News across Greater Grand Rapids, MN

With a voice as vast as the ocean, Beth Taylor has arrived
The deep-voiced Scottish mezzo-soprano just made her Royal Opera House debut. Now, with her debut solo album, The Deeps Have Music, she is on the doorstep of stardom.

She can communicate with ghosts. Here's what she learns from the 'Sad Dead'
My Sad Dead is about an Argentinian doctor who can speak with ghosts. The Spanish-language miniseries blends creepiness, melancholy, sarcastic humor and political anger unlike anything else on TV.

Sheryl Crow says she's found 'great liberation' in not chasing the next hit
After selling tens of millions of records worldwide, the singer-songwriter says she's finally aged out of pop music — and she's OK with that. Crow's latest album is Pick You Up.

Greetings from Syria, where time seems to melt as a glassmaker braves scorching temps
As a Syrian glassmaker created his wares in Damascus, watching his craft reminded this reporter to slow down and enjoy the moment.

The Supreme Court faces another term jam-packed with controversy
The Supreme Court term opens on Monday with big test cases on religion, guns and climate change. Plus, the emergency docket keeps popping.

How the system failed us: Former foster youth tell their stories
Former foster youth with disabilities tell their stories — of how they got through foster care

A hot tip to battle performance anxiety? 'Pretend flush' a mistake down the toilet
Worried about stumbling before a high-stakes event, like a race or a job interview? Psychologist Cindra Kamphoff offers creative strategies to overcome the jitters and build confidence in the moment.

No one expected an American pope. Here's the inside story of how 'Bob' became Pope Leo
When the 2025 conclave began, no one expected an American pope. But by its end, Cardinal Robert Prevost had become Pope Leo. Here's a look behind the scenes.

As Trump's proposed arch looms over D.C., protesters pin their hopes on the midterms
Democratic lawmakers, veterans and concerned citizens gathered in Memorial Circle to protest the arch Trump wants to build there. Their hopes lie primarily in a lawsuit and next month's midterms.

Germany's political center fights for relevance after far-right and far-left gains
Centrist politicians are soul-searching after electoral gains by the far right and the far left. Today's weak coalitions, political fragmentation and dire economy echo a past that led to the rise of fascism.

Pro-Trump Influencer Benny Johnson is being sued for defamation by ICE protesters
The lawsuit says the prominent conservative podcaster falsely claimed the protesters were assaulting ICE officers during demonstrations at an ICE facility in Illinois last year.

October 1 ushered in a new era in U.S. foreign aid. What's the plan? Will it work?
The America First strategy asks for a Memorandum of Understanding as a condition for healthcare and development aid. It's been praised for promoting self-reliance but criticized for its conditions.