News

Supreme Court blocks order that found Texas congressional map is likely racially biased

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that found Texas’ 2026 congressional redistricting plan pushed by President Donald Trump likely discriminates on the basis of race. The order signed Friday by Justice Samuel Alito will remain in place at least for the next few days while the court considers whether to allow the new map favorable to Republicans to be used in the midterm elections. The court’s conservative majority has blocked similar lower court rulings because they have come too close to elections. The order came after the state asked the high court to intervene to avoid confusion as congressional primary elections approach.

Inside the new Guardian Shooting Range in Superior

SUPERIOR, WI — Guardian Shooting Range in Superior is under new ownership and undergoing a major upgrade, with a remodel that doubles the building’s square footage and adds new training features for shooters of all skill levels. FOX 21’s Maria Vollom underwent some training and stepped into the indoor range to take her first pistol shot on Friday. The facility…

Union claiming problems at Community Action Duluth has not formally revealed specific claims

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Min. – Some workers at Community Action Duluth held a news conference in front of the building the evening of November 20, 2025 discussing problems within the organization’s leadership. The union made the news conference announcement in a Wednesday morning e-mail stating they would discus in part “a newly-filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against management”….

Pontifical secret revealed: Pope Leo XIV changes his Wordle start word each day

Pope Leo XIV has revealed a closely held secret: He uses a different Wordle start word each day. Leo divulged his strategy playing the popular New York Times online game during an online encounter with American young people. During the meeting, he fielded questions via videoconference about artificial intelligence, social media and the future of the Catholic Church.

Farmer’s Markets vendors respond to Community Action Duluth’s statements

DULUTH, Min. – A group of vendors from Lincoln Park and Hillside Farmer’s Markets are responding to recently release of information from Community Action Duluth (CAD). CAD’s board of directors released a six page document trying to clear-up what they called “misinterpretations, inaccuracies, and plainly false claims” that have been reported and talked about in recent days. The statement from…

Shootings of people who mistakenly go to the wrong house test the limits of stand your ground laws

The fatal shooting in early November of a house cleaner who mistakenly went to the wrong address in Indiana feels hauntingly familiar. It’s a tragic ending that has played out before across the U.S. where stand-your-ground laws have become increasingly common. In just the past few years, an honor roll student was shot and wounded when he went to the wrong house in Missouri. In upstate state New York, a 20-year-old woman was fatally shot after a car she was in pulled into the wrong driveway. In the latest wrong house shooting, an Indiana man is charged with voluntary manslaughter in a case that could test the limits of stand-your-ground laws.

Proposed peace plan for Ukraine leaves country in a delicate position between US and Russia

An American proposal to end the war in Ukraine puts the country in a delicate diplomatic position — caught between placating its most important ally, the United States, and not capitulating to Russia, its much larger neighbor that launched a full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. The 28-point peace plan was crafted by the U.S. and the Kremlin, without Ukrainian involvement. It acquiesces to many Russian demands that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has categorically rejected on dozens of occasions, including giving up large pieces of territory.

Kashoggi’s widow and Democrats demand release of a call transcript with Trump and Saudi crown prince

The widow of Washington Post journalist Jamal Kashoggi is calling for the release of the transcript of a 2019 phone call President Donald Trump had with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. She is joining Democratic lawmakers who are raising questions about what, if anything, Trump may have received in exchange for his embrace of the crown prince. Hanan Elatr Khashoggi appeared on Capitol Hill on the heels of Trump’s dismissal of U.S. intelligence findings that Prince Mohammed most likely had some culpability in the October 2018 slaying.

Lions TE Sam LaPorta likely out for season after having back surgery

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is likely out for the rest of the season after having back surgery. Lions coach Dan Campbell said Friday the procedure went well. LaPorta’s absence leaves a big void as Detroit found out in last week’s 16-9 loss at Philadelphia, where he was out of the lineup after going on injured reserve. He has 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns this season and 186 catches for 2,104 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2 1/2 seasons. LaPorta was second-team Associated Press All-Pro as a rookie.

Jets goalie Hellebuyck to undergo arthroscopic procedure on his knee and miss 4 to 6 weeks

The Winnipeg Jets say goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his knee and be out four to six weeks. Jets coach Scott Arneil said Friday that Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s top goalie, had been trying to play through a knee injury, and the timing is right to get it taken care of. The surgery comes less than three months before the start of the Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Milan, Italy. Hellebuyck is 8-6-0 with a 2.51 goals-against average and .913 save percentage this season for the Jets,

Duluth-Native and Red Bull extreme skydiver talks about his latest ground breaking stunt

DULUTH, Min. & MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, Cal. – Duluth-native Mike Swanson is on the the “Red Bull Air Force” and they just pulled off what has been labeled the “Most Extreme Flying Obstacle Course Humans Have Ever Attempted”. The “Ultimate Aerial Obstacle Course” is a 15-stage airborne flight connecting open skies, mountains, and city skylines in what appears to be one…

Torrential rains return to Southern California, prompting new flash flood fears, threat of mudslides

Torrential rains are drenching parts of Southern California, leading to new flash flood warnings. Residents on Friday morning were warned of flash flooding and possible mudslides in several parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties. The National Weather Service’s most recent warning covers areas spanning from downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica to Mission Viejo in Orange County. Some vehicles were stuck in floodwaters near Culver City before dawn on Friday. A neighborhood in Huntington Beach was flooded after a pond overflowed.  A potent atmospheric river is blamed for causing at least six deaths earlier this month. Heavy rains also threaten to bring mudslides in areas recently ravaged by wildfire.

Sen. Klobuchar joins Ukrainian delegation in meeting with the Pope

  VATICAN CITY. — Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar joined a delegation from Ukraine to meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Senator Klobuchar was invited by the delegation to help advocate for the return of the kidnapped Ukrainian children by Russia. Ukrainian officials said they have confirmed 19,546 cases to date of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of children…

Fight songs still ring true as college football tradition in face of ever-changing changes in sport

College football fight songs have stood the test of time, remaining a nostalgic part of the game. From “Rocky Top” at Tennessee to “Fight On” at USC, these tunes unite fans and spark debates about which ones are best. Georgia Southern’s Chris Hanna highlights Michigan’s “The Victors” and Notre Dame’s “Victory March” as top contenders. Michigan’s song dates back to 1898, while Notre Dame’s became even more famous after the 1993 film “Rudy.” Despite the rise of pop songs in stadiums, fight songs continue to evoke strong emotions and traditions, connecting generations of fans.

Coffee Conversation: Disney’s Frozen comes to life at Duluth Playhouse

DULUTH, Minn. — Frozen the Musical is bringing the winter magic to Duluth Playhouse. Amelia Barr, who stars as Elsa, and Jonah Hale, who plays Kristoff, joined FOX 21 this morning to share a preview of the production. Running November 22 through December 21, 2025, the show promises wonder, laughter, and unforgettable songs as the NorShor Theatre transforms into a…

Give to the Max raises more than $37,000,000 in one day

DULUTH, Min. – The 24-hours of statewide giving in Minnesota raised millions of dollars going to thousands of non-profits. One Thursday November 20, 2025 donors across Minnesota gaeve $37.8 million. It was a record breaking the 2024 number of $37.1 million raised. Contributions and participation to Give to the Max Day 2025 spanned all 87 Minnesota counties and every U.S….

Mexican president celebrates Fátima Bosch’s Miss Universe 2025 win

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is celebrating Fátima Bosch Fernández’s victory as Miss Universe 2025. Sheinbaum applauded Bosch as an example for women during her daily news briefing Friday. Bosch won Thursday night in Thailand after being scolded by the Thai national director earlier in the competition. Bosch walked out in response, with other contestants following in solidarity. Sheinbaum praised Bosch for speaking up against injustice. She says women are prettier when they speak and participate. Cheers erupted when Bosch was announced as the winner, with Mexican flags waved by supporters. Her home state of Tabasco partied into the night.

Netanyahu convenes cabinet on settler violence in the West Bank that continues unabated

Israel’s prime minister has met with top security officials to assess a rising tide of Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increasing U.S. pressure to halt the flare-up that could undermine Washington’s peace plan for Gaza. An Israeli official said Friday Netanyahu convened his security cabinet to discuss the recent spike in violence. The meeting took place as fresh allegations surface of Israeli settlers hurling rocks from an overpass at Palestinian vehicles passing below while a scrapyard was set ablaze in the West Bank village of Huwara. Washington is hoping Israel can contain the rising settler violence to avoid jeopardizing the U.N. Security Council-approved U.S. plan for Gaza.

MAHA idealism meets political reality as RFK Jr. attempts to wrangle a growing movement

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is fending off criticism from his own base as some of the environmental and anti-vaccine activists who propelled him into politics have said they want stronger action against vaccines and pharmaceutical companies. Other Kennedy supporters have questioned why he and other government leaders have appeared willing to work closely with large corporations. The tensions reflect emerging cracks within Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” coalition as it amasses power and broadens in scope. The MAHA initiative has enjoyed widespread popularity, but public health researchers say the broad appeal of making Americans healthier can also cause conflicts within the movement by inviting competing interests.

Armed men abduct children and staff at a Catholic school in Nigeria, days after latest abduction

Armed men have attacked a Catholic school in a western region of Nigeria and abducted several schoolchildren and staff. The incident happened early Friday at St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community, according to officials. The exact number of abducted students and staff remains undisclosed, but local media reports suggest 52 schoolchildren were taken. The Niger State Police Command said the abductions occurred despite prior intelligence warnings. Military and security forces have been deployed to the area. This attack follows a similar incident on Monday in Kebbi state, where 25 schoolgirls were abducted. The perpetrators remain unidentified.

Supreme Court meets to weigh Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions, blocked by lower courts

The Supreme Court is meeting in private with a key issue on its agenda — President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. The justices could say as soon as Monday whether they will hear Trump’s appeal of lower court rulings that have uniformly struck down the citizenship restrictions. They have not taken effect anywhere in the United States. If the court steps in now, the case would be argued in the spring, with a definitive ruling expected by early summer.

Russian glide bomb hits an apartment block and kills 5 in southern Ukraine

Officials say a Russian glide bomb has hit a residential district in a southern Ukrainian city, killing five people. The overnight attack on Zaporizhzhia injured 10 others, including a teenage girl. This comes as Ukrainian officials consider a U.S. plan to end the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump soon. The Zaporizhzhia bomb damaged high-rise apartments and a local market. A Russian drone assault also hit Odesa, injuring five people. These attacks follow a deadly barrage on Ternopil, which killed 28 people and left 16 missing. Emergency services continue to search for the missing.

Rural Greece struggles to cope with predator comeback

Populations of brown bears and wolves are burgeoning in Greece, thanks to conservation efforts. But not everyone is enthusiastic about the comeback. Farmers and residents of small villages, fearful for their livelihoods and their own safety, are calling for greater protection after increased sightings and a series of attacks. It’s a phenomenon playing out elsewhere in Europe, too, with some arguing conservation has gone too far and pushing to roll back restrictions.

$54.7M sale of Frida Kahlo self-portrait breaks auction record for female artists

A 1940 self-portrait by Frida Kahlo has sold for $54.7 million and made auction history at Sotheby’s in New York. Titled “El sueño (La cama),” the painting sold Thursday, surpassing the record for a work by any female artist. The record was held previously by Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1” at $44.4 million. The painting shows Kahlo asleep in a bed with a skeleton above her. Sotheby’s describes it as a meditation on the boundary between sleep and death. The painting is part of a sale featuring over 100 surrealist works.

Miss Mexico is crowned Miss Universe at a pageant where she stood up to a host’s bullying

Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 at this year’s competition in Bangkok. The Friday finale marked a dramatic victory for the 25-year-old at the center of the turbulent 74th staging of the popular beauty pageant. The first runner-up is 29-year old Praveenar Singh of Thailand and 25-year-old Stephany Adriana Abasali Nasser of Venezuela placed third. The bad vibes at this year’s event sprang from a sharp-tongued scolding of the Mexican contestant, Bosch, which sparked a controversy marked by a walkout, feminist solidarity and a teary melodramatic apology from the local organizer who set it all off.

76ers’ hard-working Tyrese Maxey joins exclusive fraternity with 54-point, nine-assist performance

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey arguably is the NBA’s hardest-working player this season. His heavy workload sure isn’t hindering his production so far. Maxey already was averaging an NBA-leading 40.3 minutes per game this season before he collected a career-high 54 points and nine assists over 46 ½ minutes in a 123-114 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Maxey and Wilt Chamberlain are the only 76ers ever to have at least 50 points and nine assists in a single game.

Ukraine’s president is under growing pressure. Here are 5 things to know

The president of Ukraine is facing a confluence of crises testing his ability to lead an increasingly weary nation nearly four years into a devastating full-scale invasion by Russia. For more than a week, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has struggled to contain the fallout from a $100 million corruption scandal implicating top officials and business associates. The pressure on Zelenskyy ratcheted up as the United States pushes a proposal it drew up with Russia that would require major concessions from Ukraine — and seemingly few from Russia — to bring an end to the war.  All this is playing out as Russia makes slow but steady advances across parts of Ukraine and relentlessly bombs power plants, causing severe electricity shortages.

Trump and Mamdani meet Friday in the Oval Office. They’ve cast each other as adversaries for months

President Donald Trump has called New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” and a “total nut job.” Mamdani has called Trump’s administration “authoritarian” and described himself as “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare.” So their first-ever meeting, scheduled for Friday at the White House, could be a curious and combustible affair. They’ve cast each other as prime adversaries for months. But the Republican president and the new Democratic star also have indicated an openness to finding areas of agreement that help the city they’ve both called home.

Trump’s wind-down of the Education Department leaves schools fearing disruption

The Trump administration is steaming forward on its plan to dismantle the Education Department. Many state and local education leaders say they are bracing for disruption and new bureaucratic hurdles. Education Secretary Linda McMahon insists there will be no disruption as she begins offloading some of her agency’s biggest functions to four other federal departments. She has promised to keep federal money flowing. She says students will benefit as the government reduces its bureaucratic footprint and gives more power to state and local communities. But the plan has drawn pushback from some state and district leaders, who see no benefit and no hope for a seamless transition.

Photos show the daily struggle to breathe in New Delhi’s dense winter smog

NEW DELHI (AP) — For nearly two months, thick layers of toxic smog have enveloped New Delhi, where residents say all they want is their right to breathe clean air. The acrid smell is not just making their lives miserable — the surging pollution is worsening a public health crisis. Government efforts to fix the National Capital Region, which includes…

FAA gives $10K bonuses only to controllers and technicians with perfect attendance during shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration says only 776 of the nearly 20,000 air traffic controllers and technicians who had to work without pay during the shutdown will receive bonuses. The announcement Thursday means thousands without perfect attendance during the shutdown won’t receive the $10,000 bonuses that President Donald Trump suggested. Many controllers called out of work as they dealt with the financial pressure of not getting a paycheck. Some got side jobs, but others simply couldn’t afford the child care or gas they needed to work. Their absences forced delays at airports across the country and led to the government to cut some of their flights at 40 busy airports.

Community Action Duluth employees host press conference amid management complaints

DULUTH, Minn. — Community Action Duluth, a non-profit since 1982, prides itself on empowering and engaging the community to eliminate poverty, however that pride is currently being clouded by controversy. On Nov. 20, AFSCME and some of the organization’s employees held a press conference in front of the Community Action building protesting Executive director Classie Dudley. Employees both present and…

Bent Paddle hosts 10th annual Great Outdoors Party

DULUTH, Minn. — Outdoor enthusiasts packed Bent Paddle Brewing Company for its 10th annual Great Outdoors Party for Give to the Max Day. The annual event featured local outdoor nonprofits like Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance, Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, and Duluth DEVO. The fundraiser allowed the community to meet and support the groups that build and maintain local…

Wax Diana in ‘revenge dress’ is unveiled in Paris decades after her death in the city

A Paris wax museum has unveiled a figure depicting Princess Diana attired in what has come to be known as her “revenge dress.” The Grevin Museum dressed the life-size figure in the black off-the-shoulder cocktail dress that Diana wore on the night in 1994 when her husband Prince Charles, now King Charles III, admitted to infidelity. Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, and the city still honors her memory. Diana’s figure joins other British royals and historical figures in the museum.

Community Action Duluth responds to recent criticism

DULUTH, Minn. – There have been recent allegations made against the leadership of Community Action Duluth (CAD) and its staff. A news release was sent by Executive Director Classie Dudley said there have been public misrepresentations of Executive Director Compensation, Farmers Market Operations & Vendor Payments, Board Member Transitions, Employee Medical Insurance. along with Commitment to Equity, Transparency, and Community….

Photos show release of giant Amazon river turtle hatchlings in key Brazilian reserve

TAPAUA, Brazil (AP) — Environmental agents from Brazil’s Chico Mendes Institute released giant Amazon River turtle hatchlings into the waters of the Abufari Biological Reserve in Tapaua, Amazonas state, as part of a long-running conservation program. The reserve, home to an egg-laying area for the species within an integral protection zone, plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival of…

Justice Department insists Comey indictment was properly approved as it tries to keep case afloat

The Trump-appointed prosecutor overseeing the James Comey case is insisting in a new court filing that the full grand jury approved the final indictment against the former FBI director. She is reversing course from statements a day earlier that defense lawyers had seized on to ask for a dismissal. The latest statements from Lindsey Halligan, the hastily named interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, represent an attempt to backtrack on earlier comments the prosecution team made under persistent questioning from a judge about the seemingly jumbled process leading to the return of the two-count indictment.

Coast Guard set to change policy to call swastikas and nooses ‘potentially divisive’

The U.S. Coast Guard is poised to change some of its language and policies surrounding the display of hate symbols like swastikas and nooses as well as how personnel report hate incidents. A Coast Guard message in 2020 from then-Commandant Karl Schultz said symbols like swastikas and nooses were “widely identified with oppression or hatred” and display “a potential hate incident.” The Coast Guard policy dated this month calls those same symbols “potentially divisive.” The new policy is set to take effect on Dec. 15 and maintains a yearslong prohibition on publicly displaying the Confederate flag outside of a handful of situations, such as educational or historical settings. However, it doesn’t outright prohibit the public display of any other “potentially divisive” symbols.

What to know about the Justice Department’s Jeffrey Epstein files

The clock is ticking for the U.S. government to open up its files on Jeffrey Epstein. After months of rancor and recriminations, Congress has passed and President Donald Trump has signed legislation compelling the Justice Department to give the public everything it has on Epstein — and it has to be done before Christmas. But even that might not be enough for the curious and the conspiracy minded. While there’s sure to be never-before-seen material in the thousands of pages likely to be released, a lot of Epstein-related records have already been made public, including by Congress and through litigation.

Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign

FILE – Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a member of the 1990s hip-hop group the Fugees, accompanied by defense lawyer David Kenner, right, arrives at federal court April 3, 2023, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees was sentenced on Thursday to 14 years in prison for a case in which he was convicted of illegally…

Unified Bocce Ball Tournament brings students together

Unified Bocce Tournament (November 20, 2025) PROCTOR, Minn. — Local High Schools and Special Olympics Minnesota teamed up to hold a Unified Bocce Tournament. Rather than separating students based in intellectual ability, the Unified sports initiative teams up the students to foster friendships and support the students’ social skills. “It makes a big difference these kids being getting the chance…

Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign

Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a case in which he was convicted of illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Michel declined to make a statement before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sentenced him on Thursday. Justice Department prosecutors said federal sentencing guidelines recommended a life sentence for Michel. His attorneys requested a three-year prison sentence. In April 2023, a jury convicted Michel of 10 counts. The trial included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Section of Munger State Trail in Duluth to be temporarily closed for improvements 

Willard Munger Trail DULUTH, Min. – The first mile of the Willard Munger State Trail in Duluth will be closed starting Monday, November 24, 2025. It’s the area between Pulaski Street and Riverwest Drive. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is removing “a significantly undersized culvert and replacing it with a bridge over Lower Knowlton Creek”. The bridge installation will…

Michigan board publicly declares opposition to proposed $2.4 billion outside investment in Big Ten

The University of Michigan governing board publicly declared its opposition on Thursday to the possibility of giving up a stake of the Big Ten in exchange for $2.4 billion in private investment. The Big Ten Conference pushed back earlier in the week when the chair of University of Michigan Board of Regents claimed that Commissioner Tony Petitti threatened to penalize the school if it refuses to support the proposal. The Big Ten disputed the allegation that any school is being forced to back the plan.

Judge to rule on whether to release Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration custody

A federal judge in Maryland says she will rule as soon as possible on whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia can be released from immigration custody. In a court hearing on Thursday, his attorneys noted that there is no final order of removal in his immigration records. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis seemed to find that oversight significant. Abrego Garcia’s mistaken deportation to El Salvador has galvanized both sides of the debate over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Since his return to the United States, the government has been seeking to deport him to a series of African countries. His attorneys claim the government is illegally using the immigration system to punish him.

New Essentia apprenticeship program celebrates its first graduates

Essentia Health Apprenticeship Graduation DULUTH, Minn. — A new program designed to bridge a crucial gap in health care has its first graduates. Jake Galatz and Elijah Zielke are the first graduates of the Surgical Technologists Apprenticeship at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s. Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons to ensure procedures are conducted safely and efficiently. This apprenticeship program is…