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Climbing gym workers at Vertical Endeavors unionize across Minnesota

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Employees of Vertical Endeavors gyms throughout the state voted this month to join the United Food and Commercial Workers, making them the first climbing gym workers to unionize in Minnesota.The election took place by mail ballot beginning Nov. 13, and results were counted Wednesday, with more than 81% of employees agreeing to join UCFW Local 663 and 1189.Hailey Jarmon, a team coach in Bloomington, said in a written statement that workers look forward to a bargaining contract that offers “better pay and healthcare, and a voice in the decisions that are going to affect employees and customers.”Vertical Endeavors gyms are located in Bloomington, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth. A call to the company for comment was not returned Wednesday.The new bargaining unit will cover about 90 people, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers, including most employees who are not shift managers or guards.A filing of intent to unionize in August included employees of Nicros, ...

3 candidates vie for Dakota County state House seat in Dec. 5 special election

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

A special election for a vacant south Twin Cities suburban House seat next Tuesday could give Republicans a chance to chip away at Democratic-Farmer-Labor control of Minnesota government.On Tuesday voters will choose a new representative for House District 52B. It’s a three-way contest for a seat that covers portions of the south metro suburbs of Eagan and Mendota Heights.The district has favored Democrats in recent years, though a special election could be an opportunity for Republicans, as there’s no incumbent and turnout could be lower than normal. The last time a Republican won in the district was in 2016 when the seat was open. But the DFL and even Democrats on the national level aren’t taking the district for granted.Bianca VirnigLast week, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee named DFL candidate Bianca Virnig a “spotlight candidate” and in a statement said the special election is essential for “maintaining a strong and durable Democratic majority.”Bianca Virnig...

Up and coming artists: Central High School students exhibit comics inspired by Charles Schulz at MN History Center

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Randy Schutt and the students in his Intermediate Drawing class at Central High School in St. Paul came to the Minnesota History Center on Wednesday to attend a gallery opening.There, in the Heffelfinger Room, the students admired the work of some up-and-coming artists.Spoiler alert: It was their art, comic panels inspired by the work of Central High School graduate Charles M. Schulz and his “Peanuts” comic strip that many of them grew up knowing through television specials or through the Charlie Brown and Snoopy statues they saw around St. Paul and, yes, sometimes in the comic section of newspapers.The artistic assignment was part of the Minnesota History Center’s community engagement efforts tied to “The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz,” an exhibit that opened in July at the museum.This student gallery, “Art by the Cehiseans of 2023” (Central students as known as “Cehiseans”), is located on the first floor of the museum and...

Parson pushes back on GOP lawmaker wanting to ban Palestinian refugees

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - One Republican lawmaker wants to block Palestinian refugees fleeing Gaza from coming to Missouri, but Governor Mike Parson is pushing back.More than 35 House Republicans signed on to the letter sent to the governor earlier this week, asking him to sign an executive order prohibiting the resettlement of Palestinian refugees. Parson responded, saying the state shouldn't be characterizing all Palestinians as bad people."I think there is a huge difference between Palestinian people and Hamas," Parson said Tuesday. "We've just got to be careful of who we are targeting to say we don't want here and who we do."As desperate Palestinians try to flee Gaza, Republican Chris Dinkins said they aren't welcome in Missouri."It only takes one bad actor," Dinkins said. "We don't want to risk thousands of Americans lives based on one individual who could get through." Parents sue Big Cedar Lodge after child dies in Branson boat accident The southeast Missouri representative sen...

Medical procedure or a crime? Trial opens for paramedics who gave Elijah McClain fatal dose of ketamine

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Elijah McClain is pictured in this undated photograph. (Photo provided by family of Elijah McClain)Jurors will be asked to decide whether two Aurora paramedics violated the law when they injected Elijah McClain with a maximum dose of the sedative ketamine in a trial that’s being watched by first responders across the country — a rare case in which medical personnel face criminal prosecution over a fatal police encounter.Opening statements on Wednesday in the trial of Lt. Peter Cichuniec and Jeremy Cooper focused on what role paramedics have at the scene when police call them for help, whether the two paramedics had a legitimate reason to inject McClain with ketamine in the first place, and whether they followed protocol once they decided to administer the sedative.Defense attorneys for Cichuniec and Cooper attempted to direct blame toward the Aurora police officers who stopped McClain — a 23-year-old unarmed Black man who was walking home — that night in Augu...

At 35, Broncos QB Russell Wilson believes he has more years ahead of him: “I still got a little speed”

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

When Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson entered the league in 2012, his goal was to play until his 40s.Now at 35 and playing some of his best football since his Seattle days, Wilson is confident he can reach that goal through his drive and work ethic.“I still got a little speed,” Wilson said with a smile. “Every day, I get up, keep my body moving and working out. I think the biggest thing is that I have an obsession and passion for the game.”Wilson wants to be among the great quarterbacks who extended their careers past their prime years. Former quarterback Tom Brady, who won two Super Bowls in his 40s, played until he was 45.New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 40, returned to practice on Wednesday after he tore his Achilles tendon in September.Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he used to ask all-time about former Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ longevity. Brees played until he was 41 and was named to his 13th Pro Bowl in 2019 when he was 40.“I don’t look past the season,” Pay...

Girl won't cooperate with probe of NBA star Josh Giddey, report says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

The investigation into NBA star Josh Giddey's alleged relationship with a teen girl may have hit a roadblock.TMZ reports that the girl and her family won't cooperate with the Newport Beach Police Department's investigation.Police opened the investigation after social media posts alleged the 21-year-old Australian star had a romantic relationship with a girl who was 15 or 16 at the time. The age of consent in California is 18. NBA star investigated for alleged relationship with underage girl Giddey, who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is also under investigation by the NBA, though Giddey has continued to play, most recently against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night.The Australian has declined to comment on the allegations or investigations.On Wednesday, the NBPD asked for anyone with information on Giddey or the girl to come forward."The Newport Beach Police Department is actively seeking additional information related to these allegations and pursuing al...

Gun, art stolen from Calabasas home; LASD releases photo of man spotted at scene

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is looking for a man who may be the burglar who stole a gun and artwork from a Calabasas residence.The home in the 24000 block of Mulholland Avenue was burgled at about 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 7, authorities said in a news release. Artwork and a firearm were stolen.The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department provided these Nov. 7, 2023, images that show a purported burglar in Calabasas.The man in photos provided by the LASD was spotted on the property and was wearing gloves at the time, authorities said.In photos provided by the Sheriff's Department, the man can be seen wearing a striped zip-up jacket, baseball cap and sunglasses.Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Solomon at 818-878-1808.To report information anonymously, call 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

Woman Killed in Red-Light Accident on Interstate 45 [Houston, TX]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

Female Pronounced Dead after Red-Light Collision near Airport BoulevardHOUSTON, TX (November 29, 2023) – Thursday evening, one woman was fatally injured in a red-light accident on Interstate 45.Around 1:00 a.m., police responded to the scene near Airport Boulevard on November 2nd.Officers say the female driver of a vehicle was stopped at a red light when she was rear-ended by another vehicle at high rates of speed.Medical personnel later pronounced the female driver dead, due to the extent of her condition. Meanwhile, the suspect suffered major wounds, and paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment.At this time, an active investigation to determine further information is still currently underway.No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this delicate moment. Deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased woman.Losing a loved one in a car accident due to someone’s recklessness leaves a lasting impact ...

Man Fatally Struck in Pedestrian Collision on East Russell Road [Las Vegas, NV]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:36:50 GMT

20-Year-Old Man Pronounced Dead after Pedestrian Accident on Boulder HighwayLAS VEGAS, NV (November 29, 2023) – One man died Saturday morning in a pedestrian collision on East Russell Road and Boulder Highway.Officers responded to the scene just before 9:15 a.m. Officers say the driver of a northbound 2019 Buick Encore in the left travel lane through a green light. A pedestrian was walking on the road outside of a marked crosswalk and was hit by a Buick.Due to the severity of the injuries, medical personnel declared the pedestrian deceased at the scene. Currently, no additional information is disclosed to the public. However, additional details will be shared as soon as they become accessible.Those with more information about the incident involving the pedestrian on East Russell Road are urged to reach out to Indio Officials. Further updates will be provided when they become available.In this sorrowful time, the Sweet James team would like to extend their heartfelt condolences...