Free Republic

A central figure in one of the most iconic moments in American sports has died.Mark Pavelich, a member of the "Miracle on Ice" USA Hockey team, was found dead Thursday morning at a mental health treatment center, the Star Tribune reports. He was 63.USA Hockey confirmed Pavelich's death Friday.Pavelich is the second member of Miracle on Ice team to die, following the death of Bob Suter in 2014.The cause of Pavelich's death is not known, per the Star Tribune, though emergency dispatch audio reportedly disclosed that Pavelich had not been seen since 8 p.m. Wednesday, and responding personnel said he...

It's one sentence. And it has thrown Minnesota's largest school district into the national debate on gay rights. "Anoka-Hennepin staff, in the course of their professional duties, shall remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation including but not limited to student led discussions." Controversy over that line within Anoka-Hennepin schools' Sexual Orientation Curriculum Policy has hung over the suburban district for more than two years. The policy itself is the only known one like it in Minnesota. Parents of students who are gay, bisexual or transgender, or perceived to be, say the directive leaves their children vulnerable to bullies. Teachers...