News

The driver assist features you’ll want in your next used car

Used car shopping doesn’t mean having to skimp when it comes to modern safety features. Many used vehicles have at least one advanced driver assistance system. Common examples include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The automotive experts at Edmunds have compiled a list of driver aids that should be given serious consideration for anyone in the market for a used car, truck or SUV. This extra layer of security might provide invaluable protection at some point down the road.

Inmate escapes from Northeast Regional Corrections Center

  SAGINAW, Minn. — An inmate has escaped from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC). Officials say that on Tuesday evening, Michael Todd Hart escaped from custody at the NERCC. According to officials, Hart is a white male, 5’10” tall, 169 lbs with brown hair and blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a yellow sweatshirt, grey T-shirt, and blue…

Tourism is helping Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas make a comeback

In Uganda, the economic benefits of tourism have turned gorilla poachers into conservationists, married women into porters and rangers into spokespeople for the great apes. Poaching is in sharp decline as the hefty fees paid by foreign tourists to see the animals in their natural habitat help fund water provision, health care and other development work in local communities. Many people say the money generated has ensured the recovery of the species, with habitat encroachment and poaching declining as wildlife authorities seek to collaborate more with nearby communities.

Iran’s rial currency hits all-time low of 1,074,000 to the US dollar before president’s UN speech

Iran’s rial currency has fallen to a new all-time low. It reached 1,074,000 to the U.S. dollar just before Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was due to address the United Nations on Wednesday. The currency’s fall follows Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejecting direct talks with the United States over its nuclear program. Khamenei’s announcement likely boxes in the diplomacy that Pezeshkian and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi could have done in New York. It also suggested that last-minute talks between Iran and European nations won’t stop the coming reimposition of U.N. sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. A 30-day window to stop the sanctions will end Sunday.

A trio of space weather satellites blast off together to study the sun’s violent side

A cluster of space weather satellites has blasted off to cast fresh eyes on solar storms. The three satellites belonging to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration soared from Florida on Wednesday morning on the same SpaceX rocket. They’re aiming for a sun-orbiting lookout 1 million miles from Earth, each on its own separate mission. Altogether, the trio are worth about $1.6 billion. Besides offering advance notice of solar disturbances heading toward Earth, the spacecraft will also serve as early warning beacons for the astronauts who will fly to the moon, beginning next year.

The economy was a strength for Trump in his first term. Not anymore, according to recent polling

New polling shows President Donald Trump’s second-term strengths look different from his first. Once strengthened by economic issues, Trump’s approval is tepid on that front — and his best issues now are crime, border security and immigration. Trump’s overall approval has been fairly steady in Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling since the beginning of his second term. This month, about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling his job as president, back in line with his average approval rating after a slight uptick in August. There was a similar pattern during the Republican’s first White House term, when his approval in AP-NORC polling stayed within a narrow range.

Is AI a threat to jobs? A ‘Tomb Raider’ affair poses the question

In France, the apparent use of artificial intelligence to clone an actor’s voice for video game character Lara Croft has fans and actors up in arms. Fans noticed that the French-language voice of Lara Croft sounded robotic and made grammatical errors in a software update of the popular “Tomb Raider” series. Aspyr, the game developer, admits to using what it described as unauthorized AI content and says it has since removed it. The actor in French-language versions of the game, Françoise Cadol, confirmed that her voice was cloned. The affair has sharpened actors’ concerns about AI replacing human jobs.

Ukrainians cautious after Trump shifts stance, saying they can win war against Russia

Ukrainians have reacted cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s unexpected shift in stance on their war with Russia. Trump suggested on Tuesday Ukraine could win the three-year conflict and reclaim its captured land. Some Ukrainians hope his words translate into real support, while others remain skeptical of his unpredictability. On Tuesday, Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin and called for NATO to counter Russian airspace violations. This marks a departure from Trump’s previous positions, where he was often seen as more favorable to Putin. Ukrainian officials emphasize the importance of Trump’s actions matching his words.

Build-A-Bear continues to rack up market gains, despite tariffs and teetering mall traffic

Tariffs and years of teetering mall traffic have roiled much of the toy industry. But Build-A-Bear investors are continuing to reap sizeable gains. Shares of the toy retailer, which specializes in plush animals that consumers can make in stores, are up more than 60% since the start of 2025. And the company’s profits have soared to record after record in recent quarters. St. Louis-based Build-A-Bear is not immune to U.S. President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs. But the company says it made efforts to reduce this exposure and anticipates strong consumer demand to boost profits for rest of the year.

Iran starts rebuilding missile sites hit by Israel, but experts say a key component is missing

Iran has begun rebuilding missile-production sites targeted by Israel during its 12-day war in June. That’s according to satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press. But experts say a key component is likely still missing — the large mixers needed to produce solid fuel for the weapons. Reconstituting the missile program is crucial for the Islamic Republic. Iran believes another round of war with Israel may happen. The missiles are one of Iran’s few military deterrents after the war decimated its air defense systems. Missile experts told AP that obtaining the mixers is a goal for Tehran, particularly as it prepares for possible United Nations sanctions to be reimposed on the country later this month.

Tears and trauma: Greenlandic women recall forced contraception as a nation seeks forgiveness

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland are offering their apologies for their governments’ roles in the mistreatment of Greenlandic Indigenous girls and women. The two leaders are attending an official event in Greenland’s capital of Nuuk on Wednesday. An independent investigation has found that hundreds of Inuit victims, some as young as 12, were fitted with an intrauterine contraceptive device without consent. The alleged purpose was to limit population growth in Greenland. Many women are still angry, but some say an apology will help them reconcile.

A mother stranded in Gaza City says she and her daughters are ‘waiting to die’

Noor Abu Hassira is one of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians staying in Gaza City as Israel presses on with an offensive to take it over. Even though Israel has warned civilians to leave the city as it escalates attacks on Hamas, she’s stuck in the basement of her parents’ home with debilitating leg injuries from an airstrike early in the war. She says she hasn’t enough money to move south to live in a tent camp for displaced families and that it feels like she and her three daughters are “waiting to die.”

Photos of a Hindu goddess’ idols being handcrafted for the Durga festival in India

NEW DELHI (AP) — Leaning on his 10-armed creation, Govind Nath is ready to breathe life into the Hindu goddess Durga, a beloved deity who will be revered by tens of thousands of worshippers during the Durga Puja festival. After molding and shaping the handcrafted idol with bamboo, clay and mud, he is painting her large, doe-shaped eyes. The deity…

Europe urgently needs to solve its Russian drone problem, Baltic officials say

Estonia is extending a fence along its border with Russia and building anti-tank ditches and bunkers in preparation for a potential conflict with Moscow. But those defenses won’t guard against the threat it and its NATO allies face from Russian drones and electronic warfare. A recent drone incursion into Poland highlighted gaps in NATO’s air defenses. Defense ministers from several EU countries plan to meet Friday to discuss creating a drone wall of sorts along the bloc’s eastern border. However, officials say defending against drones is complex and requires affordable and mass-produced technology. They say rapid advancements in drone technology pose additional challenges, and that NATO nations need to improve quickly to address these threats.

Black pastors say Charlie Kirk is not a martyr, while decrying racism and political violence

A debate has been sparked among Black pastors who are trying to square a heroic view of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist who was gunned down in Utah this month, with the insulting statements about people of color that were key to his political activism. Conservatives and white Christians, particularly evangelicals, are emphasizing Kirk’s faith and label him a martyr.  From the pulpits of Black churches, pastors used their sermons to denounce what they called hateful rhetoric from Kirk that runs counter to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Many Black clergy have  linked the veneration of Kirk to a history of weaponizing faith to justify colonialism, enslavement and bigotry.

Guardians’ David Fry hospitalized after being hit in face by pitch during crucial win over Tigers

Guardians designated hitter David Fry was expected to be hospitalized overnight after he being hit in the face by a pitch from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal in the sixth inning of Cleveland’s 5-2 win over the Tigers. The victory moved the Guardians into a tie for first place in the AL Central. Fry squared around to try to bunt a 99 mph fastball from Skubal and the pitch struck him in the nose and mouth area. As Fry collapsed and grabbed his bloodied face, a visibly shaken Skubal threw off his glove and cap as Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt and trainers rushed onto the field.

‘Seasons of Love’ Gala to Help Fund New Animal Shelter in Carlton County

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. — If you love supporting animals, there’s a big fundraising event happening Saturday to help build an animal shelter for Carlton County Animal Rescue. The “Seasons of Love” event is Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Four Seasons Event Center in Carlton. Doors open at 6 p.m., but VIP ticket holders get extra fun starting at 5 p.m….

Rembrandt copied another artist’s canine for his famous ‘Night Watch’

A curator at Amsterdam’s landmark Rijksmuseum has discovered more or less by accident that a dog in Rembrandt van Rijn’s famous “Night Watch” is a near-identical copy of a 1619 drawing by fellow Dutch artist Adriaen van de Venne. Anne Lenders said Tuesday she spotted the uncanny resemblance while visiting an exhibition in the southern Netherlands. She says the similarities are “so strong that at the very first moment I thought he (Rembrandt) must have used this.” The discovery is the latest in a series of revelations to emerge during a yearslong project to reexamine the canvas using modern techniques. “Operation Night Watch” began in 2019 and is continuing with restoration work that is likely to take years to complete.

UW-Superior’s “Young Americans for Freedom” Hosts Kirk Vigil

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Members of the UW-Superior student body and surrounding community came together to mourn the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The event was hosted by the college’s “Young Americans for Freedom” student organization and despite being held on the college’s campus the night of prayer was meant to heal not just students, but anyone in the Twin Ports in…

St. Louis County Gathers Input for West Arrowhead Road Safety

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – People gathering at the Hermantown YMCA to give the St. Louis County Public Works community input regarding the Active Transportation Plan for West Arrowhead Road. The project’s main focus is the stretch between Haines Road and Rice Lake Road, where heavy traffic and limited pedestrian or bike accommodations can make travel for non-motorized users difficult. The overall…

Study Highlights Strong Housing Demand in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– The results of a 2025 housing study was presented in Duluth today. The Maxfield housing study is conducted every five years for the city of Duluth. And the results show, that before 20-5, Duluth has a demand for over 8,000 housing units before 2035. During the presentation, Duluth housing officials are collaborating with staff and partners to create…

Breezy Point 5K Earns $148,000 for Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge

DULUTH, Minn.– The Breezy Point 5k has been an Island Lake tradition now for nearly two decades. And this year, they hit the finish line with quite the donation. The Breezy Point 5k got its start seventeen years ago in the organizer’s backyard, with only 75 runners. But now, this year over 500 runners helped contribute to Minnesota teen challenge….

The Wildflower Boutique to open at Miller Hill Mall

The Wildflower Boutique, Logo DULUTH, Min. – Locally owned “The Wildflower Boutique” will be opening the the Miller Hill Mall. The store celebrates individuality through a curated selection of women’s, plus-size, and men’s apparel. Its first day will be October 1, 2025. The store will be in between American Eagle and Bath and Body Works. The store says it has “multiple…

Claudia Cardinale, star of ‘8½’ and ‘The Leopard,’ dies at 87

Acclaimed Italian actor Claudia Cardinale has died at the age of 87, according to AFP. She starred in over 100 films, becoming famous for roles in Federico Fellini’s “8½” and Luchino Visconti’s “The Leopard.” Cardinale began her career at 17 after winning a beauty contest in Tunisia. She was often compared to Brigitte Bardot and worked with top directors in Europe and Hollywood. Despite partial success in Hollywood, she valued her European film roots. Cardinale was also a U.N. goodwill ambassador for women’s rights. She passed away in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children.

At UN, the president of Mongolia takes a moment to cheer the world’s horses

U.N. General Assembly speeches address many facets of human existence. But on Tuesday, one world leader also took some time on the world stage to honor the existence of horses. Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa noted that the animals have been “integral to human livelihoods, culture and civilizations.” His Central Asian nation led the Assembly earlier this year to designate July 11 as World Horse Day. The initiative is meant to raise awareness of the role horses have played and still play in the world. Ukhnaa’s shout-out to horses came during a speech that emphasized Mongolia’s contributions to U.N. peacekeeping and other activities.

Congressman Tiffany’s run for governor to leave open seat in Congressional race

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Congressman Tom Tiffany has announced his run for Wisconsin Governor to replace Tony Evers. That means there will now be an open race to replace Tiffany in Congress. His Gubernatorial campaign says the Congressman will not be hedging his bets. Tom Tiffany Tiffany will not be having a Congressional campaign. Tiffany has cruised to victory in the…

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims made by Trump about autism, Tylenol and pregnancy

President Donald Trump has announced his administration is recommending women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless necessary. He claims Tylenol is linked to autism, but experts criticize this as unfounded. Trump also made several erroneous statements including incorrectly stating the history of autism rates and that vaccines play a role. Additionally, medical professionals emphasize that Tylenol is safe during pregnancy when needed. They warn that untreated fevers can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

Amid the chaos during NFL games, coaches aim to maintain calm inside the headset

Amid the chaos on the sideline and the frenzy within the stadium, there must be calm inside a coach’s headset during NFL games. It’s a loud, intense, pressurized environment where communication is essential. Quarterbacks need to hear the plays that are called into their helmet speaker through a one-way radio in order to relay it to the rest of the offense. Likewise, a designated defensive player has to get the call and provide it to his teammates in the huddle. Technology matters, and a slip up could be the difference between winning and losing.

Trump’s ‘tough it out’ advice to expectant moms is the latest example of men opining on women’s pain

President Donald Trump has become the latest in a long line of men to opine on women’s pain when he told expectant moms to “tough it out” without Tylenol. Speaking at a news conference Monday, he suggested that expectant mothers should endure discomfort rather than use acetaminophen, a common painkiller allowed during pregnancy. Critics, including women’s rights advocates, argue his comments dismiss women’s pain and lack evidence linking Tylenol to autism or ADHD. Trump’s former surgeon general, Jerome Adams, and physician Nicole B. Saphier criticized the remarks as patronizing. They stressed the importance of medical supervision when taking acetaminophen, noting that untreated pain can pose serious risks.

Bulldog Pizza & Grill announces sale to new owners

  DULUTH, Minn. —  Bulldog Pizza and Grill has announced it has been sold to new owners. Founders Ken and Sue Wright have officially sold the restaurant to Bob and Sonja Jones after serving the community since 1986. Bulldog Pizza says the new owners bring more than 60 years of combined restaurant experience, along with a deep passion for family…

Cities test limits of Minnesota cannabis law, exposing legal gray areas

(MinnPost/AP) – Whether it comes from courtrooms or the Capitol, Minnesota’s cannabis laws look in need of clarification in response to wide interpretations by cities. Local governments by law can cap the number of cannabis retailers, place restrictions on where businesses are located and set hours of operation. Prohibition is a step too far. Cities are using the law’s language, or finding…

How a SIM farm like the one found near the UN threatens telecom networks

The U.S. Secret Service has found and is quietly dismantling a massive network of “SIM farms” across the New York area just as world leaders gather for meetings at the United Nations. While initially developed for legitimate purposes, SIM farms have often become tools for fraudulent activities targeting mass audiences, such as sending phishing texts and making scam calls.

Congressman Tom Tiffany launches campaign for Governor of Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A fierce loyalist of President Donald Trump who represents a broad swath of Wisconsin’s rural north woods in Congress entered the governor’s race in the battleground state on Tuesday, shaking up the Republican primary. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany becomes the front-runner over the two other announced Republican candidates who have less name recognition and support from…

Duluth man arrested for threatening to shoot elementary school released on bail

Richard Neault DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man who was arrested for threatening an elementary School has been released on a $100,000 bail. Richard Neault was arrested on September 11 for threatening to shoot the windows of Laura MacArthur Elementary School. 72-year-old Neault is being charged with felony threats of violence and is facing a maximum sentence of 5 years…

EV charging station opens, 1st of 16 to be installed by Minnesota Power

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power celebrated the first of many Electric Vehicle fast chargers being installed across the region. A network of 16 fast chargers is planned to be finished by the end of the year. The goal is to reduce Range Anxiety – the fear of running out of battery because no chargers were nearby. “There will be four…

Man who represented himself is found guilty of trying to assassinate Trump at Florida golf course

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A man accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course was found guilty on Tuesday. The jury of five men and seven women found guilty on all counts that he was facing after 2 hours of deliberation. Routh had been charged with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a…

Girl shot in the head in Minneapolis church attack is making ‘miraculous’ progress, family says

The family of a 12-year-old girl critically wounded during the deadly shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church says she is making remarkable progress. Doctors expect Sophia Forchas to move this week from acute care to an inpatient rehabilitation program. She was the most seriously wounded child among those who survived the shooting. Just weeks ago doctors were unsure whether she would survive. Her family says Sophia’s medical team remains cautiously optimistic, but there are signs of neurological recovery. Her family says it’s a miracle she survived the attack that killed two students and wounded 21 other people.

Ex-Lawmaker Nicole Mitchell sentenced for burglary

Nicole Mitchell DULUTH, Min. & DETROIT LAKES, Min. – Former Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell has been sentenced to 5-years probation, plus 180-days in jail with work release. She was convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s house. Mitchell said during her sentencing, “Your Honor, I, I deserve to be here today. The things said and the harm I…

Essentia Health releases study highlighting economic and community impact

DULUTH, Minn — Essentia Health released an economic impact study Tuesday morning showing the health care providers’ impact on the Twin Ports. The third-party study highlighted over $4.5 billion in economic output and over 14,800 jobs directly and indirectly in the Twin Ports.  Officials said the report found that for every full-time job at Essentia, .94 jobs are created in…

Powell signals Federal Reserve to move slowly on interest rate cuts

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday signaled a cautious approach to future interest rate cuts, in sharp contrast with other Fed officials who have called for a more urgent approach. In remarks in Providence, Rhode Island, Powell noted that there are risks to both of the Fed’s goals of seeking maximum employment and stable prices. His approach is in sharp contrast to some members of the Fed’s rate-setting committee who are pushing for faster cuts.

‘Nightmare bacteria’ cases are increasing in the US

Government scientists say infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” have been increasing dramatically. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists say rates rose almost 70% between 2019 and 2023. They published their findings Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. A subgroup of bacteria with a gene that provides a level of drug resistance that is extremely difficult to treat primarily drove the increase. The rate of those cases jumped more than 460% in recent years in 29 states. Once considered exotic, these bacteria are now more common in the U.S.

‘La Ronde’ Brings Excitement to Zeitgeist Theater

DULUTH, Minn.– Zeitgeist, a theater in downtown Duluth is gearing up for what they’re calling an ‘exciting’ show. ‘La Ronde’ is adults only French play that centers around the concept of sexual encounters in society. Robert Lee, an actor in the Duluth community, adapted the script, to fit modern sensibilities. Lee said he has wanted to direct this show for…

Scientists discover a new dinosaur from Argentina with a crocodile bone in its mouth

Scientists have discovered a new dinosaur from Argentina that may have used its long arms and claws to capture prey. The new find was possibly 23 feet long and hailed from a mysterious group of dinosaurs called megaraptorans. Most of the fossils of the predator are fragments. In a new study, researchers say they uncovered part of a skull as well as arm, leg and tail bones from a rock formation in Argentina. The discovery could help scientists understand how these creatures fed and where they fall on the evolutionary timeline. The research was published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.

Trump cancels White House meeting with Schumer and Jeffries despite risk of a government shutdown

President Donald Trump has canceled this week’s planned meeting with congressional Democratic leaders ahead of a potential federal government shutdown. The Republican president refuses to negotiate over Democratic demands to shore up health care funds as part of any deal to keep the government funded. Congress faces a deadline next week to approve legislation to fund the government by Oct. 1. In a Tuesday social media post, Trump rejected the sit-down the White House agreed to the day before with Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Trump says he’s decided no meeting with the Democratic leaders “could possibly be productive.” Jeffries says, “Trump Always Chickens Out.”

‘Everything’s frozen for you’: Stopped on the street by NYC police, France’s Macron calls … Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron has shown he can reach President Donald Trump anytime. When push came to shove, he proved it. On Monday, Macron was blocked by police in a New York street due to a VIP motorcade. He called Trump, telling him “I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you!” A French official confirmed Trump was on the line. Macron was heading to France’s diplomatic mission after announcing France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations. He used the call to discuss potential talks about Gaza. Macron continued his walk a few minutes later when the street reopened.

Coffee Conversation: DoDuluth Breaks Down Upcoming Fall Festivities

DULUTH, Minn. — Autumn has arrived in the Northland, and DoDuluth is breaking down all things fall happenings. Jess Worden, the creator behind the DoDuluth website and local event calendar, joined Fox 21 live Tuesday morning to share some upcoming seasonal events. Pumpkin Patches & Fall Farms: Ru-Ridge Corn Maze – Carlton, MN Whoopsa Daisy Farm – Duluth, MN Farmer…