News

Judge rejects Trump administration’s bid to toss lawsuit challenging Guantánamo migrant detentions

A federal judge has rejected a request from the Trump administration to toss a lawsuit challenging the detention of migrants at the U.S. Navy base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. In a ruling Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan denied the federal government’s motion to dismiss the case and has set a hearing for next week for both sides to discuss next steps in this case. President Donald Trump in January announced his administration would use a detention center at Guantánamo to hold tens of thousands of the “worst criminal aliens,” as part of his wider immigration crackdown.

Cameron Boozer scores 18 in No. 4 Duke’s 66-60 win over No. 7 Michigan State

Cameron Boozer scored 18 points, including 16 in the second half, and Caleb Foster added 12 points to help No. 4 Duke hold on for a 66-60 victory over No. 7 Michigan State in a game that had the intensity of an NCAA Regional Final. Boozer, who entered averaging nearly 27 points a game, also had 15 rebounds for the Blue Devils (10-0). Duke’s start is its best open to a season since winning the first 11 games in 2017-18. Carson Cooper led Michigan State (8-1) with 16 points and a career-high 16 rebounds.

Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honorees in the Oval Office for a medal presentation ceremony

President Donald Trump is hosting the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees in the Oval Office for a medal presentation ceremony. The recipients are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss and actor-singer Michael Crawford. The Republican president said he was “about 98% involved” in choosing the honorees when he announced the slate in August at the Kennedy Center in his new role as chairman of the performing arts venue. After Saturday’s event at the White House, Trump was also set to attend an annual State Department dinner recognizing the honorees.

Sheriff hunting for the last of 3 inmates who escaped from a Louisiana jail

Authorities are hunting for the last of three inmates who escaped from a Louisiana jail after removing concrete blocks from a deteriorating wall. St. Landry Parish sheriff’s Maj. Mark LeBlanc said detectives were still searching Saturday for 24-year-old Keith Eli, who had been jailed on a charge of second-degree murder. Officials say Eli was among three inmates who escaped Wednesday by removing concrete blocks from a wall after wearing away the degrading mortar that held those blocks together. Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz said one of the escapees,  Jonathan Jevon Joseph, was captured without incident Friday. Police say the third inmate, Joseph Allen Harrington, killed himself Thursday when a tip helped police find him at a home.

California officials warn against foraging wild mushrooms after deadly poisoning outbreak

California officials are warning foragers about a deadly outbreak linked to wild mushrooms. The state poison control system has identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, likely from death cap mushrooms. These toxic mushrooms are often mistaken for edible ones. One adult has died, and several patients, including children, have suffered severe liver damage. Wet weather fuels the growth of these mushrooms, and officials advise against foraging. Symptoms like nausea and vomiting can appear within 24 hours, but serious complications may develop later. For guidance, contact the poison control hotline.

Trump administration plays up pipe bomb suspect’s arrest. Jan. 6 violence goes unmentioned

Top law enforcement officials in the Trump administration had a clear message when they announced the arrest of a man charged with placing pipe bombs outside political party headquarters in Washington on Jan. 5, 2021. The message was that people coming to the nation’s capital to attack citizens and institutions of democracy would be held accountable. Yet Justice Department leaders who announced the arrest Thursday were silent about the violence that had taken place when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol and clashed with police on Jan. 6, 2021, one day after the pipe bombs were discovered.

San Diego considers $30 million settlement in police-involved shooting death of Black teen

The San Diego city attorney’s office has agreed to pay $30 million to the family of a 16-year-old youth who was fatally shot by police last January in what would be one of the largest settlements of a police-involved killing case in U.S. history. Konoa Wilson was Black, and the family alleges the shooting was an act of racial violence. The San Diego City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed settlement Tuesday. If approved, it would top the $27 million the city of Minneapolis agreed to pay the family of George Floyd.

Detroit reflects on Mike Duggan’s tenure as his final days in the mayoral office near

Mike Duggan is stepping down as Detroit mayor at the end of the year after three terms in office. And the city he will leave behind is in better shape than the one he inherited in January 2014. That was nearly a year before Detroit exited the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. The Motor City’s fortunes have improved, recording more than a decade of balanced budgets, improved city services, lower crime, less blight and a recovering population. City Council President Mary Sheffield will succeed Duggan, taking office in January. Sheffield says she plans to build on his success and ensure “Detroit’s progress reaches every block and every family.”

Threats pile up as Indiana Republicans confront pressure from Trump on redistricting

Republicans in the Indiana Senate are facing threats as President Trump pushes for lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map. Trump’s goal is to expand his party’s power in the 2026 midterm elections. Redistricting is usually done once a decade, but Trump wants to accelerate the process. Some Indiana senators oppose the plan, which would dilute Democratic influence in Indianapolis. Senators are scheduled to convene Monday to consider the proposal. If they resist, it could signal limits to Trump’s dominance in the Republican Party.

The Supreme Court weighs another step in favor of broad presidential power sought by Trump

Chief Justice John Roberts has led the Supreme Court’s conservative majority on a steady march of increasing the power of the presidency. And that began well before Donald Trump’s time in the White House. The justices could take the next step in a case being argued Monday that calls for the overturning of a unanimous 90-year-old decision that limits executive authority. The court’s conservatives already have allowed Trump to fire almost everyone he’s wanted to in his second term. That’s despite the court’s 1935 decision that prohibits the president from removing the heads of independent agencies without cause.

Young adults are waiting in line to worship at this fast-growing Atlanta church

An Atlanta church with a viral pastor has grown from less than 200 weekly churchgoers in 2023 to about 6,000 today. Before service, Christian rap blasts and volunteers chant into megaphones as lines snake outside. Many of those who line up as early as 5:30 a.m. are young people hungry for 2819 Church’s riveting worship and Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell’s intensity. He doesn’t sugarcoat the Bible, and urges people to revere God and lean on Jesus to escape sin’s consequences. 2819’s growth has attracted people of many races and ages, but it’s predominantly young Black adults.

Russia unleashes massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine as diplomatic talks continue

Russia has launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine, coinciding with ongoing U.S.-mediated peace talks. The talks, involving U.S. and Ukrainian officials, aim to end the nearly 4-year-old war. They have made some progress on a security framework for postwar Ukraine. However, both sides acknowledge that real progress depends on Russia’s commitment to peace. During the attack, Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down numerous drones and missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said energy facilities were the main targets. The attacks occurred as Ukraine prepared to mark Armed Forces Day. Russia also reported it had shot down a smaller number of Ukrainian drones.

Qatari leader says the Gaza ceasefire is at a critical moment

Qatar’s prime minister says the Gaza ceasefire has reached a “critical moment” as its first phase ends. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke at a conference in Doha, noting that international mediators, led by the U.S., are pushing for a second phase to solidify the deal. He emphasized that a true ceasefire requires a full Israeli withdrawal and stability in Gaza. The first phase of the U.S. peace plan began on October 10, halting fighting and exchanging hostages. The next phase, involving an international security force and other measures, has not yet started. Concerns remain over the formation and role of this force.

Ukrainian women embrace combat roles as technology reshapes the battlefield

More women in Ukraine are joining the military in combat roles thanks to advances in technology. Military officials say units are now tailoring recruitment efforts to attract more women to strengthen the army. Some women face obstacles but many succeed in roles like drone operation and repair. The Khartiia Brigade has reported a 20% increase in female recruits this year. Officials emphasize the army needs skilled people regardless of gender to meet modern warfare demands.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers says he anticipates Giannis Antetokounmpo missing about 4 weeks

Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers says he anticipates Giannis Antetokounmpo missing about a month as the two-time MVP recovers from a strained right calf. Initial reports have indicated Antetokounmpo would be out two to four weeks. Rivers suggested Friday that it would likely be on the higher end of that timeline. Rivers emphasized the importance of caution with calf issues to avoid the risk of a player getting hurt more severely. Antetokounmpo injured his calf in the opening minutes of the Bucks’ 113-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

‘Oh, my God’ — 88-year-old Michigan grocery cashier overwhelmed by sudden $1.7M gift

Ed Bambas will soon ring up his last can of corn. The 88-year-old Michigan grocery worker was handed an oversized check for $1.7 million Friday. It’s the result of a remarkable fundraising campaign by a young Australian man with an extraordinary following on social media. Sam Weidenhofer is using his powerful platforms to spread kindness — and money — on a visit to the United States. He met Bambas at a Meijer store in Brighton, Michigan, and learned that the cashier still has to work as he nears 90. Not any longer.

CAD Staff: We’d rather have Community Action Duluth fail than see Classie Dudley succeed

Classie Dudley DULUTH, Min. – FOX21 has obtained a 2022 document from the Minnesota Department of Human Services where staff members at Community Action Duluth (CAD) allegedly said they wanted to see Classie Dudley fail as the organization’s Executive Director. It described CAD in late 2022 as a “chaotic organization.” The report says, ” company time to gather staff, write…

Architect Frank Gehry’s iconic works in photos

Architect Frank Gehry, celebrated for his imaginative, genre-shifting designs, has died at 96. He is known for iconic works such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Over his prolific career, Gehry received architecture’s highest honors, including the Pritzker Prize, the RIBA gold medal, the Americans for the Arts lifetime achievement award…

Canelake’s Candies brings nostalgic holiday cheer to Virginia, MN

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Canelake’s Candies in Virginia is spreading holiday cheer and nostalgia with its classic Christmas display. When the candy store came back to the Canelake family in 2018, it was the perfect opportunity to display a piece of Minnesota history. After the Dayton’s department store in Minneapolis closed and auctioned off items, the Canelake family purchased an animatronic…

Sabor by Pedro’s to take over MadHouse Burgers location

Local Mexican chain is adding a third location in Duluth

SUPERIOR, Wis — Sabor by Pedro’s will be taking over the space previously held by MadHouse Burgers on Woodland Ave. The restaurant will be an extension of Pedro’s Grill & Cantina, bringing a unique twist on their current menu, focusing on brunch items and fun Mexican dishes. The new location will not compete with their existing restaurants in Cloquet and…

Mesabi Trail sees record number of users in 2025

EVELETH, Minn. — One of Minnesota’s largest trails has seen a record breaking number of users this year. The Mesabi Trail is a 10 ft. wide bike path that runs from Grand Rapids to Ely, stretching over 165 miles. The trails popularity rose this year after various marketing campaigns invited people to see what the area has to offer. 18…

Lutsen residents address the loss of Lutsen Lodge and its lingering impact

LUTSEN, Minn.– Following the recent news regarding the Lutsen Lodge arson case, several community members told FOX 21, the potential bankruptcy, and the debt left behind, will impact numerous people. That being said, they’re all still mourning the loss of the historic landmark. One Lutsen resident is speaking out about the aftermath the charges bring the community. “Losing that piece…

The Original Louis’ Cafe closing its doors permanently

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Popular Greek restaurant The Original Louis’ Cafe in Superior is shutting down permanently. After serving the Twin Ports for over 50 years, the local favorite is closing its doors on Friday, December 5. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so grateful for every moment we’ve shared with our amazing customers and community. The memories we’ve created…

Minnesota Ballet performs scenes of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Essentia

DULUTH, Minn. — Healthcare Workers and patients at Essentia saw some dazzling dances from the Nutcracker. The Minnesota Ballet visited the hospital ahead of their full performance at the DECC. They performed a few excerpts from the ballet in the atrium, then headed up to the pediatric unit to perform for the children. “It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the…

Essentia and MNA reach tentative agreement for over 100 Virginia nurses

VIRGINIA, Minn, — Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) have reached a tentative agreement on contracts for more than 100  nurses in Virginia. Friday, Essentia announced the tentative agreement on a three-year contract for the nurses. “This milestone comes after productive discussions and reflects our deep appreciation for the extraordinary work these nurses do every day,” said Rhonda Kazik,…

Minnesota DNR acquires 16,000 acres of land for permanent protection

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The Minnesota DNR has acquired 16,000 acres of land for permanent protection. This is one of the DNR’s largest land acquisitions in recent history, resulting in the permanent protection of nearly 16,000 acres across a 10-county area in Northern Minnesota. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to protect these forests, lakes, and waterways – now and for…

Melania Trump wishes strength and toys from Santa during visit with hospitalized children

Melania Trump has continued a decades-old first lady tradition of visiting with hospitalized children for the holidays. The first lady on Friday was escorted into the festively decorated atrium of Children’s National hospital in Washington by two patients. She sat in a large red chair in front of a tall Christmas tree and read, “How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” by Mac Barnett. Trump wished the nearly two dozen children in the audience lots of strength and toys from Santa before she left. She said President Donald Trump was sending “love and best wishes as well.”

Virginia man charged with planting pipe bombs in DC on eve of Capitol riot appears in court

A Virginia man on Friday made his first court appearance on charges that he planted a pair of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of a mob’s attack on U.S. Capitol. U.S. Magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya ordered Brian Cole Jr. to remain in jail a day after his arrest on explosives charges. He is due back in court Dec. 15 for a detention hearing. He did not enter a plea.

Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels starting vs. Vikings after missing 3 games with dislocated elbow

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will start Sunday at Minnesota after missing three games with a dislocated left elbow. Daniels, the 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, got hurt in the final minutes of Washington’s 38-14 home loss against Seattle on Nov. 2. Though the television replay prompted fear of a long-term concern, subsequent tests revealed Daniels did not suffer any significant structural damage. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner returned to practice on a limited basis last week and practiced in full on Thursday and Friday. Coach Dan Quinn says the QB has been cleared to play.

Lions standout safety Brian Branch tore his Achilles tendon against the Cowboys, AP source says

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch tore his left Achilles tendon against the Dallas Cowboys, according to a person familiar with the situation. Tests revealed the significant injury on Friday, the person told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the results were not announced. Branch was hurt late in Detroit’s 44-30 win over Dallas on Thursday night. The injury is a major setback for the Lions, whose secondary is very banged up. Free safety Thomas Harper had a concussion against Dallas while filling in for injured All-Pro Kerby Joseph. Cornerback Terrion Arnold went on injured reserve earlier this week.

Man arrested for stealing car warming up at MnDOT office then getting stuck in snow bank following chase

Kane Charles Bonga DULUTH, Min. –  A man is accused of stealing a car warming-up at the MnDOT office at the corner of Mesaba Avenue and Central Entrance. Charging documents accuse Kane Charles Bonga of stealing a 2008 Subaru Outback. The car belonged to a MnDOT employee.  That employee got into a co-worker’s car and followed the stolen Subaru.  They…

FIFA gives President Donald Trump a peace prize in a departure from its traditional focus on sport

President Donald Trump is presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was awarded the new FIFA peace prize on Friday at the 2026 World Cup draw — giving the…

FACT FOCUS: Trump said weaker gas mileage rules will mean cheaper cars. Experts say don’t bet on it

President Donald Trump this week announced plans to weaken strict gas mileage requirements for automakers set under former President Joe Biden. The Trump administration said the previous rules were the reason new vehicles have become so expensive, and that cutting them will drive down costs and make vehicles safer. Experts say there are many reasons that the average cost of a new vehicle is rising, including American consumers’ love for big, expensive SUVs and trucks. And they say that cutting mileage standards is unlikely to lead to cheaper cars anytime soon.

Atlanta Most Wanted man arrested in Duluth will not fight extradition back to Georgia

Kmauri Burnett DULUTH, Min. –  A man on the Atlanta Police Department’s most wanted list for allegedly committing two murders will not fight extradition back to Georgia. He signed court documents saying so about 24-hours after his arrest in Duluth. 20-year-old Kmauri Burnett was arrested bv the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force, DPD, and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office near the…

FIFA gives President Donald Trump a peace prize in a departure from its traditional focus on sport

FIFA gives its new peace prize to President Donald Trump. It’s an unusual break from tradition for the sport-focused soccer organization, whose president has become a close ally of Trump. The ceremony happened Friday during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington. It comes after Trump had openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had said he thought Trump should have won the Nobel this year for his efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.

Suspect in DC pipe bomb case said to have confessed in interviews with investigators, AP sources say

The man accused of planting a pair of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of the U.S. Capitol attack confessed to the act in interviews with investigators. That’s according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The people said Brian Cole Jr. also indicated that he believed the election was stolen and expressed views supportive of President Donald Trump. The details add to a still-emerging portrait of the 30-year-old suspect from Woodbridge, Virginia, and it was not immediately clear what other information or perspectives he may have shared while cooperating with law enforcement following his arrest on Thursday.

US vaccine advisers say not all babies need a hepatitis B shot at birth

  Robert W. Malone NEW YORK (AP) — A federal vaccine advisory committee voted on Friday to end the longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born. A loud chorus of medical and public health leaders decried the actions of the panel, whose current members were all appointed by U.S. Health Secretary…

World Cup match schedule to come into focus as draw begins at Kennedy Center

The 2026 World Cup draw will begin Friday with a wintry feel as snow fell outside the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 189 days ahead of an expanded 48-nation tournament. There were long lines outside the complex even at 7 a.m. as workers and media filed through Secret Service agents securing the area, where President Donald Trump of the U.S. and Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico were expected along with Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Day 4 of Luigi Mangione’s pretrial hearing is postponed because he’s sick, judge says

A pretrial hearing on Luigi Mangione’s bid to exclude evidence from his state murder case has been postponed because his lawyers and the judge say he’s sick. It is slated to resume on Monday. Mangione is seeking to exclude a gun, notebook and other items police officers say they found in his backpack when he was arrested Dec. 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in Manhattan. He and his lawyers are also trying to suppress some statements he made to police.

Garage destroyed in Fayal Township fire

Fayal Township garage fire. (credit: Northland Firewire) FAYAL TOWNSHIP, Minn — A garage was destroyed last night in a fire in Fayal Township. Officials say that the fire was first reported around 5 p.m. in the area of Half Moon Lake along Highway 53. Upon arrival, crews found a garage engulfed in flames that was extending to a house nearby…

Another line of attack: White House sets up a hall of shame for news outlets

President Donald Trump’s White House has established a hall of shame for journalists it finds guilty of media bias as it looks for new avenues of attack against legacy news outlets. And it’s calling on “everyday Americans” to participate with their own examples of where they consider journalists to be unfair. The Republican president has been criticizing “fake news” since his first term. Some of Trump’s attacks have turned personal in the past month. Yet despite it all, the news outlet Axios pointed out this week that mainstream news sources are as dominant as ever in setting the agenda for Washington and — somewhat ironically — capturing the president’s attention.