News across Itasca County

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.

No one expected Leo to be pope — except everyone who knew him as 'Bob'
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.

4 ways to battle performance anxiety, according to a confidence coach
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.

Brazil's big political rematch: What to know
Four years after President Lula narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil is back at the ballot box. This time, Lula faces Bolsonaro's son, Flávio, in a high-stakes rematch.

Brazil's big political rematch: What to know about the Brazilian election
Four years after President Lula narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil is back at the ballot box. This time, Lula faces Bolsonaro's son, Flávio, in a high-stakes rematch.

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.

Cloaked in anonymity, Israeli soldiers describe mass civilian killings in 'NAZA'
NAZA is an acronym for nezek agavi, Hebrew for "collateral damage." It refers to the number of civilian casualties the Israeli military deems acceptable. The documentary is made by Israeli filmmakers.

The U.S. added only 29,000 jobs in September as job market lacks spark
U.S. employers added 29,000 jobs in September as the unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%. Job gains for July and August were revised down by a total of 60,000 jobs, extending a lackluster run for the job market.

San Francisco's car crime has plunged. How much credit does Flock deserve?
San Francisco leaders say AI-powered cameras helped drive a dramatic decline in car crime. We examine the evidence — and whether the city can keep its high-tech dragnet without sacrificing civil liberties.