Jay Gabler
@jaygabler.com
Writer, editor, etc. Arts and entertainment reporter for the Duluth News Tribune, co-founder of The Tangential. Views expressed are mine alone.
"I woke up in Minnesota the day after I finished 'Marty.' I finished this, let's just say, really crazy thing, and I woke up back in safe Minnesota: very like a warm blanket."
- Timothée Chalamet, December 2024
- Timothée Chalamet, December 2024
Movie review: Explosive table tennis epic 'Marty Supreme'
In Josh Safdie's comedic drama, Timothée Chalamet is a ping-pong wizard who will go to any lengths to win a world championship. The world does not make it easy.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
"I woke up in Minnesota the day after I finished 'Marty.' I finished this, let's just say, really crazy thing, and I woke up back in safe Minnesota: very like a warm blanket."
- Timothée Chalamet, December 2024
- Timothée Chalamet, December 2024
You *can* judge this book by its cover (and its thickness): a very extra romantic drama set in the world of elite — wait for it — ICE DANCING, with Tonya and Nancy vibes. With the Winter Olympics coming, what’s not to love?
Thanks Random House for the free book.
Thanks Random House for the free book.
December 19, 2025 at 10:45 PM
You *can* judge this book by its cover (and its thickness): a very extra romantic drama set in the world of elite — wait for it — ICE DANCING, with Tonya and Nancy vibes. With the Winter Olympics coming, what’s not to love?
Thanks Random House for the free book.
Thanks Random House for the free book.
"Glad you're okay! And we won't be filing any charges."
"Oh...thanks."
"We will, however, be filing a press release."
"Oh...thanks."
"We will, however, be filing a press release."
December 18, 2025 at 4:53 PM
"Glad you're okay! And we won't be filing any charges."
"Oh...thanks."
"We will, however, be filing a press release."
"Oh...thanks."
"We will, however, be filing a press release."
Anyone else find it challenging to explain to their toddler why a Squatty Potty is not a stool nor intended to be used as one?
December 18, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Anyone else find it challenging to explain to their toddler why a Squatty Potty is not a stool nor intended to be used as one?
Unfortunately I have betrayed my Twin Cities arts scene roots to Duluthians by referring to an ice shack as a "shanty."
December 18, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Unfortunately I have betrayed my Twin Cities arts scene roots to Duluthians by referring to an ice shack as a "shanty."
Phrases like "your posterior doesn't have to do penance" are why they pay me the big bucks.
Hallelujah! Duluth's 'Messiah' gets bigger, better
Borealis Chamber Artists and the Twin Ports Choral Project are joining forces to present Handel's masterpiece at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary — preceded by a St. Scholastica singalong.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Phrases like "your posterior doesn't have to do penance" are why they pay me the big bucks.
People wink *so* much more often in novels than in life.
December 13, 2025 at 8:31 PM
People wink *so* much more often in novels than in life.
Even if you live in Duluth, Minnesota, it’s worth picking up @jonathanmahler.bsky.social’s fascinating book on the pivotal late ‘80s in NYC. It’s a study in leadership — or the lack thereof. Thanks Random House for the free book.
December 13, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Even if you live in Duluth, Minnesota, it’s worth picking up @jonathanmahler.bsky.social’s fascinating book on the pivotal late ‘80s in NYC. It’s a study in leadership — or the lack thereof. Thanks Random House for the free book.
Does anyone else notice when actual snow becomes Hallmark movie snow: those light, slowly drifting flakes that get digitally added to every outdoor scene?
Every once in a while, I look out the window and it's like, huh! That actually happens!
Every once in a while, I look out the window and it's like, huh! That actually happens!
December 12, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Does anyone else notice when actual snow becomes Hallmark movie snow: those light, slowly drifting flakes that get digitally added to every outdoor scene?
Every once in a while, I look out the window and it's like, huh! That actually happens!
Every once in a while, I look out the window and it's like, huh! That actually happens!
Our new neighbors are a couple of real bros.
Lynx brothers move into Lake Superior Zoo
Floki and Bjorn arrived in October from the Pittsburgh Zoo. They are Canada lynx, a species whose native habitat includes the Northland.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Our new neighbors are a couple of real bros.
For journalists, "the Northland" is useful as a concise way to describe the Duluth media market: an area of the country where "going to the city" means going to the Twin Ports.
Front Row Seat: Where did 'Northland' come from?
People in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin have been using "the Northland" to describe this region since the late 19th century. The term's origins, though, remain mysterious.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:59 PM
For journalists, "the Northland" is useful as a concise way to describe the Duluth media market: an area of the country where "going to the city" means going to the Twin Ports.
Truly the wildest thing about Die Hard is that they're having their company party *on Christmas Eve*
December 11, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Truly the wildest thing about Die Hard is that they're having their company party *on Christmas Eve*
Rereading “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and realizing those kids spent that whole time with their feet absolutely soaking wet in Oxfords.
December 10, 2025 at 4:43 AM
Rereading “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and realizing those kids spent that whole time with their feet absolutely soaking wet in Oxfords.
If you can't get a monorail, go for those astrotourists.
Cook County a growing hub for astrotourism
An increasing number of people are out chasing the northern lights and other celestial phenomena in northern Minnesota. Duluth gets pretty dark, but drive a couple hours north to see an even more spec...
www.duluthnewstribune.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:53 PM
If you can't get a monorail, go for those astrotourists.
The movie includes a scene where the cops are searching a creepy compound when one calls ominously, "Hey, Karl! Sauna's on." What they find inside is anything but hygge.
Front Row Seat: 'Stone Creek Killer' is Iron Range noir
Filmmaker Robert Enriquez made his new movie — about a hard-drinking cop pursuing a serial killer — mostly in Chisholm. It hits streaming services, and some theaters, the day after Thanksgiving.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:27 PM
The movie includes a scene where the cops are searching a creepy compound when one calls ominously, "Hey, Karl! Sauna's on." What they find inside is anything but hygge.
Something I didn't realize about being a parent is that when your kid comes home from daycare and you look at their clothes, you actually hear the laundry commercial voice in your head.
"When kids play THIS HARD, ordinary detergent won't cut it!"
"When kids play THIS HARD, ordinary detergent won't cut it!"
December 1, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Something I didn't realize about being a parent is that when your kid comes home from daycare and you look at their clothes, you actually hear the laundry commercial voice in your head.
"When kids play THIS HARD, ordinary detergent won't cut it!"
"When kids play THIS HARD, ordinary detergent won't cut it!"
I'm doing a fun little presentation on Duluth's Christmas traditions Tuesday evening at Ursa Minor!
A Very 100 Things To Do In Duluth Before You Die Christmas
Event in Duluth, MN by Jay Gabler, Writer and 2 others on Tuesday, December 2 2025
www.facebook.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:28 PM
I'm doing a fun little presentation on Duluth's Christmas traditions Tuesday evening at Ursa Minor!
Thank you Darren Danielson for being the trustworthy, calming presence we need during news teasers during The Bachelor. Also, thanks for giving me one of the best kickers of my @duluthnewstribune.com career.
Darren Danielson signs off after four decades on Duluth TV
WDIO's news anchor since 2011, Danielson previously anchored broadcasts at WDSE and KDLH. After his Dec. 5 retirement, Danielson will be among the viewers watching Dillon Morello take over.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Thank you Darren Danielson for being the trustworthy, calming presence we need during news teasers during The Bachelor. Also, thanks for giving me one of the best kickers of my @duluthnewstribune.com career.
Bob Dylan’s “Girl From the North Country” just played in a Facebook ad, and I am here to tell you that the idea everyone in the North Country is constantly on Facebook is absolutely correct. #MacysParade
November 27, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Bob Dylan’s “Girl From the North Country” just played in a Facebook ad, and I am here to tell you that the idea everyone in the North Country is constantly on Facebook is absolutely correct. #MacysParade
You know it's a serious storm when...
Bentleyville temporarily closes due to 'significant' storm damage
Organizers hope the popular attraction will reopen on Thanksgiving after being closed Wednesday.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:08 PM
You know it's a serious storm when...
Previous honorees have included the likes of Ber, Durry, Nur-D, Yam Haus, Baby Shel, Caroline Smith (now known as Your Smith) and GRRRL PRTY — a hip-hop group featuring Lizzo.
First Avenue's Best New Bands include two with Duluth roots
Sallyforth (featuring Hattie Peach and Emma Jeanne) and Sophie Hiroko will take the Mainroom stage Jan. 17. Hiroko also received Picked to Click honors in Twin Cities publication Racket.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Previous honorees have included the likes of Ber, Durry, Nur-D, Yam Haus, Baby Shel, Caroline Smith (now known as Your Smith) and GRRRL PRTY — a hip-hop group featuring Lizzo.
Duluth is having the kind of snow that makes you want to tip your head up to the sky and sing, “Lu lu lu, lu lu lu lu lu…”
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Duluth is having the kind of snow that makes you want to tip your head up to the sky and sing, “Lu lu lu, lu lu lu lu lu…”
I learned a LOT reporting this story.
Sámi Cultural Center moves to UMD after loss of Lakeside home
As the Sámi Cultural Center of North America becomes a UMD entity, the original nonprofit will continue with a new moniker. Leaders hope increased reach and collaboration will result.
www.duluthnewstribune.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:17 PM
I learned a LOT reporting this story.
Signing at The Bookstore at Fitger’s today and they set me up with a really optimistic number of pens
November 22, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Signing at The Bookstore at Fitger’s today and they set me up with a really optimistic number of pens