Minnesota Woman Killed ON Safari; White Earth Primary Results; Hibbing Lawmaker Moves To Remove Algebra Requirement
>>Elderly Minnesota Woman Killed In Elephant Attack In Africa
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minnesota woman has died after an elephant attacked a safari vehicle in Africa. The attack happened Saturday at a national park in Zambia. Investigators say 79-year-old Gail Mattson died when the bull elephant charged unexpectedly and the driver of the vehicle couldn’t get out of the way in time. Reports indicate Mattson died after she was taken to a hospital in South Africa. (24/7 News Source)
>>>White Earth Primary Election Results
(White Earth) White Earth Reservation held their Primary Election on Tuesday, The White Earth Election Board certified the numbers yesterday morning. The top two candidates for White Earth Chairperson who will now be on the ballot for the general election on June 11th are incumbent Chair Michael A. Fairbanks with 658 votes and Eugene “Umsy” Tibbetts with 605 votes. District 3 Committeeperson candidates will be Incumbent Cheryl “Annie” Jackson and Laura Lee Ericsson, who were the only two certified candidates, so advanced to the general election.
>>Man Charged Of Defrauding Government To Gain Veteran Benefits
(Bemidji, MN) — A Minnesota man who never served in the military has been indicted for allegedly claiming he was a Marine who was injured while serving overseas. Thirty-seven-year-old Mikhail Robin Wicker of Dilworth appeared in federal court in Bemidji yesterday. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Wicker used falsified documents to obtain over 100-thousand dollars in veterans benefits. He reportedly claimed to have been injured by an IED and held as a prisoner of war in Iraq in 2005. Wicker is facing charges of wire fraud, theft of government funds, and fraud connected to his use of falsified military documents.(24/7 News Source)
>>Man Facing Assault Charges After Stabbing In Willmar
(Willmar, MN) — A man is facing assault charges after a stabbing earlier this week at a hospital in Kandiyohi County. Thirty-one-year-old Derrick Whelan of Willmar was charged with second and third-degree assault yesterday. Investigators say Whelan was taken to Centra Care Rice Memorial Hospital on Monday for treatment of a mental health issue. He allegedly used a folding knife to stab a hospital employee multiple times before he was restrained. His bond was set at 200-thousand dollars.(24/7 News Source)
>>Cause Of Death Determined For Polk County Inmate
(Crookston, MN) — Investigators in Polk County have determined the cause of death for an inmate found dead in February. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced yesterday that 51-year-old Matthew Bagley took his own life by hanging himself. Bagley was found unresponsive in his cell on February 14th and was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital. The Minnesota Department of Corrections is still investigating.(24/7 News Source)
>>Lawmaker Tries To Get Algebra Two Removed From MN Graduation Standard
(St. Paul, MN) — A state lawmaker wants to have an algebra class removed from Minnesota’s graduation requirements because he thinks it’s pointless. Republican state Senator Robert Farnsworth of Hibbing tried to amend an education bill on Tuesday to remove Algebra Two classes as a requirement to graduate. Farnsworth said he hasn’t used algebra since graduating from high school in 1996 and sees no reason students should be forced to study it. The amendment didn’t pass, but other senators said it may be time to discuss whether future graduates need that class.(24/7 News Source)
>>Minnesota Tops Financial Literacy Rankings
(Minneapolis, MN) — WalletHub’s recent study reveals that Minnesota leads the nation in financial literacy for 2024. The state’s financial education curriculum in K-12 schools contributes to its top ranking. Only around 15 percent of adults spend more than they earn. Additionally, Minnesota has the highest median credit score in the country at 749, reflecting responsible credit management. (24/7 News Source)
>>Legislation Proposed To Address Closure Of Independent Pharmacies
(St. Paul, MN) — The closure of 24 independent pharmacies in 2023 has prompted lawmakers to take action to preserve healthcare. Proposed bills aim to allow pharmacists to continue providing vaccinations, increase reimbursement rates, and address staffing shortages. St. Paul Corner Drug’s owner emphasizes the financial strain on pharmacy businesses, with some working excessive hours to stay afloat. Pharmacy benefit managers are identified as a key factor in driving up drug prices, leading to challenges in the industry. (24/7 News Source)
