DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Over 400 kids from around the Northland got a special chance to learn some tips and tricks on the court from the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs men’s and women’s basketball teams Monday night.

Through a partnership with Rookie Basketball, players and coaches from both Bulldog basketball teams hosted a clinic that helped kids from kindergarten to the eighth grade learn fundamentals like dribbling, shooting, passing, and more.

Three members of the men’s basketball team and Duluth natives Brooks Johnson, Mattie Thompson, and Noah Paulson all participated in Rookie Basketball when they were kids.

Paulson, who attended and played basketball at Duluth East High School, says it’s a no-brainer for him and his teammates to give back to the community that shaped them.

“It is super important to us and the coaches. We do camps in the summer that are fundraisers also. It is cool to work with the youth because it’s the same kids and families that come to our games. Hopefully, tonight, we have a positive impact on them,” says Paulson.

The Duluth Salvation Army’s youth basketball program has been in operation since 1987, providing kids in Duluth and surrounding towns with the opportunity to learn and play the game of basketball.

To learn more about the Rookie Basketball program, click here.

The Bulldogs men’s and women’s basketball teams are back at Romano Gym on Friday, January 9, for a conference doubleheader against the University of Sioux Falls.

The men’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m. while the women’s game is immediately after at 7:30 p.m.

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Key Takeaways

• Little League retired its 30-year ASAP program to launch Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play on January 5, 2026
• SAFE Summary Builder replaces manual safety plan uploads with an automated, customizable reporting tool for leagues
• Leagues completing compliance requirements qualify for a 15% AIG insurance credit and access to Musco-funded facility grants
• Four safety pillars now formalize Little League’s approach: child protection, physical safety, mental well-being, and risk management
• District administrators can earn up to $800 in AIG-supported incentives for promoting safety program participation

Replacing Three Decades of Safety Infrastructure

Little League International retired its A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) after nearly 30 years of operation, replacing it with a two-part system designed to centralize resources and measure compliance more systematically. The transition reflects a shift from awareness-based programming to measurable participation standards.

“Little League SAFE provides education, tools, and resources to help leagues build and maintain safer programs, while SAFE to Play establishes annual compliance requirements and a recognition structure that measures participation and rewards achievement,” said Joy Reynolds McCoy, Little League Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer.

The organization built the new framework around four core areas: child protection, physical safety, mental well-being, and local league risk management. Each area now has dedicated resources accessible through a central portal at LittleLeague.org/SAFE, including the Child Protection Policy, JDP background check information, and state-specific guidance.

New Digital Tools Streamline Safety Documentation

Little League introduced the SAFE Summary Builder as the primary change to league-level administration. The guided online tool generates a customized safety summary based on league input, eliminating the previous requirement for manual safety plan uploads. Leagues can share the resulting document with volunteers and parents.

The organization also launched two free training courses. The Safety Awareness Training covers core safety principles, risk management, and best practices for all volunteers. The First Aid Awareness Training focuses on injury prevention and first aid response protocols.

Little League redesigned its Annual Facility Survey to integrate directly with each league’s SAFE Summary. The updated version generates a summary report with practical feedback and recommended actions for improving field and facility safety. Leagues must complete both the SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey to establish baseline participation in the SAFE to Play program.

Insurance Credits and Grant Funding Tied to Compliance

The SAFE to Play component functions as Little League’s annual compliance and recognition program. Leagues that complete the required SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey through the Little League Data Center qualify for a 15% credit on accident insurance premiums purchased through the AIG Accident Insurance Program.

Leagues that meet baseline compliance requirements become eligible to apply for funding through the Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program. In 2026, grant funding covers facility improvements that enhance safety and playing conditions, plus purchases of automated external defibrillators for emergency preparedness.

The program prioritizes a range of leagues, including those demonstrating strong existing safety practices and those facing resource constraints. Completion of additional training courses such as Safety Awareness, First Aid Awareness, and Diamond Leader increases a league’s grant eligibility.

District-Level Incentives Support Program Adoption

Little League established District Incentives supported by AIG to encourage active communication and promotion of safety initiatives. District administrators who help local leagues complete safety requirements can earn up to $800 per district through three separate achievement levels.

The incentive structure aims to build oversight capacity at the district level and foster accountability throughout the program. District administrators serve as the primary communication channel between Little League International and local leagues, making their engagement critical to program adoption rates.

Formalizing Safety as Measurable Infrastructure

Little League’s shift from ASAP to SAFE represents a move toward quantifiable participation standards rather than purely educational programming. The organization now ties financial incentives, insurance benefits, and grant eligibility directly to completion of digital documentation tools and facility assessments.

The four-pillar framework standardizes expectations across all leagues while the SAFE Summary Builder creates a consistent reporting format. By centralizing resources at LittleLeague.org/SAFE and linking compliance to tangible benefits, Little League has positioned safety as both a cultural priority and an administrative requirement with measurable outcomes.

via: Little League

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The Reflector

Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District are sponsoring legislation aimed at protecting children participating in youth sports programs from abuse and sexual predators.

House Bill 2180, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, and endorsed by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, R-Vancouver, would require background checks for all youth sports coaches and others who manage or supervise youth sports programs, according to a Washington State House Republicans news release.

The proposal would also direct the Department of Children, Youth and Families to develop mandatory training on reporting child abuse tailored to youth sports coaches. Youth sports organizations would be required to complete the training, and coaches would be designated as mandatory reporters.

“This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children,” Ley said in the release. “By requiring background checks — paid for by the individual or organization — we give parents and program administrators better tools to protect kids.”

The bill would require organizations to submit background checks through the Washington State Patrol and would prohibit the hiring of individuals convicted of crimes against children or other persons, the press release stated.

The bill will be reviewed during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Monday, Jan. 12.

The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) warmly congratulates the Houston Astros on the signing of Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, marking an exciting new chapter for both the Astros organization and the enduring relationship between Houston and Japan.

Imai-senshu’s arrival in Houston is more than a roster move—it is a powerful example of how sport continues to serve as a bridge between cultures. Baseball has long been a shared passion of the United States and Japan, fostering mutual respect, admiration, and people-to-people connections across generations.

The timing of this signing is especially meaningful. The year 2026 represents a historic milestone for both nations, with the United States commemorating its 250th anniversary and Japan marking the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. It was during the Showa period that baseball became deeply embedded in Japanese society, evolving into a national sport and a cultural touchstone. Imai-san’s journey from Japan to Major League Baseball reflects this rich legacy and the sport’s continuing role in strengthening bilateral ties.

Houston has long been a gateway for U.S.–Japan exchange, and the Astros’ global presence further amplifies the city’s role as a hub for international connection. Imai-san’s signing underscores the Astros’ commitment to excellence on the field while embracing the global nature of the game.

As an organization dedicated to advancing understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States, JASH celebrates this moment with pride. We look forward to welcoming Imai-san to Houston, cheering him on throughout the season, and continuing to support the many ways cultural exchange enriches our community—on and off the field.

Please join us in welcoming Tatsuya Imai to Houston and wishing him great success with the Astros.

The North Colonie community is mourning the loss of Erin Couture, wife of Shaker High School Dean Garrett Couture, who passed away unexpectedly.

Erin, a former employee at Shaker Middle and High Schools, was cherished by students and staff, the district said in an email to parents. She leaves behind her husband and two young sons, who are students in the district. Garrett Couture is an active figure in youth sports, coaching football and lacrosse, with Erin’s support always by his side.

The district will hold a half-day session on Thursday, Jan. 8, to allow staff to support the Couture family during services. Shaker High School will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., Shaker Middle School at 12:30 p.m., and elementary schools at 1:30 p.m.

You can read Couture’s obituary here.

A gofundme has been set up for the family. You can donate here