Featured
Howie: Arena football battles history and perception as new and old leagues try to chart a stable future
Note: This is the second column in six-part series on the state of arena football — from the sport’s bruised past to its uncertain future — with a sharp focus on AF1, the upstart league the Duluth-based Minnesota Monsters will join when they relaunch in Spring 2026.
Howie: AF1 is trying to rewrite the rules of arena football survival — one cautious step at a time
AF1 is trying to prove that there’s still room for stable, professional arena football in mid-sized American markets — if the game is built more deliberately, more honestly and more humbly than the leagues that came before it.
Vikings waive WR Adam Thielen
"I knew this was going to be my last season playing in the National Football League. Given that, the Vikings allowed me the opportunity to go compete elsewhere for the last few weeks of my career." -- Adam Thielen
Howie: Councilors Awal, Swenson and DeLuca set to leave office in early January
Awal was among the councilors who supported restoring annual funding for Duluth’s mental-health crisis response team after Mayor Roger Reinert proposed eliminating the city’s share of the program’s budget.
Howie: If the Duluth mayoral election were held today, would Roger Reinert win?
Reinert enters 2026 with two failed endorsements hanging around his neck, a lost council majority, a newly emboldened progressive bloc, a budget minefield, and a downtown recovery that needs more than slogans and cheerleading.
Howie: AF1 tries to land the plane while the Monsters keep their seatbelts buckled
While the league office is playing whack-a-mole with arenas, contracts and owners who suddenly discovered how much hotels cost, the Minnesota Monsters are just sitting there like the adult at the kids’ table.
Hermantown Police and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office introduce new K-9s, honor retiring K-9s
Three new law enforcement K-9 teams have graduated from training and are ready to begin working patrol shifts. The teams were introduced to the community on Monday during a special event at Hermantown City Hall. They include: . K-9 Bruno is partnered with Hermantown Police Officer Olivia Gottschald . K-9 Kylo is
Hawks showed grit in a season-opening loss at Princeton
“The most encouraging thing, in my eyes, was the fact that no matter which five guys we had on the floor, no matter the score, they were playing their hearts out.” -- Hermantown boys basketball coach Andy Fenske
Prep Sports Preview: Hermantown boy's basketball
“We only graduated two players from last year and had a fantastic summer with our players.” -- Hawks coach Andy Fenske
Obit: Rolland Neal Mammenga
Rolland N. Mammenga, 91, of Hermantown, MN passed away on Monday November 17. 2025 in Essentia Health, St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was born on the family farm in Waterbury Township, MN on February 19, 1934, to William and Ida Mammenga. Rolland graduated from Mahnomen High School Class of
Swim Creative wins 2025 w3 Award for website
Swim Creative delivered a fully custom site featuring rich visuals, storytelling rooted in Minnesota’s folklore, and an interface designed for both exploration and ease of use. The project also emphasized mobile-first design, search optimization, and user accessibility.
Longtime WDIO 10/13 news anchor Danielson to retire
“We are so happy for Darren and his wife Vicki to be embarking on their great adventure of retirement.” -- WDIO General Manager Deb Messer
The Minnesota Star Tribune announces return of The Wrap
MINNEAPOLIS — The Star Tribune will host the second annual edition of The Wrap on Saturday, Jan. 3 at the newspaper’s Heritage printing facility in Minneapolis’ North Loop. The immersive year-in-review event offers a look back at Minnesota’s most defining stories of 2025 through interactive exhibits, live music, food,
Howie: Laura Lee the next television anchor voice of the Northland
You can sense Lee's broadcast discipline the moment the red light clicks on. Her voice carries polish without pretense, her cadence deliberate but not cold. She has that calm, centered presence that suggests she’s not there to perform — she’s there to communicate.
Prep Hockey Notebook
Hermantown shook off a slow start and scored three unanswered goals in the third period to beat Rock Ridge 3-1 in boys high school hockey Tuesday night at Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia. Senior forward Bode Madill pulled the Hawks even early in the final period, and juniors
Howie: Arena football battles history and perception as new and old leagues try to chart a stable future
Note: This is the second column in six-part series on the state of arena football — from the sport’s bruised past to its uncertain future — with a sharp focus on AF1, the upstart league the Duluth-based Minnesota Monsters will join when they relaunch in Spring 2026.
Prep Report, Tuesday Scoreboard
Hermantown spotted Rock Ridge a lead in boys hockey Tuesday night in Virginia and then did what the Hawks usually do — finished the game on their terms. Down 1-0 entering the third, the Hermantown ripped off three straight and walked out with a 3-1 win. Bode Madill got them even,
Howie: AF1 is trying to rewrite the rules of arena football survival — one cautious step at a time
AF1 is trying to prove that there’s still room for stable, professional arena football in mid-sized American markets — if the game is built more deliberately, more honestly and more humbly than the leagues that came before it.