matt McConico,

Matthew Baumgartner DULUTH, Minn. – Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) discussions have been making headlines in the St. Louis County Commission and Hermantown City Council. Matt Baumgartner, the President and CEO of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, released a statement saying NDAs are a common and needed thing in business. Baumgartner wrote NDAs, “simply provides the space to explore the facts—costs,…

Florida judge temporarily blocks transfer of downtown Miami land for Trump’s presidential library

October 14, 2025

By KATE PAYNE - Associated Press/Report for America

A Florida judge has temporarily blocked the planned transfer of prime downtown Miami land for Donald Trump’s future presidential library. Judge Mavel Ruiz’ order came days after a Miami activist alleged that officials at a local college violated Florida’s open government law when they gifted the sizable plot of real estate to the state, which then voted to transfer it to the foundation for the planned presidential library. The nearly 3-acre property is valued at more than $67 million, according to a 2025 assessment by the Miami-Dade County property appraiser.

Jamie Foxx, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Flea, Doja Cat and more react to the death of D’Angelo

October 14, 2025

By The Associated Press

Celebrities have begun paying tribute to R&B and neo-soul icon D’Angelo. His death at age 51 was announced on Tuesday. He died after a prolonged battle with cancer, according to a statement from the family. Among those paying tribute include the actor Jamie Foxx, the co-founder and bassist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea, and Grammy-Award winning R&B singers Maxwell and Jill Scott. D’Angelo was celebrated for and recognized by his raspy yet smooth voice and for attracting mainstream attention with the shirtless “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” music video.

Topics Of Transparency, NDAs Take Over St. Louis County Board Meeting

October 14, 2025

Emily Halling, Nathaniel LeCapitaine,

DULUTH, Minn.– The topic of transparency boiled over Tuesday at the St. Louis County Board meeting in Duluth. What was supposed to be public comment about banning commissioners from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) turned into residents feeling silenced. The St. Louis County board meeting included a motion by Commissioner Ashley Grimm to prohibit commissioners from signing non-disclosure agreements going forward,…

LA Angels should be held responsible for pitcher Skaggs’ overdose death, lawyer says

October 14, 2025

By AMY TAXIN - Associated Press

A lawyer for the family of Tyler Skaggs says the Los Angeles Angels should be held responsible for the drug overdose death of the star pitcher. The team’s attorney, however, said they were not aware of drug use by Skaggs or they would have done something to help. The comments came in opening statements Tuesday in the trial for a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Skaggs’ family. Plaintiffs’ attorney Shawn Holley told jurors that Angels officials knew communications director Eric Kay was supplying drugs to Skaggs and other players. The Angels argue Skaggs’ actions were his own and not preventable by the MLB team. The trial could include testimony from players like Mike Trout and Wade Miley.

US revokes visas for 6 foreigners over Charlie Kirk-related speech

October 14, 2025

By MATTHEW LEE - AP Diplomatic Writer

The Trump administration has revoked the visas of six foreigners deemed by U.S. officials to have made derisive comments or made light of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last month. The State Department said it had determined they should lose their visas after reviewing their online social media posts and clips about Kirk. The administration and its supporters have targeted people for their comments about Kirk, leading to firings or other discipline of journalists, teachers and others, and raising free speech concerns. The announcement came Tuesday as Trump was posthumously awarding Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Appeals court backs Michigan school in banning ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ shirts

October 14, 2025

AP

A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of a Michigan school district in a dispute over free speech and “Let’s Go Brandon” shirts. The clothing took a jab at then-President Joe Biden in 2022. Tri County Middle School in western Michigan told two brothers to take off the shirts, citing the dress code. Their mother sued, citing the First Amendment. But the appeals court says “vulgarity trumps politics … even when vulgarity is cloaked in innuendo.” In 2021, an obscenity directed at Biden was being chanted at a NASCAR race, though a TV reporter said it was “Let’s Go, Brandon.” The line became popular among Biden’s critics.

Lake Nebagamon man charged with possession of child pornography

October 14, 2025

Matt McConico,

Jackson Dallas Rabold SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Lake Nebagamon man is facing five counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 19-year-old Jackson Dallas Rabold. The charging documents say investigators were initially tipped off to Rebold when Google detected, “258 files of suspected child pornography, stored on the google photos infrastructure.” The indictment continues to…

As US wood tariffs kick in, kitchen cabinet companies look for a silver lining

October 14, 2025

By MAE ANDERSON - AP Business Writer

New tariffs on imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture in the U.S. are expected to impact the home improvement industry. The tariffs took effect early Tuesday. The White House says the aim is to boost domestic production and to protect American companies. However, some small business owners worry about short-term challenges. They fear clients may hesitate to pay more for budget-priced cabinets, and potential customers might delay renovations. Despite high mortgage rates affecting home sales and rising production costs, a Harvard University forecast expects remodeling activity to remain slow but steady through the middle of next year.

House Republicans seek testimony from ex-Trump prosecutor Jack Smith

October 14, 2025

By STEPHEN GROVES - Associated Press

Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee are requesting that Jack Smith, the former Justice Department special counsel, appear for an interview. It’s part of an escalating effort among Republicans to pursue the perceived enemies of President Donald Trump. Rep. Jim Jordan, the committee chair, charges in a letter to Smith that his prosecutions of Trump were “partisan and politically motivated.” Smith has come under particular scrutiny on Capitol Hill, especially after the Senate Judiciary Committee said last week that his investigation had included an FBI analysis of phone records for more than half a dozen Republican lawmakers from the week of Jan. 6, 2021

GoFundMe accounts set up for victims of Hibbing house explosion

October 14, 2025

Jason VanHorn,

Missy, her husband Dave, and grandson Jax. (Credit: GoFundMe) HIBBING, Minn. — Multiple GoFundMe pages have been set up for those affected after a home exploded in Hibbing. Gizmo and Mojito (Credit: GofundMe) SEE PREVIOUS: Fire Departments Respond To House Explosion In Hibbing Missy and Dave lost their longtime home in the explosion, displacing their 5-year-old grandson, Jax, just days…

Dallin H. Oaks, former Utah Supreme Court justice, is selected to lead Mormon church

October 14, 2025

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM - Associated Press

Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice, has been selected to be the next president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He’ll lead the church’s more than 17 million members worldwide. His selection follows the death of his predecessor, Russell M. Nelson. As president, Oaks is deemed a prophet and seer who will guide the church through divine revelation from God. Oaks is known for his jurist sensibilities and traditionalist beliefs on marriage and religious freedom. The 93-year-old will serve until he dies.

Trump honoring Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would be his 32nd birthday

October 14, 2025

By WILL WEISSERT - Associated Press

President Trump is posthumously awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk. Kirk was a conservative activist who was fatally shot last month while speaking at Utah Valley University. Tuesday’s ceremony coincides with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. Trump praised Kirk at his funeral as a “great American hero” and a “martyr” for freedom. Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and played a significant role in conservative politics. In a sign of Kirk’s close ties to the administration, he will be the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Trump’s second term.