State briefs: University of Minnesota Duluth student center renovated

Officials and students at the University of Minnesota Duluth cut the ribbon on a revamped student center last week.

The six-decade-old Kirby Student Center now features more open gathering spaces for students, including sleek areas with tall tables and equipment for charging laptops and phones, booths for group projects and lights with sensors that turn off for sustainability. The building now features an elevated "garage" area with a clear garage door that can be opened or closed for various types of events.

The face-lift was completed in the original footprint of the building, but increased space for general student body use by 4,300 square feet. Its first phase was completed in 2013.

The $4 million upgrade was funded with Student Service Fees.

Pam Louwagie @pamlouwagie

More Minnesota cities have joined Red Wing in passing resolutions supporting a change in federal law to make crimes against law enforcement considered hate crimes.

Austin, Cambridge and Oak Park Heights have passed similar resolutions. Red Wing was the first city to do so but plans to debate the issue again.

"We've had a better reaction from Minnesota than just about everywhere else," the organization's Executive Director Jim Pasco said. "We wish everybody was like Minnesota."

Critics contend that crimes against law enforcement are already punished more heavily and officers do not need to be included in hate crimes laws.

Pam Louwagie @pamlouwagie

The darkening days of autumn are the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Last year, 17 pedestrians were killed on Minnesota roads and 837 injured. On Thursday, Winona State University students stood vigil for a classmate: Britney Rayla Nelson, 19, who was hit and critically injured in a downtown crosswalk last week.