>>Longest Federal Government Shutdown in US History Ends
(Washington, DC) — The longest federal government shutdown in U-S history is over. President Trump signed the funding measure passed by the House on Wednesday evening. It passed out of the Senate on Monday after a handful of Democrats joined Republicans to pass the spending bill, which extends federal funding through January 30th. Minnesota Republicans Pete Stauber, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, and Brad Finstad supported the bill. All Democratic House members voted “no.” D-F-L State Party Chair Richard Carlbom says, “after 43 days of vacationing on the Minnesota taxpayer dime, Republicans took paychecks, groceries, and transportation away from working families.”
>>Congresswoman Omar Warns People Will Die from Health Care Cuts in Funding Bill
(Washington, DC) — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar claims people will die from the “unconscionable cuts” to health care in the bill that reopened the government. The Minnesota Democrat says some health care premiums will go up 75 percent and many will lose coverage. She said, “We’re talking about children who are on life-saving medication. We’re talking about people who are diabetic on dialysis. We’re talking about seniors. This is not a joke.” Republican Congressman Pete Stauber said in a statement, “I was proud to vote YES to reopen the government after over 40 days of Democrats weaponizing the American people to appease their far-left activists.”
>>Government Funding Bill Bans Hemp-Based THC Products
(Duluth, MN) — The bill passed by the U-S House to reopen the federal government could hurt Minnesota companies that make and sell hemp-based T-H-C products. Pepin Young of Bent Paddle Brewing Co. in Duluth says it includes a provision banning most consumable hemp products. Young said, “And it is scorched earth. It’s scorched earth for farms that are producing fiber material. For the beverage industry it’s going to be “total casket.” Young says Minnesota stands to lose 11 million dollars in annual revenue generated by hemp sales. Nearly 40 percent of Bent Paddle’s business is built on hemp.
>>Higher Education Cuts Focus of Minnesota Senate Subcommittee Hearing
(St. Paul, MN) – Federal cuts to higher education will be the focus of the Select Senate Committee hearing this morning (Thurs) in St. Paul. The bipartisan committee will hear from students, faculty researchers and university leaders impacted by federal cuts to grant money. Last week, the committee held a roundtable discussion in Duluth to start the testimony. The Senate committee is gathering information to share with the full legislature when the session begins in February.
>>University of Minnesota Calls New Fairview Deal a ‘Hostile Takeover’
(Minneapolis, MN) — University of Minnesota officials are calling the new deal with Fairview a “hostile takeover.” Fairview Health Services and the U of M’s physician group struck a deal without involving top university leaders. The two groups disclosed to the Minnesota Star Tribune the new ten-year deal to support physician training and the health program. Fairview responded to the takeover allegations by saying Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison helped broker the deal. The proposal comes after years of stalled negotiations by university administrators to extend the existing partnership between the school and Fairview.
>>Mounds View Teacher Charged with Sexually Assaulting Student
(Mounds View, MN) — A Mounds View High School teacher is on administrative leave for having an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student. Prosecutors are charging 58-year-old Ted Bennett with third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual assault. Police determined that Bennett sexually assaulted the 16-year-old student and gave her alcohol and drugs. The victim’s father found evidence on her phone. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said, “schools must be a safe place for students, and we will not tolerate abuse of power or sexual exploitation of our youth.” Bennett makes his first court appearance this morning (Thurs).
>>St. Louis County ATV Crash Critically Injures Gilbert Man
(St. Louis County, MN) — A 40-year-old man from rural Gilbert is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after an A-T-V crash late Wednesday on the Iron Range near Virginia. St. Louis County deputies found him semi-responsive beside his A-T-V, not wearing a helmet. He had separated from friends earlier to ride alone; they discovered him while returning from viewing the Northern Lights. The crash wasn’t witnessed, and alcohol is suspected. Emergency crews airlifted him to the hospital.
>>The Wildcat Sanctuary Offering VIP Visit for Give to the Max Day
(Sandstone, MN) — Those who donate to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone during Give to the Max Day could be in for a special surprise. Founder and Executive Director Tammy Thies says anyone who donates $100 or more will get a personalized thank you card from Bentley, a rescued leopard. Thies says anyone who donates, regardless of dollar amount, will be entered to win a V-I-P private visit to the sanctuary and get up-close time with some of the cats. Thies says they’re matching donations through Give to the Max Day, which is November 20th.
>>Gopher Men’s Basketball Falls to Missouri in First Road Game
(Columbia, MO) — The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team is 2-and-1 following an 83-60 loss Wednesday night at Missouri. The Tigers used a 25-2 run in the second half to cruise past the Golden Gophers. Minnesota failed to score for more than eight minutes. Cade Tyson led the Maroon and Gold with 17 points. The Gophers play Chicago State on Tuesday night at Williams Arena.
