US & World News

AT&T Pulls ‘Friends’ From Netflix for its Streaming Service

(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) NEW YORK (AP) – AT&T is pulling “Friends” from Netflix to beef up its own upcoming streaming service. The wireless company, which owns the WarnerMedia entertainment business, said Tuesday that its service will be called HBO Max. It will launch widely in spring of 2020. As more companies unveil their own streaming services, they’re trying to…

Fire Destroys Jim Beam Warehouse Filled With Bourbon Barrels

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A fire destroyed a massive Jim Beam warehouse filled with about 45,000 barrels of bourbon, sending flames shooting into the night sky and generating so much heat that firetruck lights melted, authorities said Wednesday. Firefighters from four counties responded to the blaze that erupted late Tuesday. Lightning might have been a factor, but fire investigators haven’t…

High court OKs no Warrant Blood Draws in Drunken Driver Case

The High Court Issued its Ruling Thursday

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court says law enforcement officers can generally draw blood without a warrant from an unconscious person suspected of driving drunk or while on drugs. The high court issued its ruling Thursday in a case involving a Wisconsin law about impaired driving. The question before the Supreme Court had to do with what happens when a…

Agency Removes Mold From Soon-to-Open Migrant Detention Site

The Facility Will House 1,300 Migrant Children

HOUSTON (AP) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says it’s clearing mold from a South Texas facility that will soon house up to 1,300 migrant children. HHS said in a statement Wednesday that it was working quickly to open the facility at Carrizo Springs, Texas, at the site of a former “man camp” for oilfield workers. In…

Athletes With Disabilities Change Endurance Sports For The Better

Inclusion in Marathons for Special Needs Kids and Duo Young Racers

DULUTH, Minn. —  Grandma’s marathon may be over for 2019 but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to hit the pavement running! In this week’s Great Outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot introduces us to a duo team from Wisconsin who’s story is a little bit different from the rest. When it comes to race day some of the runners are…

Wilderness Society Sues for BWCA Mining Decision Documents

The Lawsuit was Filed Thursday in Federal Court in Washington

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Wilderness Society is suing the Trump administration to try to force the release of documents on its decision to lift restrictions on mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. The Trump administration last year canceled a proposed 20-year ban on mining in the Boundary Waters watershed and an associated environmental study…

Over $1B Worth of Cocaine Intercepted at Philadelphia Port

The Drug Seizure is the Latest in a Series of Large Cocaine Busts Along the East Coast

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke) PHILADELPHIA (AP) — U.S. authorities seized more than $1 billion worth of cocaine Tuesday from a ship at a Philadelphia port, calling it one of the largest drug busts in American history. The U.S. attorney’s office in Philadelphia announced the massive bust on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, saying law enforcement agents seized about 16.5 tons of cocaine…

Extreme Paddle Board Adventurer Leaves Twin Ports for Arctic in Never Before Attempted Trip

Jared Munch Raises Funds For Local Neighborhood Youth Services

DULUTH, Minn. — Monday morning a local Duluth man paddled away on a rare adventure to the Arctic. Taking a never before attempted trip on a stand up paddle board, Jared Munch has been planning this adventure for many years. He is traveling 490 miles up the north shore of Lake Superior to the northeast corner, where he will then…

24 Police Officers Injured After Officer-Involved Shooting in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has confirmed the identity of a man killed by a federal fugitive task force as Brandon Webber, a 20-year-old black man. The TBI says Webber was shot by federal marshals who were trying to arrest him on multiple felony warrants Wednesday evening. The agency says Webber got into a vehicle and then rammed…

Local Attempts Stand-Up Paddle Boarding from Duluth to Arctic Ocean

An adventure of a lifetime, attempted by a true adrenaline junkie from Duluth, Jared Munch

DULUTH, Minn. — An adventure of a lifetime begins this week, attempted by a true adrenaline junkie from Duluth, Jared Munch. He is a local man and is attempting to stand up paddle board his way up Lake Superior all the way to the Arctic Ocean. Most stand up paddle boarders prefer the calm winds and sunny days when balancing…

Trump Ending Fetal Tissue Research by Federal Scientists

Fetal Tissue is Used to Research HIV and Childhood Cancers

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is ending medical research by government scientists using human fetal tissue. Officials said Wednesday government-funded research by universities will be allowed to continue, subject to additional scrutiny. The policy change will not affect privately funded research that used human fetal tissue. Ending the use of fetal tissue by the government is a victory for…

Lakes Erie, Superior set Records as Water Levels Surge

Corps Began Measuring Levels in 1918

DETROIT (AP) – Wet spring weather has pushed Lake Erie’s water level to its highest point ever recorded. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Tuesday the shallowest of the Great Lakes hit the milestone in May, surpassing the previous peak set in 1986. Lake Superior also reached its highest known level for the month of May, although it has…

Celebrating Ramadan in the Northland

A look inside the customs and traditions of the holiest month of Islam.

DULUTH, Minn.- The evening of May 5th marked the beginning of the holiest month of the year in Islam. The month when God, or Allah, revealed the first verses of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad. The month of Ramadan. “It’s a training a ground for us where we are deprived of food and drink and intimacy really,” said Nick…

At Least 12 Killed in Mass Shooting in State of Virginia

Police say at least 12 people have been killed and six others injured in a mass shooting at a municipal building in Virginia Beach.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Tragedy has struck Virginia Beach, Virginia. The city’s municipal center is the site of the country’s latest mass shooting. Police confirm at least twelve are dead in addition to the gunman. Multiple other people are injured. Among them, a police officer who is expected to survive. Officials say he was fired upon by the suspect, but…

Trump Promise of new Mexican Tariffs Brings Protests

He Said the Percentage Will Gradually Increase

WASHINGTON (AP) – It was a surprise announcement that could derail a major trade deal. President Donald Trump has announced that he is placing a 5% tariff on all Mexican imports, effective June 10, to pressure the country to do more to crack down on the surge of Central American migrants trying to cross the U.S. border. He said the…

FedEx to Deliver 7 Days a Week to Satisfy Online Shoppers

FedEx Announced the Moves Thursday

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)(AP) – FedEx plans to deliver packages seven days a week starting next January as it tries to keep up with the continuing boom in online shopping. The company is also taking back nearly 2 million daily deliveries to homes that are currently handled by the post office. FedEx says shifting SmartPost packages back to its…

R. Kelly Charged With 11 new sex-Related Crimes in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) – Prosecutors charged R&B singer R. Kelly on Thursday with 11 new sex-related counts, including some that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, making them the most serious against him. Cook County prosecutors charged the Grammy award-winning singer with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, two counts of criminal sexual assault by force, two…

Mueller to Make First Public Statement on Russia Probe

UPDATE: Special counsel Robert Mueller says he’s leaving the Justice Department now that he’s concluded his Russia probe. WASHINGTON (AP) – Special counsel Robert Mueller will make his first public statement on the results of his nearly two-year long Russia investigation on Wednesday. That’s according to the Justice Department, which said he would speak at 11 a.m. Mueller has not…

Thousands of US Kindergartners Unvaccinated Without Waivers

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – States are heatedly debating whether to make it more difficult for students to avoid vaccinations for religious or philosophical reasons amid the worst measles outbreak in decades, but schoolchildren invoking such waivers are outnumbered in many states by those who give no excuse at all for lacking their shots. Instead, data reported to the Centers for…

Remembering the Fallen in Carlton

VFW holds Memorial Day Observance.

CARLTON, Minn.- Large, billowing American flags form a border around the graves of fallen soldiers on the top of the hill at Hillside Cemetery. The Carlton VFW Post 2962 led a large crowd in honoring the lives lost in battle. “When we’ve got a full cemetery of people it makes us feel very good,” said Mike LaFave, Senior Vice Commander…

99 Years Observing Memorial Day in Proctor

American Legion held 99th Annual Memorial Day Observance.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The American Legion 106 in Proctor held its 99th Annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday. People started their observance at the Proctor Area Community Center before the Honor Guard carried the Memorial Day tribute to six different area cemeteries. “I think it’s so important to never forget them,” said Dick Jazdzewski, Adjutant with the American Legion, referring to…

Officials: US to Send 1,500 More Troops to Middle East

The Trump Administration Notified Congress on Friday

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration notified Congress on Friday that it plans to send about 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran, officials said. Members of Congress were notified a day after a White House meeting to discuss Pentagon proposals to bolster the U.S. force presence in the Middle East. The…

States sue Over Rule Allowing Clinicians to Refuse Abortions

NEW YORK (AP) – Nearly two dozen states and municipalities are suing the federal government to stop a new rule letting health care clinicians object to providing abortions and other services that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs. The lawsuit filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court asks a judge to block a rule by the Department of Health and…

Internet Sensation Grumpy Cat Dies at age 7

MORRISTOWN, Ariz. (AP) — Grumpy Cat, whose sourpuss expression entertained millions on the internet, has died at age 7. Her owners wrote on social media Friday that she experienced complications from a urinary tract infection and “passed away peacefully” Tuesday “in the arms of her mommy.” Her owners said “Grumpy Cat has helped millions of people smile all around the…

Senate Confirms Trump Official as Justice Department Deputy

Rosen Replaces Rod Rosenstein

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has voted to confirm Jeffrey Rosen as deputy attorney general, the second-ranking official at the Justice Department. The vote was 52-45. Rosen replaces Rod Rosenstein, who left the department last week. Rosentein appointed special counsel Robert Mueller and had overseen his investigation. Rosenstein’s departure was expected after William Barr became attorney general this year. Rosen…

Ford Adds 270,000 Cars to Recall for Unintended Rollaways

The Addition Covers Certain 2013 Through 2016 Fusion Midsize Cars

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is adding 270,000 vehicles to a recall in North America to fix a gearshift problem that could cause them roll away unexpectedly. The addition covers certain 2013 through 2016 Fusion midsize cars with 2.5-liter engines. The company is urging drivers to always use the parking brake until repairs are made. Ford says a bushing that attaches…

Felicity Huffman Pleads Guilty in College Scheme

Sentencing is set for September 13

BOSTON (AP) – Felicity Huffman has pleaded guilty to participating in the college admissions cheating scheme. The 56-year-old actress entered the plea Monday to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Huffman stood with her hands clasped in front of her and responded, “Yes, your honor,” when asked whether she understood the charges. Her…

Pentagon: US Moving Patriot Missile Battery to Mideast

The Pentagon says the U.S. will move a Patriot missile battery into the Middle East region to counter threats from Iran.

WASHINGTON-The Pentagon says the U.S. will move a Patriot missile battery into the Middle East region to counter threats from Iran. The department provided no details, but a defense official says the move comes after intelligence showed that the Iranians have loaded military equipment and missiles onto small boats. The official was not authorized to discuss the information publicly so…

Senate Intelligence Committee Subpoenas Donald Trump Jr.

He has Been Called to Answer Questions About his 2017 Testimony

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate intelligence committee has subpoenaed Donald Trump Jr., calling him in to answer questions about his 2017 testimony. That’s according to a person familiar with the subpoena who discussed it on condition of anonymity. The committee has renewed interest in talking to President Donald Trump’s eldest son after Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified earlier this…

House Panel Votes to Hold AG Barr in Contempt

The Committee Voted 26-16

WASHINGTON (AP) -The House Judiciary Committee has voted to hold Attorney General William Barr in contempt of Congress, escalating the legal battle with the Trump administration over access to special counsel Robert Mueller’s report. The committee voted 24-16 to hold Barr in contempt after the Justice Department rejected House Democrats’ demands for the full Mueller report and the underlying evidence….

Meghan, Harry Present Royal Newborn to the Public

(Dominic Lipinski/Pool via AP) LONDON (AP) — Two tired but beaming parents and one blissfully sleeping baby posed for the cameras Wednesday as Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, helped satisfy a huge global appetite for images and details about their newborn son. Standing in the vast, red-carpeted St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, Meghan declared the baby…

Authorities Say a Shooting at a Suburban Denver School Has Injured Two People

Authorities say a shooting at a suburban Denver school has injured two people

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo.-Authorities say a shooting at a suburban Denver school has injured two people. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says deputies are trying to find the shooter or shooters, calling it an “active and unstable scene.” The shooting occurred at STEM School Highlands Ranch, a public charter school with more than 1,850 students in kindergarten through 12th grades. The…

Great Lakes Water Levels Surge, Some Record Highs Predicted

Levels are Expected to Break Records

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – Federal officials predict water levels will surge to record highs in some areas of the Great Lakes over the next six months. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report released Monday says the lakes have been rising steadily for several years and are getting an extra boost as winter’s melting snow mingles with recent heavy…

Proposed Texas Bill Would ban Food Stamp use on Soda, Energy Drinks, Junk Food

Coffee Would Still be Allowed

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 35 ORLANDO) – A bill being proposed in Texas would ban food stamp recipients from using their benefits to buy ‘junk food,’ including soda and energy drinks. The bill, H.B. No. 4364, filed by Rep. Brisco Caine, would not allow those with food stamps to purchase any sweetened or carbonated beverage, some potato chips or corn chips,…

Trump Fed choice Stephen Moore withdraws amid controversy

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says his pick for the Federal Reserve board, conservative commentator Stephen Moore, has withdrawn from contention. The decision comes amid controversy over Moore’s past writings about women. He lost Republican support in the Senate, which would have to vote on a potential nomination. Trump tweeted the news Wednesday, calling Moore “a great pro-growth economist…

Two Dead, Motive Unclear in North Carolina Campus Shooting

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A student with a pistol and no immediately apparent motive killed two people and wounded four others at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte before campus police disarmed and arrested him, authorities said. The campus police chief said the suspect had not appeared on their radar as a potential threat. “I just went into a classroom and…

More States aim to Knock air out of Festive Balloon Launches

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – The tradition of releasing balloons at weddings, birthdays and memorials may soon get deflated by lawmakers in more than half a dozen states. Environmental groups want to put the kibosh on the tradition that has the unintended consequence of hurting the environment and threatening wildlife. Helium-filled balloons can travel for hundreds of miles before returning to…

Remembering The Role The Weather Played In The Husky Superior Refinery Explosion

Evacuation Area Quickly Spread South From Strong Winds

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Many of us will never forget the fear and nervousness as the evacuation zone continued to grow last year on April 26th Husky Refinery explosion. The National Weather Service in Duluth and Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot closely forecasted the winds strength and direction that quickly carried the thick, possibly toxic, heavy black smoke southward. Winds were…

Trump Tells NRA he’s Withdrawing From Arms Trade Treaty

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says the U.S. has decided to withdraw its support for a treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade. Trump said Friday that he has decided to revoke the United States’ status as a signatory of the Arms Trade Treaty regulating international trade in conventional weapons, including small arms, battle tanks, combat…

CDC Warns Blood-Sucking ‘Kissing bug’ Spreading North

The "Kissing bug" has Been Making its way Into the the U.S.

(courtesy: Fox News) FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — A blood-sucking bug that can spread disease and is nicknamed for biting people around their mouths has been sighted in Colorado. The Coloradoan reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the “kissing bug,” or Triatoma sanguisuga, has been making its way into the U.S. from South and Central America. The…

Ex-Vice President Biden Launches 2020 Presidential Campaign

Joe Biden has formally entered the 2020 race for president.

WASHINGTON-Joe Biden has formally entered the 2020 race for president. The vice president under President Barack Obama made the announcement in a video released Thursday morning. The move marks what will likely be the 76-year-old’s final opportunity to seek a job he has eyed for more than a generation. He struggled in two previous campaigns. One of the most recognizable…

Ground Beef Likely Cause of 10-State E. Coli Outbreak

No Brand of Beef has Been Identified

(AP Photo/Scott Applewhite)DULUTH, Minn. – The E. coli outbreak in the U.S. has spread to ten states. Federal officials now say more than 150 people have been infected with the disease. The illness is linked to tainted ground beef eaten at home as well as restaurants. Twenty of the victims had to be hospitalized. No fatalities have been reported, according…