Minnesota News Network

MNN Morning Briefs

>>Residents Return to Raymond, Train Derailment Investigation Continues

(Raymond, MN) — Residents in the Kandiyohi County town of Raymond are back home after being evacuated Thursday morning following a train derailment and fire. The evacuation order was lifted Thursday afternoon. MnDOT hasn’t determined when it will lift the detour on Highway 23. The train was pulling more than 22 tankers cars containing ethanol and corn syrup when it went off the tracks and four caught fire. No other hazardous chemicals were spilled and no one was injured. U-S Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach are visiting Raymond later this morning (Friday 10:55am).

>>Minnesota House Passes $40 Million Disaster Assistance Bill

(St. Paul, MN) — Forty million dollars would go to replenish the state’s Disaster Assistance Account, under a bill the Minnesota House passed Thursday on a unanimous vote. Representative Gene Pelowski of Winona says, “when we restore this account, if there is a disaster and we are not in session, the governor or the president of the United States can declare a disaster and we will get aid to that area right away. There will be no special session.” The Disaster Assistance Account was established in 2014 and expedites assistance to communities with damage to public property and infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and public buildings.

>>Minnesota Politicians, Parties React to Trump Indictment

(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota political leaders are reacting to a grand jury in Manhattan indicting ex-President Trump on charges involving payments during the 2016 campaign to an adult film actress. Fifth District Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who has repeatedly sparred with Trump says it’s up to everyone to “follow the facts where they lead” and Omar adds “political interference in a criminal investigation, up to and including incitement of violence, are hallmarks of democratic decline.” Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann says “It is disconcerting to see our justice system used to pursue partisan ends. A Democrat district attorney is busy tying up time and resources to go after a political opponent instead of cracking down on lawlessness in New York…”

>>Former Congresswoman Gifford Push for Gun Safety in Minnesota

(St. Paul, MN) — Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head by a would-be assassin in 2012, has been in Minnesota helping Governor Tim Walz push for gun safety measures. Giffords told supporters at a State Capitol news conference Thursday, “Progress is possible — the world is possible — but change doesn’t happen overnight and we can’t do it alone. Join me. Let’s move ahead together.” Bills for universal background checks on gun purchases and a “red flag” law cleared a key Minnesota House committee Thursday. S

>>Deer River Woman Gets 36 Years for Fatal Stabbing, Camper Fire

(Grand Rapids, MN) — The sentence is 36 years in prison for a northern Minnesota woman who fatally stabbed a man and set his camper on fire near Ball Club. Crystal Wilson of Deer River pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and arson in connection with the July death of 59-year-old Bradley Reymann. Wilson told Itasca County deputies that she was using meth when she stabbed Reymann with scissors multiple times and lit a fire in his camper.

>>2 Teens Arrested for Shooting at Cars in Cass County

(Cass Lake, MN) — The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says two teens are in juvenile detention after shooting at a car Thursday in rural Cass Lake. Deputies and Leech Lake Tribal officers met two juvenile males who reported they were in a vehicle when two boys on the roadway shot at them and several rounds struck the car. The teens were not wounded. Officers used a K-9 team, drones, snowmobiles, and an A-T-V to track down the suspects, and weapons were recovered. Several Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Offices and facilities and Cass Lake Indian Health Services were placed on lockdown during the incident.

>>Brooklyn Park Felon Sentenced for Possessing Semi-Automatic Pistol

(St. Paul, MN) — A Brooklyn Park man will spend more than seven years in federal prison for possessing a semi-automatic pistol as a felon in September of 2021. Prosecutors say 27-year-old Marlin White had the nine-millimeter handgun in downtown Minneapolis and ran to place it in a planter when he saw police officers. Investigators later recovered the pistol from a planter near a hotel and he was arrested. White pleaded guilty in December.

>>Minnesota Twins , Lopez Win Season Opener at Kansas City

(Kansas City, MO) — The Minnesota Twins topped the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Opening Day Thursday afternoon at Kaufmann Stadium. New Twins starter Pablo Lopez gave up just two hits over five-and-a-third scoreless innings and reliever Reliever Jhoan  Duran picked up the save. Minnesota scored both its runs in the sixth inning. The teams are off today (Friday) and resume the season-opening series on Saturday.

Residents in Raymond Being Evacuated after Train Derailment

(Raymond, MN)  —  Residents in the city of Raymond are being evacuated for precautionary measures after a train derailment and fire. Highway 23 is temporarily closed at Raymond from County Road 1 to Chippewa County Road 1. Raymond residents may go to CMCS School in Prinsburg for shelter. The city of Raymond is home to around 800 people.

Midday Briefs

>>>BCA Issues Alert for Missing Boy

(Cass Lake, MN) —  A statewide alert has been issued for a missing 8-year-old boy. The Leech Lake Tribal Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Alfred Desjarlait  III.  According to the BCA, the boy left home on foot near NW. 140th Street and Wakonabo Drive in the Prescott area of Cass Lake at about 5:30 p.m. and hasn’t been accounted for since.  Law enforcement said Alfred is Native American, about 4 feet tall, and weighs 80 pounds. He has black hair and hazel eyes. He was last known to be wearing a black Timberland jacket, jeans, and multi-colored Puma shoes. Anyone with information is being encouraged to call 911 or the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department.

>> Five-Year-Old Killed in Anoka County Crash

(Ramsey, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol has released more information about a deadly crash that happened Thursday night in Anoka County.  They say five-year-old Elijah Reardon of Becker died in the crash, and four-year-old Avery Reardon of Becker suffered life-threatening injuries and is at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.  The driver of the car, 32-year-old Amanda Reardon of Becker is also at the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. At about 7:00 p.m. the car they were in was heading west on Highway 10 in Ramsey when it struck a cement wall and rolled over onto its roof.  The road was snow and ice covered.  All three were wearing their seatbelts.

>>Chauvin Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

(Minneapolis, MN) —  The former Minneapolis police officer serving time for the 2020 murder of George Floyd has pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion in Minnesota.  Derek Chauvin appeared over Zoom today from a federal prison in Tucson, Arizona. Chauvin and his now ex-wife were charged with multiple counts of underreporting their joint income by more than $460,000 between 2014 and 2019 and of failing to file tax returns.  His ex-wife pleaded guilty last month to two charges.

>>Governor Walz Set to Sign Free School Meals Bill

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz this afternoon (115pm) signs into law one of Democrats’ top priorities for the 2023 session: free school breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota students, regardless of income.  House Republicans made a last-ditch attempt Thursday afternoon to block the bill, Red Wing Representative Pam Altendorf says “It’s going to be feeding some children that do not need this type of help, in areas like Edina.” Edina Democrat Heather Edelson responded, “I want to make it very clear:  We have hungry kids in Edina.  We do.  And if you think our streets are lined with gold, I invite you to my city.  They are not.”

>>Extra Law Enforcement Targeting Impaired Drivers

(St. Paul, MN) — Wear that green proudly this St. Patrick’s Day but remember: Drinking and driving is the one sure way not to get the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Gordon Shank over the past five years we’ve had 1400 impaired driving arrests and 169 crashes that were alcohol-related. Shank says to keep the holiday fun and safe by always planning a sober ride before going out with friends and family.

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Friday Morning Briefs

>>Governor Walz Set to Sign Free School Meals for all Bill

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz this afternoon (115pm) signs into law one of Democrats’ top priorities for the 2023 session: free school breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota students, regardless of income. House Republicans made a last-ditch attempt Thursday afternoon to block the bill, Red Wing Representative Pam Altendorf saying, “It’s going to be feeding some children that do not need this type of help, in areas like Edina.” Edina Democrat Heather Edelson responded “I want to make it very clear: We have hungry kids in Edina. We do. And if you think our streets are lined with gold, I invite you to my city. They are not.”

>>Months later Xcel Notifies the Public of a Radioactive Water Leak

(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans weren’t notified until nearly four months after Xcel Energy reported to state and federal regulators a radioactive water leak at its Monticello nuclear plant. Xcel Regional President Chris Clark indicates the utility had the option of telling the public sooner — however
“We knew there wasn’t a public safety risk or concern here. Our focus was really on understanding what we needed to do to remedy that situation.” Clark says Xcel notified state and federal authorities, immediately focused on finding containing the leak, and did not want to create undue concern. A state Pollution Control Agency official says the public was notified Thursday — almost three months after the leak was patched — because “we have now sufficient information to be able to share it out to a wider group.”

>>Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Woman Under Investigation in St. Paul

(St. Paul, MN) — Police in St. Paul are investigating a shooting Monday that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman. Officers say the victim was taken by private vehicle to Regions Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and later died of her injuries. Investigators say the woman was shot inside the car around 5 p-m Monday. Detectives are asking the public for tips about the city’s seventh homicide of the year.

>>12 Cadets Graduating From State Patrol Experience Traffic Safety Officer Academy

(St. Paul, MN) — Twelve new troopers graduate today (Friday 11 am) from the Minnesota State Patrol’s first-ever Experience Traffic Safety Officer Academy. These cadets have at least two years of full-time experience as a police officer or sheriff’s deputy. The State Patrol’s 66th graduating class trained last June at Camp Ripley, but it was shortened from 14 to ten weeks because they are all experienced traffic safety officers. The new troopers will begin additional training at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

>>Girls State Basketball Tourney Continues at Williams Arena

(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Girls State Basketball Tournament continues today (Friday) with the Class A and Two-A semifinals. Mountain Iron-Buhl (byool) and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa play the first class A game at noon at Williams Arena, and Hayfield and BOLD meet in the second semifinal at 2 p-m. It’s Providence Academy versus Minnehaha Academy in the first Two-A matchup at 6 p-m and Goodhue and Albany in the late game. All four state championships are Saturday at the Barn.

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Morning News Briefs

>>MN GOP Lawmakers Roll Out Anti-Crime Legislative Package

(St. Paul, MN) — The anti-crime package from Minnesota House and Senate Republicans includes increased penalties for carjacking, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and possessing or distributing fentanyl. Sentences would also increase for offenders with two or more convictions for violent crimes. G-O-P Representative Walter Hudson of Albertville said, “the third time you’ve done it, you’ve already been caught twice, you’ve already been through trials twice and you’ve been convicted twice — so you’re clearly not learning your lesson.” Mandatory sentences would be required for dangerous offenders who commit crimes with a firearm. And county attorneys would have to report to the legislature any felony offenses they don’t file charges on.

>>Minnesota House Sends Catalytic Converter Bill to Governor’s Desk

(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House is sending a bill backers say will reduce the rash of catalytic converter thefts in the state to the desk of Governor Tim Walz. It prohibits scrap metal dealers from buying any catalytic converter without a marking that ties it to the original vehicle. The House agreed to minor changes the Senate made on the bill. Supporters say the average cost to replace a catalytic converter is 26 hundred dollars.

>>MNA Nurses Reach Tentative 3-Year Contract With Sanford Bemidji

(Bemidji, MN) — The Minnesota Nurses Association says its nurses have reached a tentative agreement with Sanford Bemidji Medical Center on a new three-year contract. M-N-A officials say it includes fair pay increases, better accrual of paid time off, and stronger language to protect nurses’ contracts in case of a change of ownership, or the proposed Sanford merger with Fairview Health. Nurses have called off Monday’s picket in Bemidji. Negotiators are recommending they vote “yes” on the new contract.

>>Xcel Energy’s Sale of Property near Sherco Plant Approved by State Regulators

(St. Paul, MN) — State regulators are approving Xcel Energy’s proposed sale of 348 acres of land near its Sherco Power Plant in Becker to Elk River Technologies. That company plans to develop the property into a new data center. Xcel has a preliminary proposal to sell the land to Elk River Technologies for seven-point-seven million dollars. The deal is expected to be finalized in July. Xcel Energy is retiring the coal-fired power plant.

>>Corrections Sergeant Assaulted at Stillwater State Prison

(Stillwater, MN) — A corrections officer at the Stillwater state prison is recovering from injuries suffered in an assault Thursday morning. The Department of Corrections says an inmate rushed up to the sergeant and started punching him in the face during a “routine” facility unit movement. Other officers were able to stop the attack and the sergeant was taken to the hospital. Seven corrections workers have been injured in assaults this week at the Stillwater and Oak Park Heights prisons. D-O-C Commissioner Paul Schnell says in a statement, “we will take every appropriate action to stop these senseless acts of violence against our staff.”

>>Fatal Shooting in Fridley Cub Foods Parking Lot

(Fridley, MN) — Anoka County authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in a Fridley grocery store parking lot. Police were called to Cub Foods late Thursday morning and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers say they performed first aid at the scene, but the victim died at the hospital. No arrests have been reported.

>>Chicago Man Sent to Federal Prison for Firearms Incident in St. Paul

(Minneapolis, MN) — A man from Chicago will serve more than five years in federal prison for a domestic incident involving a gun last June in St. Paul. Prosecutors say 28-year-old Allen Oliver-Hall received a 70-month sentence after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm. St. Paul police responded to a domestic call and Oliver-Hall tried to get an officer to turn his back so he could hide a stolen gun with an extended magazine. The officer attempted to remove the gun and Oliver-Hall pointed it at him during a struggle before he was disarmed. He’s prohibited from having guns or ammunition due to felony convictions.

>>Boys State Hockey Tournament Semifinals at Xcel Energy Center

(St. Paul, MN) — The semifinals of the Minnesota Boys State Hockey Tournament are being played today (Friday) at the Xcel Energy Center. Defending state champion Hermantown takes on Mahtomedi in the first Class-A semifinal at 11 a-m, and Warroad and Orono face off at 1 p-m. In Class Two-A, it’s Cretin Derham Hall vs. Edina at 6 p-m, and last year’s state champion Andover meets Minnetonka in the late game tonight. The winners advance to the state championship on Saturday in St. Paul.

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Friday Morning Briefs

>> End-of-Life Legislation Introduced at Minnesota Legislature

(St. Paul, MN) — A controversial bill introduced at the Minnesota Legislature Thursday would allow mentally-capable people with an imminent terminal illness, after medical evaluation, to receive a drug to end their life. Doctor Rebecca Thoman with Compassion and Choices Action Network says it’s not assisted suicide or euthanasia. She told lawmakers, “these people have irreversible terminal illnesses and they’re reaching out for an option that could be peaceful, that could give them dignity, that can help them connect to their families.” Spokesman Paul Stark says Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life says, “it sends the message that there are some human lives that aren’t worth living, but we think that every human being really matters and deserves protection under the law.”

>>Minnesota House Passes Price Gouging Legislation

(St. Paul, MN) — Those engaging in price-gouging during a peacetime state of emergency could be fined up to 25 thousand dollars, under a bill the Democrat-controlled Minnesota House passed last night (Thursday). Representative Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids says the question is, “Are we going to allow a very small group of people to enrich themselves off the misery of others?” The bill prohibits anyone from selling an “essential consumer good or service for an unconscionably excessive price” if a governor has declared an “abnormal market disruption.” Albertville Republican Walter Hudson warns, “gives supreme power… to the governor of the state of Minnesota who already, we’ve had demonstrated to us in recent years, has the capacity to unilaterally cancel democracy.”

>>Walz to Sign Restore the Vote and Driver’s Licenses For All Bills

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz this morning (Friday 10am) signs a bill allowing felons to again vote in Minnesota after they finish their prison or jail term. Supporters say it discourages felons from re-offending, by allowing them to fully participate when it’s judged they’re safe to again be in the community. Republicans say offenders should have to pay their full debt to society — including probation, fines, and restitution — before voting rights are restored. Also awaiting the governor’s expected signature after yesterday’s (Thursday) technical-procedural vote in the Minnesota House: a controversial bill allowing undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license in Minnesota. Republicans warn it opens the door to all kinds of abuse — even terrorists getting Minnesota I-Ds.

>>Walz Signs $5 Million in Emergency Food Shelf Funding

(St. Paul, MN) — A new law signed by Governor Tim Walz on Thursday will provide five-million dollars in emergency funding to Minnesota’s food shelves. Walz says these resources will allow food shelves to continue to help working families put food on the table. The Department of Human Services will work with Hunger Solutions MN to distribute the funding to food shelves. The end of “emergency” SNAP benefit payments is expected to increase demand even more for the food programs.

>>Bipartisan Bill Would Create Minnesota Companion Animal Board

(St. Paul, MN) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for the creation of a Companion Animal Board to focus on dogs and cats in Minnesota. Ann Olson of Animal Folks MN says the state Board of Animal Health currently regulates our pets. She says “companion animals are not agricultural products… These animals are about companionship with people. And this requires different expertise, different focus, and different oversight. Olson says the 13-member board would regulate and enforce kennel and breeder laws, educate and promote responsible pet ownership, and provide services and resources.

>>Escaped Lino Lakes Prison Inmate Apprehended in Minneapolis

(Lino Lakes, MN) — The Lino Lakes prison inmate who escaped while on a community work crew is back in custody. The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 53-year-old Gerald Downs was arrested Thursday “without incident” in north Minneapolis. The D-O-C said Downs cut off his monitoring bracelet Monday in Blaine and fled in a waiting vehicle. Officials say Downs will likely face new criminal charges for escape from custody – and so will anyone who assisted him. He was serving a sentence for possession of methamphetamine.

>>Minnesota DNR Eases Walleye Regulations on Lake Mille Lacs

(Garrison, MN) — Anglers will be able to fish for walleye all summer long on Lake Mille Lacs in central Minnesota. The D-N-R says a lower walleye harvest this winter and an improving population on Mille Lacs are the main reasons for the eased regulations this year. There had been two-week walleye closures in July and bans on using live bait on the lake in recent years. Licensed anglers will be able to harvest a walleye 21 to 23 inches long or greater than 28 inches throughout the open water season. The 2023 walleye opener is May 13th.

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Friday News Briefs

>>Minnesota State Patrol Responds to 86 Crashes, 102 Vehicle Spinouts Thursday

(Golden Valley, MN) — Many drivers stayed off the roads during the snowstorm Thursday, but the Minnesota State Patrol responded to dozens of accidents and spinouts. Troopers say there were 86 crashes and 102 vehicles off the road statewide between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Six people were injured in those incidents. Road conditions are expected to improve today (Friday).

>>Shakopee Police Respond to Viral ‘Car-Skiing’ Photo

(Shakopee, MN) — Police in Shakopee are reminding residents that ‘car-skiing’ is not legal in Minnesota. A photo taken during the snowstorm Wednesday shows a man on skis being pulled behind a vehicle on a city street. The Shakopee P-D put the picture on social media with the “no” symbol over it and the caption, “We didn’t think we’d have to post something like this, but here we are…” The skier is wearing a helmet in the picture.

>>Austin Man Sentenced for Role in Drug-Related Fatal Shooting

(Austin, MN) — A man from Austin is sentenced to ten years in prison for his role in a drug-related shooting death in August of 2021. Keith Forrest pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the second-degree murder of 48-year-old David Harris. Police say Forrest and Miguel Nunez, Junior went to rob Harris of drugs and Nunez shot him multiple times in the chest. Forrest and Nunez fled to Sioux Falls, South Dakota after the shooting.

>>Perham Woman Found Dead in Crow Wing County

(Deerwood, MN) — Authorities in Crow Wing County are investigating the death of a woman Wednesday afternoon in Deerwood. Sheriff’s deputies say they found 48-year-old Nicole Gutzman of Perham (PUR’-um) unresponsive near Highway 6 and she died at the scene. It is unknown how long Gutzman had been there. Investigators aren’t releasing any other information at this time.

>>Snowmobile stolen from fatal crash site in north-central MN recovered

(Bemidji, MN) — The sheriff’s department in north-central Minnesota’s Beltrami County has recovered a snowmobile stolen from the scene of a fatal crash Sunday. A woman died when a snowmobile collided with a tractor-trailer on the Soo Line Trail and several hours later, her family and friends returned to recover several snowmobiles left there — but one had been stolen. Deputies followed tracks to rural addresses in Dudley Township and the stolen snowmobile was found at one of those locations. Felony theft charges are pending against a male and a female.

Morning Briefs

>>Man Shot and Killed Thursday on St. Paul’s West Side

(St. Paul, MN) — Police in St. Paul are investigating a deadly shooting in the city’s West Side Thursday afternoon. Officers found the man with a gunshot wound to the torso and he was taken to Regions Hospital where he died. Detectives are trying to figure out what happened and find the suspects. Investigators are also looking for surveillance video from homes and businesses in the area. This is the third homicide of the year in St. Paul.

>>Classes Resume at St. Paul’s Harding High 1 Week After Deadly Stabbing

(St. Paul, MN) — Classes resume today (Friday) at Harding High School in St. Paul following the fatal stabbing of a student one week ago. School officials say there will be a dozen crisis counselors and mental health experts on campus to assist students and staff. Security has been stepped up at all St. Paul schools in response to the stabbing death of 15-year-old Devin Scott. A 16-year-old classmate is charged with the second-degree murder of Scott and prosecutors filed a petition to have him tried as an adult.

>>Minnesota House Passes Earned ‘Sick and Safe Time” Bill for Workers

(St. Paul, MN) — Earned “sick and safe time” for all workers is closer to being the law in Minnesota after the Democrat-controlled House passed it just before midnight (Friday). Republicans warn it will force many small businesses to close their doors. G-O-P Representative Debra Kiel of Crookston points to a restaurant owner in her district who’s “hanging by a thread” and would likely go out of business. But Saint Paul Democrat Samakab  Hussein calls it a matter of humanity, saying he didn’t have the privilege to stay home when his mother was dying because he was afraid he could get fired. A companion bill is moving forward in the Minnesota Senate.

>>Legal Cannabis Bill Clears 9th MN House Committee

(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House Education Finance Committee is the ninth panel to approve a bill that would legalize recreational cannabis. Republican Pam Altendorf of Red Wing says data from a child psychiatrist in Colorado show a decline in grades, an increase in car accidents, and a spike in school dropouts. D-F-L Representative Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids says there’s data on teen cannabis use from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health that actually shows a decline in cannabis consumption in states that have legalized cannabis. He says there’s a lot in the bill focused on keeping cannabis away from young people. The products would have child-proof packaging and labels, and Poison Control contact information.

>>Senator Tina to Chair US Senate Agriculture Subcommittee

(Washington, DC) — Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is the new chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee. The panel oversees commodities, crop insurance, and trade for farmers across the country. Smith says some of the biggest issues that Minnesota farmers grapple with — “to be able to work on these issues as we look towards authorizing, reauthorizing the 2023 Farm Bill is a really big deal.” She says the committee’s biggest piece of business is passing a new Farm Bill, which will regulate national agriculture and food programs for the next five years.

>>CentraCare Boards Approves Medical School Plan with U of M

(St. Cloud, MN) — The CentraCare Board of Directors is giving unanimous approval to plans to build a medical school campus in St. Cloud. The proposal is a partnership between CentraCare and the University of Minnesota Medical School. The goal is to train medical students to serve rural communities across the state. CentraCare President Ken Holmen says this partnership provides career development opportunities for the next generation of physicians. Officials hope to open the new medical school in 2025.

>>Bloomington Jefferson Celebrates 4th Straight National Cheer Championship

(Bloomington, MN) — The Bloomington Jefferson High School cheer team is now a seven-time national champion. The Jaguars won their fourth title in a row last weekend at the 2023 U-C-A National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida. Jefferson topped eight other teams in the final round to claim the national title. The team coached by Taylor Mancini has also won ten Minnesota cheerleading championships.

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MNN Morning Briefs

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>>Residents Return to Raymond, Train Derailment Investigation Continues (Raymond, MN) — Residents in the Kandiyohi County town of Raymond are back home after being evacuated Thursday morning following a train derailment and fire. The evacuation order was lifted Thursday afternoon. MnDOT hasn’t determined when it will lift the detour on Highway 23. The train was […]

Two Gophers among three Hobey Baker finalists

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For the first time in nearly 15 years, a pair of teammates were named Hobey Baker Memorial Award Hat Trick Finalists as Minnesota men’s hockey forwards Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies reached the final three it was announced Thursday by the 30-member selection committee. It’s just the third time since the selection process moved to […]

Residents in Raymond Being Evacuated after Train Derailment

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(Raymond, MN)  —  Residents in the city of Raymond are being evacuated for precautionary measures after a train derailment and fire. Highway 23 is temporarily closed at Raymond from County Road 1 to Chippewa County Road 1. Raymond residents may go to CMCS School in Prinsburg for shelter. The city of Raymond is home to […]

Wild announce “Crazy Game” for charity

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The Minnesota Wild today announced the organization will host a “Crazy Game of Hockey” charity event in collaboration with the band O.A.R. and Minnesota’s own, Grammy-nominated guitarist Cory Wong on July 7 and 8 in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The weekend activities will consist of three events helping launch and promote the newly announced Wild […]

New Gopher coach announces her staff

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Head coach Dawn Plitzuweit has announced the addition of Jason Jeschke, Aaron Horn and Ariel Braker to the Minnesota women’s basketball coaching staff. Jeschke will serve as the Associate Head Coach while Horn and Braker will be Assistant Coaches under Plitzuweit. “I am incredibly excited and thankful to have the opportunity to continue working alongside […]

#1 Gophers are Frozen Four bound (AUDIO)

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It is now back-to-back trips to the NCAA Frozen Four for the Minnesota men’s hockey team thanks to a decisive, 4-1 win over No. 6 St. Cloud State in the 2023 NCAA Fargo Regional Final from Scheels Arena. The No. 1 Golden Gophers are making their 23rd trip to the NCAA Frozen Four, this year […]

#1 Gopher men’s hockey beat Canisius 9-2 (AUDIO)

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Bryce Brodzinski scored a third-period hat trick as the overall top seed Golden Gophers men’s hockey team poured on the offense to erase a one-goal deficit and overpowered No. 4 Canisius in a 9-2 victory during the 2023 NCAA Fargo Regional inside Scheels Arena. Minnesota (27-9-1 overall) scored six times in the final frame and […]

Plitzuweit is new Gopher women’s basketball coach

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University of Minnesota Director of Athletics Mark Coyle announced today that Dawn Plitzuweit has been named head women’s basketball coach. The University and Plitzuweit have agreed to a six-year term, which is pending Board of Regents approval and the completion of a background check.  She will be formally introduced on Monday on campus. Plitzuweit will […]