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Man arrested in connection to multiple Sawyer County fires

  SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. — A man has been arrested in connection with multiple fires in Sawyer County. According to authorities, the arrest of a 30-year-old man from Birchwood, Wisconsin, follows a nearly year-long investigation into a series of building fires that began in November of 2024. He was arrested on multiple felony counts of Arson of Buildings. Officials say…

Chum selects contractor for shelter expansion project

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum has selected a contractor for its upcoming shelter expansion project. Johnson Wilson Constructors, Inc. has been awarded the contract for the Chum shelter renovation and expansion project. Construction will start this month after nearly two years of funding and planning. The shelter currently accommodates more than 125 people every night. The new facility will provide double…

How Bill Pulte learned the art of the attack, from his own family to Letitia James

Bill Pulte has become a significant player in the Trump administration. Known for his aggressive online persona and bitter public fights with several family members, Pulte currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. He has used his position to target Trump’s political adversaries, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was recently indicted. His past includes a contentious relationship with his family’s company, PulteGroup, and a public feud with relatives. Pulte gained attention on social media by giving away money, but his actions have also drawn criticism.

Melania Trump says 8 kids displaced by Russia-Ukraine war reunite with families after Putin talks

First lady Melania Trump says eight children displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war have been reunited with their families after ongoing talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Melania Trump in August wrote to Putin and had her husband hand-deliver the letter when he and the Russian president met in Alaska. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in Russia taking Ukrainian children out of their country so they can be raised as Russian. The first lady said Friday at the White House that Putin responded to her letter and they had established an “open channel of communication” regarding the welfare of those children.

MIT president says she ‘cannot support’ proposal to adopt Trump priorities for funding benefits

MIT’s president said she “cannot support” a White House proposal that asks MIT and eight other universities to adopt President Donald Trump’s political agenda in exchange for favorable access to federal funding. In a letter to federal officials, MIT President Sally Kornbluth said the proposal includes provisions MIT disagrees with, including some that would limit free speech and the university’s independence. MIT is among the first to express forceful views on the compact either in favor or against it. College leaders face immense pressure to reject the deal from faculty, students and free speech advocates.

What to know about the blast at a Tennessee explosives plant that claimed lives

A search is underway after a powerful explosion ripped through an explosives manufacturing plant in rural Tennessee. The blast Friday sent plumes of smoke into the air and shook homes miles away. It is not clear what caused the explosion. Public records show that the company sold numerous types of explosives to the U.S. military. The manufacturing plant sits on 1,300 acres in Bucksnort, Tennessee, about 60 miles southwest of Nashville. It is currently unknown how many people were inside the building at the time of the explosion. Officials have not said whether there are any known fatalities or injuries.

Safe Haven Hosts 20th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Safe Haven hosted their 20th annual fall fundraiser at Clyde Ironworks. The powerful evening brought people from across the Twin Ports together to support survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence. The event program included a cocktail hour, live music, dinner, and a raffle, with all proceeds benefiting survivors of…

Mike Greenwell, longtime Red Sox outfielder who finished second in 1988 MVP voting, dies at 62

Mike Greenwell, an outfielder who played 12 seasons with the Boston Red Sox and finished second in the 1988 American League MVP voting, has died. He was 62. Greenwell’s wife, Tracy, says he died Thursday morning in Boston. Greenwell was a county commissioner in Lee County, Florida, and the county manager also announced his death. Known as “the Gator,” Greenwell played his entire career for Boston. He won the 1988 Silver Slugger Award and finishing second in that year’s MVP voting to Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco. After Canseco later acknowledged using steroids that season, Greenwell asked, “Where’s my MVP?”

Trump says ‘there seems to be no reason’ to meet Xi during upcoming Asia trip

President Donald Trump says on his social media site “there seems to be no reason” to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as part of an upcoming trip to South Korea after China has restricted exports of rare earths needed for American industry. Trump suggested Friday he was looking at a “massive increase” of import taxes on Chinese products in response to Xi’s moves. Trump says: “One of the Policies that we are calculating at this moment is a massive increase of Tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States of America.” Trump says, “There are many other countermeasures that are, likewise, under serious consideration.”

Former MN Reporter Shares Story of Addiction and Redemption

Once a familiar face delivering breaking news, Beth McDonough is now stepping into a new kind of spotlight—one defined by truth, healing, and transformation. The former TV crime reporter and anchor, known for her work at FOX stations in Philadelphia and Minnesota, is opening up about her personal journey in her new memoir, Standby. In the book, McDonough shares a…

1 dead in overnight Duluth shooting

DULUTH, Minn. — One person is dead after a shooting in Duluth early Friday morning. According to officials, at 12:25 a.m., they responded to reports of a shooting in the 200 block of West 3rd Street. When they arrived, they found a man dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Officials are asking people in the area to check their surveillance…

María Corina Machado, a symbol of the political resistance in Venezuela and now Nobel winner

María Corina Machado, a key figure in Venezuela’s opposition, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The award recognizes her efforts for a peaceful transition of power and her role as a unifying figure in the fractured opposition. Machado has been a prominent critic of Venezuela’s ruling party since 2004. She has faced many challenges, including being ousted from the National Assembly and barred from public office. Despite setbacks, she won the opposition’s presidential primary in 2023. However, ruling-party loyalists blocked her from the ballot. Her recent support for U.S. policies has sparked divisions within the opposition.

Ex-Celtics star Paul Pierce found asleep in car, arrested on suspicion of DUI

Former NBA player Paul Pierce has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on a Los Angeles highway after he was found asleep behind the wheel. California state police arrested Pierce on Tuesday night after responding to an unrelated car crash on U.S. Highway 101. They saw a Range Rover SUV stopped in the road south of the crash and found Pierce asleep at the wheel. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and arrested him on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Pierce did not immediately respond to an Instagram message for comment.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado wins the Nobel Peace Prize

  FILE – Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado holds up tally sheets during a protest against the reelection of President Nicolás Maduro one month after the disputed presidential vote which she says the opposition won by a landslide, in Caracas, Venezuela, Aug. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File) OSLO, Norway (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the…

Steelers LB Nick Herbig is morphing from TJ Watt’s protégé into a star in his own right

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig is stepping out of the considerable shadow cast by mentor T.J. Watt. Herbig has 2 1/2 sacks and an interception over Pittsburgh’s last three games while filling in for the injured Alex Highsmith. While Highsmith is expected to return for a Week 6 matchup with Cleveland, Herbig has been so productive he will continue to be a regular in the lineup. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Herbig is undersized for an edge rusher by today’s NFL standards. The third-year pro says he’s used to defying expectations, saying he learned the hard way while growing up the youngest of three brothers.

Speaker Johnson keeps the House away as he fights to end the government shutdown

House members’ absence during the government shutdown is creating a political dilemma for Republican Speaker Mike Johnson and is testing his leadership. The Louisiana congressman sent members home three weeks ago, and they haven’t been back in working session since. In the intervening weeks, the government has shut down. President Donald Trump threatened a mass firing of federal workers. And Democrat Adelita Grijalva won a special congressional election in Arizona but has not been sworn in. Johnson says the House already did its job, passing a bill to fund the government. Johnson blames Democrats in the Senate, which is also controlled by Republicans. Democrats want health care funds for insurance subsidies that are set to expire.

What we know about the next steps as a ceasefire begins in Gaza

A ceasefire has taken effect in Gaza under a breakthrough deal. Bombardment stopped and Israeli troops pulled back in Gaza on Friday under the deal reached between Israel and Hamas. The deal was reached under pressure from the United States, Arab countries, and Turkey, and aims to end the two-year war in Gaza. The agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. However, many questions remain, including disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza. Trust between the parties is low, and the deal’s success depends on continued pressure from the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

President Donald Trump is headed to Walter Reed for a ‘semiannual physical’

President Donald Trump is undergoing a “semiannual physical” at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House announced the visit earlier this week. Trump is preparing to travel to the Middle East shortly after his medical exam. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the visit earlier this week as a “routine yearly checkup,” although the Republican president had his annual physical in April. White House aides have declined to explain why Trump is getting another checkup Friday. Trump told reporters Thursday he thinks he’s in great shape. Trump plans to return to the White House after the visit.

Fear and vigilance rise as attacks on houses of worship intensify worldwide

Statistically, attending a weekly worship service is a remarkably safe thing to do. Global annual attendance totals many billions; the number of people killed in attacks on individual houses of worship in any given year is generally less than a few hundred. Yet recent high-profile deadly attacks have intensified anxiety and outright fear among clergy and worshippers worldwide. Just in the past six weeks there have been attacks on a synagogue in Manchester, England; a Michigan congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and a Catholic church in the United States hosting a Mass for school children.

Photos of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado who has won the Nobel Peace Prize

Opposition leader María Corina Machado of Venezuela has won the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel committee praised her as a unifying figure in Venezuela’s political opposition. Machado has remained in hiding because of threats against her life. Her courage has inspired many, especially as President Nicolás Maduro’s government has targeted opponents. This is a photo gallery curated by AP…

Dodgers rolling in defense of World Series title after closing out Phillies to reach NLCS

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on track to become the first repeat World Series champions in 25 years. Their success comes from superb starting pitching, a strong bullpen and solid defense. On Thursday night, they celebrated a wild 2-1, 11-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, winning the NL Division Series 3-1. They’ll face either the Milwaukee Brewers or the Chicago Cubs in the NL Championship Series starting Monday. The Dodgers have won five of their first six postseason games. However, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman need to improve their hitting as they advance to the next round.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado wins the Nobel Peace Prize

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has won the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel committee praised her as a key unifying figure in the opposition, advocating for free elections and representative government. Machado has faced serious threats and lived in hiding, inspiring many with her courage. President Nicolás Maduro’s government disqualified her from running in last year’s presidential election, leading to widespread repression. Machado’s ally, Edmundo González, replaced her but later sought asylum in Spain. Machado becomes the 20th woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, joining a distinguished group of laureates.

Motorcyclist Injured After Crashing Into McDonald’s Sign in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A 29-year-old man was hurt after crashing his motorcycle into the McDonald’s welcome sign on in Grand Rapids late Wednesday night. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened around 11:34 p.m. on October 9. The man was turning from Pokegama Avenue onto SW 13th Street when he made a wide turn into the McDonald’s…

Russian strikes wound at least 20 in Ukraine’s capital as child killed in separate attack

Ukrainian authorities say that Russian drone and missile strikes wounded at least 20 people in Kyiv and damaged residential buildings and caused blackouts across swathes of Ukraine. Authorities said Friday that a child was also killed in separate attacks in the southeast of Ukraine. Rescue crews pulled more than 20 people out of a 17-story apartment building in central Kyiv as flames engulfed the sixth and seventh floors. Authorities said that five people were hospitalized while others received first aid at the scene. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Russian strikes had targeted civilian and energy infrastructure as Ukraine prepared for falling winter temperatures.

Taiwan’s president pledges to build air defense system in face of China threat

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has pledged to accelerate the building of a “T-Dome” air defense system in the face of the threat from China. Lai said Friday that his government would establish a rigorous defense system with high-level detection and effective interception. The T-Dome, or Taiwan Dome, was an apparent reference to the Iron Dome system that Israel has developed. Lai, speaking at a Taiwan national day celebration, also pledged to increase defense spending to more than 3% of GDP and to reach 5% by 2030.

Boyd and Happ lead the Cubs past the Brewers 6-0 to send the NLDS to a deciding Game 5

Matthew Boyd pitched two-hit ball into the fifth inning, and the Chicago Cubs shut down the Milwaukee Brewers for a 6-0 victory that pushed their NL Division Series all the way to a decisive Game 5. Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker and Michael Busch homered for Chicago, delighting a rollicking Wrigley Field crowd of 41,770. Busch went deep for the second straight game and third time in the series. The Cubs were on the brink of elimination after they dropped the first two games of the NLDS in Milwaukee. But they held on for a 4-3 victory Wednesday before making the most of a sharp performance by Boyd and four relievers in Game 4. Next up is the finale of the best-of-five series back in Milwaukee on Saturday night.

Ian Happ’s homer sets the tone for the Cubs in a playoff victory against the Brewers

With one big swing, Ian Happ sent a charge through an electric crowd of 41,770 at Wrigley Field. After a rough start to the playoffs, it was a pretty sweet moment for the longest-tenured player with the Chicago Cubs. Happ connected for a three-run homer in the first inning, sending Chicago to a 6-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers that pushed their NL Division Series to a decisive Game 5. Nico Hoerner singled and Kyle Tucker walked ahead of Happ’s two-out drive to right on a 1-1 fastball from Freddy Peralta. Chicago became the first team in major league history with a first-inning homer in four straight games during one postseason.

The West Bank’s dwindling Palestinian Christian communities continue to struggle amid violence

Early on Sunday mornings, tolling bells call the faithful to worship at the three churches in Taybeh. It’s a hilltop village that the Gospel says Jesus visited and is now the last entirely Christian town in the occupied West Bank. As proud Palestinians, Taybeh’s Christians long most for independence and peace for this part of the Holy Land. But that hope feels increasingly remote as they struggle with the threats of violence from Jewish settlers, the mounting restrictions on movement imposed by Israel, as well as the fear that Islamist radicalization will grow. Even news of a peace deal over the war in Gaza didn’t assuage those urgent concerns.

Peru’s Congress removes President Boluarte as a crime wave grips the country

Peru’s Congress voted early Friday to remove deeply unpopular President Dina Boluarte from office as a crime wave grips the South American nation. Lawmakers had set up a debate and impeachment trial late Thursday in the 130-member unicameral Congress after voting to accept four requests for a vote to remove Boluarte from office over what they said was her government’s inability to stem crime. They requested that Boluarte come before them shortly before midnight to defend herself, but when she did not appear they immediately voted to oust her. In short order, 124 lawmakers voted just past midnight to impeach Boluarte. There were no votes against the effort.

Pro Picks: Chiefs will beat the Lions in a marquee matchup that still could be a Super Bowl preview

A Lions-Chiefs matchup was considered a potential Super Bowl preview when the schedule came out. It still could be considering the state of the AFC. Jared Goff leads a dynamic Lions offense against Patrick Mahomes and the inconsistent Chiefs on Sunday night in Kansas City in one of the biggest games in Week 6. Detroit rebounded from a lopsided loss to Green Bay in Week 1 to win four in a row. The Chiefs were on the right track with two straight wins after opening 0-2 but gave up a final-minute score to lose to Jacksonville on Monday night.

Fall Career Fair Brings Potential Internship and job Opportunities

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The start of the school year brought in the opportunity to showcase some potential at UW-Superior. More than 77 booths gave students the scoop on what their future could look like. Each booth offered careers ranging from healthcare, business and even law enforcement. Students spent the day networking and seeing what the Twin Ports have to offer,…

Marine Corps Celebrates 250th Birthday in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The evening of Oct. 9, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center commemorated the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. The department was established on Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, and this year marks its 250th birthday. The event centered on honoring that legacy and recognizing the Corps’ long-standing history of service and sacrifice. “Tonight,…

Senate Project Tour Highlights Need for State Matching Funds

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Senate members traveled across the state to discuss more than 20 proposed projects requesting state matching funds. For this tour, there were two projects discussed in St. Louis County. First, they discussed replacing a regional landfill leachate treatment system in Canyon, Minnesota. The 6 million dollar project aims to help protect ecosystem health, and remedy contamination….

Tigers turning to Tarik Skubal in Seattle for winner-take-all Game 5 of ALDS

Even after blowing a three-run lead in Detroit with a chance to clinch the AL Division Series, the Seattle Mariners can redeem themselves at home in a winner-take-all Game 5 on Friday. One problem: they’ll need to get the better of Tigers ace Tarik Skubal again. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner allowed just two solo homers to Jorge Polanco across seven innings in Game 2, but the Mariners squeaked out a 3-2 victory that tied the series. In fact, all three times Skubal has started against Seattle this year, the Mariners have won. The left-hander has a 4.58 ERA in those games, more than twice as high as his regular-season mark of 2.21.

Photos of Japan’s fans at the men’s U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile

With drums, banners, flags and signs, the Japanese fans stole the show at the men’s Under-20 World Cup, with their heartfelt support. Their team advanced to the round of 16 following a perfect group-stage campaign but exited the tournament with a 1-0 loss to France on Wednesday. This gallery was curated by AP photo editors. AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports AP photography:…

Pope meets with Chicago union leaders, urges migrant welcome as crackdown underway in hometown

Pope Leo XIV has urged labor union leaders from Chicago to advocate for immigrants and welcome minorities into their ranks. Leo weighed in as the Trump administration crackdown on immigrants intensifies in the pontiff’s hometown. The audience on Thursday was scheduled before the deployment of National Guard troops to protect federal property in the Chicago area. The sites include a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building that has been the site of occasional clashes between protesters and federal agents. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich accompanied the labor leaders. Cupich said that Leo was well aware of the situation on the ground and has made clear that migrants and the poor must be treated in ways that respect their human dignity.

LeBron James will miss opening night of his record 23rd NBA season due to sciatica

LeBron James will miss opening night of his record 23rd NBA season due to sciatica that will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks. The Los Angeles Lakers announced James’ condition on Thursday. The 40-year-old superstar will be sidelined at least until the end of October. Sciatica is pain originating in the nerves running from the buttocks and down the legs. James has the issue on his right side. James has yet to participate in a full practice since the Lakers opened training camp. An hour later, the Lakers announced James is likely to miss at least their first five or six games, and possibly several more.

New airport terminal opens in Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Thursday marked the opening of a new airport terminal in Two Harbors. The Richard B. Hegleson Airport unveiled its newly constructed terminal in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In an over $1 million investment that was funded through a federal grant, the Two Harbors location was one of the few selected. The original terminal, built in 1976, was…

The superintendent arrested by ICE had a consulting gig. His districts repeatedly hired the firm

Since his arrest last month by immigration agents, the public has grappled with how Ian Roberts became a public schools leader despite lacking authorization to work in the U.S., a history of criminal charges and falsified credentials. An Associated Press investigation has found that Roberts rose to the top job in Iowa’s largest district with the help of a consulting firm that marketed his self-published books and helped build his profile. Roberts’ relationship with Lively Paradox and its founder Nicole Price at times blurred the line between his public and private jobs. Des Moines officials blocked his plan to award a contract to Lively Paradox in 2023 after finding a conflict of interest, but Roberts later awarded Price a contract for a two-hour leadership exercise during a board retreat.

Judge orders suspect in deadly LA wildfire to remain jailed, citing mental health concerns

A federal judge has ordered a man charged in California’s deadly Palisades Fire to remain jailed amid concerns about his mental health. A prosecutor said Jonathan Rinderknecht had traits of an arsonist and his family had worried about his declining mental state. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Lyons said during Thursday’s hearing that Rinderknecht was a flight risk because he had family in France and spoke French. Rinderknecht was arrested Tuesday but was first interviewed by authorities Jan. 24. Investigators said that during the intervening months they worked to rule out anything else that might have started the fire that killed 12 people.

Troops will miss paychecks next week without action on the government shutdown

The federal government shutdown is raising anxiety levels among service members and their families because those in uniform are working without pay. While they would receive back pay once the impasse ends, many military families live paycheck to paycheck. During previous shutdowns, Congress passed legislation to ensure that troops kept earning their salaries. Time is running out before they miss their first paycheck in less than a week. Payday is supposed to be Wednesday, but the House isn’t expected to be back until Monday. Support for military families is available through various nonprofits and charities. And some financial institutions are offering zero-interest loans. But families and advocates say that help can only do so much.

At a key moment in talks that led to the Gaza ceasefire, Trump refused to take no for an answer

After months of gridlock, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza came together in a matter of days after a deft maneuver — or perhaps a misunderstanding — by President Donald Trump that boxed in the two adversaries. Either way, efforts to wind down the devastating war have seen a breakthrough. The last hostages are set to be returned under the agreement announced Wednesday. Major questions remain, including over governance and reconstruction of Gaza as well as whether Hamas will disarm. But it appears for now as though the fighting will pause. That’s because at a critical moment last week, Trump took Hamas’ very conditional response to his proposal as a yes.

Crosby Fire grows to 50 acres

TOFTE, Minn. — Overnight, the Crosby Fire has grown to 50 acres. Officials say that the fire in the area of  George H. Crosby Manitou State Park has almost doubled in size. SEE PREVIOUS: Crews respond to fire near Crosby Manitou State Park The Park and the Superior Hiking Trail remain open to the public, but visitors are advised to…

From rubble to revival, Detroiters hope new Hudson’s development can help reshape the city

In 2013, mired in debt, Detroit filed for bankruptcy. The city once renowned for auto manufacturing and Motown has since refilled its coffers and restored its credit rating — and new investments are rebuilding downtown Detroit from the ground up. With a nod to a former Detroit icon, a gleaming 45-story structure called Hudson’s Detroit has risen on the site of what was once the Hudson’s department store. It offers retail space and offices, and promises high-end condos and a five-star hotel. Billionaire developer Dan Gilbert is confident it can only help bolster the city’s recovery, saying “you’re going to feel a different Detroit.”

Palestinians in Gaza express relief and caution as ceasefire deal raises hopes of ending the war

Palestinians in Gaza have welcomed the news of an agreement on the first phase of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas. Many Palestinians express happiness and eagerness for the killings and destruction in Gaza to end but also feel the weight of their losses and uncertainty about the future. The agreement marks the first phase of a potential end to two years of devastating war. Israel’s offensive, launched after a deadly Hamas attack in 2023, has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused massive destruction in Gaza. While some wonder if a truce would hold, the agreement offers hope.