KTOE Noon News 1-24-25
Top Stories for Noon 1-24-25
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Governor Walz Unveils Bonding Bill and Plans for Rapidan Dam and BCA Building
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GoFundMe Established for Family of Mankato East Teen who Died Saturday
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Mankato Brewery Hosting ‘Last-Versary’ Going Away Party Saturday
- A quiet Friday at the Minnesota State Capitol. The House and Senate chambers are both closed until Monday. The Senate is adjourned until Monday at 11 a.m., while the House won’t pick up business until Monday afternoon. This comes one day after the Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments in the power-sharing battle in the House. Democrats are waiting to see if the court decides Republicans acted unlawfully by calling their own quorum, while Republicans petitioned that the lawsuit should be denied or dismissed because they presently have a one-seat majority. No word on when the court will rule.
- The latest data suggest the flu season could be peaking in Minnesota. Another 29 flu-related deaths were reported the week ending January 18th. There had been a total of 50 until last week. There have not been any pediatric influenza deaths in Minnesota. Ninety-four schools in the state had flu outbreaks compared to 16 the previous week. There were 16 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The 629 hospitalizations drop slightly from the 774 in the week ending January 11th. State health officials say it is not too late to get the flu shot.
- The head of the Children’s Minnesota Hospital is stepping down. Doctor Marc Gorelick announced yesterday that he’s retiring as CEO at the state’s largest pediatric medical center. He will leave his position in July after a seven-year run. The board of directors at Children’s has started a search for a new chief executive.
- A former Swift County teacher is sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting children. Sixty-two-year-old Roger Ebnet of Benson was arrested after a hidden camera captured him molesting boys who sat in his lap during class on November 30th and December 1st, 2022. Twelve victims abused by Ebnet came forward and gave impact statements before his sentencing Thursday. Ebnet taught at Northside Elementary since 1987. He pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct last October.
- A woman is now charged with causing a July crash that killed Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson in Maryland. Cori Clingman faces counts of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol related to the July 6th crash that killed 24-year-old Jackson and two of his former high school teammates, Isiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr. Clingman faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The Vikings honored Jackson throughout the season on and off the field, and his locker and number 31 jersey were left unused.