News

What you need to know about Grok and the controversies surrounding it

Elon Musk’s AI assistant, Grok, is facing scrutiny from governments worldwide. First launched in 2023, Grok aims to compete with AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. It’s part of Musk’s AI startup, xAI, which has merged with his social media platform, X. Grok has been controversial for echoing Musk’s views on race, gender, and politics.

Minnesota launches on-line reporting form to share impacts of federal actions

Keith Ellison at news conference announcingMinnesota and Twin Citiesare suing Trump administration over widespread immigration operations ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison wants to know how Minnesotans have been impacted by the federal government. He’s looking for, “violations of constitutional rights (racial profiling, excessive force, retaliation against protestors, observers, and media), business closures, reduced healthcare access, reduced…

A scheme to rig college basketball games has been uncovered. Here’s what we know

A federal investigation into a sprawling betting scheme to fix basketball games stretched from the Chinese Basketball Association to the NCAA and ensnared 26 people, including college basketball players. The charges, in documents unsealed Thursday in federal court in Philadelphia, include bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy. A group of fixers, including gamblers, allegedly recruited players with the promise of a big payment in exchange for purposefully underperforming during a game. Prosecutors say those fixers would then bet against the players’ teams in those games, defrauding sportsbooks and other bettors.

At Detroit auto show, spotlight dims for EVs

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit once dedicated an entire track on its coveted show floor to getting consumers comfortable with electric vehicles and charging. It’s a different story at this year’s show amid President Donald Trump’s anti-EV agenda as automakers back away from multibillion dollar plans to go electric. Detroit is continuing its pivot from EVs, and industry experts fear that will only add to China’s widening lead in an area seen as the future of cars.

Venezuela’s acting president calls for oil industry reforms to allow more foreign investment

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez says lawmakers in her country should approve reforms to the oil industry that would open the doors to greater foreign investment. The remarks were made Thursday during her first state of the union speech. She addressed an anxious country as she navigates competing pressures from the United States and a government loyal to former President Nicolás Maduro, who was ousted by U.S. forces less than two weeks ago. The speech to the country’s National Assembly, which wasn’t being broadcast live in Venezuela, comes one day after Rodríguez said her government would continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro in what she described as “a new political moment.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer warns of worsening auto industry under Trump’s tariff strategy

In a tale of two speeches, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has offered a rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s defense of his tariff policies, made just days before by the president in Detroit. While speaking at the Detroit Auto Show, she critiqued his strong-arm strategy with ally countries, saying it has hurt American auto manufacturing. It’s a message she’s repeated over the past year, and one she said she has delivered to Trump directly numerous times. Her remarks come two days after Trump toured the Detroit area and defended the economy of the automobile sector saying, “all U.S. automakers are doing great.”

Court ruling jeopardizes freedom for pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

A federal appeals panel has reversed a lower court decision that released former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil from an immigration jail, bringing the government one step closer to detaining and ultimately deporting the Palestinian activist. A three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia instructed the lower court on Thursday to dismiss Khalil’s habeas petition, a court filing that secured his release. The panel ruled that the federal district court in New Jersey did not have jurisdiction over the matter because immigration challenges are handled differently under the law. Khalil called the decision “deeply disappointing.”

Trump is meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader after cozying up to Maduro’s successor

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is heading to the White House for a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump. Machado’s political party is widely considered to have won 2024 elections rejected by then-President Nicolás Maduro before the U.S. captured him in a military raid this month. Trump on Thursday will host the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Machado, and Machado will later have a meeting in the Senate. Trump has already dismissed Machado’s credibility to run Venezuela and raised doubts about his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in the country. The meeting comes as Trump and his top advisers have signaled their willingness to work with Venezuela’s acting president.

Hemp business owner sheds light on proposed bills in response to potential Wisconsin hemp ban

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With a federal ban on hemp-derived products taking effect in November across the country, a CBD and hemp business owner in Superior is feeling some sense of relief with new legislation in the works from Wisconsin lawmakers. Craig Sutherland with “Sutherland CBD” said, there are two competing republican-led bills that determines the future of hemp, including products such…

Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate raises 10 times more than conservative

The Democratic-backed candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court raised 10 times as much last year as her Republican-endorsed opponent, putting in stark relief the challenge conservatives face in winning the race in the battleground state. The reports filed this week offer the first glimpse at one key measurement of how the race to be decided on April 7 is stacking up. Liberals are optimistic they can win their fourth Supreme Court race in a row dating back to 2020 to solidify their hold on the court. Democratic-backed candidate Judge Chris Taylor faces Republican-endorsed Judge Maria Lazar.

Pope meets families of young Italian victims of the Swiss Alps bar fire

Pope Leo XIV has met with families of Italian teenagers killed or injured in a fire that engulfed a Swiss ski resort bar during a party on New Year’s Eve. The pope met with with about two dozen relatives of the victims on Thursday in the Vatican, acknowledging their anguish and urging them to find hope in their darkest moments. The fire in Crans-Montana killed 40 people and injured 116. Six of the dead and 13 of the injured were Italian citizens. Authorities suspect the fire was caused by sparkling candles igniting soundproofing material. Investigations are ongoing, with Italian officials demanding justice and accountability for the tragedy.

Coffee Conversation: Lyric Opera of the North brings back “Amahl and the Night Visitors”

DULUTH, Minn. — Lyric Opera of the North is bringing back its family-friendly favorite Amahl and the Night Visitors later this month. Joining FOX 21 on the morning newscast to talk about the upcoming performances were cast members Vicki Fingalson, who plays Amahl’s mother, and Ryan Wolfe, who portrays King Balthazar. The opera runs January 23–25 at The Depot Theatre in downtown Duluth….

Man arrested for burglarizing Bentleyville, over $2,000 worth of merchandise stolen

John James Carter UPDATE: Court documents allege John James Carter, 47, of Duluth stole a change machine from the Bentleyville gift shop. The statement of probable cause says on December 26, 2026 at about 2:30am a man and woman were seen around the Bentleyville gift shop. The male entered the gift shop structure “by cutting a hole in the side…

US seizes in Caribbean Sea another sanctioned oil tanker it says has ties to Venezuela

U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea have seized another sanctioned oil tanker the Trump administration says has ties to Venezuela, part of a broader U.S. effort to take control of the South American country’s oil. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday the Motor Tanker Veronica had previously passed through Venezuelan waters and was operating in defiance of President Donald Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. The Veronica is the sixth tanker seized by U.S. forces as part of Trump’s effort. A video Noem posted online shows helicopters hovering over the deck of a merchant vessel while armed troops drop down on the deck by rope.

In a warming world, freshwater production is moving deep beneath the sea

Climate change is driving a global boom in desalination as regions turn to the sea for drinking water. Desalination plants, which remove salt from seawater, are rapidly expanding worldwide. However, scientists warn these plants can harm marine ecosystems. They consume massive amounts of energy, often from fossil fuels, and discharge salty brine back into the ocean, which can alter water chemistry and harm marine life. In Southern California, the Carlsbad Desalination Plant faces criticism for its environmental impact. New technologies like deep-sea desalination promise to reduce these harms by using natural ocean pressure and minimizing energy use.

Another construction crane collapse in Thailand kills 2 people a day after deadly train derailment

A construction crane has collapsed onto an elevated road near Bangkok, a day after another construction accident in northeastern Thailand killed 32 people. The crane collapse on a major road leading from Bangkok killed at least two people Thursday. Meanwhile, the search for survivors ended at the scene of the crane collapse that caused a train derailment Wednesday. The construction project is part of a high-speed rail initiative to link China to Southeast Asia under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Thailand’s prime minister late Thursday announced tough new measures to terminate contracts with the companies involved in the two accidents.

Trump threatens to use the Insurrection Act to ‘put an end’ to protests in Minneapolis

Law enforcement officers stand amid tear gas at the scene of a reported shooting Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act allowing him to deploy troops as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement persist in Minneapolis. Trump made the threat after a federal officer…

European troops arrive in Greenland as talks with US highlight ‘disagreement’ over island’s future

Troops from NATO countries, including France and Germany, are arriving in Greenland to boost security. This follows talks in Washington on Wednesday between Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. that highlighted disagreements over Greenland’s future. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of French troops, with Germany sending a reconnaissance team on Thursday. Denmark is also increasing its military presence. The talks focused on U.S. intentions to take over Greenland for its mineral resources amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed concerns over Trump’s intentions. Greenlanders remain uncertain about the future.

Iran closes its airspace to commercial aircraft for hours as tensions with US remain high

Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for hours without explanation as tensions remained high with the United States over Tehran’s crackdown on protests. International carriers diverted flights north and south around Iran, but the closure appeared to expire and several domestic flights were in the air after 7 a.m. Thursday. Iran previously shut its airspace during its June war with Israel and during some exchanges of fire in the Israel-Hamas war. There were no signs of current hostilities. The airspace closure came as some personnel at a U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate. U.S. President Donald Trump has left unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran.

Federal officer shoots person in leg after being attacked during Minneapolis arrest, officials say

Jan. 14, 2026 — Minneapolis ICE-involved shooting scene MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal officer shot a person in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle while trying to make an arrest Wednesday, federal officials said. The shooting took place about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) north of where an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good…

Virgin Mary procession draws thousands as Venezuela faces uncertain future

Venezuela’s annual Divina Pastora procession returns to the streets of Barquisimeto during widespread unease. The faithful gathered in a major Catholic procession in Barquisimeto, about 170 miles west of Caracas, to honor Divina Pastora, a title for the Virgin Mary. The country is grappling with political uncertainty following the U.S.-ordered detention of President Nicolás Maduro and mounting economic pressures, offering a window into public sentiment at a delicate moment.

‘Push-In Ceremony’ places new Tender 1 Tanker into service

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Town of Superior Fire Department held a “Push-In Ceremony” to officially place Tender 1, their new tanker truck, into service. The Fire Chief began the ceremony with a speech regarding the importance of the truck, which cost approximately $520,000, and took three years to plan, order, and build. The ceremony included filling the tanker…

Renee Good’s family hires George Floyd law firm to investigate Minneapolis ICE shooting

Renee Good’s family hired the law firm that represented George Floyd’s family to seek answers and accountability for the Minneapolis mother’s killing by a federal immigration agent. The family’s decision to hire the law firm came the same week the U.S. Justice Department sees no basis for a federal civil rights investigation. An FBI probe is ongoing. The family on Wednesday said it wants Good remembered as “an agent of peace” and alleged she was killed while trying to follow federal agents’ instructions. The Trump administration has defended the officer’s actions as self-defense. The law firm Romanucci & Blandin said it will release information from its investigation “on a rolling basis” in the coming weeks.

New DHS rule aims to shorten visa wait times abroad for religious workers serving US congregations

The Department of Homeland Security is making it easier for visa-holding religious workers to serve U.S. congregations with less disruption. DHS announced a change on Wednesday to reduce visa wait times abroad for foreign nationals serving as pastors, priests, nuns, imams and rabbis. These workers face long backlogs for permanent residency but can enter on temporary R-1 visas. The new rule removes the requirement for R-1 workers to leave the U.S. for a year after their visa expires. They can now apply to re-enter immediately. The change aims to support religious organizations and minimize disruptions to faith-based communities.

Japanese and South Korean leaders jam to K-pop hits at a summit

The Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries before they let loose with their own surprise cultural exchange in a surprise jam session drumming to K-pop hits. The musical performance between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung followed Tuesday’s summit in Nara, Japan, Takaichi’s hometown. Wearing personalized athletic jackets, they drummed to hits such as BTS’ “Dynamite” and Kpop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” in a short video posted by Takaichi’s office Wednesday.

Memorial Blood Centers issues ‘blood emergency’

DULUTH, Minn.– Memorial Blood Centers has issued a “blood emergency” because their network of donation sites only has a two-day supply, compared to the usual seven-day supply. Kathyrn Hamm, with Memorial Blood Centers in Duluth, said the recent holidays and busy flu season have contributed to the lack of donations. “So, the seven days on the shelf, that reserve is…

Adam Thielen announces his retirement

Adam Thielen Retirement Post DULUTH, Min. – In a story on Instagram, former Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Adam Thielen announced his retirement. The post with word “retires” behind picture of Thielen said in part, “what a ride it has been! 13 years what a blessing!” The Minnesota Vikings waived wide receiver Adam Thielen in early December, allowing the 13-year veteran…

What to know about the threats on federal funds flowing to Minnesota

A large-scale immigration crackdown by an influx of federal law enforcement officers is not the only way President Donald Trump’s administration is putting pressure on Minnesota. It’s also seeking to withhold billions in federal money from state programs and on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the state over its hiring practices. The administration’s actions come as the president criticizes the state’s governor and Somali population — and they go farther than in other Democratic-controlled states. Much of the money the administration says it will withhold funds from services including child care and medical transportation for low-income people. The state has been pushing back in court and through administrative processes.

Trump claims killing of Iran protesters ‘has stopped’ even as Tehran signals executions ahead

President Donald Trump says he’s been told “on good authority” that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran has signaled fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters. The U.S. president’s claims, which were made Wednesday with few details, come as he’s told protesting Iranians in recent days that “help is on the way” and that his administration would “act accordingly” to respond to the Iranian government. But Trump has not offered any details about how the U.S. might respond and it wasn’t clear if his comments Wednesday indicated he would hold off on action.

Super One Foods presents over $162,000 to The Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn.– On Wednesday, Super One Foods presented The Salvation Army with two check donations. During the Christmas season Miners Inc. conducted its annual register campaign across Super One’s 45 locations. Shoppers could donate by rounding up during checkout, this season raising over $112,000. Through Miner’s Match, an additional check of $50,000 was presented to The Salvation Army. “The Miner’s match…

What to know as New York City nurses strike for a 3rd day

New York City nurses are striking for a third day with both sides seemingly digging in for the long haul.  Negotiations don’t appear to be on the table Wednesday with any of the three major hospital systems affected by the walkout. Picketing nurses also held a rally at a Bronx hospital in which their leaders took aim at hospital administrators, saying they are “blatantly mischaracterizing” their contract demands. Meanwhile the hospital systems say they’ve committed to keeping on the travel nurses they brought on to fill work gaps at least through next week.  The walkout involves about 15,000 nurses at the Mount Sinai, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian hospital systems.

Gaza is entering the second phase of the ceasefire plan Trump helped broker, envoy Witkoff says

The United States says it’s moving into the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan involving disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs. President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff says on social media the ceasefire deal the Republican president helped broker was entering its second phase following two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Witkoff didn’t offer any details Wednesday about a new transitional Palestinian administration that would govern Gaza. The White House hasn’t offered any details, either. Witkoff says the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final dead hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.

US suspending immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House before signing an executive order regarding childhood cancer and the use of AI, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said Wednesday it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public…

No immediate court decision on a request to stop the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

There has been no decision, yet, on Minnesota’s request to suspend the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The surge is roiling the state’s largest cities. Federal agents have been pulling people from cars and confronting angry bystanders. Federal Judge Katherine Menendez on Wednesday promised to keep the case “on the front burner.” She gave the government until Monday to respond to a request for a restraining order. Plumes of tear gas, the deployment of chemical irritants and the screech of protest whistles have become common on the streets of Minneapolis, where an immigration agent killed Renee Good last week.

Julio Iglesias accused of sexual assault in Caribbean as Spanish prosecutors study the allegations

Spanish prosecutors are studying allegations that Grammy-winning singer Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted two former employees at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The Spanish prosecutors’ office told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the allegations were related to media reports from earlier this week that alleged Iglesias had sexually and physically assaulted two women who worked in his Caribbean residences between January and October 2021. Iglesias has yet to speak publicly regarding the allegations. The 82-year-old Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful musical artists. Iglesias could potentially be taken in front of the Spain’s National Court which can try alleged crimes by Spanish citizens while they are abroad.

Ukrainians endure freezing temperatures at home as emergency crews rush to restore power

Officials say emergency repair crews are working tirelessly to restore power in the Kyiv region of Ukraine. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have left Ukrainians facing the coldest winter in years. In Boryspil, workers are dismantling and rebuilding burned-out electrical systems. They work in the snow from early morning till midnight. The supply has been restored for four hours a day, but the system collapses when power returns as people rush to use appliances. Kyiv residents are enduring freezing temperatures and darkness, with some homes without electricity for days. Russian barrages are aiming at power plants and large substations, and procuring replacement equipment such as transformers can take months.

Sen. Slotkin is under investigation by the Trump administration for Democrats’ video to troops

Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin has been notified that the Trump administration is investigating her after she organized and appeared in a video with other Democrats urging military service members to resist “illegal orders.” Slotkin said in a video statement Wednesday that prosecutors were investigating her over the 90-second video she first posted on her X account in November. Slotkin calls it “legal intimidation and physical intimidation meant to get you to shut up.” President Donald Trump and aides have labeled the video as “seditious” and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot and astronaut, was censured for participating.

Diversity still a major issue at the Winter Olympics. The US is making some strides

USA Bobsled and Skeleton is set to unveil its Olympic rosters, with most women competing likely being women of color. This could make the 2026 U.S. Olympic winter roster the most diverse ever. In 2018, 21 athletes of Black or Asian descent were part of the team, about 8% of the total. The 2026 team could surpass that. Some top American medal hopefuls include Black women like bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor and speedskater Erin Jackson. Despite challenges, representation is growing, with athletes like Mystique Ro and Kaysha Love leading the way.

FBI searches home of Washington Post reporter in classified documents probe, newspaper says

Attorney General Pam Bondi says the search of a Washington Post reporter’s home was done at the Pentagon’s request as part of a leak investigation. The Post says journalist Hannah Natanson had her phone and a watch seized by agents at her Virginia home. An FBI affidavit says the search was related to an investigation into a system administrator in Maryland who authorities believe took home classified reports. An FBI spokesperson declines to comment. Justice Department officials haven’t responded to a request for comment. Natanson covers the Trump administration’s transformation of the federal government. A colleague has called her “the federal government whisperer.”

Trump says anything less than having Greenland in US hands is ‘unacceptable’

A North American Aerospace Defense Command F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from the South Carolina ANG’s 169th FW takes off at Pituffik Space Force Base, Greenland, Oct. 9, 2025. Operating in the Arctic provides the flexibility and adaptability needed to overcome logistical hurdles in a dynamic and unforgiving environment. NUUK, Greenland (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that NATO…

Coffee Conversation: Free community yoga Wednesdays at 190º Coffee and Tea

DULUTH, Minn. — Community yoga is held every Wednesday at 190º Coffee and Tea in partnership with Roam Yoga. Roam Yoga co-owners Kate Horvath and Miriam Hanson Rogotzke joined FOX 21 live on the Morning Show to talk about the free Wednesday classes, upcoming retreats, and the benefits of yoga. Classes run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and feature…

Coffee Conversation: Wonder Wednesday at the Great Lakes Aquarium

DULUTH, Minn. — Families can explore the Great Lakes Aquarium at a discounted rate this winter through its weekly Wonder Wednesday program. Elleyna Igo, Early Childhood Coordinator at the Great Lakes Aquarium, joined FOX 21 live on the Morning Show Wednesday to share more about the program and what families can expect. Wonder Wednesday runs every Wednesday from November 5,…

What to know as the Louvre’s ticket price goes up by 45%

The Louvre in Paris is raising ticket prices for many visitors to fund renovations and security after recent challenges. Admission to the world’s most visited museum will increase by 45% to 32 euros ($37) from 22 euros for visitors from many non-European countries. French labor unions say the two-tier pricing change undermines the museum’s universal mission. The theft of French crown jewels from the museum in October intensified scrutiny of its security. Overcrowding, strikes and aging infrastructure are also among the stresses highlighting the need for more funding.