>>Board of Regents choose three finalists for U-of-M president
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Board of Regents this afternoon (Fri) unanimously chose three finalists for next president of the University of Minnesota. They are: Doctor Laura Bloomberg, president of Cleveland State University and former dean of the U-of-M’s Humphrey School… Doctor Rebecca Cunningham, vice president for research and innovation at the University of Michigan… and Doctor James Holloway, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of New Mexico. Officials say the next phase is finalists participating in public forums at all five of the University’s campuses — with the first candidate due in Minnesota on Monday.
>>Walz authorizes state disaster aid for St. Louis County
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz has authorized state emergency assistance for Saint Louis County in northeast Minnesota, citing damage from heavy rain and flooding last September. Officials say there was significant damage to public infrastructure. Walz says the state stands ready to help communities recover from unexpected severe weather.
>>BCA releases names after officer shoots suspect in Willmar
(Willmar, MN) — Authorities have released names of those involved when a Willmar police officer shot a suspect multiple times last Sunday. Investigators say Officer Michael Holme was responding to a report of someone being threatened with a knife, when 33-year-old Jerry Jones ran toward him brandishing a utility knife. They say Officer Holme fell backwards and Jones stood over him, slashing at him with the knife. Holme fired his gun, striking the suspect who fled and was arrested two blocks away. The officer had minor injuries. The suspect is hospitalized in stable condition.
>>U-of-M takes first step toward buying teaching hospitals back from Fairview
(Minneapolis, MN) — A letter of intent the Board of Regents approved today (Fri) puts the University of Minnesota on a path toward buying back its teaching hospitals in Minneapolis from the Fairview Health system — but a purchase price and other key elements are yet to be negotiated. Senior V-P Myron Frans says the University would first purchase a 51 percent interest. A transition period would follow, with Fairview and the U jointly managing the hospitals. Frans says, “The transition would conclude with the University assuming full ownership and governance of U-M-M-C (U-of-M Medical Center) no later than December 31, 2027.” Fairview C-E-O James Hereford says the letter of intent is a “critical first step towards a new and reimagined relationship that will better meet the current and future needs of our patients and our community.” Expect close scrutiny of any deal at the legislature and elsewhere because of potential cost.
>>Gopher softball team opens season tonight in San Diego
(San Diego, CA) — Unseasonably warm weather of late has been beneficial for the Golden Gopher softball team, which opens the season with a pair of games tonight in San Diego. Head coach Piper Ritter says they were able to practice outside in Minnesota in January and February, which is rare, but has them prepared. The Gophers are in a field of teams in San Diego that includes Stanford, Kentucky, San Diego State, and UC-Santa Barbara. Minnesota is scheduled to play five games over the next three days. The Gophers have made ten consecutive N-C-A-A Softball Tournaments.
