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Growing wave of Minnesota school officials urge state to protect girls’ sports as Trump’s deadline arrives

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Growing wave of Minnesota school officials urge state to protect girls’ sports as Trump’s deadline arrives

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The list of Minnesota school board members who have signed a letter urging state agencies to protect girls’ sports from trans athletes has multiplied since it launched earlier this week. 

As of Friday afternoon, the number of school board members to sign the letter was 245, spanning 104 school districts across the state. The same list had just around 40 signatures on Tuesday.

The added signatures come as the state faces a Friday deadline from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to amend its policies to keep biological males out of girls’ sports. The DOE determined the state violated Title IX with its current policies at the end of September. 

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The letter is addressed to Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Commissioner Willie Jett, Minnesota State High School League Executive (MHSSL) Director Erich Martens and board President Brett Schimek, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Gov. Tim Walz is copied on the letter.

“Compliance with Title IX is not only a legal obligation but also essential to maintaining the integrity of our educational and athletic programs,” the letter reads. 

“Protecting fairness in women’s sports is paramount. The federal determination highlights how permitting males to compete on female teams displaces female athletes from podiums, denies them advancement opportunities, and diminishes their visibility and recognition in competitions. 

“Female students in our districts and across Minnesota deserve equal chances to excel in sports, free from unfair physical advantages that biological differences confer. By entering into the resolution agreement, MDE and MSHSL can ensure equal treatment and foster an environment where female athletes can thrive.”

Ellison responded to the letter, insisting that letting males in girls’ sports, “doesn’t harm anyone.”

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“School sports aren’t just a good way to get exercise, they help kids build friendships, make them feel like they belong, and teach them important life lessons, like how to work as a team, how to treat their competition with respect, and how to win with grace and lose with dignity,”  Ellison said. “Letting the very small number of transgender students in Minnesota play on their school sports teams doesn’t harm anyone, but segregating them does. Exclusion is a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which has protected the rights of trans kids to participate in all extracurricular activities for decades.

INSIDE GAVIN NEWSOM’S TRANSGENDER VOLLEYBALL CRISIS

“I, too, am concerned about the Trump administration’s threats to cut education funding for kids across Minnesota, but this matter is before the court right now,” he added. “The federal government’s threats violate the U.S. Constitution, Minnesota law, and Title IX itself. I’m fighting to prevent these harmful cuts, stop the Administration’s bullying of transgender kids who just want to live their lives in peace, and protect the rights and freedoms of all our students in Minnesota.”

Ellison’s response comes despite the fact multiple girls’ high school student-athletes in his state have spoken out about how the experience of facing trans athletes has impacted them, while some have even filed a lawsuit over the issue. 

Three anonymous girls filed a lawsuit against the state’s education agencies in the spring after having to compete against a transgender softball pitcher. 

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One of the plaintiffs previously told Fox News Digital about what it was like playing against the trans pitcher.

“This issue has affected me in ways that I never imagined. It’s simply unfair, and I hate that nothing is happening to change that,” the player said. “Boys should not be able to take girls’ spots on teams just because they are capable of doing so. I hope that more girls affected by this issue will stand up against this.”

Another anonymous player directly called out Ellison for supporting the policies that have allowed the trans pitcher to play against females.

“It’s really upsetting to know that [Ellison] isn’t taking the rights of girls and women seriously. He is allowing boys to compete with girls, and it is not safe and completely unfair,” the player previously told Fox News Digital. “To know that AG Ellison is in complete support of letting boys and men take advantage of females in sports is absolutely disgusting and wrong.”

Former White Bear Lake High School softball player Kendall Kotzmacher previously told Fox News Digital that losing to a trans pitcher in the state tournament left her in tears.

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“How do you acknowledge that you lost to a biological male? How do you process those events that happened? And that was something that entire night, I still couldn’t do it. … We lost to a biological male in a female state tournament,” Kotzmacher said.

Kotzmacher also pointed out Walz’s history as a high school football coach, and seeing the physical prowess of male high school athletes up close. 

“As a coach, you should see the differences and the vast difference that there are between biological males and biological females,” Kotzmacher told Fox News Digital. 

If Minnesota’s state agencies do not agree to an amendment with the Trump administration by the end of Friday, it will likely result in a lawsuit from the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

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The DOJ has already filed similar lawsuits against Maine and California over the issue. 

The MDE and MSHSSL did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.



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Detroit, MI

Dane Brugler Releases Impactful Detroit Lions 7-Round NFL Mock Draft

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Dane Brugler Releases Impactful Detroit Lions 7-Round NFL Mock Draft


The Detroit Lions have been doing their due diligence on several of the top offensive tackles that are available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler released his latest mock draft, and it included all picks for each of the 32 team’s in the league.

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At No. 17, the Lions stay at their position and chose Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling.

Mel Kiper Jr. also linked the Lions to the talented lineman in his latest two-round mock draft.

As Brugler explained, “Though he’s inexperienced in areas, Freeling is an ascending player with above-average size and athletic traits. The Lions have short-term options opposite Penei Sewell, but Freeling has the talent to earn his way onto the field at some point during his rookie season.”

At No. 50, Brugler has the Lions landing defensive back D’Angelo Ponds out of Indiana.

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At 5’9 and 170 pounds, some have mocked Ponds in the first-round, given his success with the College Football Playoff champions.

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He recorded a PFF grade of 88.8 overall (8th best among defensive backs), seven interceptions and 31 pass breakups last season.

In several draft previews, Ponds has been compared to current Lions defensive back DJ Reed.

At the combine, the talented defender said he was asked a lot about a play he made against the Oregon Ducks early in the contest.

“The Oregon pick six, which was the first play of the game.” Ponds expressed. “I feel like a lot of coaches asked about this play in the meetings. Every coach really started their meeting off with that play. So, I would say that that was one of them. Just to show my football IQ, how I watch film and study quarterbacks and knowing the ball had to come out fast. Things like that.”

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Some scouts are projecting his skills being better suited as a slot cornerback, but Ponds is willing to play on the outside or in the slot at the next level.

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“I’m willing to play both, whatever the team needs. I’m comfortable at playing both. I played inside in high school. I got the ability to play both, and I can make plays at both. I’m a competitor as well,” said Ponds. “I always look for the best competition, being that I came from JMU to Indiana just to play against the Top competition in big 10. And I’m a winner.

A”ctually, I can count on probably one hand and one finger how many games I lost in my college career. So, I would say I’m a winner, and I just have that winning mindset.”

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Brugler’s Detroit Lions 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft

1.) (17). Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
2.) (50). D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
4.) (118). Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
4.) (128). Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
5.) (157). Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
5.) (181). Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
6.) (205). Gary Smith III, DT, UCLA
6.) (213). Owen Heinicke, LB, Oklahoma
7.) (222). Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech

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For more comprehensive Detroit Lions coverage and NFL insider analysis, follow us on X, @detroitpodcast, head on over to our Facebook page and give it a like, follow us on TikTok, subscribe to the Detroit Lions On SI Lone Wolves YouTube Channel

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Milwaukee, WI

15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: April 16-19

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15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: April 16-19


Featured Events

1. Art in Bloom

ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

MAM’s iconic spring tradition is back filling the space with fresh energy. The galleries are filled with floral arrangements inspired by works of art including works in the brand new Modern Wing. Check out the full schedule to read about the special events happening each day. Tickets to the museum are $40 for nonmembers and $15 for members. Student, senior, military and teacher discounts are available.

2. Milwaukee Zine Fest

SATURDAY FROM 10:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE CENTRAL LIBRARY

Zine Fest is back for its 17th year! The event will include vendor sales, scheduled workshops, hand-on experiences and more. This event is completely free including all workshops and hands-on experiences. A full list of the vendors and the workshop schedule can be found at their website.

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3. Renaissance Threads Workshop with Harmonic Harvest

SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. TO 10 A.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET

Join Harmonic Harvest in the Madame Kuony’s Demonstration Kitchen (Milwaukee Public Market second level) to create a community tapestry. The workshop invites participants to reflect on a positive moment, person, or experience in their lives and make that story into a piece of art work. Fabric squares and art materials will be provided and no prior experience is necessary. This event is free to the public and suitable for all ages.


Architects, interior designers, renovators and landscapers: Submit your best work for consideration!

 


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4. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Community Access Day

THURSDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 7 P.M. | BETTY BRINN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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Admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is completely free this Thursday! Kids can immerse themselves in the Home Town exhibit to learn about the responsibility and teamwork it takes to run a town, test their skills on the Hot Lava obstacle course, create art in the Be a Maker Space and more. This event is open to everyone and the museum is fit for children of all ages.

5. Sculpture Milwaukee Talks

THURSDAY FROM 4:30 P.M. TO 6:15 P.M. | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

Artist Joel Otterson and conductor and music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Ken-David Masur are exploring the connections between art and music and the role the arts play in civic life. Moderated by the curator of Kohler Co.’s Arts/Industry Collection, Michelle Grabner, the conversation is sure to be inspiring. Due to limited seating, registration is recommended. This event is free to the public. 

6. PRIDE Night: Mrs. Christie

THURSDAY AT 6 P.M. | MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is celebrating Pride Night with a special pre-show social hour. Drag Queen’s Dear Ruthie and BJ Daniels will be hanging out with members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce before the Thursday night show of Mrs. Christie. DJ Femme Noir will be spinning tracks and snacks and complimentary wine, beer or soda will be served. The show follows the curious disappearance of Agatha Christie, famous 1926 author. Tickets are $50 each and include pre-show festivities and the show.

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7. Glow After Dark: Yoga Sculpt Girls Night Out

THURSDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 8 P.M. | THE BOX MKE 

Yoga by Analisia is hosting the perfect girls night out. The sculpt class will be bodyweight and music-driven with a live DJ and black lights to make neons pop. After class, the social hour will feature the Glow Tarot Lounge, DIY Glow Bar, Glow-in-the-Dark Affirmation Wall, permanent jewelry and other local vendors. General admission tickets start at $59 each with the opportunity to bundle and save.

8. Book Talk: A Conversation about Black Feminist Resistance in Trying Times

FRIDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | KUUMBA JUICE & COFFEE

Dr. Stacie McCormick and Dr. Nessette Falu are hosting a conversation surrounding Black Feminist Resistance and the power of storytelling during trying times. The conversation will cover McCormick’s book We Are Pregnant with Freedom and Falu’s book Unseen Flesh. This event is free to attend.

9. Make a Difference Day

SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | UW-MILWAUKEE

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Volunteer with UW-Milwaukee to help older adults prepare their yards and neighborhood for spring. Volunteers can sign up as an individual or as a team and service assignments will be given out on the day of. Volunteering ends around 1 p.m. and free pizza will be provided. Registration is open to everyone.

10. Second Hand Purrs Spring Vendor, Craft Fair and Bake Sale

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Spring time is kitten season and Second Hand Purrs is back with another craft fair and bake sale. Over 25 vendors, artists and crafters along with a raffle and bakery sale will donate 100% of their proceeds to benefit the kittens. The event is held at the Knights of Columbus headquarters and admission is free. 

11. Enchanted Afternoon: A Fairy Tea and Craft Party

SATURDAY FROM 12 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | DRESDEN CASTLE

Inject some whimsy into your life and explore life as a fairy. Sip on tea, browse a variety of vendors and shop for whimsical craft kits at the Dresden Castle. Fairy dress-up is encouraged! Admission tickets are available online for $7.60 with upgrade options available.

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12. Spring Fling Art and Maker Thing

SATURDAY FROM 1 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | PUDDLER’S HALL

10 local artists are coming together for the fourth annual spring art and maker show at Puddler’s Hall. The artists mediums vary, and include photography, painting, prints, sculptures, pottery and more. This event is free to attend and suitable for all ages. 

13. Urban Ecology in Bloom

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 11:30 A.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER

Take a tour of the land with Urban Ecology’s Land Management staff. The class will cover native ephemeral and spring blooming plants, fauna and their relationship to the early blossoms and native plant purchasing. Registration is encouraged and tickets cost $5 each.

14. Restorative Yoga

SUNDAY FROM 4 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | VILLA TERRACE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM

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Rest and recharge with restorative yoga at Villa Terrace. The class is meant to help participants fully unwind and will include a slow, deep flow using supported poses and calming breathwork. This class is suitable for all levels and guests must bring their own mat. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online.

15. Eastwinds Chamber Ensemble Concert

SUNDAY FROM 3 P.M. TO 4 P.M. | ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Eastwinds Chamber Ensemble is presenting original compositions, brass ensemble and organ works at their Spring Concert. The show is free to attend and donations will go directly to the program.

 

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Minneapolis, MN

Jarren Duran Says Fan Crossed Line Before Middle Finger in Minneapolis

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Jarren Duran Says Fan Crossed Line Before Middle Finger in Minneapolis


When Jarren Duran flipped up the middle finger on his left hand in the direction of fans at Target Field on Tuesday night, he was responding to someone who allegedly told him to kill himself.

In the fifth inning, and the Twins leading the Red Sox 5-0, the Boston outfielder grounded out to second base. As he jogged back towards the dugout, the television cameras caught him using his middle finger to allegedly respond to the fan.

“Somebody told me to kill myself,” Duran explained. “I’m used to it at this point. S*** happens. I’m going to flip somebody off if they say something to me. It is what it is. I shouldn’t react like that, but that stuff is still kind of triggering. It happens.”

The motive behind the fan’s alleged verbal abuse is unknown, but Duran has been public about his past mental health struggles, including battling depression and contemplating suicide. In April 2025, Netflix released “The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox,” and the fourth episode of the series, titled “Still Alive,” focused on Duran and his mental health journey.

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A few weeks after the series was released, a fan in Cleveland was ejected after saying “something inappropriate” to Duran.

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“When you open yourself up like that, you also open yourself up to the enemies. But I have a good support staff around me, teammates, coaches. There were fans that were supporting me, so that was awesome,” Duran said after the Cleveland incident.

After the Twins beat the Red Sox 6-0 on Tuesday night, the Twins’ submitted a victory post on social media with the tease, “Kept it classy.”

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Duran, 29, was suspended by Major League Baseball for two games in 2024 forshouting a homophobic slur at a fan. That fan was accused of criticizing Duran’s batting. Duran wound up donating the amount he would’ve been paid in the two games to Greater PFLAG Boston, an organization that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

“I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Durran said after the 2024 incident. He admitted that what he said was “horrific,” and acknowledged that “young fans are supposed to be able to look up to me as a role model.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text MN to 741741. 

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