Minnesota News Network

>>Bill Restoring Voting Rights for Felons Passes Minnesota House

(St. Paul, MN) — Felons would be able to vote again after they finish their jail or prison time, under a bill the Minnesota House passed last night (Thursday). Saint Paul Democrat Athena Hollins told members, “Denying individuals the right to vote is downright un-American… They’ve served their time. They’ve been deemed safe enough to return to our communities.” Republicans say felons’ voting rights should not be restored until they’ve completed parole and paid all fines and restitution. Democrats are moving a companion bill forward in the Minnesota Senate.

>>Minnesota Senate Approves ‘100 Percent by 2040’ Energy Legislation

(St. Paul, MN) — Legislation passed by the Senate late Thursday night requires that 100 percent of Minnesota’s electricity will have to be carbon-free by 2040. Pine City Republican Jason Rarick warned Minnesota utilities will have no negotiating leverage if they have to buy renewable energy credits from other states to meet the goal and “that’s gonna drive prices through the roof.” Electric utilities will have to stop using coal and natural gas a decade earlier than Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power planned — but North Mankato Democrat Nick Frentz says it’s necessary to address the climate crisis. There are exceptions for utilities if the switchover is too expensive for electric consumers, or if alternatives such as solar and wind are not reliable enough to keep the power on.

>>Walz Approves State Assistance for 8 Counties Damaged in December Storms

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is authorizing emergency disaster assistance for eight Minnesota counties affected by heavy snowstorms and high winds in mid-December. Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Itasca, Lincoln, Pine, and St. Louis counties experienced significant damage from December 13th through 16th. The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management estimated the total damage at four-and-a-half million dollars. State disaster assistance provides reimbursement for 75 percent of the costs for clearing roadways, clean up, and repair costs.

>>Finstad to Chair House Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Ag and Horticulture

(Washington, DC) — Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad will serve as chair of the House Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. The 1st District Republican says, “as one of the very few active farmers currently serving in Congress, I am humbled and honored to be appointed chairman of the Subcommittee.” Finstad says he looks forward to conducting thorough oversight of critical programs like SNAP and ensuring we expand markets and level the playing field for American farmers, growers, and producers. He was elected to the seat held by the late Congressman Jim Hagedorn.

>>Flu Activity Slowing in Minnesota

(St. Paul, MN) — The flu season appears to be waning in Minnesota. The latest update from the State Department of Health shows 19 people were hospitalized with influenza last week, down from 32 the previous week. Seven Minnesota schools and one long-term care facility reported flu outbreaks. There were four more flu-related deaths for a total of 142 since October. State health officials were hoping for an early peak in this year’s flu season.

>>Woman Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Teen in Chanhassen

(Chanhassen, MN) — Carver County authorities say an 18-year-old woman is under arrest in connection with the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Chanhassen. Deputies were called to Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina early Thursday for a report of a shooting death. They learned that Eden Prairie police had chased the vehicle transporting the victim to the hospital. Detectives say that the female suspect from the east metro shot the boy in Chanhassen and she was later taken into custody.

>>MPD chief condemns Memphis ex-officers in beating death of Tyre Nichols

(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says he’s joining counterparts across the country in condemning any criminal behavior by police officers — that after five fired Black officers in Memphis were charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man. Memphis police say Nichols was pulled over for suspected reckless driving the night of January 7th, and two confrontations occurred with officers before he was arrested. Nichols family attorney Antonio Romanucci says unreleased police video shows a “nonstop beating of this young boy for three minutes…. Not only was it violent, it was savage”, and Nichols reportedly can be heard at the end of the video calling three times for his mother. He died three days later. Minneapolis Police Chief O’Hara says, “Violent abuses of authority, such as displayed in this incident, have absolutely no place in our profession.”

>>Jury Convicts man of murdering Minneapolis North High School quarterback Deshaun Hill Jr.

(Minneapolis, MN) — A Hennepin County jury has convicted a homeless man originally from Cloquet of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Minneapolis North High School quarterback Deshaun Hill Junior nearly a year ago. Jurors reportedly took only a few minutes of deliberations to reach their verdict. 30-year-old Cody Fohrenkam ( was scouting a North Minneapolis neighborhood for a thief who stole his cell phone at knifepoint earlier that morning when he randomly crossed paths with 15-year-old Hill, who was going to a bus stop. Investigators say Fohrenkam shot Hill when the victim’s back was turned and he was walking away.

>>Republicans Warn Governor Walz’s Infrastructure Bill Will Impact Taxpayers

(St. Paul, MN) — Top Republicans warn Governor Tim Walz’s 3.3-billion-dollar infrastructure proposal will put a “huge” debt load on taxpayers. Governor Walz recommends 900 million dollars of the budget surplus be used to pay cash for public works projects — but House Capital Investment Committee Chair Fue  Lee says the number should be more than double that — two billion dollars. And unlike bonding dollars, Democrats could pass it without Republicans’ help. G-O-P Senator Karin  Housley from Stillwater says Democrats doing it that way would be “an abuse of their one-party control” and “a terrible disservice to the state.”

>>House Passes “Clean Energy” Bill

(St. Paul, MN) — The Democrat-controlled Minnesota House passed a “clean energy” bill last night (Thurs) to set a goal of 100 percent carbon-neutral energy from Minnesota utilities by 2040. Republican Chris Swedzinski from Ghent warns families will be hit with an annual electric bill increase of 16 hundred dollars, plus businesses will pass *their* cost increases on to customers. House Democratic Majority Leader Jamie Long responded by saying “For those who are looking for affordable energy, good news: Renewable energy is the cheapest energy that you can buy. Wind energy is the cheapest on the system and solar will be the cheapest within three years.”

>>Authorities release names of McLeod County deputies shot by suspect in Winsted

(Winsted, MN) — The McLeod County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of two deputies hit by gunfire in Winsted Monday. Investigators say Deputies Darrell Caturia and Angie Malz had a no-knock warrant to arrest a suspect for felony child pornography but he refused to let them into the residence. He reportedly told his daughter that “he was not going to go to jail” and family members told law enforcement the man had weapons and about 100 rounds of ammunition. The deputies were eventually able to enter the residence but both were struck by gunfire and taken to the hospital where they were treated and released. Deputies later that evening sent a drone into the house and saw a man’s body inside. His name has not been released

>>Biden Administration Withdraws Thousands Of Acres Near BWCA From Mineral Leasing

(Duluth, MN) — Environmental and sportspeople groups in Minnesota are applauding the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw nearly a quarter million acres adjacent to the B-W-C-A Wilderness from mineral leasing. U-S Interior Secretary Deb Haaland says it’s key to the health of the watershed and wildlife, tribal treaty responsibilities, and the local recreation economy. The long-stalled Twin Metals mine is planned for that area near Ely. Spokeswoman Kathy Graul says the company is “deeply disappointed and stunned” by the decision — and the region has “one of the world’s largest deposits of critical minerals that are vital in meeting our nation’s goals to transition to a clean energy future, to create American jobs, to strengthen our national security and to bolster domestic supply chains.”

>>Sartell Apartment Fire Leaves Man and Infant Dead

(Sartell, MN) — Two people are dead after an apartment fire Thursday night just north of St. Cloud. The Sartell Police Department says a man was found dead inside and crews also located an infant boy under age one. Officers say the child was taken to the hospital where it died. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and secure the scene. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting local investigators with the case.

>>30,000 Dollar Reward In Missing Person Case

(Edina, MN) — A $30,000 dollar reward is being offered for information that leads to the whereabouts of a missing Eagan man. 23-year-old Bryce Borca (BORE-cuh)was last heard from just after 2 a.m. on October 30th, when he exited a Lyft ride and called friends after becoming lost near Fort Snelling Park. Witnesses say the 23-year-old was extremely intoxicated after spending the night drinking with friends on a party bus. Numerous tips and leads, including surveillance footage from businesses and homes in the area his phone last, pinged, have been followed up on. Despite all these efforts, Broca’s case remains open.

>>Open Arguments Postponed in Trial of Alleged Shooter of North High QB Hill

(Minneapolis, MN) — The trial of the man accused in the shooting death of Minneapolis North High School quarterback DeShaun Hill, Junior is postponed until Monday. The judge granted a defense request this morning (Friday) to delay opening arguments in the trial of 30-year-old Cody Fohrenkam. He was charged with the second-degree murder of 15-year-old Hill last February. Attorneys said Fohrenkam hasn’t been able to discuss recent rulings in the case with his family. Jury selection wrapped up Thursday.

>>Reproductive Freedom Caucus Pushing to Put Abortion Rights Into Law

(St. Paul, MN) — A group of state lawmakers called the Reproductive Freedom Caucus is pushing hard to put abortion rights into state law… repeal numerous anti-abortion laws that Minnesota courts struck down but remain on the books… and protect people from other states who come to Minnesota for abortions. Democratic Senator Erin Murphy from Saint Paul says the U-S Supreme Court stripped away people’s rights in overturning Roe -v- Wade. “I hope you feel the sheer determination of this caucus, and that we will not leave this session without completing this work.” Pro-*life* groups rally Sunday at the State Capitol on the 50th anniversary of “Roe” which is overturned, but Paul Stark with Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life warns, “The legislature and the governor are pushing forward this agenda to really enshrine in Minnesota law a right to abort any baby, for any reason, at any time up to birth.” A vote on the Protect Reproductive Options or PRO Act is expected late next week in the Senate. If it passes, it’s likely Governor Tim Walz would sign it.

>>St. Cloud Could Be Home To New Medical School

(St. Cloud, MN) — CentraCare and the University of Minnesota are working on creating a new medical school based in St. Cloud. CentraCare would provide the clinical rotations for the medical students while the University would provide the academic component. Dr. Ken Holmen president and CEO at CentraCare says Minnesota averages around 300 medical students per year, the same number as in the 1970s. He says this new school would be focused on rural health care and adds, many physicians are retiring but one in three rural physicians will be retiring in the next five to 10 years. He says the need to recruit physicians for rural America is really important, as well as we have a shared focus to improve the health outcomes of rural Americans. The U of M already has medical school programs in the Twin Cities and Duluth, and this would be an extension of that program with this being the third campus. The only other medical school program in Minnesota is at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

>>Senator Tina Smith Joins Bois Forte Band For Address

(Duluth, MN) — Senator Tina Smith is marking progress made in support of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. The Minnesota Democrat joined this year’s State of the Band address last night. Bois Forte Band leaders say they’ve used increased funding for the Indian Health Service and to improve tribal housing. The band also hopes to improve its court system and provide better rural transportation using funding that Smith and Senator Amy Klobuchar are working to secure.

>>Trial Begins in Fatal Shooting of North High Student Hill in Minneapolis

(Minneapolis, MN) — Trial begins today (Friday) for the man accused in the shooting death of Minneapolis North High School student DeShaun Hill, Junior. Thirty-year-old Cody Fohrenkam is charged with the second-degree murder of 15-year-old Hill last February. Surveillance video shows Fohrenkam walking closely past Hill, stopping, and, shortly thereafter, three shots can be heard. Hill was the quarterback of the North High football team and was featured in a Showtime documentary. Twelve jurors and three alternates were seated Thursday.

>>Police Officer Recovering After Being Struck

(Coon Rapids, MN) — A Coon Rapids police officer is recovering at home after being struck by a pickup while outside her patrol vehicle Monday night. Police Chief John Stahnke says “the officer was removing mailboxes and debris from a property damage crash when a full-sized pickup truck lost control and struck the rear of her squad car bounced off the squad and then struck her. Very disturbing body-worn camera video to watch. Miraculously she did not sustain any serious injuries or breaks. She is very, very sore and has a lot of bumps and bruises today.” Stahnke says the officer was investigating a hit-and-run crash and the mailboxes were obstructing the roadway. He says it happened at a time when “the roadways were at their worst.”

>>Energy Assistance Still Available

(St. Paul, MN) — So far this heating season over 61,000 Minnesota households have received energy assistance through the LIHEAP program. (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program)
To date, nearly 39 million dollars in energy assistance has been granted this winter to over 61,000 Minnesota households. The average household grant is around 640 dollars and Schmitz says it’s not too late to apply. For more information contact your local utility provider.

>>Blue Cross Of Minnesota Is Hiring More Than 300 As They End Outsourcing

(Eagan, MN) — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plan to hire more than 300 people. The Eagan-based company is putting a stop to resourcing jobs and will bring back in-house work on Medicaid and related state public health programs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota previously contracted Amerigroup to handle their back-office work. Records obtained by the Star Tribune show the Minnesota Department of Human Services issued eight corrective action plans between 2018 and 2020 against the HMO division at Blue Cross. The company was fined a total of 13-point-15 million dollars.

>>Minnesota House Passes Abortion Rights Bill, Sends to Senate

(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House on a vote of 69-to-65 Thursday night passed a bill to put abortion rights into state law, sending the measure to the Senate for a final vote. House Democratic Majority Leader Jamie Long says nearly 70 percent of Minnesotans responded in a poll just a few months ago that they support legal abortion “and it included big majorities… in every part of the state.” But Red Wing Republican Pam Altendorf says a 2019 poll showed 72 percent of pro-choice voters disagree with third-trimester abortions. A GOP-backed amendment to ban third-trimester abortions failed on a tie vote. There was shouting and cheering in the House gallery during the debate.

>>Congresswoman Fischbach Introduces 2 Pro-Life Bills

(Washington, DC) — Seventh District Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach is sponsoring two pro-life bills in the U-S House. The Minnesota Republican introduced the Defund Planned Parenthood Act which prohibits the organization from accessing any federal mandatory or discretionary funds. The Protecting Life and Taxpayers Act would require all federally funded entities to certify they will not perform abortions or provide funds to any other entities that do. Fischbach says in a statement, “Organizations like Planned Parenthood receive millions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars every year to provide abortions on demand.”

>>Price Gouging Bill Passes Minnesota House Judiciary Committee

(St. Paul, MN) — Legislation prompted by price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic is moving toward a Minnesota House vote after passing the Judiciary committee Thursday. D-F-L Representative Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids says the bill establishes in statute protections against price gouging in the occurrence of an emergency. G-O-P Representative Brian Johnson from Cambridge says, “It can actually hurt, especially small businesses and mom-and-pop shops that are trying to survive in hard times.” The law would penalize retailers who charge an “unconsciously excessive price” for essential goods or services during public emergency situations. Violators could face fines of up to one thousand dollars per sale or transaction.

>>Court Hearing Continued for Man Charged in Shooting of Pregnant Girlfriend

(Hastings, MN) — The court hearing is continued until Monday for the St. Louis Park man charged with the shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend outside the Lakeville Amazon warehouse. Donte McCray was scheduled to appear Thursday for the second-degree murder of Kyla O’Neal. Doctors delivered her baby before O’Neal died, but the boy was taken off life support Tuesday. The medical examiner says nine-day-old Messiah O’Neal died of “complications of firearm-related maternal death status-post emergent cesarean section.” Dakota County prosecutors are expected to file additional charges against McCray.

>>Minnesota COVID-19 Trends Remain Stable, Flu Numbers Declining

(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s COVID-19 trends are staying stable even with the presence of new variants. The state’s pandemic update released Thursday showed under 400 hospitalizations for the first time since mid-October. State health officials say Minnesota didn’t experience an expected surge in COVID cases over the holidays. The state’s flu numbers are also declining.

>>Grand Rapids Business Expanding, Creating Jobs

(Grand Rapids, MN) — New jobs are coming to Grand Rapids as a local company expands. Yanmar Compact Equipment North America officials say they are adding 32-thousand square feet to the east side of its building. The move will increase production and add more than 200 jobs. Yanmar manufactures excavators, compact track loaders, and other equipment.

>>Minnesota Vikings Fire Defensive Coordinator Donatell

(Eagan, MN) — The Minnesota Vikings are parting ways with defensive coordinator Ed Donatell following a first-round playoff loss. The Vikings’ defense was second-worst in the N-F-L in passing yards and allowed the most first downs in the league. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said, “while this was a difficult decision because of the tremendous respect I have for Ed as a person and a coach, I believe it is the right move for the future of our football team.” Donatell spent one season in Minnesota after serving as defensive coordinator in Green Bay, Atlanta, and Denver.