>>ICE and Minneapolis Impact
(Minneapolis) – One day after the announced drawdown of federal agents in Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey will discuss the economic and social impact that Operation Metro Surge has had on the city. Frey and other city leaders, including Police Chief Brian O’Har,a will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. According to the city, 76,000 more people citywide may be experiencing food insecurity compared to before the surge. Other numbers include lost wages of $47 million per month and local businesses losing $10-20 million in revenue per week. Frey said he is “hopeful” the surge will end soon.
>>Fargo Man Charged in Girlfriend’s Death; Search Extends Into Otter Tail County
(Fargo, ND) – A 21-year-old Fargo man is facing charges of murder, evidence tampering, and providing false information in the death of his girlfriend. Joshua Hite was arrested Tuesday in connection with the disappearance of 24-year-old Isadora Wengel of West Fargo. She was last seen on New Year’s Eve and reported missing on January 7th. Investigators found blood matching Wengel’s D-N-A on a plastic sheet in a dumpster outside Hite’s apartment, along with a saw blade believed to be linked to the case. Authorities say surveillance footage shows Hite purchasing an electric saw at a Fargo home improvement store. Law enforcement in Otter Tail County is asking residents in Fergus Falls, Battle Lake, Underwood, and Elizabeth to check their property for a missing black tote with a red lid. The investigation is ongoing.
>>American Red Cross in extra need of blood donations
(Undated) — Winter weather has created a nationwide blood shortage after storms forced the American Red Cross to cancel drives across the country. The Southwest Wisconsin chapter says the need for blood is especially critical for accident victims, medical emergencies, and surgeries. Executive director Kyle Kriegl reminds donors that giving blood is simple-just stay hydrated, eat a good meal, and get a full night’s rest. He adds that donations are sent wherever the need is greatest, and the Red Cross app will even tell you where your blood ends up, helping patients. For more information or to schedule a donation, visit RedCrossBlood.org.
>>Team USA Men’s Hockey Tops Latvia in First Prelim Olympic Game
(Milan, IT) — The U-S men’s hockey team skated past Latvia 5-1 in the first Olympic preliminary game Thursday in Milan, Italy. Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson of Warroad, Minnesota, scored a pair of goals for the Americans. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets made 17 saves for the win. Team U-S-A will play its next preliminary game Saturday night against Denmark.
>>Gopher Women’s Basketball Beats Nebraska for 7th Straight Win
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota women’s basketball team is on a seven-game win streak following an 84-67 victory over Nebraska at Williams Arena. Amaya Battle led the Golden Gophers with 21 points, and Mara Braun scored 15 last night. Minnesota led 49-30 at the half and never trailed. The Gophers improve to 10-4 in the Big Ten and 19-6 overall. They play Sunday at border rival Wisconsin.
