Stories from February 7, 2025

Minnesota joins lawsuit against Trump’s move to restrict gender-affirming care 
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with attorneys general from Washington and Oregon and three unnamed doctors, filed a federal lawsuit Friday calling for a halt on a presidential executive order that would end federal funding to medical institutions that provide gender-affirming care. 
Judge sentences Feeding Our Future defendant to 3 1/2 years, citing ‘flagrant fraud’
Sharon Ross of Big Lake pleaded guilty in early 2024 to stealing $2.4 million from taxpayer-funded child nutrition programs as part of what federal prosecutors in Minnesota say was a $250 million scam involving 70 people and “the single largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the country.”
Fin del Estatus de Protección Temporal genera incertidumbre entre venezolanos en Minnesota
Los venezolanos que recibieron protecciones a través del Estatus de Protección Temporal en 2023, perderán su estatus en abril. Muchos de los que huyeron de Venezuela y ahora radican en Minnesota temen lo que podría suceder si tuvieran que regresar.
What we know about Saturday snow: Expected totals and timing
Snow will begin developing Friday night into Saturday, followed by a surge of cold air Sunday into the start of the work week. Snowfall amounts will vary, with central Minnesota and western Wisconsin expected to see the highest totals.
 Fabienne Josaphat’s ‘Kingdom of No Tomorrow’ explores gender equality in the Black Panthers
In her new novel, “Kingdom of No Tomorrow,” Fabienne Josaphat sets a love story in the middle of the Black Panthers uprising to explore the passion and price of activism.
Southside Red Bears basketball helps Native youth find community, but its future is uncertain
A change in the Minneapolis youth league registration system could spell the end of the beloved southside team. Coach Muck-Wa Roberts says his program helps Native teenagers stay out of trouble and become future leaders.
Daughter of ‘skiing savant’ speaks to coach’s legacy as Lindsey Vonn makes comeback
At the age of 99, Erich Sailer is still out at the slopes, cheering on his progeny and granddaughters, Lulu and Greta, who are now training under one of Lindsey Vonn’s former coaches. Martina Sailer said her dad always has a crowd of kids looking for feedback at the bottom of the hill.
Some Minneapolis council members want county help with violence prevention programs
On Thursday, three council members proposed that more than $1.1 million be allocated to Hennepin County to temporarily take over two violence intervention programs currently administered by the city’s Neighborhood Safety Department. 
Jaguars hire Vikings assistant Grant Udinski, 29, as offensive coordinator
The Jacksonville Jaguars are assembling one of the NFL’s youngest coaching staffs. Head coach Liam Coen has hired Minnesota assistant Grant Udinski as his offensive coordinator. The 39-year-old Coen, however, plans to call plays during his Jaguars tenure. The 29-year-old Udinski comes to Jacksonville after spending three years working under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and getting two promotions.
Edwards leads Minnesota against Portland after 41-point game
Minnesota hosts the Portland Trail Blazers after Anthony Edwards scored 41 points in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 127-114 win against the Houston Rockets. Saturday’s meeting is the first of the season for the teams. Minnesota is 4-3 against the Northwest Division, and Portland is 4-5 against division opponents.
Outfielder Harrison Bader agrees to a 1-year contract with the Minnesota Twins, AP source says
A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that outfielder Harrison Bader and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year contract. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement, which includes a mutual option for 2026, had not been finalized.
The Minnesota House on Thursday convened for its first session with both Democrats and Republicans in attendance after a power-sharing agreement was reached. And the Minneapolis City Council voted to delay a plan for George Floyd Square.
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell awarded AP NFL Coach of the Year
Kevin O’Connell beat out Dan Campbell for AP NFL Coach of the Year after leading the Minnesota Vikings to 14 wins with quarterback Sam Darnold. Josh Allen edged two-time winner Lamar Jackson for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award in the closest race since Matt Ryan beat out Tom Brady in 2016. 
It's like 'dead birds flying': How bird flu is spreading in the wild
That's the way one scientist puts it — referring to how infected wild birds survive long enough to spread it to birds and mammals around the world. And that's a serious risk for human health.
New behavioral health clinic focusing on rural communities opens doors in Mankato
Staff, public officials and MSU Mankato students gathered to celebrate the opening of the new Rural Behavioral Health Clinic in Mankato this week. Designed to serve Minnesota’s south central region, it will provide counseling and case management services, while also offering training to students at the school.
Construction on George Floyd Square delayed, council puts redesign plan ‘on ice’
The Climate and Infrastructure Committee voted 4-2 to put the city’s plan “on ice.” Council member Katie Cashman said the plan could be reconsidered if the pedestrian design didn’t work out. But opponents say the decision will delay much-needed infrastructure upgrades.