Gary Compton: Hats off to NSC, Jimmy Kibble for a great week
The combine has expanded from a regional showcase into a national event with results tracked, archived and distributed to professional leagues and personnel departments.
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Howie: When civic habits wear thin
People didn’t wake up wanting authoritarianism. They woke up tired. Tired of chaos. Tired of humiliation. Tired of politics that felt like permanent trench warfare. They stopped believing the system deserved their patience. That part should feel familiar.
Howie: Thursday Community News
Ten search warrants were executed. Twenty-four people were arrested. Cash, drugs and guns were taken off the streets: $28,609 in currency, more than 330 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 140 grams of fentanyl, close to 80 grams of cocaine, and an illegal firearm.
Howie: AF1 signs six players after NSC padded practice Wednesday
AF1’s approach — structured evaluation, real coaching, honest feedback and decisive action — has turned the National Scouting Combine into more than a showcase. It has become a proving ground. And for those who proved themselves once the pads went on, it has already paid off.
Howie: Wednesday Community News
Howie's community news column is powered by Lyric Kitchen · Bar THE CITY OF DULUTH WILL host a public open house Thursday, Jan. 15, to introduce a planned reconstruction project on Fourth Street between Mesaba Avenue and Sixth Avenue East and to gather early community feedback. The open house
2026 Albany Firebirds Schedule / Results
Week 1: vs. Minnesota Monsters — Apr. 11 Week 2: BYE Week 3: vs Oregon Lightning — Apr. 25 Week 4: vs Washington Wolfpack — May 2 Week 5: at Kentucky Barrels — May 9 Week 6: BYE Week 7: BYE Week 8: at Oceanside Bombers — May 30 Week 9: vs Beaumont Renegades — June
2026 Minnesota Monsters Schedule/ Results
Week 1: vs Albany Firebirds — Apr. 11 Week 2: BYE Week 3: vs Michigan Arsenal — TBD Week 4: vs Oceanside Bombers — May 3 Week 5: vs Michigan Arsenal — TBD Week 6: BYE Week 7: at Nashville Kats — May 22 Week 8: at Kentucky Barrels — May 30 Week 9: vs Oceanside
2026 AF1 Weekly Schedule
✅ Week 1 * Saturday, April 11 * Minnesota Monsters vs. Albany Firebirds — 7 p.m. EDT * Sunday, April 12 * Michigan Arsenal vs. Kentucky Barrels — 5 p.m. EDT * Beaumont Renegades vs. Oceanside Bombers — TBD * Oregon Lightning vs. Washington Wolfpack — TBD ✅ Week 2 * Sunday, April 19 * Oceanside Bombers vs. Kentucky Barrels — 3 p.
Howie: National Scouting Combine underway; AF1's Jeff Fisher to address attendees Wednesday
“A great first day here at the combine as we begin with players doing all of the on-field testing consisting of the short shuttle, three-cone drill, 40-yard dash, vertical and bench press." -- Gary Compton, AF1 director of football operations
St. Louis County selects Mike Jugovich as board chair for 2026
"This is going to be a challenging year, but I am confident we will be able to work together and with our state and federal partners to best serve our residents. We will be actively working to deliver needed services but know we must do our best to minimize cost impacts to taxpayers." -- Jugovich
Dougherty Funeral Home Obits: Eric Kiero
It is with deep sorrow we announce the unexpected passing of Eric Kiero, age 43, on January 1, 2026 with his partner and family by his side. He was a graduate of Duluth Central class of 2001. He was employed by Country Heath, Pan-O-Gold. A truly hardworking man, Eric took
National Scouting Combine roster announced
National Scouting Combine has released its player roster for 2026. Draft-eligible athletes and free agents from across the country will compete Tuesday through Friday at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Florida. The world-class event will provide players the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of professional football
Dougherty Funeral Home Obits: Mike Hampston
Somewhere along the way, Mike picked up the nickname, “Prince,” a good moniker for the brother of Jack ‘the King” and son of Marguerite, who was often called “the Queen.”
Howie: Minnesota didn’t just lose Tim Walz. It lost a political skill set.
Walz connected emotionally with parts of the Democratic base in a way Klobuchar never has. Progressive activists tolerated him because he felt authentic, grounded, unpretentious. Klobuchar does not inspire that same patience. Her politics are transactional, not aspirational.
Hermantown girls riding a 7-game winning streak
The Hermantown girls basketball team has found its rhythm — and its confidence — heading into January. After navigating an early stretch that tested the Hawks against quality competition, Hermantown has posted seven straight victories and enters the week at 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the Lake Superior Conference. “After a tough
Howie: McCarthy's toughness question isn't going away
McCarthy didn’t just remove himself from a game. He removed himself from a moment. And moments like that don’t come back. Not in January. Not in training camp. Not with a clean injury report.