Albany’s efficiency, Henry’s arm highlight Arena Football One Week 1
Albany wide receiver Duane Brown emerged as the league’s top scoring threat in Week 1, finishing with two touchdown receptions and a league-high 12 points.
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Albany opens with commanding win over Minnesota
By Howie Hanson Defending champion Albany opened its 2026 Arena Football One season by overwhelming the Minnesota Monsters 50-23 on Saturday night, using a dominant second half to turn a competitive game into a runaway at MVP Arena. Albany led just 21-17 at halftime before seizing control after the break.
AF1 Notebook
Albany quarterback Josh Kulka was named Arena Football One Player of the Week after throwing five touchdown passes in a 50-23 win over Minnesota on Saturday night. The Firebirds (1-0) visit Oregon (1-0) on Saturday night.
Howie: Max Plante wins Hobey Baker
Plante said he plans to return to Minnesota Duluth next season, with the opportunity to play alongside his brothers, Zam and incoming freshman Victor.
Howie: AF1 opens with Albany atop Fan Zone rankings
The structure of the opening weekend leaves little room for gradual buildup. For Albany, it is a chance to reaffirm its position. For Minnesota and the rest of the field, it is an early test of whether preseason projections hold or begin to shift.
Tim Meyer: Twins still searching for answers as early mediocrity sets tone
Tom Pohlad has continued to express a commitment to winning, but the roster construction has yet to reflect that urgency. The absence of a clear replacement for Pablo Lopez, combined with instability at shortstop and in the bullpen, suggests a team operating below the standard required to contend.
Howie: Monsters choose honesty over hype to launch weekly radio show
“We’re going to bring joy to people and we’re going to do it through football. Football’s our tool. Football’s our vehicle.” -- Minnesota Monsters general manager Meadow Lemon
Howie: Castronova signing with UFL the talk of AF1
Castronova’s signing validates the league as a legitimate proving ground. Producing talent that advances to the UFL strengthens AF1’s credibility. At the same time, it underscores the league’s challenge: retaining elite players long enough to build recognizable stars.
St. Louis County Board presents Public Health Achievement Awards
"It’s a special day when we are able to recognize individuals and organizations that make up the fabric of the public health system." -- Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division Director
Howie: $1 million gift builds on Benedictine's long mission in Duluth
Benedictine Living Community-Duluth provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite care, adult day services, home health, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
Howie: Duluth’s 2027 budget will be defined by choices, not excuses
Duluth’s Local Government Aid has increased overall, not decreased. From 2016 to 2026, it rose by about $6.07 million, or roughly 20.7%. The sharpest jump was from 2023 to 2024.
Tim Meyer: Return to the moon? I have a lot of questions.
Meyer is a Duluth architect and community builder. Reach him at tim.meyer@meyergroupduluth.com I grew up in the 1970's glued to a television set, watching every Apollo mission. Nearly 60 years later, the achievements of the Apollo program remain astonishing — perhaps even more so now, as
Howie: In St. Louis County, project labor agreements are the practical choice
St. Louis County has deep roots in organized labor, from mining to construction. PLAs reinforce a system that prioritizes training, safety and accountability — ensuring that public investments support a workforce prepared to deliver complex projects under challenging conditions.
Howie: New PAL boxing club builds discipline, trust in Duluth
“I was raised in Duluth. This community made me who I am. Now I get to give back — not just as a police officer, but here with these kids.” -- St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL) Boxing Club Coach Amy Lemenager, a Duluth police officer and professional boxer.