Minnesota News & Sports Updates This Week
Governor Walz to Sign Senator Tomassoni Memorial Highway Bill
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz signs a bill today (Thurs) designating part of Highway 169 on the Iron Range as the “Senator David J. Tomassoni (tom-uh-SOH’-nee) Memorial Cross Range Expressway.” Senator Rob Farnsworth of Hibbing says Tomassoni recently secured funding to complete a four-lane stretch near Taconite. He says Highway 169 all the way to the city of Mountain Iron will be named in Tomassoni’s honor because that was the section of the Cross Range Expressway that he still represented before redistricting changed the lines. Farnsworth says Tomassoni left an enduring mark on the Senate before he died of A-L-S on August 11th, 2022. His family is expected at the State Capitol today (Thurs) for the signing ceremony.
Republicans Argue Senate DFL Loses Majority Without Mitchell
(St. Paul, MN) — Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury continues to vote on bills while she’s suspended from committee assignments and D-F-L caucus meetings. Republican Senator Eric Lucero (LOO’-sair-oh) of St. Michael says the makeup of the caucus has changed and there is no longer a majority in the Senate. Lucero told members, “Democrats are trying to use and abuse rules to cling to an illegitimate 34 votes.” Senator Nick Frentz of North Mankato says Senator Mitchell is still a Democrat and “until the Senate ethics process and the criminal matter is resolved, she will not be participating in our caucus meetings. Mitchell was arrested after a break-in at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes. A Senate ethics subcommittee will hear her case on Tuesday.
No Warning Sirens in Blue Earth County for Monthly Test Wednesday
(Mankato, MN) — Blue Earth County officials are trying to figure out why the outdoor warning sirens failed to sound during a monthly test on Wednesday afternoon. County dispatchers attempted the test around 1 pm but none of the warning sirens activated. The Blue Earth County sheriff said all sirens are affected including the city of North Mankato. County officials say additional siren tests will be conducted once they identify and correct the problems.
Amtrak Adding 2nd Daily Train from St. Paul to Chicago
(St. Paul, MN) — Amtrak Midwest is adding a second daily train from the Twin Cities to Chicago on May 21st. Coach fares on the new Amtrak Borealis start at 41 dollars each way for adults. Officials say the trains offer views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse and make the current Empire Builder stops between St. Paul and Milwaukee and the Hiawatha stops from Beer City to Chicago. The passenger rail service is sponsored by the Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois departments of transportation and uses federal infrastructure funds.
Forest Lake Runner Hit by Vehicle Hospitalized with Life-Threatening Injuries
(St. Paul, MN) — One of the two Forest Lake Area High School runners hit by a car on Highway 61 Tuesday remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The Minnesota State Patrol says 15-year-old Samuel Farinella was seriously hurt and 15-year-old Jace Blanchard is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Troopers say Farinella, Blanchard and other track team members were in a crosswalk when they were struck. The 84-year-old man driving the vehicle that hit them wasn’t hurt.
Fillmore County Man Wanted for Child Pornography Arrested in Michigan
(Milan, MI) — A Fillmore County man wanted in relation to child sexual abuse material is under arrest in Michigan. Officials found 36-year-old William Guy Amick the III in Milan, Michigan, about 20 miles south of Ann Arbor. Amick faces 13 felony charges. He’s currently being held in a Michigan county jail and awaits extradition to southeast Minnesota.
Minnesota Twins Sweep White Sox for 10th Consecutive Win
(Chicago, IL) — The Minnesota Twins beat the White Sox 10-5 Wednesday for their tenth win in a row and the series sweep in Chicago. The Twins sealed the victory with four runs in the top of the ninth inning. Alex Kiriloff (KEER’-uh-loff) hit a home run and Willie Castro had three hits for Minnesota. Starter Bailey Ober allowed four runs over six innings for his third win of the season. The 17-and-13 Twins are back home Friday to face the Red Sox at Target Field.
