News

Uber plans to offer autonomous taxi rides in San Francisco starting next year

Uber said Wednesday that the San Francisco Bay Area will be the first market for its specially built autonomous taxi, which is expected to launch in late 2026. The San Francisco-based ride-hailing company said in July it was developing a robotaxi with the electric car company Lucid and the self-driving technology company Nuro Inc. Uber said it plans to have 100 test vehicles on the road in the coming months. Within six years, Uber plans to deploy 20,000 or more Lucid-based autonomous taxis in multiple locations. The vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber and available to riders through the Uber app.

A San Francisco dog wags its tail and kisses rescuers after it’s plucked from the side of a cliff

Rescuers have saved a pet dog that fell off an oceanside bluff in San Francisco and spent more than 20 minutes clinging to a narrow ledge. Officials say the dog was playing with another pooch on Tuesday at Fort Funston, which is a coastal park with steep bluffs. Firefighters say the dog slipped on some vegetation, lost its traction and fell over the cliff. One rescuer rappelled down, attached a harness to the dog and held it as they were pulled back up top together. Rescuers then reunited the dog with its owner.

Coffee Conversation: Time Arc Theatre Launches Season with “When Storms Come Calling”

SUPERIOR, WI. — Time Arc Theatre is opening its new season with When Storms Come Calling — a powerful blend of music and storytelling honoring the history and mystery of the Great Lakes. Written by Kathleen Laakso and composed by Bruce Nelson, the play explores 300 years of Great Lakes shipwrecks, from the Griffin in 1679 to the Edmund Fitzgerald…

Israel’s military says ceasefire is back on as death toll from overnight strikes in Gaza reaches 104

Palestinians injured in an Israeli army strike are brought to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)   DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s military said Wednesday that the ceasefire was back on in Gaza after it carried out heavy airstrikes overnight across the Palestinian territory that killed 104 people, including…

US government allowed and even helped US firms sell tech used for surveillance in China, AP finds

Even while warning about national security and human rights abuse, the U.S. government across five Republican and Democratic administrations has repeatedly allowed and even actively helped American firms to sell technology to Chinese police, government and surveillance companies, an Associated Press investigation has found. And time after time, despite bipartisan attempts, Congress has turned a blind eye to loopholes that allow China to work around its own rules, such as cloud services, third-party resellers, and holes in sanctions passed after the Tiananmen massacre. This reluctance to act reflects the tremendous wealth and power of the tech industry, which is more visible than ever under the Trump administration.

German scents exhibition combines 1,000 years of fragrances with art and history

An exhibition in Germany invites visitors to explore the world of scents through 81 fragrances across 37 galleries. “The Secret Power of Scents” opens Wednesday at the Kunstpalast museum in Düsseldorf. The exhibit combines fragrances with art and spans over 1,000 years of cultural history. It uses scent steles, atomizers, and diffusers to connect art with the smells of different time periods. Curator Robert Müller-Grünow says it’s the first exhibition of its kind to bring scents into a museum on this scale. The show highlights the significance of scents in religion, politics, art, and more, offering a unique sensory experience.

A man who spent 43 years in prison before his conviction was overturned now faces deportation

A Pennsylvania man whose murder conviction was overturned after he served 43 years in prison hoped to walk free this month, but instead found himself in immigration custody. Subramanyam Vedam was an infant when his family moved to the U.S. so his father could teach at Penn State University. The Trump Administration plans to act on a 1999 deportation order despite his murder conviction being overturned because Vedam also has a drug conviction from the 1980s. His lawyers say the years he wrongly spent in prison should outweigh that. They have asked the Board of Immigration Appeals to reopen the case.

Paris police acknowledge major gaps in Louvre’s defenses after jewel theft

Paris police have acknowledged major gaps in the Louvre’s defenses on Wednesday — turning this month’s dazzling daylight theft into a national reckoning over how France protects its treasures. Testifying in the Senate, Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure has said aging systems and slow-moving fixes left weak seams in the world’s most-visited museum. “A technological step has not been taken,” he has told lawmakers, noting parts of the video network are still analog and slow to share images. The long-promised rebuild — an $93 million project requiring roughly 37 miles of new cabling — “will not be finished before 2029–2030,” he has said.

What to know as the annual sign-up window for health insurance arrives

Higher prices, less help and a government shutdown hang over health insurance markets as shoppers start looking for coverage this week. The annual enrollment window for millions of people to pick an individual plan opens Saturday. The federal government shut down this month as Democrats in Congress demanded negotiations to extend enhanced tax credits that have helped people buy coverage the past few years. Republicans say they won’t negotiate until Democrats vote to reopen the government. Stuck in the middle are insurance shoppers, many of whom will be facing the biggest premium hikes they’ve seen in years.

Missing government data unlikely to sway Federal Reserve from rate-cut path

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut its short-term rate Wednesday for the second time this year despite an increasingly cloudy view of the economy it is trying to influence. The data drought raises risks for the Fed because it is widely expected to keep cutting rates in an effort to shore up growth and hiring. Yet should job gains pick up soon, the Fed may not detect the change. And if hiring rebounds after weak job gains during the summer, further rate cuts may not be justified.

Coffee Conversation: How to Keep Your Wallet Merry This Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The season of giving doesn’t have to mean overspending. Amanda Bruggman with Affinity Plus joined FOX 21 live on Tuesday, October 28, to share simple, practical ways families can keep their holiday budgets on track. From creative strategies to cut costs and track spending, to local events that bring holiday cheer without the hefty price tag —…

Duluth to Host Team USA, Finland, and Germany for World Junior Tune-Up Games

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth is about to become the center of the hockey world this December. Team USA, Team Finland, and Team Germany will face off in a series of exhibition games ahead of the 2025-26 IIHF World Junior Championship. The highly anticipated matchups will take place at AMSOIL Arena on December 19, 21, and 23, marking the final games…

Edmunds compares the new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC

Compact luxury crossovers have become the chariot of choice for those seeking an effective blend of utility and style in an efficient package that won’t break the bank. The BMW X3 has been a longtime favorite in the segment, but it faces stiff competition from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and its GLC SUV. Edmunds’ experts compare the two upscale sport-utility vehicles to determine which is the better buy.

Dutch vote in a knife-edge election focused on housing and Wilders

Voters in the Netherlands have cast their ballots in a snap election triggered by anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders. He brought down the previous coalition over immigration issues. The election has focused on migration and housing shortages, reflecting broader European concerns. Wilders’ Party for Freedom is expected to perform well, but mainstream parties are hesitant to partner with him again. The country remains divided, with recent violence at anti-immigration rallies. Polls suggest Wilders’ party may win the most seats, but coalition negotiations are expected to start soon. The Dutch system ensures no single party can govern alone.

Trump says ‘it’s too bad’ he can’t run for a third term

President Donald Trump has acknowledged that he cannot run for a third term, citing constitutional limits, despite his interest in staying in the White House. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.” His comments came after House Speaker Mike Johnson stated it would be impossible for Trump to keep serving as president. Johnson explained that the 22nd Amendment prevents a third term and changing it would be a lengthy process. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly mentioned the idea of staying in power, even distributing “Trump 2028” hats as souvenirs.

Guerrero homers off Ohtani as Blue Jays even World Series with 6-2 win over Dodgers in Game 4

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer off Shohei Ohtani, Shane Bieber pitched four-hit ball into the sixth inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays shook off their epic 18-inning loss to even the World Series with a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4. Ohtani redefined the concept of short rest by taking the mound just more than 17 hours after he reached base nine times in Game 3, but he gave up four runs and six hits while pitching into the seventh. The Blue Jays reclaimed homefield advantage and guaranteed the World Series trophy will be won at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Detroit on Election Day

Detroit voters will choose a new mayor Tuesday in the city’s first open-seat mayoral race in a dozen years. City Council President Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church pastor Solomon Kinloch compete for the city’s top job after placing first and second in the Aug. 5 primary. The winner will replace outgoing three-term Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running for Michigan governor as an independent. The city faces a vastly different situation than it did when Duggan was first elected in 2013. In July of that year, it became the largest U.S. city ever to file for bankruptcy. The city now has a budget surplus, 12 years of balanced budgets and projected economic growth for the next five years. Homicides and violent crimes are down.

Scarium at the Aquarium brings Halloween under the sea

DULUTH, Minn. — Instead of schools of fish taking center stage at the Great Lake Aquarium, it was a Halloween celebration filled with costumes and fun on the evening of Oct. 28. Families gathered for the Scarium at the Aquarium event – A night of Halloween fun, spent exploring exhibits, while stopping at trick-or-treating booths, set up throughout the building….

Duluth Planning Commission Recommends sale of Lester Park property

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Planning Commission approved the resolution recommending the sale of certain Lester Park Land to the Duluth Economic Development Authority. After reviewing the resolution, hearing public comments, and making amendments, the Planning Commission voted to recommend the sale of Lester Park Land to DEDA. The amendments change the language to reflect a resolution that holds the…

Spirit Mountain prepares new chair lift for 25-26 winter season

DULUTH, Minn. — As Duluth makes its way into winter, crews at Spirit Mountain are busy preparing the lifts and equipment. The Ski hill is now sporting a new chair lift, called the ‘High Line Lift’, giving everyone a smoother, faster, and safer ride up the mountain. The staff is getting snow-making equipment and trails ready, with high hopes for…

Elon Musk launches Grokipedia to compete with online encyclopedia Wikipedia

Elon Musk has launched Grokipedia, a crowdsourced online encyclopedia that the billionaire seeks to position as a rival to Wikipedia.  Musk announced on social media that “Grokipedia.com version 0.1 is now live” and promised further improvements. The site aims to present “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Grokipedia currently has a minimalist design with a search bar and claims to have over 885,000 articles. Unlike Wikipedia, which relies on volunteers, it’s unclear how Grokipedia’s content is created. Some reports suggest it uses AI technology.

What to know as federal food help and preschool aid will run dry Saturday if shutdown persists

A new lawsuit by Democratic state officials seeks to uncork emergency money to help tens of millions of Americans keep buying food for their families after federal SNAP funding is expected run dry Saturday due to the U.S. government shutdown. The lawsuit involves a $5 billion pot of federal money that President Donald Trump’s administration says can’t be used to fund SNAP benefits. Additionally, funding for a group of Head Start preschool programs is set to run out Saturday. Aid for mothers to care for their newborns through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, could run out the following week.

AT&T wireless internet outages in Duluth-area

AT&T Logo UPDATE: An AT&T Spokesperson tells FOX21, “We’re currently performing scheduled maintenance in the Duluth area. During this time, our customers may experience temporary service disruptions. Our technicians are working diligently, and we expect service to return to normal soon. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers during this time.” — DULUTH, Min. – AT&T customers have…

Huge Brazilian raid on Rio gang leaves at least 60 people dead and 81 under arrest

Police gather outside the Getulio Vargas Hospital where a colleague was brought after getting injured in an operation against alleged drug traffickers in the Complexo do Alemao favela where the criminal organization “Comando Vermelho” operates in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — About 2,500 Brazilian police and soldiers launched a massive raid on a…

South Korea trade deal appears elusive as Trump seeks $350B investment

After a charm offensive in Japan that culminated in $490 billion in investment commitments, President Donald Trump is set to meet with South Korea’s leader on Wednesday as a trade deal with that country appears more elusive. The main issue is Trump’s demand for South Korea to invest $350 billion in the U.S. Korean officials prefer loans and guarantees instead of direct cash, fearing economic destabilization. This disagreement could overshadow the meeting between Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Meanwhile, South Korea faces a 25% tariff on automobiles, putting them at a disadvantage compared to Japanese and European competitors.

Duluth’s Best Bread distributing free pastries for children during SNAP pause

DULUTH, Minn.– With SNAP benefits on pause, Duluth’s Best Bread has quickly stepped up to the plate. Starting on Tuesday November 4th, the bakery will be distributing free pastries and day-old bread to support children in need. No IDs are necessary, but children 12 and under must be present for this program. This opportunity is for dine-in guests only, and…

Huge raid on Rio gang leaves at least 10 people dead and 80 under arrest

About 2,500 Brazilian police and soldiers have launched a massive raid on a criminal gang in Rio de Janeiro and arrested 80 suspects while sparking shootouts that left at least 10 people dead. Authorities called it the biggest such raid in history and said it targeted drug trafficking ring Red Command in the low-income favelas of Complexo de Alemao and Penha. Police did not confirm any deaths, but local media reports said scores of people were believed killed. An Associated Press journalist saw at least 10 bodies arrive at the Getulio Vargas hospital in Penha, two of them police officers.

United Way Campaign kicks off in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Carlton and Pine County Area United Way held their annual campaign kickoff today. The kick-off serves as a way to show donors and volunteers the work they do. The next few months are key times for campaigns and donation drives, so having this kickoff helps showcase the impact these drives do. From aiding with food insecurity…

Ex-thief says he warned Louvre of security weaknesses around crown jewels

Days after eight pieces of the French crown jewels were stolen from the Louvre, a former bank robber who once toured the now-infamous Apollo Gallery for a Louvre podcast says he warned a museum official of weaknesses in security. David Desclos, a reformed career burglar, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he warned a Louvre representative years ago that the Apollo Gallery’s street-facing windows and nearby vitrines left treasures exposed to anyone bold enough to climb in. The robbery has led to increased scrutiny and questions about museum security.

Breakfast for Heroes raises funds for first responders

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Locals flooded to Two Harbors in order to give back to some of the region’s most crucial community servants. The yearly event, brought to the Northland by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, raises funds for first responders, and welcomed various area public officials to Two Harbors, with nearly all expressing their appreciation for those they…

Federal judge blocks the Trump administration from pulling funding for sex ed on gender diversity

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from pulling sexual education funding over curricula mentioning diverse gender identities. U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken in Oregon issued the preliminary injunction on Monday. The order came in a lawsuit filed by 16 states and the District of Columbia against the Health and Human Services Department. The department wants to prohibit the inclusion of what it describes as “gender ideology” in lessons funded by two federal grant programs used to teach about abstinence and contraception. The lawsuit alleges that the new grant conditions violate the separation of powers and federal law.  The health department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Consumer confidence dips modestly in October with Americans concerned about the future

Consumer confidence weakened slightly in October as Americans remain anxious about their future financial prospects. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell by 1 point to 94.6 in October from an upwardly revised September reading of 95.6. Analysts were expecting the reading to come in unchanged from the previous month. One year ago, the reading was 109.5. A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market dipped by 2.9 points to 71.5, remaining well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. However, consumers’ assessments of their current economic situation rose 1.8 points to 129.3.

What to know as federal food help and preschool aid will run dry Saturday if shutdown persists

A new lawsuit by Democratic state officials on Tuesday seeks to uncork emergency money to help tens of millions of Americans keep buying food for their families after federal SNAP funding is expected to run dry Saturday due to the U.S. government shutdown. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries. A halt…

Affidavit: Former NFL star Adrian Peterson was asleep in SUV before DWI arrest in Texas

Court records say former NFL running back Adrian Peterson was asleep behind the wheel of his SUV at a suburban Houston gas station before he was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon. According to a probable cause affidavit, a Sugar Land police officer found Peterson around 9 a.m. Sunday asleep as his vehicle was running and parked near a gas pump. According to the affidavit, Peterson told the officer he didn’t know where he was and later failed a field sobriety test. Peterson was released from custody on Monday after posting bond. The 40-year-old Peterson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Minneapolis in April.

A newly discovered Dr. Seuss manuscript will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

A newly discovered Dr. Seuss manuscript featuring the Cat in the Hat will be published next year. The book, titled “Sing the 50 United States,” celebrates the United States and is set for release just in time for America’s 250th anniversary. This is the first full manuscript by Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Geisel, to be found since 2015. The manuscript was discovered earlier this year at the Geisel Library in California. New illustrations in the style of Dr. Seuss were created by artist Tom Brannon. Random House Children’s Books plans to publish the book on June 2, 2026.

A federal judge in Tennessee warns Trump officials over statements about Kilmar Abrego Garcia

A federal judge in Tennessee has warned of possible sanctions against top Trump administration officials if they continue to make inflammatory statements about Kilmar Abrego Garcia that could prejudice his coming trial. U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw filed an order late on Monday instructing local prosecutors in Nashville to provide a copy of his opinion to all Justice and Homeland Security department employees. The opinion cites court rules that prohibit public statements about a defendant’s “character, credibility, reputation, or criminal record.” His order specifically includes Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Conservative voters in Northern California fear losing power with Proposition 50, in photos

REDDING, Calif. (AP) — Conservative voters in Northern California fear that Proposition 50, a ballot measure to redraw the state’s U.S. House districts, will reduce their political power. Democrats assert it will counter an effort by President Donald Trump in Texas and elsewhere to gain more Republican seats through redistricting. This is a photo gallery curated by photo editors of…

Carson Wentz shows his toughness after playing 2 1/2 games with a major shoulder injury

Carson Wentz dislocated his left, non-throwing shoulder, tearing his labrum and fracturing the socket, in the first half of a game for the Vikings in London on Oct. 5 and kept playing, according to two people with knowledge of the injury. Wentz threw a game-winning 12-yard touchdown pass. and then started the next two games. Both people, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the severity of the injury, said the decision to start Wentz was mutual because the team’s medical staff determined he wasn’t at risk of further damaging the shoulder and it was a matter of pain tolerance.

UPS cuts 48,000 jobs in the year to date as its turnaround continues

United Parcel Service posted third-quarter results that handily beat Wall Street’s expectations and gave details about its turnaround efforts, including approximately 48,000 job cuts. UPS said in a regulatory filing that it has cut about 34,000 operational positions and closed daily operations at 93 leased and owned buildings during the first nine months of this year as part of its turnaround plan. The company also announced approximately 14,000 job cuts, mostly within management. It said that it is still looking to identify additional buildings to close.

When the government shutdown will affect SNAP, Head Start and military pay

The federal government shutdown is nearing the one-month mark, causing widespread effects for millions of Americans. On Friday, funding for the food assistance program SNAP, which helps 42 million people, is set to run out. The Trump administration has rejected using contingency funds to continue the program. Also on Friday, 1.3 million active-duty service members risk missing paychecks unless a funding deal is reached. On Saturday, over 130 Head Start preschool programs may not receive grants.

Hegseth says US carried out 3 strikes on alleged drug-running boats in eastern Pacific, killing 14

Screengrab from Pete Hegseth’s X account of a boat explosion from 10/27/2025 WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military carried out three strikes Monday in the waters of the Eastern Pacific against boats suspected of carrying drugs, killing 14 and leaving one survivor. The announcement made on social media Tuesday, marks a continued escalation in…

Kelsey Grammer, 70, announces the birth of his 8th child: ‘Isn’t that lovely?’

Actor Kelsey Grammer and his wife Kayte Walsh have a new son named Christopher. The 70-year-old “Frasier” star announced his baby news on Monday’s edition of the “Pod Meets World” podcast. Christopher is Walsh and Grammer’s fourth child. The actor also has four older children. Grammer was on the podcast to discuss his recent book, “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” about the murder of his sister when she was 18.

UnitedHealth tops 3Q forecasts as it resets coverage prices to deal with rising costs

UnitedHealth has returned to better-than-expected growth after starting the year swamped by medical costs and withdrawing its forecast for 2025. Leaders of the health care giant say care use is now climbing at rates they expected, and the company envisions annual growth next year that accelerates in 2027. In the meantime, UnitedHealth is resetting health insurance prices and trimming unprofitable parts of that business. That includes a drop in individual health insurance enrollment and losing about 1 million customers from its Medicare Advantage business. That involves privately run versions of the government’s coverage program mainly for people age 65 and over.

Trump’s lawyers ask New York appeals court to toss out his hush money criminal conviction

President Donald Trump’s lawyers want a New York state appeals court to toss out his hush money criminal conviction. The lawyers say federal law preempts state law and there was no intent to commit a crime. The attorneys filed their written arguments with the New York Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, First Department late Monday. In June, the lawyers asked a federal appeals court to move the case to federal court, where the Republican president can challenge the conviction on presidential immunity grounds. Trump was convicted in May 2024 of 34 felony counts alleging that he falsified business records to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels.

Prunella Scales, who played Sybil in British sitcom ‘Fawlty Towers,’ dies at 93

Actor Prunella Scales has died at 93. She is best known as Sybil Fawlty in the sitcom “Fawlty Towers.” Her sons on Tuesday said she died peacefully at home in London on Monday. Scales had a nearly 70-year acting career including roles in a film version of “Pride and Prejudice” and the 1960s sitcom “Marriage Lines.” She gained fame in the 1970s BBC sitcom “Fawlty Towers” as the exasperated wife of a hapless hotel keeper played by John Cleese. She was diagnosed with dementia in 2013 and appeared until 2020 in the travel show “Great Canal Journeys” with her husband, Timothy West.

NBA players set record with 16 40-point games in first week of season

The NBA season has kicked off with a scoring frenzy. Players have already scored 40 or more points in 16 games, an unprecedented start. Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic of the Lakers, and Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers, have each hit this mark twice. Other players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry have also joined the high-scoring club. Despite these performances, the spotlight is on a gambling scandal involving Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami guard Terry Rozier. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has apologized for the distraction. Meanwhile, scoring averages have jumped, with teams playing faster and getting to the foul line more often.

Maine and Texas are the latest fronts in voting battles, with voter ID, citizenship on the ballot

Maine and Texas are the latest states where Republicans are pushing ballot initiatives targeting noncitizen voting, which is rare. Maine’s initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot is the more far-reaching one, seeking to require voter ID, restrict absentee voting and limit drop boxes. In Texas, a Republican-backed measure would add wording to the state constitution specifically prohibiting voting by anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, even though voting by noncitizens is already illegal. The initiatives are the latest in a wave of voting-related measures since President Donald Trump’s false claims about widespread fraud costing him reelection in 2020, with Republican states passing mostly restrictive laws and Democratic ones passing laws to make voting more accessible.

Takeaways from AP’s report on a U.S. plot to recruit Maduro’s pilot to betray Venezuelan leader

A veteran U.S. law enforcement agent secretly tried to recruit Nicolas Maduro’s personal pilot to join a plot to capture the Venezuelan leader and deliver him into U.S. custody to face drug trafficking charges. Details of the untold rendition plot, drawn from interviews with current and former U.S. officials, are emerging as the Trump administration exerts unprecedented pressure on Maduro that includes the deployment of a U.S. naval strike force to the Caribbean and the doubling of a bounty for his arrest to $50 million.