>>One of Seven People Saved from St. Paul Home Fire Dies
(St. Paul, MN) — The St. Paul Fire Department says one of the seven family members rescued from a burning home early Wednesday morning has died. Fire officials say all seven victims, a mother and six children, were unconscious when pulled from the home and paramedics began performing C-P-R outside. They continue investigating, but don’t believe the fire was suspicious and say there were working smoke detectors in the home. The surviving members remain in critical condition. At last check, over 18 thousand dollars has been raised on a GoFundMe page.
>>Procession honoring Army Sgt. Cade Wolfe, killed in training exercise over Mediterranean
(Mankato, MN) — A procession to honor Army Sergeant Cade Wolfe this afternoon, ahead of Friday’s celebration of life. 24-year-old Wolfe, formerly of Mankato, was among five service members killed during a military training exercise over the Mediterranean Sea in November. The “fallen hero procession” saluting Wolfe started at the Mankato Regional Airport and ended at Northview Mortuary in North Mankato. The memorial service for Sergeant Wolfe is 3 p-m tomorrow (Fri) at the Mankato National Guard Armory. Flags over all state buildings will be at half-staff Friday by order of Governor Tim Walz.
>>Activist group sends over 72K letters to Congress urging breakup of TicketMaster and LiveNation
(Washington, DC) — 72,473 – the number of letters the Fans First Coalition says have been sent to Congress, calling for a breakup of TicketMaster and LiveNation. U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar, author of the Fans First Act that aims to do just that, says the current setup is “absolutely” a monopoly. Music fans have lamented TicketMaster’s dynamic pricing, which can cause ticket prices to jump thousands of dollars, minutes after going on sale. The issue peaked during the presale of Taylor Swift’s “ERAs Tour” that crashed the online site and resulted in a class-action suit from Swift fans. In November, the U-S Justice Department launched an investigation of LiveNation for anti-competitive practices.
>>Complaint alleges Phillips presidential campaign illegally coordinated with super PAC
(Washington, DC) — A progressive watchdog group has filed a federal campaign finance complaint against Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips, accusing his presidential campaign of illegally coordinating with a super PAC launched by Phillips’ former campaign adviser. The Star Tribune reports The Campaign for Accountability alleges Phillips and ex-adviser Steve Schmidt “engaged in multiple substantial discussions” in the two weeks leading up to the launch of Pass the Torch USA Inc — “the very message that Schmidt apparently helped create for the Phillips campaign.” In a statement the Phillips campaign calls the complaint “baseless” and adds, “All it takes is one look at our paid TV ads to see how different the strategies of these two entities are.” Phillips is challenging President Joe Biden for the Democratic Party nomination.
>>New policy eliminates coverage gaps for Medical Assistance recipients under age 19
(St. Paul, MN) — A new policy for Minnesotans under age 19 eligible for Medical Assistance ensures continuous coverage for 12 months at a time. John Connolly with the State Department of Human Services says it prevents coverage gaps when there are temporary changes in household income due to extra hours, overtime, or temporary/seasonal work. Connolly says research shows kids enrolled in continuous coverage are more likely to have fewer unmet healthcare needs and better health outcomes.
>>Target sues Xcel, alleging utility’s equipment sparked devastating Colorado wildfire in 2021
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis-based Target is suing Xcel Energy, alleging that arcing in its electrical equipment in December 2021 sparked Colorado’s most devastating wildfire ever, severely damaging the retailer’s store in Superior, Colorado. A 17-month investigation by Colorado officials held Xcel partially responsible for a wildfire that killed two people and destroyed more than 11-hundred homes and businesses. Xcel disagrees with the findings, saying one ignition point determined by the investigation was 80 to 100 feet away from its power lines “in an area with underground coal fire activity” — and that records show its system was “properly maintained.” Target has joined hundreds of other plaintiffs in a lawsuit and there’s a first court hearing tomorrow (Fri) in Boulder County, Colorado.
>>MN Twins Claim Pitcher Ryan Jensen
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins have claimed right-handed pitcher Ryan Jensen off waivers from the Miami Marlins. 26-year-old Jensen split the 2023 season between three minor league teams and brings experience from parts of four seasons with the Cubs and Mariners. The Twins now have 38 players on their 40-man roster.
