Current news from Bethel, Minnesota and beyond, brought to you by the Clarion.

CALLIE SCHMIDT | NEWS REPORTER

Bethel News

• Bethel University’s 60th Festival of Christmas begins this Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Bethel Choir, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Wind Symphony, Festival Orchestra, and Handbell Ensemble will perform. Buy tickets here.
• Head to the Bethel University Campus Store Cyber Monday sale through Wednesday for:
  • 20 percent off all Bethel cold weather accessories
  • 30 percent off selected performance wear
  • 20 percent off all Christmas ornaments and decorations
• The Dining Center will be closed on Friday night for our annual Christmas Dinner at Chippewa Middle School. Busing will be provided from the RC steps throughout the evening. They will be serving Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, Buca and more.

Local News

• According to the Star Tribune, St. Paul schools are implementing “Ice Alert” signs that change colors when temperatures drop below freezing between staff parking lots and main entrances at 10 district buildings. The buildings chosen this year had the highest rate of ice-related slips and falls over the past three years.
• Corporate accountant Diane Backis admitted to stealing at least $3.1 million from Minnesota-based Cargill according to the Pioneer Press. Read more here.
• According to the Star Tribune, rents are rising across the city of Minneapolis. Read why and how the racial gap persists here.

National and World News

• According to CNN, 18-year-old Ohio State student Abdul Razak Ali Artan ran his car into a group of pedestrians then cut several people with a butcher knife. At least nine people were hospitalized including one in critical condition.
• President-elect Donald J. Trump said on Sunday he had fallen short in the popular vote in the general election only because millions of people had voted illegally. According to The New York Times, Trump’s transition team ridiculed the idea that recounts were needed a day earlier.
• According to The Washington Post, nearly 600 civilians have been killed along with U.S.-trained special forces soldiers only six weeks after the Iraqi army launched an offensive to capture the city of Mosul from the ISIS.