>>Governor Walz to Highlight Infrastructure Projects in St. Cloud
(St. Cloud, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is in Saint Cloud today (Tues), meeting with a biotech company and visiting a wastewater treatment plant to spotlight what he says are the state’s infrastructure needs. The governor’s stop comes the day before he and lawmakers get the latest economic forecast, which analysts predict could show an budget surplus as high as two-and-a-half billion dollars. That could bolster Democrats’ push for a bonding bill well in excess of a billion dollars for state infrastructure and other public works projects. House lawmakers have already heard pitches all over the state and Senate members wrap up their tours next week.
>>No Charges Against Officers in Death of Man Found in Robbinsdale Lake
(Minneapolis, MN) — Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says her office found no evidence of inappropriate behavior by law enforcement and will not file any charges related to the death of Khalil Azad of Buffalo. Robbinsdale police say Azad, who was Black, sped away early the morning of July 3rd, 2022, drove the wrong way in traffic, crashed next to the shoreline of Crystal Lake and fled into the woods. Authorities searched the area without success, and a passerby discovered Azad’s body two days later floating in the lake. Black Lives Matter took issue with police statements, alleging that autopsy photos show Azad had apparent dog bites on his face which weren’t mentioned in the report. But County Attorney Moriarty says the investigation did not reveal evidence that law enforcement did anything other than seek in earnest to locate Khalil, whose death was ruled an accidental drowning.
>>Moorhead PD K9 Dies Unexpectedly
(Moorhead, MN) — The Moorhead Police Department says one of its dogs died unexpectedly following an acute medical emergency while at home over the weekend. The department says officer Brett Musich took K-9 Zeke to an emergency veterinary clinic on Saturday and he died a short time later. Zeke was deployed over 150 times during his service to the city. In August, the pair received the prestigious “Case of the Year 2022” National award from the National Police Canine Association for their work in a Fargo drug investigation.
>>Savage Man Faces 1st Degree Murder in Fatal Stabbing of Uncle
(Bloomington, MN) — A man from Savage is now facing a first-degree murder charge in the fatal stabbing of his uncle and wounding of his aunt in Bloomington. Hennepin County prosecutors say a grand jury returned a first-degree murder indictment against 44-year-old Aaron Roring for the August killing of 74-year-old Mark Novak. He was a former mayor of Janesville. Novak’s 72-year-old wife was also hospitalized after the stabbing. Roring was initially charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder. The judge increased his bail to two million dollars.
>>Semi Crashes Into White Bear Lake Dentist Office, Injuring 3 Inside
(White Bear Lake, MN) — A truck driver and two people are hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after a semi crashed into a dentist’s office in White Bear Lake Monday afternoon. Police say the semi exited off westbound Interstate-694, crossed all lanes of White Bear Avenue and crashed into the offices of White Bear Dentists. Two dentists were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries. Police and the State Patrol continue their investigation.
>>Mankato Transit Honors Rosa Parks With Saved Bus Seats
(Mankato, MN) — The City of Mankato is honoring the legacy of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks this week by saving her a seat on every city bus. Mankato Transit has placed a sign on every saved seat reminding riders about Parks’ historic role in ending racial segregation on buses and other facilities in the south. Each sign also includes a Q-R code that links to additional information about Parks through the Blue Earth County Library. The program continues through Friday.
>>International Ice Hockey Federation Mandates Neck Guards
(Undated) — The International Ice Hockey Federation says neck guards will be required in all levels of competition in its tournaments including the Olympics world championships. The move was prompted by the death of Minnesota native Adam Johnson, whose neck was slashed by the skate blade of an opposing player in England in late October. The mandate doesn’t apply to the N-H-L. In mid-November, police in the U-K arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter in Johnson’s death. Johnson’s team, the Nottingham Panthers, described it as a freak accident. Thousands were in person and on-line at Hibbing Memorial Arena in early November as fans around the world remembered Johnson.
>>Holiday Snow Creature Needs a Name
(Minneapolis, MN) — A new creature is watching over the Midtown Global Market in south Minneapolis during the holiday season, all it needs is a name. “IT,” created by artist Gustavo Boada is tall and snow-covered, representing an old, friendly northern snow creature rumored to be over 200 years old. Submissions for “IT’s” name are open on-site and online until Sunday, December 10th. Market vendors will choose five finalist names to be voted on in-person and online December 11th through the 17th, with the winning name announcedon December 18th. The person who submitted the name will win a $100 gift card.
>>Vikings Hosting Toys for Tots Event in Eden Prairie
(Eden Prairie, MN) — Members of the Minnesota Vikings are taking part in a Toys for Tots event this morning (Tues 9-11 am) at Eden Prairie Center. Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, linebacker Anthony Barr and tight end T-J Hockenson are among player supporting Minnesota children in need this holiday season. Team officials say selected families are going on a shopping spree at SCHEELS with a Vikings player. The Minnesota Vikings flagship station, K-F-A-N, is broadcasting live from the event.
>>Wolves’ Finch Named NBA Western Conference Coach of Month
(Minneapolis, MN) — Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves is being honored as the N-B-A Western Conference Coach of the Month. Minnesota opened the season with a 14-and-4 record which is the best start in franchise history. Their 13 wins in November is the most victories in a calendar month for the Wolves. Finch’s team is 15-and-4 after Saturday’s win in Charlotte and has the best record in the league. The Spurs visit Target Center on Wednesday night.
>>3 Former Lynx Players to Enter Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
(Minneapolis, MN) — Three former Minnesota Lynx stars are joining the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Taj McWilliams-Franklin were all named as 2024 inductees for their hall-of-fame careers. Moore and Augustus won four W-N-B-A championships in Minnesota and McWilliams-Franklin was on the 2011 team that won the title and also won a ring with the 2008 Detroit Shock.
