Jason Rantala
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Articles by Jason Rantala
Family mourns trans woman killed on Twin Cities light rail
The family of a transgender woman who was fatally shot on a Twin Cities light rail train last month is mourning her loss. Stella Nez Perce was killed after what prosecutors describe as a brief encounter aboard a Metro Transit light rail train. According to criminal charges, 30-year-old Jaquan Edwards exchanged words with Nez Perce before shooting her three times. Perce's family has since launched an online fundraiser, describing her as an innocent victim of gun violence.
4 found dead in Grand Meadow fire ruled a murder-suicide, sheriff says
The Mower County Sheriff's Office has ruled the deaths of three boys and a man found after a fire Sunday morning in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, a murder-suicide. The boys have been identified as 14-year-old Oliver Christenson, 14-year-old Felix Christenson, and 7-year-old Calvin Christenson, according to the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office has also identified the man as 38-year-old Levi Christenson. According to the sheriff's office, Levi Christenson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Community rallies after 3 boys, man found dead after fire in southern Minnesota
GRAND MEADOW, M.N. (WCCO) - Crosses and flowers mark three of the lives lost after a fire Sunday morning at a southern Minnesota home. The Mower County Sheriff said the victims include a man and three boys. The Mower County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Meadow Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the fire in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, south of Rochester. Officials are still working to determine how it started and exactly how the four victims died.
Community rallies after 3 boys, man found dead after fire in southern Minnesota
Crosses and flowers mark three of the lives lost after a fire Sunday morning at a southern Minnesota home. The Mower County Sheriff said the victims include a man and three boys. The Mower County Sheriff's Office, Grand Meadow Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the fire in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, south of Rochester. Officials are still working to determine how it started and exactly how the four victims died.
Minnesota businesses scramble ahead of federal law limiting hemp THC products
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota businesses that have embraced THC-infused drinks and edibles are bracing for significant changes, as a new federal law threatens the sale of the products. That law, set to take effect Dec. 11, limits hemp-derived products to 0.4 milligrams of THC. Minnesota's current market allows drinks and edibles with up to 10 milligrams of THC. The hemp law had been previously pushed off from November to December.
Tied Spring Lake Park mayoral race decided by random drawing
The winner of the mayoral race in Spring Lake Park , Minnesota, was decided Monday by a random drawing after the election ended in an exact tie. Incumbent Mayor Bob Nelson and challenger Halyn Roth each received 1,401 votes in last week's election, triggering a state law that requires tied elections to be settled by chance. At Spring Lake Park City Hall, each candidate's name was placed into separate canisters, and then into a bag where a winner was drawn.
Minnesota businesses scramble ahead of federal law limiting hemp THC products
Minnesota businesses that have embraced THC-infused drinks and edibles are bracing for significant changes, as a new federal law threatens the sale of the products. That law, set to take effect Dec. 11, limits hemp-derived products to 0.4 milligrams of THC. Minnesota's current market allows drinks and edibles with up to 10 milligrams of THC. The hemp law had been previously pushed off from November to December.
Future of Sisyphus Brewing, popular Minneapolis stand-up spot, uncertain as Dunwoody declines long-term lease
A Minneapolis brewery that has become a cornerstone of the local comedy scene could be facing an uncertain future after its landlord, Dunwoody College, declined to extend its lease, brewery owner Sam Harriman wrote on Facebook Tuesday. In the post, Harriman said the decision threatens the future of the business, which has operated near downtown Minneapolis for more than 12 years.
Proposal targeting transgender athlete participation advances in Minnesota, grassroots group says
It's a new approach to stop Minnesota transgender athletes from competing in their desired school sports. The grassroots organization Make It Fair Minnesota said Monday it secured support from 11 school districts, meeting the threshold required to advance a proposed amendment to the Minnesota State High School League's bylaws for a vote among its more than 500 member schools.
Proposal targeting transgender athlete participation advances in Minnesota, grassroots group says
It's a new approach to stop Minnesota transgender athletes from competing in their desired school sports. The grassroots organization Make It Fair Minnesota said Monday it secured support from 11 school districts, meeting the threshold required to advance a proposed amendment to the Minnesota State High School League's bylaws for a vote among its more than 500 member schools.
St. Paul council members pass three part plan to combat homelessness
When St. Paul, Minnesota, cleared the city's largest homeless encampment at Pig's Eye Park this summer, officials cited serious safety concerns, including fires, sexual assaults and fatal drug overdoses. But the closure did not end homelessness. Instead, it shifted it. More than 400 people are now living in an encampment along Shepard Road, where the population has surged since the Pig's Eye closure.
These 100 nursing homes face perilous flood risk. Minnesota shows what can happen.
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These 100 nursing homes face perilous flood risk. Minnesota shows what can happen. NEW RICHLAND, Minn. — Floodwater seeped through the nursing home’s front door just before sunrise. Inside the New Richland Care Center, staff members rushed to move 36 residents out of the building on Sept. 19 while they still could. They pushed elderly residents in wheelchairs through 4-inch-deep water to buses waiting in the parking lot, said nursing home administrator Robert Johannsen.
By Brett Kelman Verified, Holly Hacker Verified, Daniel Chang Verified, Frankie McLister Verified, Jason Rantala Verified
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Aol
Verified
St. Paul council members pass three part plan to combat homelessness
When St. Paul, Minnesota, cleared the city's largest homeless encampment at Pig's Eye Park this summer, officials cited serious safety concerns, including fires, sexual assaults and fatal drug overdoses. But the closure did not end homelessness. Instead, it shifted it. More than 400 people are now living in an encampment along Shepard Road, where the population has surged since the Pig's Eye closure.
St. Paul loses English language learning students, eyes teacher cuts in wake of Operation Metro Surge
St. Paul Public Schools is proposing to eliminate educators midyear, and the teachers' union says the cuts would fall on English learner teachers and were planned in secret. Union President Carrie Kyung said the plan includes cutting up to 18 English learner teachers and would affect at least two dozen schools. Kyung said the school board is trying to rush the plan through and should reject it and reconsider its options for balancing the budget.
St. Paul schools propose mid-year layoff of English-language learner educators in wake of Operation Metro Surge
The head of public schools in St. Paul, Minnesota, is proposing the mid-year elimination of some educators, a plan the educators' union alleges was made in secret. In a letter, St. Paul Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stacie Stanley says many students who are no longer enrolled in the district's schools are English-language learners, citing impacts from Operation Metro Surge and an overall decrease in district families. Stanley says funding is based largely on enrollment numbers.
Thanks to community support, Paperback Exchange in Minneapolis to reopen in new spot after flood
A Minneapolis bookstore has found a new home after devastating flooding closed several businesses in the area, and they didn't have to look far. More than a year after a water main break destroyed most of its inventory, Paperback Exchange is preparing to reopen in a new location just steps away from the bookstore's longtime home at 50th Street and Penn Avenue South.
Man sentenced to life in prison for 2025 rejection killing of Richfield woman
Jose Luis Lopez Xique, 27, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2025 murder of Kayli Arseth in Richfield, according to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office. Arseth, who was 22, was found dead in her Richfield apartment on June 17, 2025, after a welfare check. Police said at the time that she had been shot Prosecutors charged Lopez Xique in July 2025.
These 100 nursing homes face perilous flood risk. Minnesota shows what can happen
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Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Brett Kelman, Holly K. Hacker, Daniel Chang, Frankie McLister, WCCO | CBS News Minnesota, and Jason Rantala, WCCO | CBS News Minnesota, KFF Health News NEW RICHLAND, Minn. — Floodwater seeped through the nursing home’s front door just before sunrise. Inside the New Richland Care Center, staff members rushed to move 36 residents out of the building on Sept. 19 while they still could.
By Brett Kelman Verified, Daniel Chang Verified, Frankie McLister Verified, Jason Rantala Verified, K. Hacker
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Boston Herald
Verified
Eden Prairie adds new security measures to football games in wake of homecoming shooting
Fans attending Eden Prairie High School football games will face a much different security experience for the rest of the season following a shooting at the school's homecoming game earlier this month. The district's new security rules mirror measures commonly seen at Minnesota Vikings games. Large purses and backpacks are no longer allowed inside the stadium. Fans may only bring clear bags or small personal bags.
HOURCAR users rally to save car-sharing service before Thursday shutdown
Time is running out for a car-sharing service that thousands of Minnesotans rely on for everything from doctor appointments to grocery runs. Twin Cities nonprofit HOURCAR announced it will shut down Thursday at noon , citing rising vehicle insurance costs and cuts in federal funding. The nonprofit also manages Evie car-share. Both services allow people to access vehicles without owning a car.
HOURCAR users rally to save car-sharing service before Thursday shutdown
Time is running out for a car-sharing service that thousands of Minnesotans rely on for everything from doctor appointments to grocery runs. Twin Cities nonprofit HOURCAR announced it will shut down Thursday at noon, citing rising vehicle insurance costs and cuts in federal funding. The nonprofit also manages Evie car-share. Both services allow people to access vehicles without owning a car.
After 4 car break-ins, Minneapolis man launches crime-tracking website
Car break-ins have been a persistent issue across the Twin Cities, with hundreds reported over the past two summers alone. For Clint McMahon, the crime has become all too familiar. McMahon said security cameras outside his south Minneapolis home have repeatedly captured the break-ins.
11-year-old with rare form of muscular dystrophy receives Star Wars-themed wheelchair costume
Updated: 12:12 PM EDT Oct 9, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ Twin Cities, Minnesota — An 11-year-old boy living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy received a gift from a galaxy far, far away this Halloween season. Dash Stanton knew something special was hidden beneath a blue sheet Sunday morning at the Minnesota Fire Museum, WCCO reported. "I feel like this is going to be very, very cool," Dash Stanton said before the reveal.
Jordan Collins Sr. found guilty of murdering his 16-year-old son, dumping body in Twin Cities landfill
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minnesota (WCCO) -- A Columbia Heights man was found guilty Wednesday of murdering his 16-year-old son last year. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who represented himself during the murder trial in Anoka County, was found guilty of second-degree murder. The jury's verdict was met with tears and applause, ending what was a three-week trial.
Twin Cities boy gets Star Wars-themed wheelchair costume
Click here for updates on this story TWIN CITIES, Minnesota (WCCO) -- A Twin Cities boy living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy received a gift from a galaxy far, far away this Halloween season. Eleven-year-old Dash Stanton knew something special was hidden beneath a blue sheet Sunday morning at the Minnesota Fire Museum. "I feel like this is going to be very, very cool," Dash Stanton said before the reveal.
Jordan Collins Sr. found guilty of murdering his 16-year-old son, dumping body in Twin Cities landfill
A Columbia Heights, Minnesota, man was found guilty Wednesday of murdering his 16-year-old son last year. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who represented himself during the murder trial in Anoka County, was found guilty of second-degree murder. After the verdict, the judge asked the jury to answer 10 more questions about the case — including whether Collins concealed the body and if he caused anguish to the family — in order to inform his future decision on sentencing.
Twin Cities boy gets Star Wars-themed wheelchair costume
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Twin Cities boy living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy received a gift from a galaxy far, far away this Halloween season. Eleven-year-old Dash Stanton knew something special was hidden beneath a blue sheet Sunday morning at the Minnesota Fire Museum. "I feel like this is going to be very, very cool," Dash Stanton said before the reveal.
Minnesota law enforcement leaders call for unified gang task force amid spate of gun crimes
TWIN CITIES, Minnesota (WCCO) -- Several law enforcement leaders in the Twin Cities are pushing for new policy to address what they describe as a spate of gun violence from gangs tied to "East African and Somali" communities. Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges held a joint news conference Tuesday afternoon to discuss gang violence with Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and the police chiefs of neighboring Eden Prairie and Edina, Matt Sackett and Todd Milburn.
Federal, state and local authorities hear from community members about gun violence in Edina
It was a line out the door to get inside the packed house at Edina City Hall Monday night, as not only city, but state, county and federal authorities gathered, saying they need to work together to solve a metro-wide problem. The meeting comes after two instances of gun violence in Edina in recent months that remain unsolved. "We will not tolerate gun violence in our community," said Edina Mayor Jim Hovland.
Twin Cities boy gets Star Wars-themed wheelchair costume
A Twin Cities boy living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy received a gift from a galaxy far, far away this Halloween season. Eleven-year-old Dash Stanton knew something special was hidden beneath a blue sheet Sunday morning at the Minnesota Fire Museum. "I feel like this is going to be very, very cool," Dash Stanton said before the reveal. A self-described Star Wars fan who recently finished watching every movie in the franchise, Dash Stanton eagerly waited to see what had been built for him.
These 100 nursing homes face perilous flood risk. Minnesota shows what can happen
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NEW RICHLAND, Minn. — Floodwater seeped through the nursing home’s front door just before sunrise. Inside the New Richland Care Center, staff members rushed to move 36 residents out of the building on Sept. 19 while they still could. They pushed elderly residents in wheelchairs through 4-inch-deep water to buses waiting in the parking lot, said nursing home administrator Robert Johannsen.
By Brett Kelman Verified, Holly Hacker Verified, Daniel Chang Verified, Frankie McLister Verified, Jason Rantala Verified
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ArcaMax
These 100 nursing homes face perilous flood risk. Minnesota shows what can happen.
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This article first appeared on KFF Health News. NEW RICHLAND, Minn. — Floodwater seeped through the nursing home's front door just before sunrise. Inside the New Richland Care Center, staff members rushed to move 36 residents out of the building on Sept. 19 while they still could. They pushed elderly residents in wheelchairs through 4-inch-deep water to buses waiting in the parking lot, said nursing home administrator Robert Johannsen.
By Brett Kelman Verified, Holly Hacker Verified, Daniel Chang Verified, Frankie McLister Verified, Jason Rantala Verified
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Yahoo
Verified
These 100 U.S. nursing homes face perilous flood risk. In Minnesota, residents narrowly escaped.
Floodwater seeped through the nursing home's front door just before sunrise. Inside the New Richland Care Center, staff members rushed to move 36 residents out of the building on Sept. 19 while they still could. They pushed elderly residents in wheelchairs through 4-inch-deep water to buses waiting in the parking lot, said nursing home administrator Robert Johannsen.
CBS News Minnesota, Author at KFF Health News
Staff raced against rising floodwater to evacuate 36 residents from a nursing home in New Richland, Minnesota. It’s one of 100 facilities KFF Health News identified as facing some of the nation’s worst flood risk.
St. Cloud man demands accountability after police stop him at gunpoint by mistake
A St. Cloud, Minnesota, man is demanding accountability after he said officers mistakenly stopped him at gunpoint outside his home, leaving him shaken and fearful. Twenty-one-year-old Faisal Mohamed said he was in his driveway Thursday morning installing a child safety seat in his vehicle when St. Cloud police officers arrived and ordered him to put his hands up. Body camera footage shows officers directing Mohamed to walk backward toward them with his hands visible.
Neighbors gather for public safety meeting following 2 Edina shootings
A second shooting in Edina, Minnesota, within a matter of months has left some residents concerned about public safety. Neighbors gathered Monday night to discuss the recent gun violence and share concerns about safety in the community. The meeting came less than a week after police said shots were fired outside Our Lady of Grace Church. Investigators said a group of teenagers was playing basketball when another group arrived and began firing handguns Wednesday night. No injuries were reported.
Neighbors gather for public safety meeting following 2 Edina shootings
A second shooting in Edina, Minnesota, within a matter of months has left some residents concerned about public safety. Neighbors gathered Monday night to discuss the recent gun violence and share concerns about safety in the community. The meeting came less than a week after police said shots were fired outside Our Lady of Grace Church. Investigators said a group of teenagers was playing basketball when another group arrived and began firing handguns Wednesday night. No injuries were reported.
Minnesota watchdog urges stronger safeguards against Medicaid fraud
Minnesota's legislative watchdog is urging state lawmakers to strengthen oversight of Medicaid-funded services after a review found vulnerabilities that could lead to fraud, waste and abuse. The recommendations come from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor's summary of an Optum assessment that examined 14 human services programs identified by the state as high risk. The assessment looked for weaknesses that could lead to improper payments and opportunities for fraud.
Minneapolis residents weigh in on publicly funded stadium for Lynx, Wolves
At nearly 36 years old, Target Center now stands as the second-oldest NBA arena. Meanwhile discussions about a new building, especially with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx's new owners, have been heating up. At a panel Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was asked if the city would pitch in to keep an arena downtown. "I do anticipate there being a substantial public-private partnership in some form," Frey said. The possibility of a new venue is drawing mixed reactions from residents.
Minneapolis residents weigh in on publicly funded stadium for Lynx, Wolves
At nearly 36 years old, Target Center now stands as the second-oldest NBA arena. Meanwhile discussions about a new building, especially with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx's new owners, have been heating up. At a panel Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was asked if the city would pitch in to keep an arena downtown. "I do anticipate there being a substantial public-private partnership in some form," Frey said. The possibility of a new venue is drawing mixed reactions from residents.
South Minneapolis neighborhood seeks permanent memorial for Alex Pretti
More than nine months after Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents in south Minneapolis, a memorial at the site of his death continues to draw visitors and serve as a place for reflection. Now, residents and community leaders are beginning to determine what a permanent memorial could look like. The current memorial on Nicollet Avenue has stood since the January shooting and has been a gathering place for neighbors and those who want to remember Pretti.
New Richland residents say flooding is the worst they have seen
NEW RICHLAND, MINNESOTA (WCCO) - Residents in New Richland are cleaning up from what many describe as the worst flooding they've ever seen in the small southern Minnesota city. Dozens of homes in the city of about 1,200 people were impacted as floodwaters surged through neighborhoods, filled basements and forced evacuations on Saturday. Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas said no injuries were reported, but the extent of the damage remains unclear as water slowly recedes.
New Richland residents say flooding is the worst they have seen
Click here for updates on this story NEW RICHLAND, Minnesota (WCCO) -- Residents in New Richland are cleaning up from what many describe as the worst flooding they've ever seen in the small southern Minnesota city. Dozens of homes in the city of about 1,200 people were impacted as floodwaters surged through neighborhoods, filled basements and forced evacuations on Saturday.
85-year-old thwarts armed home intruder's attempt to steal car
An 85-year-old St. Paul, Minnesota, woman helped stop an armed home intruder from stealing her vehicle this week by trapping him inside her garage, according to authorities. The incident began Tuesday afternoon in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood, when the homeowner said a man entered her home through a back door while she was inside. Ramsey County deputies said the suspect was armed with a knife.
85-year-old thwarts armed home intruder's attempt to steal car
MINNESOTA (WCCO) -- An 85-year-old St. Paul, Minnesota, woman helped stop an armed home intruder from stealing her vehicle this week by trapping him inside her garage, according to authorities. The incident began Tuesday afternoon in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood, when the homeowner said a man entered her home through a back door while she was inside. Ramsey County deputies said the suspect was armed with a knife.
85-year-old thwarts armed home intruder's attempt to steal car
An 85-year-old St. Paul, Minnesota, woman helped stop an armed home intruder from stealing her vehicle this week by trapping him inside her garage, according to authorities. The incident began Tuesday afternoon in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood, when the homeowner said a man entered her home through a back door while she was inside. Ramsey County deputies said the suspect was armed with a knife.
No one in custody months after Oakdale bonfire shooting
More than two months after a shooting in an Oakdale, Minnesota, backyard left a 33-year-old St. Paul man with life-threatening injuries, family members are still waiting for answers. April Heroff said she was spending time with her husband and his cousin, David Voss, during a backyard bonfire in July, when gunfire suddenly erupted. "I saw the muzzle flash through the woods. We heard shots and that's when David told us that he had been hit," Heroff recalled.
Clean slate of new season brings optimism for Vikings fans
A new NFL season brings renewed hope for Minnesota Vikings fans, who have another season to believe this could finally be the year. Hours before kickoff Sunday outside U.S. Bank Stadium, fans filled nearby parking lots with grills, games and plenty of anticipation, as the Vikings opened the season against border battle rival, the Green Bay Packers. "It's a great rivalry," Packers fan Bill Sarsfield said.
$35 million donation to Children's Minnesota believed to be the largest of its kind in the state
Children's Minnesota will receive a $35 million gift from billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano and will rename its Minneapolis campus in his honor, the health system announced Thursday. The gift is believed to be the largest of its kind for pediatric health in Minnesota. It will pay for a 10-year effort to expand access to precision medicine, which matches treatment to a child's genetic and molecular profile.
Minnesota attorney general says gang lawsuits helped keep State Fair safe
After concerns about gang-related fights and gun violence at the Minnesota State Fair in recent years, law enforcement officials said this year's event was notably calmer. State Fair officials told WCCO late Monday afternoon that only nine arrests or citations were issued during the entire 12-day fair.
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