By: Jack Satzinger

It took four seasons, upset victories at Nebraska and Michigan, and Minnesota’s first AP top-25 ranking since 2008, but Jerry Kill’s team is finally in a New Year’s Day bowl game.

Minnesota will play Missouri in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 1, 2015.

“We talked about taking steps, and this is another step forward,” Kill said. “[It] certainly helps us as we go recruit.”

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By: Nick Wicker

About 50 people lay down on the pavement outside of TCF Bank Stadium around noon Sunday pretending to be dead.

The group was protesting against police brutality before and during the Minnesota Vikings football game against the New York Jets, orchestrating the “die in,” as well as chanting and waving signs.

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By: Ethan Nelson

Jacob Frey has always put his left foot in front of his right.

The Ward 3 City Councilman began running in high school, continued during his time at the College of William and Mary and eventually competed with the U.S. national men’s running team.

In his biggest race, he unseated a longtime City Council incumbent in the 2013 election. After a busy first year in office marked by a surge in development and loosened liquor laws, Frey said he hopes to continue his work next year.

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By: Anne Millerbernd

The White House recognized the city of Minneapolis on Wednesday for its recent environmentally friendly initiatives.

The city was named one of the nation’s 16 “Climate Action Champions,” a distinction for which it will receive peer-to-peer learning and mentorship, federal support and help in moving its environmental initiatives forward.

The White House recognized the city for its Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce Minneapolis greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent incrementally by the year 2050, according to a press release.

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By: Anne Millerbernd

The University of Minnesota is making progress on a gender-based housing initiative it announced about a year ago.

As part of the school’s initiative to make transgender students feel more comfortable living in University residences, 56 gender-open housing spaces will be available next fall in Comstock Hall, Middlebrook Hall, Yudof Hall and University Village apartments.

The spaces available in Comstock Hall account for the Lavender House, which is a living-learning community for GLBTA students.

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By: Logan Wroge

A patient turned violent against a nurse at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, in early September, choking her and leaving her uncertain about the profession she chose.

“My life has turned completely upside down because of this,” said Kim, who asked to go by her first name due to the nature of the incident.

Kim’s story represents an increase in violence toward nurses and other health care professionals, a trend that’s prompting lawmakers to address the issue and further protect those who serve others.

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By: Meghan Holden

A drunken driver hit two University of Minnesota students near campus on Monday night, according to a complaint filed in the Hennepin County District Court.

Ewan Henry Leask, 26, was charged on Wednesday with two counts of criminal vehicular operation while driving under the influence, the complaint said.

Leask remained in the Hennepin County Jail on Wednesday evening. His bail is set at $75,000.

Leask hit Lanxiao Song and Zifei Guan, both age 20, on University Avenue Southeast near highway I-35W late Monday night, according to the complaint.

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By: Taylor Nachtigal

Amid complaints that the Chicano and Latino Studies department is suffering from a lack of funds and resources, University of Minnesota leaders are reaching out to find solutions.

But department leaders are still skeptical any real change is coming.

Faculty members met with College of Liberal Arts Dean John Coleman on Monday afternoon to discuss the issues within the department that they say stem from a shortage of full-time instructors. Department leaders said they left the meeting disappointed, still searching for concrete solutions.

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By: Kelsey Christensen

It has long been a mystery as to why a small fraction of people exposed to HIV can stay healthy despite their contact with the virus that can eventually lead to AIDS.

“Most people exposed get infected, but a few do not,” said Reuben Harris, a biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics professor at the University of Minnesota.

Harris and a team of University researchers recently delved into that question and discovered why HIV does not affect each person exposed to it. The results of their study were published late last month.

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By: John Thomas

Minnesota had the lowest voter turnout in 30 years during last month’s election, officials announced last week.

While voters historically turn out in lower numbers for non-presidential elections, data from the secretary of state’s office show that this year’s results are low even compared to past midterm elections.

“You have a government as a whole trying to make it easier for people to cast ballots — why is it going down?” said Larry Jacobs, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

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