News

Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hard

Americans are feeling the strain already with less than three weeks to go until the expiration of COVID-era tax credits that have helped many people pay for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. For one Wisconsin couple, the loss of government-sponsored health subsidies in 2026 means choosing a lower-quality insurance plan with a higher deductible. For a Michigan family, it means going without insurance altogether. For a single mom in Nevada, the spiking costs will mean fewer Christmas gifts this year. She’s stretching her budget while waiting to see if Congress will act. But a legislative fix seems increasingly unlikely.

Heisman Trophy finalists include 3 quarterbacks and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love

Four standout college football players are in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love are the finalists. Mendoza has led Indiana to a top ranking and a playoff spot. Pavia has set records at Vanderbilt, and Sayin has kept Ohio State at the top. Love, a running back, has had an impressive season for Notre Dame.

Grassley built a reputation for government oversight. Has he abandoned it under Trump?

Chuck Grassley has made a name for himself in Washington with his longtime support for whistleblowers. But the veteran Republican senator from Iowa is now coming under criticism from Democrats and good government advocates. They say Grassley has been conspicuously silent as the Trump administration has investigated the president’s perceived enemies, fired agents who worked on politically sensitive cases and upended the Justice Department’s longstanding post-Watergate independence. Grassley insists he’s not abandoned his oversight role. He says his investigations of issues from earlier administrations are meant to avoid a repeat of what he describes as politically motivated prosecutions carried out against Trump and his allies.

Expert tips to ease financial pressure and avoid holiday overspending

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to spend money on gifts, parties, and travel this holiday season, you’re not alone. The time of year marketed as the most wonderful can quickly become stressful. That’s especially true now. The job market is tough, student loan and credit card debt are rising, and prices for many items remain high due to inflation. To avoid putting additional pressure on your finances, experts say the holidays are a good time to be extra-mindful of how you spend. It’s also important to remember that spending money isn’t the only way to show love to friends and family.

Curry scores 39 in return but Timberwolves top Warriors 127-120 without Edwards

Rudy Gobert had 24 points and 14 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo made a clutch 3-pointer with 28 seconds remaining and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Golden State Warriors 127-120. Stephen Curry scored 39 for the Warriors after missing the previous five games with a bruised left quadriceps, but Minnesota held on even without injured star Anthony Edwards, who sat out with a sore right foot. DiVincenzo finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists in the first meeting between the teams since the Timberwolves eliminated the Warriors in the second round of the playoffs last season. Julius Randle had 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists for Minnesota. Naz Reid added 18 points and seven assists off the bench.

Gaza amputees struggle to rebuild lives as the enclave faces shortages of prosthetic limbs

The World Health Organization says Israel’s bombardment in Gaza for the past two years has left tens of thousands of Palestinians with life-changing injuries, including at least 6,000 people with amputations. Those who lost their limbs are struggling to adapt and have put their future on hold as they face a shortage of prosthetics and long delays in medical evacuations. The 2-month-old ceasefire has been slow to bring any help for them. The WHO says a shipment of essential prosthetic supplies recently made it into Gaza, apparently the first significant shipment for the past two years.

What to know about Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release from immigration custody

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose mistaken deportation helped galvanize opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, has been released from immigration detention, and a judge has temporarily blocked any further efforts to detain him. A big reason for that is because it appears no immigration judge has ever issued a removal order for him. That might have been an oversight, but without the order he can’t be deported. That’s according to the Maryland judge hearing the case. In order to get a removal order, the government will need to reopen Abrego Garcia’s closed immigration case, experts say. That comes with risks for both sides.

Wild acquire star defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Canucks in a blockbuster NHL trade

The Minnesota Wild have acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in the biggest blockbuster trade of the NHL season. Minnesota sent center Marco Rossi, winger Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium and a 2026 first-round draft pick to suddenly rebuilding Vancouver. Hughes was the 2024 Norris Trophy winner as the league’s top defenseman. Hughes has one season left on his contract after the current one before he can become an unrestricted free agent. Hughes had been the most-discussed trade candidate in recent weeks amid speculation he wants to play with his brothers in New Jersey.

Speaker Johnson unveils health care plan as divided Republicans scramble for alternative

The Senate failed to get anywhere on health care this week. Now it’s the House’s turn. Speaker Mike Johnson late Friday released a package of proposal to address growing health care costs. The House legislation does not include an extension of enhanced tax credits that make health insurance more affordable in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Those tax breaks are expiring at the end of this year. Johnson said Republicans’ goal is to reduce premiums for all Americans, not just those enrolled in Obamacare plans. But going Johnson’s route has left vulnerable House Republicans representing key battleground districts in a tough spot.

Iran arrests Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, supporters say

Iran has arrested Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, according to her supporters. A foundation in her name said she was detained at a memorial for a human rights lawyer recently found dead under unclear circumstances. Her supporters on Friday described her as having been “violently detained earlier today by security and police forces.” They said other activists had been arrested as well at a ceremony honoring Khosrow Alikordi, a 46-year-old Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate. Mohammadi had been serving 13 years and nine months on charges of collusion against state security and propaganda against Iran’s government.

Problems with commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants found in 8 states so far

The federal government’s crackdown on commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants has now found problems in eight states in the wake of several deadly crashes. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has threatened to withhold millions in federal money from California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and now New York after investigations found problems such as licenses that remained valid after an immigrant’s legal status expired. The Transportation Department also quietly sent letters to Texas, South Dakota, Colorado and Washington after briefly mentioning those states in a September release. Concerns about immigrant truck drivers gained attention after a driver who wasn’t authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused an August crash in Florida that killed three people.

Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show takes over DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Outdoors people of the Twin Ports united at the DECC once again for the annual Arrowhead Ice fishing and Winter Show. With the venue packed to the gills with goods and activities, the yearly event, which is now a decade old, has been a favorite of fishing and outdoors community in the Northland, as attendees get a…

Community Action Duluth now under ‘Enhanced Monitoring’ by the state

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families is now doing what they are calling “enhanced monitoring” of Community Action Duluth (CAD). Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) tells FOX21, “DCYF observes board meetings as part of the standard grant monitoring and program oversight processes. Staff are conducting enhanced monitoring in response…

Man accused of burning down Lutsen Lodge no longer in Michigan jail

Bryce Campbell DULUTH, Min. – Jail records show Bryce James Campbell, the man accused of burring down Lutsen Lodge, is no longer in Oakland County Jail in Michigan as of December 12, 2025. He was booked into the Oakland County Jail in  Pontiac, Michigan on December 3. The State of Minnesota requested Campbell be detained in Michigan and then be extradited…

Governor Walz announces ‘Director of Program Integrity’ to fight fraud

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in St. Paul, denounces President Donald Trump for calling Minnesota’s Somali community “garbage” and dismissing the state as a “hellhole.” ST. PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Tim O’Malley will join the state as Director of Program Integrity. O’Malley will work across state government…

Trump sued by preservationists seeking reviews and congressional approval for ballroom project

President Donald Trump has been sued by preservationists seeking an architecture review and congressional approval over his White House ballroom project. The National Trust for Historic Preservation wants a federal court to stop the ballroom project until it goes through design reviews and public comments and wins approval from Congress. The White House says Trump has full legal authority over the building. The National Trust argues Trump, by fast-tracking the project, has violated the Administrative Procedures Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, while exceeding his constitutional authority by not seeking congressional approval. The lawsuit says no president is legally allowed to tear down portions of the White House without review.

Salvation Army in Duluth celebrates Truckers for Tots and sock drive

DULUTH, Minn.– It was a big morning for the salvation army, in Duluth as they had two generous events take place, back-to-back. Truck drivers arrived at the salvation army following last night’s mission at fleet farm. There was a massive turn-out with cash donations, and people shopping. Ascendance Trucks in Duluth have made this shopping spree a tradition for 17…

Duluth’s Best Bread steps in to host farmers market after Lincoln Park cancellation

DULUTH, Minn.– Following the sudden cancellation of the ‘Community Action Duluth, Lincoln Park farmers market, the owners of Duluth’s Best Bread, took matters into their own hands. Duluth’s Best Bread is hosting a farmers’ market, at their Superior street location in Duluth. The vendor sales are independent, and they are simply using the space for the market. The owner of…

Treasury rachets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during an event on “Trump Accounts” for kids in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department is targeting businesses that people use to wire money to family members abroad as the Trump administration rachets up investigations into fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community, Treasury Secretary…

Canadian concerns growing over whether women’s hockey team can defend Olympic title vs. US

Canada’s women’s hockey team faces concerns over complacency and competitiveness ahead of the upcoming tournament in Milan. Coach Troy Ryan raised these issues before their Rivalry Series against the U.S. last month. Despite having a veteran roster, Canada has struggled, losing three games to the U.S. by a combined score of 20-6. Ryan emphasizes the need for better competition and structure. The Canadians have historically excelled in Olympic play, but recent performances suggest they need a reset to maintain their edge.

Rare fresco of Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’ uncovered in Turkish town visited by the pope

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a significant fresco of Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” from Anatolia’s early Christian era. The painting was found in August in an underground tomb near Iznik, a town known for the Nicene Creed’s adoption in A.D. 325. The fresco shows a youthful, Roman-looking Jesus carrying a goat. Researchers say it’s a rare depiction of Jesus with Roman attributes. The Good Shepherd motif symbolized protection and salvation before the cross became Christianity’s universal symbol. The Associated Press was the first international media organization granted access to the tomb.

CHUM urgently seeking gloves and hand warmers as extreme cold weather approaches

  DULUTH, Minn.– With this weekend projecting to be the coldest in the season so far, CHUM is hoping to help prevent frostbite in the community. At this time, CHUM in Duluth is in desperate need for gloves and hand warmers. CHUM staff told FOX 21, they’ve already had several guests experiencing frostbite already. They’ve seen record numbers this season…

King Charles III says his cancer treatment is being reduced as he promotes benefits of screening

King Charles III says that early diagnosis and treatment will allow doctors to reduce his cancer treatment in the new year. He’s encouraging others to take advantage of screening programs that can detect the disease early when it is easiest to treat. The 77-year-old king revealed the positive outlook Friday in a recorded message broadcast on British television as part of a campaign to promote such screening, which increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Charles’ decision to disclose his diagnosis was a departure for Britain’s royals, who have traditionally considered their health to be a personal matter and shared few details with the public.

2 Wisconsin congressional redistricting lawsuits may not resolve by 2026 midterm election

A pair of lawsuits seeking to redraw congressional boundary lines that currently favor Republicans in Wisconsin are on track to be resolved after the 2026 midterms. However, an attorney for Democratic voters argued Friday in court that there’s still time to enact new maps for the November election. Court hearings in both cases came the day after Indiana Republicans soundly rejected President Donald Trump’s demand that they redraw congressional lines in that deep red state. The attorney for Republican congressmen argued it would be unfair to resolve the case in time for the November election.

Bones found in Chisholm home were not human

Home where bones were found (submitted) CHISHOLM, Min. – The Chisholm Police Department says bones found in a home there on December 2., 2025 were not human. Chisholm Police Chief Jason Vukad release in a statement, the bones were analyzed and determined to not be of human origin. The conclusion was reached after a detailed review by experts trained in…

FOX21 donation to help Northwoods Children’s Services ‘Winter Wishes’ program

DULUTH, Minn. — Northwood Children’s Services receives $200 donation ahead of the Holidays As part of the kicking off the Arrowhead Ice Show, Fox21 participated in an Ice Bocce tournament among area media broadcasters. Fox took 2nd place, winning $200 to donate and we selected Northwood Children’s Services as the recipient. FOX21 Northwoods Children’s ServicesL to R: Jason Van Horn,…

Sen. Ron Johnson asks DOJ to investigate Wisconsin judge in former Trump attorney’s case

Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate allegations made by a former attorney for President Donald Trump in Wisconsin that a judge overseeing his felony case is guilty of misconduct and must step aside. The judge on Tuesday refused to step aside in the case of Trump’s former campaign attorney and two others who face felony forgery charges related to the 2020 election in the battleground state. Jim Troupis alleged that the Wisconsin judge overseeing his felony case had not written the August order refusing to dismiss the charges. Johnson sent his request to DOJ on Thursday.

Trump administration says sign language services ‘intrude’ on Trump’s ability to control his image

The Trump administration argues that providing real-time American Sign Language interpretation for events like White House press briefings would intrude on the president’s control over his public image. This stance is part of a lawsuit filed by the National Association for the Deaf, which claims the lack of ASL interpretation denies deaf Americans access to important communications. The Justice Department suggests alternatives like online transcripts and closed captioning provide what’s needed. A federal judge recently ordered the White House to provide the interpreting, but the administration has appealed.

Justice Department asks appeals court to block judge’s contempt inquiry in mass deportation case

The Justice Department has asked an appeals court to block a contempt investigation of the Trump administration for failing to turn around planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador in March. In a court filing Friday, the department also sought Chief Judge James Boasberg’s removal from the case. The department asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to rule on its requests before Monday, when Boasberg is scheduled hear testimony from a former government attorney who filed a whistleblower complaint. The judge is trying to determine if Trump administration officials should be prosecuted for willfully defying his March 15 order blocking the Venezuelan migrants’ deportations to El Salvador.

Trump administration delays decision on federal protections for monarch butterflies

The Trump administration has delayed a decision on whether to extend federal protections to monarch butterflies indefinitely. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service announced in December 2024 that it planned to add the beloved pollinator to the threatened species list by the end of 2025. But the Trump administration quietly listed the effort as a “long-term action” in a report on the status of federal regulatory efforts in September. It’s unclear why. The Center for Biological Diversity has been leading the push to list the monarch. The center’s endangered species co-director, Tierra Curry, says the delay wasn’t unexpected since it can take a decade or more to add a species to the list.

Humanoid robots take center stage at Silicon Valley summit, but skepticism remains

The commercial boom in artificial intelligence has sparked interest in humanoid robots. Venture capitalist Modar Alaoui, founder of the Humanoids Summit, gathered over 2,000 people, including top engineers from Disney and Google, to showcase technology and discuss the future of humanoids. Disney’s Olaf robot will roam Disneyland parks next year. Despite the excitement, skepticism remains about the timeline for general-purpose robots. Researchers at McKinsey & Company note around 50 companies worldwide are investing heavily in humanoid development.

Fired Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is charged with three crimes

Fired Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has been charged with three crimes, including home invasion and stalking. Moore has spent two nights in jail following his firing and subsequent arrest Wednesday. Moore, who had led the Wolverines for two seasons, was dismissed for having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the university said. Police arrested Moore after he was accused of assault in Pittsfield Township, a community near Ann Arbor. Defense attorney Joe Simon had no comment before Moore’s initial appearance in court.

Scene cleared after explosive material was found at Duluth treatment facility

Scene cleared after explosives found at substance abuse treatment facility UPDATE: The scene has been cleared by officials after explosive material was discovered at a Duluth Treatment facility. Officials say the scene has now been cleared, and what was previously thought to be dynamite was found to be a type of compound used in commercial-grade fireworks. Clients are now able…

Treasury rachets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud

The Treasury Department is targeting businesses used to send money abroad as President Donald Trump’s administration ramps up investigations into fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Friday that money wire services sending funds to Somalia will need to submit additional verification. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the IRS will assist. This follows an unsubstantiated report from a conservative magazine that said money stolen from government programs flowed to a militant group in Somalia. Trump has recently ratcheted up his attacks on the Somali community, targeting it with immigration enforcement actions.

Admiral hands over leadership of command overseeing the Trump administration’s boat strikes

A U.S. Navy admiral who oversees military operations in Latin America has handed off command responsibilities as scrutiny increases over the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in the region. Adm. Alvin Holsey is retiring one year into a posting that typically lasts three to four years. During a ceremony at U.S. Southern Command headquarters near Miami, Holsey didn’t mention the reasons for his early retirement or the ongoing military operations. But Holsey urged his successor to uphold longstanding partnerships in the region by standing firmly behind the shared values of democracy and support for the rule of law. Holsey’s shock retirement was announced by the Pentagon in October, over a month into the strikes.

What we learned in the first two episodes of Taylor Swift’s Disney+ Eras Tour docuseries

The first two episodes of Taylor Swift’s six-episode docuseries “The End of an Era” will premiere on Disney+ Friday. Swift appeared at an exclusive screening of the episodes in New York on Tuesday. Swift touches on the failed terror plot that resulted in the cancellation of her Vienna shows. She discusses the attacker in England who killed three girls and wounded 10 people at a Swift-themed dance and yoga class. But the series is not all doom and gloom. It also celebrates Swift’s crew, dancers, choreographers and band members. There are a few special guests as well, like Ed Sheeran and Florence Welch.

New York may lose $73M in federal highway funds over flawed immigrant commercial driver’s licenses

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says New York routinely issues licenses to immigrants that may be valid long after they’re legally authorized to be in the country and he threatened to withhold $73 million in highway funds unless the system is fixed. New York is the latest Democratic state Duffy has targeted in his effort to make sure truck and bus drivers are qualified to get licenses that he launched after a truck driver who wasn’t authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people. Duffy says investigators found that more than half of the 200 licenses they reviewed in New York were issued improperly.

House Democrats release photos of Trump, Clinton and Andrew from Epstein’s estate

House Democrats have released several photos from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, including some of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and the former Prince Andrew. The 19 photos released by Democratic lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee on Friday are a small part of more than 95,000 they received from the estate of Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges. The photos were released without captions or context and include a black-and-white image of Trump alongside six women whose faces are blacked out. The Democrats also released a photo of Clinton posing alongside Epstein and his longtime girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

Skydiver dangles at 15,000 feet after parachute catches on plane’s tail in Australia

Australian accident investigators have released dramatic images showing a skydiver’s parachute entangled on an airplane’s tail, leaving him dangling at 15,000 feet. The incident happened in September near Tully Airport in Queensland. The skydiver used a hook knife to cut himself free, sustaining minor leg injuries. The pilot and 16 other parachutists on board the Cessna Caravan were unharmed. The skydiver’s reserve chute ripcord snagged on a wing flap, causing the mishap. Most skydivers had jumped, and the pilot managed to land safely. The bureau’s chief commissioner highlighted the lifesaving potential of carrying a hook knife.

Kremlin official says Russian police and National Guard to stay in Ukraine’s Donbas even after peace

A senior Kremlin official says Russian police and the National Guard will remain in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas even if a peace settlement ends the war. This stance is likely to be rejected by Kyiv. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said in comments published in a Russian business daily on Friday that Moscow will agree to a ceasefire only after Ukrainian forces withdraw. Ukrainian forces say meanwhile that they have recaptured several settlements near Kupiansk in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Russian officials haven’t commented on the claims which couldn’t be independently verified.

Conservationists connect with chimps in a Ugandan rainforest as they seek a sense of communion

Onesmas Ainebyona tracks chimpanzees in a Ugandan rainforest. He has built trust with a chimp leader named Jean. It took Ainebyona four years to connect with Jean. The chimp now feels comfortable around humans. Wildlife authorities call this process “habituation” which helps chimps like Jean live longer. Ainebyona and others follow chimps daily even in rain to ensure their safety. Kibale National Park is known for its high concentration of apes. The park attracts tourists who can see habituated chimps. This conservation effort not only protects chimps but also boosts tourism revenue that supports the park’s thriving ecosystem.

Converts are finding Eastern Orthodoxy online. The church wants to help them commune face-to-face

Eastern Orthodoxy in the U.S. is experiencing a surge in converts, partly due to online content. The Very Rev. Andreas Blom encourages new members to engage in-person once they join Holy Theophany Orthodox Church in Colorado Springs. Some Orthodox content creators, like Jonathan Pageau, emphasize the importance of in-person community even as they take advantage of digital tools. There has been a focus on recent male converts who find Orthodoxy through content online about masculinity. While the internet has expanded Orthodoxy’s reach, church leaders are addressing challenges like extremism and the need for experienced spiritual guidance.

Shoppers say ’tis the season for inflation, an AP-NORC poll finds

A new AP-NORC poll finds this holiday season isn’t quite so merry for American shoppers as large shares of them are dipping into savings, scouring for bargains and feeling like the overall economy is stuck in a rut under President Donald Trump. The vast majority of U.S. adults say they’ve noticed higher than usual prices for groceries, electricity and holiday gifts. Roughly half of Americans say it’s harder than usual to afford the things they want to give as holiday gifts. It’s a sobering assessment for the Republican president, who returned to the White House in large part by promising to lower prices.

Photos show Ennio Morricone’s opera ‘Partenope’ as it premieres in Naples

NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Composer Ennio Morricone earned an Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2007, but his only opera gathered dust for decades. On Friday night, Naples’ Teatro San Carlo will stage “Partenope,” inspired by the mythical siren who drowned herself after failing to enchant Ulysses, three decades after its composition. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo…

Ford turns to stepped-up tech and cooperation with police to thwart F-150 pickup thieves

Ford Motor Co. has stepped up technology in its popular F-150 pickup to combat ever-evolving techniques car thieves have at their disposal. It is the latest cat-and-mouse move that the automaker hopes will help customers avoid the costly and frustrating process that occurs when vehicles are swiped. It includes a feature that won’t allow the pickups to start even if key fobs are present. Owners can use Ford’s “Start Inhibit” to disable their F-150’s engine from a smartphone. The pickup was in the top 10 of most stolen models over the first half of 2025. Ford Secure General Manager Christian Moran says there are a lot of F-150s on the road, and thieves like pickups.

Thailand’s Parliament is dissolved for new elections early next year

Thailand is preparing for new elections early next year after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives. Anutin’s move received endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Thursday, and the dissolution became effective with its publication on Friday in the Royal Gazette. Elections must be held within 45 to 60 days. Anutin will now lead a caretaker government with limited powers. His decision comes amid political tension and ongoing armed conflict with Cambodia over border disputes. Anutin’s move follows a promise to dissolve Parliament by January and organize a referendum on drafting a new constitution in an unusual deal that had the opposition People’s Party back his September bid to become prime minister.

Study finds humans were making fire 400,000 years ago, far earlier than once thought

Archaeologists in Britain say they have found the earliest known evidence of deliberate fire-making, dating to around 400,000 years ago. The findings published in the journal Nature predate previous evidence by about 350,000 years. The team identified heated sediments, fire-shattered flint tools and rare fragments of iron pyrite brought to the site to strike sparks. Researchers say the discovery sheds new light on early Neanderthal behavior and suggests fire making played a major role in human evolution, from diet and survival to social life and cognitive development.

Immigration crackdown leaves teens to care for siblings after parents get detained

An immigration crackdown in Louisiana has forced some teenagers to grow up fast after their parents were arrested by federal agents. The effort unfolded in a Hispanic enclave outside New Orleans and took away family caretakers and breadwinners, leaving children to care for their siblings. Jonathan Escalante is an 18-year-old U.S. citizen whose mother was detained. He’s now looking after his 9-year-old sister, who has a physical disability. Escalante is trying to access his mother’s bank account, locate his sister’s medical records and doctors, and figure out how to pay bills in his mother’s name.

PHOTO ESSAY: In Texas, a former Chinese official targeted by Beijing’s surveillance finds refuge

MIDLAND, Texas (AP) — The Chinese government is using an increasingly powerful tool to control and monitor its own officials: Surveillance technology, much of it originating in the United States, an Associated Press investigation has found. Among its targets is Li Chuanliang, a Chinese former vice mayor hunted by Beijing with the help of surveillance technology. Li’s communications were monitored,…

A Chinese whistleblower now living in the US is being hunted by Beijing with help from US tech

Retired Chinese official Li Chuanliang fled to the U.S. seeking asylum, fearing persecution from the Chinese government. He was warned not to return to China after being accused of corruption. Li claims he is targeted for criticizing the government. The Associated Press reports that China uses surveillance technology to track and intimidate officials and dissidents abroad. This technology, often originating from U.S. companies, has been used to monitor Li and his family. Beijing’s operations, known as “Fox Hunt” and “Sky Net,” aim to bring back fugitives.