Ricardo Cantu : “June 14th, 2024 Midday Headlines: Breaking News Updates”

>>University of Minnesota Board of Regents Approves 4.5% Tuition Increase in Twin Cities and Rochester Campuses

(Minneapolis, MN) — Students at the University of Minnesota will be facing a tuition hike next academic year. The U of M Board of Regents recently voted to raise tuition for both undergraduate and graduate students by four-and-a-half percent on the Twin Cities and Rochester campuses. In-state residents studying at these campuses will be affected by this increase. Additionally, undergraduates in Crookston, Morris, and Duluth can expect a smaller one-and-a-half percent increase in tuition fees for the 2024–2025 academic year. Out-of-state students studying in Minneapolis and St. Paul will be subject to a higher five-and-a-half-percent tuition hike.

>>Tragic Vehicle Crash Claims Lives of Man and Child in Renville County

(Renville County, MN) – A devastating vehicle collision occurred in Renville County, resulting in the loss of a man and a child’s lives. The State Patrol reported that the crash involved a Ford Taurus and a truck on Highway 212, east of Danube, around 4 p.m. on Thursday. The collision claimed the lives of 55-year-old Ricardo Cantu from Danube and an 8-year-old girl who was in his car. Furthermore, two other children in the vehicle and a woman from Renville sustained injuries in the accident, along with the truck driver, 27-year-old Justin Macht from Morgan.

>>Morrison County Mourns Loss of Dispatcher in Whitewater Rafting Accident

(Little Falls, MN) – The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office is grieving the loss of their longtime dispatcher, Linda Day, who tragically passed away following a whitewater rafting accident. Linda had been a valued member of the Morrison County law enforcement family since 2008, previously serving as an EMT/paramedic for Gold Cross Mayo Ambulance. The sheriff’s office has requested the community to keep Linda’s family, friends, and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

>>University of Minnesota Report Reveals Alarming Increase in Youth Sexual Exploitation

(Minneapolis, MN) – The latest report on Minnesota youths’ sexual health in 2022 has unveiled concerning findings, including a rise in sexual exploitation among adolescents. According to UMN Researcher Jill Farris, the report highlighted that 4,600 students in grades 9–11 admitted to engaging in sexual activities in exchange for something of value. Notably, youth from American Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African backgrounds reported higher rates of being sexually exploited compared to other ethnic groups. Farris emphasized the importance of adopting an intersectional approach to address adolescent sexual health issues, moving beyond traditional perspectives.

>>LGBTQ+ Youth Face Higher Risk of Substance Abuse, SUDs

(Undated) – LGBTQ+ youth continue to grapple with high rates of substance abuse and substance use disorders (SUDs), with various factors contributing to this trend. Lydia Burr from Hazelden Betty Ford, a Minnesota mental health and addiction treatment center, pointed out that queer-safe spaces like nightclubs and bars, historically associated with drug use, play a role in this issue. Burr highlighted the significance of addressing internalized homophobia, lack of visibility, and school victimization faced by queer youth, alongside the challenges of puberty.

>>National Weather Service Investigates Tornado Activity in North-Central and East-Central Minnesota

(Undated) – Following severe tornadoes and storms in north-central and east-central Minnesota, the National Weather Service is actively assessing the impact of these natural disasters. Meteorologist Kevin Huyck confirmed the occurrence of three tornadoes near Wright in Carlton County, Crosby, and Crosslake in Crow Wing County. The NWS is working closely with county emergency management officials to analyse data and determine the tracks, intensity, and timings of the tornadoes. Reports of tennis ball-sized hail and extensive damage have been received, with hail covering the ground like snow in Hibbing.