>>Deadly Duplex Fire Under Investigation in Columbia Heights
(Columbia Heights, MN) — Anoka County authorities are investigating a deadly early morning fire in Columbia Heights. Crews were called to a duplex fire around 2:45 am and rescued a man from one of the units. Deputies say life-saving measures were administered, but the victim died in the hospital. No one else in the duplex was injured. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. The victim’s name hasn’t been released.
>>Hennepin County Attorney Asks Minnesota Supreme Court to Review Hill Murder Case
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is petitioning the Minnesota Supreme Court for a review of the DeShaun Hill Junior murder case. The state Court of Appeals reversed the second-degree murder conviction of 30-year-old Cody Fohrenkam for the February 2022 shooting of the 15-year-old Minneapolis North High School quarterback. Prosecutor Mary Moriarity says in a statement, “We believe the Minnesota Supreme Court should review this case and reinstate the conviction. We believe we charged the right person, and, if necessary, we will try this case again.” The appeals panel said Fohrenkam made incriminating statements just before he was to be released from custody on an unrelated matter in Carlton County.
>>MN Political Analyst Believes Trump Convictions Will Only Affect a Few Undecided Voters
(Undated) – Hamline University political analyst David Schultz says most voters have already made up their minds and former President Trump’s felony convictions won’t affect their decision, so this fall’s election will likely be decided by about 150 thousand undecided voters in five or six swing states. Schultz adds, “Now does that mean they’re gonna move over to Joe Biden? Does that mean they’re gonna stay home on Election Day? Or does it mean they’re gonna vote for a third-party candidate such as RFK Junior? All possibilities.” Hear Schultz’s complete analysis of the possible effects of the Trump verdicts in this week’s edition of “Minnesota Matters.”
>>PACT Report Reveals MN Service Gap for Sexually Exploited Boys
(Undated) – Only 15% of sexually exploited boys in Minnesota receive any form of specialized services needed to help heal from their trauma, compared to 65% of girls—details from a new report from Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT). Despite rates of human trafficking cases being higher for girls, boys still need an adequate level of follow-up support, which PACT CEO Lori Cohen believes starts with how key community figures are trained to spot these cases, as “the tendency still is to look for that and identify it among girls, and not among boys.” Cohen says while Minnesota is a leader in the child protection space, the uneven implementation of the state’s Safe Harbor law criminalizes boys who are victimized, rather than supporting them. The report notes that masculine stereotypes also tend to foster shame for men to disclose that they have been sexually exploited.
>>Minnesota PWHL Championship Celebration at the Xcel Energy Center
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team is hosting a championship celebration this evening at the Xcel Energy Center. Minnesota won the inaugural Walter Cup Wednesday night with a 3-0 victory at Boston in Game 5 of the PWHL Finals. Tonight’s celebration will feature the players, staff, a live DJ, a photo station, and a proclamation from St. Paul city officials. The event was scheduled for Rice Park but was moved to the arena due to rain in the forecast. Number-one draft pick and former Golden Gopher All-American Taylor Heise was named the MVP of the PWHL playoffs.
>> Minneapolis Working To Add Information Kiosks Across Downtown
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Downtown Improvement District and the Downtown Council have launched an initiative to improve navigation in downtown Minneapolis. They plan to install interactive kiosks to provide information on businesses, attractions, and services. These touchscreen kiosks will offer directions, event listings, and even games for users to enjoy. The kiosks aim to connect residents, workers, and visitors to the downtown area and will eventually cover various locations throughout the city. Additionally, the kiosks will provide access to social services information and emergency alerts, making them a valuable resource for the community.
>>Hy-Vee Offering 2,000 Free Omega-3 Index Screenings in June Across Midwest
(Undated) — As part of Alzherimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Hy-Vee will be providing 2,000 free omega-3 index screenings in June across the Midwest. Administered via finger stick, the screening measures the amount of omega-3 in the bloodstream, fatty acids that are essential to the body in supporting the heart and brain. Registration can be made online, and screenings are only available while supplies last.
