Two women in separate vehicles died in a two-vehicle crash in Pierce County on Tuesday.

The Pierce County sheriff’s office was called to the crash on U.S. 63 near 770th Street in the town of Trenton at about 4 p.m. Tuesday. They found the driver of a 2013 Kia Optima and the driver of a 2012 Chevy Equinox had crashed while traveling in opposite directions on the highway.

The sheriff’s office said the Kia was being driven southbound by Jena Klos, 43, of Ellsworth, Wis. She was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul where she was later pronounced dead. The driver of the Chevy, Rodney Buck, 77, of Amery, Wis., was also transported to the hospital. His injuries were not released by authorities on Friday.

A passenger in his vehicle, Betty Buck, 77, of Amery, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

The details of the crash are under investigation.

Related Articles

Craig Haney: Prison methods are as bad as you’ve heard, and spilling onto the streets

Assistant St. Paul fire chief tapped to serve as interim after Butch Inks retirement

Bicyclist, 26, dies after he’s struck by driver in St. Paul

St. Paul firefighter who died days after academy graduation remembered for ‘all in’ mentality

Crash kills 2 in Carlton County, sheriff reports

 

A woman walking on a park trail near Crystal Lake West Thursday morning was grabbed from behind by a man who put his hand over her mouth and said that he had a weapon, Burnsville police said.

The woman was able to fight the man and run away. She ran home and called 911 at about 8:15 a.m.

Police are investigating the incident and ask residents in the area to review home surveillance footage for anything that might help the investigation.

Police and park patrols have been increased in the nearby parks and neighborhoods as a precaution, police said.

Burnsville police officered the following tips in their press release about the assault, asking people to remain aware of their surroundings and report anything suspicious.

• Trust your instincts and move to a well-lit or populated area if something feels off.
• Consider walking with a friend when possible.
• Keep your phone accessible while avoiding distractions.
• Call 911 for urgent situations or non-emergency dispatch for lesser concerns.

Anyone that has information about this assault, including possible video footage from home surveillance footage, is asked to call or email Detective Natalie Sandifer at 952-641-1153 or natalie.sandifer@burnsvillemn.gov.

Related Articles

Videos show St. Paul police shooting man who officials say pointed gun at officers

Year after kids rescued from Vadnais Heights fire, mother charged with child endangerment

Grand Marais grocery co-op worker charged with stabbing customer

Chisago City man charged with fatal Christmas Day assault of hospital security guard

Dakota County woman shot on Christmas Eve was mom of 2 young kids

The Gophers football program engaged in a nerve-racking recruiting battle with Ohio State for Koi Perich in the 2024 class, but the U beat out the Buckeyes for the signature of the four-star prospect coming out of Esko High School.

There might be a sense of pensive déjà vu in Dinkytown this winter.

Minnesota Gophers linebacker Devon Williams (9) and defensive back Koi Perich (3) tackle Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) in the first quarter of an NCAA football game at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

After two season at Minnesota, Perich has yet to announce whether he will return to the Gophers for the 2026 season or will enter the NCAA transfer portal. The window for players to hit the open market opens Friday and closes Jan. 16.

The Gophers have had approximately 14 total players share intent to enter the portal, including two key players from last year’s team — backup running back Fame Ijeboi and starting cornerback Za’Quan Bryan. But losing Perich would rocket to the top of the list of defections.

Running back Darius Taylor also left fans waiting to know his future but before the Rate Bowl in Phoenix last week he told KMSP-TV he is not transferring out. It’s more likely the Detroit native will be back in maroon and gold for his senior year in 2026 than go to the NFL draft. He needs to show pro teams he can stay healthy.

If Perich returns for next season, he would take up a sizable portion of the Gophers’ revenue-sharing and NIL budgets. If he leaves — likely with more money on the table from other programs — the U will have that bigger pot to use in the portal on potential replacements and elsewhere on the roster.

Perich arrived at Minnesota in 2024 with aplomb.

The true freshman safety was named all-Big Ten first team after five interceptions and 46 total tackles across all 13 games. He added 314 yards on kickoff returns and 188 on punts. Pro Football Focus gave Perich a sterling 88.9 overall grade, with 74.7 in tackling across 424 total defensive snaps.

More was put on Perich’s plate in his sophomore season.

He played a team-high 789 defensive snaps and was third on the team with 82 total tackles and added 499 yards on kickoff returns and 118 more on punts. He also dabbled on offense, with a handful of touches in the regular season.

But PFF was a harder grader of his defensive performances, with an average overall mark of 62.4, including a below-average mark of 51.4 in the tackling category.

“I think he got better as the year went on,” Gophers defensive coordinator and safeties coach Danny Collins said before the 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl. “I think a lot of people, when they look at Koi from his freshman year to his sophomore year, everybody wants to talk about the interceptions. You had five in your first year and one (in the second season). What happened? That’s a drop-off. I don’t necessarily see it that way. When people know that there is a dangerous guy back there, they usually stay away from him with the ball.”

In 2024, Perich benefitted from interceptions on Hail Mary plays from Southern Cal and UCLA. In 2025, he had one pick, but it was a huge one. In a 27-20 win over Purdue on Oct. 11, he disguised coverage, jumped in front of a route and returned it 27 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

The big-time play was part of Perich’s bounce back from a rough outing in a 27-14 loss at California on Sept. 13, when he muffed a punt that gave the Golden Bears a short field that resulted in a pivotal late touchdown.

“He had a really, really hard game (at Cal),” Collins said. “Then you see the growth and the progress that he continued to have. (I’m) really proud of the resilience he has, to see him continue to get better. Excited, obviously, for the future.”

Perich had three receptions and one carry across in the Gophers’ first three games, but after his game in Berekeley, he didnt have catch or rush for six straight games. Then in the Rate Bowl win, Perich totaled four receptions for 34 yards and added two carries for seven.

He played 20 snaps on offense in the regular season, but had 22 snaps on that side of the ball against New Mexico.

If Perich leaves, Minnesota would lose not only a key defensive player, but a dangerous return man and a potential big-play option on offense for the 2026 season.

Related Articles

Gophers cornerback Za’Quan Bryan to enter transfer portal

Gophers won’t retain special teams coach Bob Ligashesky

How Gophers football plans to attack transfer portal next week

Gophers expected to hire Stanford assistant Bobby April as rush ends coach

While other programs tampered, Anthony Smith announces his return to Gophers for 2026

It’s never too early to look ahead at what’s on tap for next year and 2026 is already shaping up as a good year for roller coaster enthusiasts, thrill ride junkies and theme park fans in the United States.

Consider our Top 10 for 2026 an evolving and ever-changing list of the best new rides and attractions coming to theme parks in the U.S. in the coming year.

ALSO SEE: Six Flags Magic Mountain to turn kids area into Looney Tunes Land

Many parks have already begun construction on 2026 projects while others have only announced plans or launched teaser campaigns.

We’ll update our Top 10 list for 2026 as new rides and attractions are unveiled and more details become available.

Concept art of Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin and Cretaceous coaster in Jurassic World Adventure Camp at the Universal Kids theme park in Frisco, Texas. (Courtesy of Universal)

1) Universal Kids

Frisco, Texas

The new Universal theme park aimed at families with young children will boast lands dedicated to DreamWorks, Nickelodeon and Illumination film franchises when the Texas kiddieland opens in 2026.

The 97-acre Universal Kids resort will be home to a theme park and themed hotel with space set aside for future expansion.

ALSO SEE: Universal’s newest theme park brings kid-sized fun to Texas

Universal Kids will feature seven themed lands: Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, TrollsFest, Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity.

The first test run of the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood. (Courtesy of Universal)

2) Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift

Universal Studios Hollywood

The new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood will feature 360-degree rotating coaster vehicles designed to look like drifting race cars from the street racing film franchise that has earned $7 billion at the worldwide box office.

Coaster trains with four street racing cars will rocket from zero to 72 mph along the 4,100-foot-long track.

ALSO SEE: First look at Fast & Furious coaster on-track test at Universal Studios Hollywood

Riders will drift and spin in a replica of Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger as they ride in the new launch coaster coming to the Upper Lot of the Hollywood theme park.

Concept art of the NightFlight Expedition ride coming to Dollywood in Tennessee. (Courtesy of Dollywood)

3) NightFlight Expedition

Dollywood

The new first-of-its-kind attraction coming to Dollywood will take riders into the Smoky Mountains on a soaring nighttime flight that turns into a roller coaster ride and then a whitewater rafting excursion before concluding with a mysterious dark ride across a shimmering lake.

The $50 million NightFlight Expedition marks the largest single attraction investment in Dollywood’s history.

ALSO SEE: $2.5 billion Disneyland Paris makeover starts with new Frozen land

The hybrid roller coaster/whitewater river rapids ride will be the first Mack Rides Rocking Boat Ride in the United States built by the German ridemaker.

Concept art of the SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep ride coming to SeaWorld Orlando in Florida. (Courtesy of SeaWorld)

4) SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep

SeaWorld Orlando

The new, first-of-its-kind ride coming to SeaWorld Orlando will take riders under the sea in a three-person submersible vehicle to explore sunken shipwrecks brimming with sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and other extraordinary sea creatures.

The new SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep will be the world’s first Vekoma suspended dark ride from the Netherlands-based ridemaker.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland 2026: All the seasonal events, food festivals and late night parties

The indoor dark ride will feature a submarine-like ride vehicle suspended from an overhead track that will swing and rotate through a series of themed environments.

The backstory for SeaQuest will involve a deep sea exploration of glowing undersea worlds filled with awe, wonder and adventure.

Concept art of the Tormenta Rampaging Run roller coaster coming to Six Flags Over Texas. (Courtesy of Six Flags)

5) Tormenta Rampaging Run

Six Flags Over Texas

Tormenta Rampaging Run will claim the title of world’s tallest, longest and fastest dive coaster when it debuts at Six Flags Over Texas.

Tormenta will become the world’s first giga dive coaster — combining a 300-foot-plus height (giga) with a beyond vertical drop (dive) to create a completely new ride category.

ALSO SEE: Six Flags Magic Mountain pushes back new coaster to 2027

The coaster by Switzerland-based ridemaker Bolliger & Mabillard will be themed to Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls tradition.

Concept art of the Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare dark ride coming to Kings Island in Ohio. (Courtesy of Six Flags)

6) Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare

Kings Island

The classic dark ride set in a haunted theater on a dark and stormy night will return to Ohio’s Kings Island in 2026 with a cast of familiar characters, a new storyline involving the Maestro’s famed pipe organ and a little interactive game play to avert disaster on opening night.

The new Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare by Florida-based Sally Dark Rides will feature 26 scenes with animatronic figures, hidden Easter eggs and sound and wind effects.

ALSO SEE: Universal Studios Hollywood 2026: All the after-hours events and seasonal festivals

Riders in enchanted opera boxes will use interactive spellbound flashlights to collect “ghost notes” released from the organ during a lightning strike.

Detailed image of the “Soarin’ Across America” attraction poster for the updated ride coming to Disney California Adventure and Epcot. (Courtesy of Disney)

7) Soarin’ Across America

Disney California Adventure and Epcot

The new “Soarin’ Across America” films coming to the venerable flight simulator rides at Disney California Adventure and Epcot will debut just in time for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

“Soarin’ Across America” will be filmed at 33 locations across the United States with the new scenes capturing a bird’s-eye view of the “scenic wonders, amazing cities and the beauty of the coasts” in a celebration of America’s diversity and grandeur.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland sets opening date for Soarin’ Across America

Walt Disney Imagineering will use advanced cameras and lenses mounted on helicopters and drones to capture the aerial footage for the updated attractions.

Also in 2026: Disneyland will update Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run with a new adventure starring Mandalorian and Grogu while the Fantasyland Theatre will launch “Bluey’s Best Day Ever” musical comedy show.

Concept art of the Barracuda Strike roller coaster coming to SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas. (Courtesy of SeaWorld)

8) Barracuda Strike

SeaWorld San Antonio

The $8.8 million Barracuda Strike inverted coaster by Switzerland-based ridemaker Bolliger & Mabillard will glide above SeaWorld San Antonio’s water ski lake.

Riders will hit a top speed of 44 mph after aboard coaster trains suspended beneath the 1,800-foot-long track.

9) Quantum Accelerator

Six Flags New England

The Quantum Accelerator straddle coaster by Switzerland-based ridemaker Intamin will blur the line between family friendly and extreme thrills with a ride aimed squarely at tweens looking for the next level of excitement.

The dual-launch coaster coming to Six Flags New England will reach a top speed of 45 mph with a tire-propelled boost in the middle of the 2,600-foot-long track filled with 11 airtime hills.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland to begin Avatar land construction in 2026

The backstory for Quantum Accelerator turns the coaster into a steampunk-style time machine created by Professor Screamore.

Concept art of the Galacticoaster indoor roller coaster coming to Legoland California and Legoland Florida. (Courtesy of Legoland)

10) Galaciticoaster

Legoland California and Legoland Florida

Aspiring young astronauts will design their own spaceships and train for an intergalactic mission into the Lego Galaxy aboard the new outer space-themed indoor coasters coming to Legoland California and Legoland Florida.

The first-of-their-kind Galacticoaster indoor coasters built by ridemaker ART Engineering of Germany will each travel along 1,500-foot-long tracks enclosed inside 30,000-square-foot “space port” buildings.

ALSO SEE: Legoland California trains kid astronauts for flights aboard new Galacticoaster

The galactic themed indoor launched roller coasters will send riders on an exploratory mission into the uncharted Lego Galaxy in custom Lego spacecraft where they will pass through cosmic scenes and meet other intergalactic travelers, according to the backstory for the ride.