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  • St. Paul’s 1% sales tax increase goes into effect, funding road and park improvements

    St. Paul’s 1% sales tax increase goes into effect, funding road and park improvements

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    ST. PAUL, Minn. — The cost of buying something in St. Paul has gone up. A new sales tax has gone into effect, raising the city’s sales tax to the highest level in the state.

    This time last year, lawmakers were debating whether Minnesota’s capital city needed more money as it emerged from a long winter.

    “Our streets were pretty busted up from a tough winter,” Mayor Melvin Carter said. “And it was really clear what happens when you take streets that have a 60-year expected lifespan and replace them on a 124-year replacement cycle.” 

    Approved by voters in November, a 1% tax increase is now in effect. The city is calling the new penny for every dollar “common cents”.

    “We know that the track our streets have been on just has not been sustainable. That’s common sense,” Carter said. “A sales tax very uniquely gives us, gives those visitors, those commuters, an opportunity to invest, to help maintain those critical pieces of infrastructure.”

    RELATED: St. Paul City Council passes $45.1 million in street, park improvements through new sales tax

    The 1% increase is expected to bring in more than $1 billion over the next 20 years. Three-fourths of that will go toward more than 44 miles of road across the city, including Grand and Summit Avenues.

    “The last time Summit Avenue was fully reconstructed, Taft was the president and car ownership in America was just under 3%,” Carter said.

    The funds will also go toward parks and recreation facilities.

    Carter says the goal is to build more than new infrastructure.

    “If we just kind of take this as an opportunity to say, we’re going to take up the old concrete and put down new concrete in all the same places where it was 100 years ago, we prepare our city for a vibrant and thriving 1925. That’s obviously not the goal,” Carter said. “We have a funding stream that will provide almost $1 billion over the next 20 years to reset our city for the next generation.”

    Construction on Grand Avenue is expected to start in the coming days with tree removal. Grand Avenue itself will close sometime this summer.

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    Allen Henry

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  • Nurses want Hennepin County to take back control of HCMC

    Nurses want Hennepin County to take back control of HCMC

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    Nearly four months after the Hennepin County Board implemented more financial oversight of the organization that runs HCMC, nurses say working conditions have not changed and the hospital needs new leadership.

    They want commissioners to take back control of the safety-net hospital from Hennepin Healthcare System, an organization created by the County Board over a decade ago to run the county’s health care facilities.

    Leaders from the Minnesota Nurses Association and other HCMC unions say Hennepin Healthcare has not done enough to address rising insurance costs, staff shortages, declining patient care and workplace safety problems. They say workers who speak up are ignored and talked down to by leadership.

    “We are here after months of inaction,” Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, a registered nurse at HCMC and union leader, said during a Tuesday news conference before a County Board meeting. “We cannot keep nurses at the bedside under these conditions.”

    Commissioners have the power to dissolve Hennepin Healthcare and take back oversight of HCMC and the other health clinics with a two-thirds majority vote of the County Board.

    Not all caregivers think that is a good idea.

    Dr. Thomas Klemond, HCMC medical staff president, agrees nurses and other workers face ongoing challenges, but he worries dissolving the organization that runs the hospital “would likely make things worse.”

    HCMC, like many hospitals with a lot of poor and uninsured patients, faces serious financial and staffing shortages in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, Klemond said. He thinks the Hennepin Healthcare Board, which is composed of community members, staff and local leaders, is best positioned to respond to those challenges.

    “So much of what we do is not well supported by the health care system that we have,” Klemond said.

    County board, hospital leaders react

    Hennepin Healthcare Board Chair Babette Apland said hospital leaders take the issues raised by caregivers seriously and are working to address them. She also maintained the volunteer board that currently leads Hennepin Healthcare was the best model for navigating difficult times.

    “Moving away from this diverse community-based and expert leadership is not in the best interest of Minnesota’s largest safety-net health care system,” Apland said in a statement.

    County Board Chair Irene Fernando said she was in the process of gathering more information about the problems nurses are raising. She acknowledged two letters nurses sent to the board in March outlining their frustrations and said follow-up meetings were in the works.

    Fernando and other commissioners said it was too early to respond directly to nurses’ demands for the County Board to take back control of HCMC.

    New oversight, ongoing questions

    Caregivers at HCMC have been speaking up about problems since last year. A big focus is on changes hospital leaders made to insurance plans in 2023 to help close a $127 million budget shortfall.

    Nurses, EMTs and other staff say those changes drove up employees’ out-of-pocket costs and will make it even harder to recruit and retain hospital staff. They noted HCMC has more than 100 open nursing positions.

    In response to calls for more transparency, the County Board put new controls on Hennepin Healthcare when it approved its $1.5 billion annual budget in December. New guardrails included limits on layoffs and changes to executive compensation as well as a financial audit and probe of how insurance changes affect workers.

    Two Hennepin Healthcare board members, including the incoming board chair, quit in December after the new oversight was approved by the county.

    Analysis by county staff is ongoing, with results of the audit and benefits study expected in the coming months. Recent updates to the County Board from County Administrator David Hough noted the Hennepin Healthcare Board approved a performance review and pay raise for CEO Jennifer DeCubellis and discussed other leadership pay changes at their January meeting.

    HCMC staff have criticized recent executive pay hikes, including a 15% raise DeCubellis got in 2023, as another example of problematic leadership. Hennepin Healthcare officials have said DeCubellis’ pay is competitive and that she would not accept a salary increase this year.

    County leaders and the Hennepin Healthcare board held a joint quarterly meeting March 28 to discuss the hospital system’s financials and the new oversight. Most of the meeting was closed to the public, as allowed under state law to protect the hospital’s competitiveness, county officials said.

    “We are not alone in the challenges we face,” Apland said during the public portion. “We have a duty to adapt to these challenges and make sure Hennepin Healthcare is viable.”

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    Christopher Magan

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  • MnDOT’s 2024 to-do list includes nearly 200 road and bridge projects

    MnDOT’s 2024 to-do list includes nearly 200 road and bridge projects

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    The recent cool and snowy weather has slowed the start of road construction season, but in the coming days motorists will start feeling the pinch as the Minnesota Department of Transportation gets started on slate of new projects across the state, and resumes others it didn’t finish last year.

    Lane closures will kick in Thursday on I-94 between Oakdale and Woodbury in the east metro. Ramps from eastbound I-494 to northbound Hwy. 100 and southbound Hwy. 100 to eastbound I-494 will shut down Sunday as the major rebuild of I-494 through Edina, Richfield and Bloomington resumes.

    They are some of the first places drivers will see “Road Closed” signs as MnDOT plans to carry out 193 road and bridge projects over the next six months. The agency is also conducting 54 others to improve conditions at railroad crossings, airports and water ports and improve transit infrastructure. The total cost is $1.6 billion.

    “Drivers throughout Minnesota can expect to see more work zones, more orange cones, more closed lanes, and more people working along the road wearing their high-visibility gear,” said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.

    With that, Daubenber is pleading with motorists to obey speed limits in work zones, avoid using cell phones and engaging in other distracting behaviors, and be patient as traffic jams and delays are possible.

    “We become safer together as we share the limited space inside work zones,” she said.

    Since 1960, 36 MnDOT workers and 16 contractors have been killed in work zones on state highways and freeways. The deaths do not include any that occurred on county, city or township roads.

    For the third and final year, MnDOT will be resurfacing I-94 in the east metro. The agency also is adding an additional eastbound lane from I-494 to Woodbury Drive. Ramps to and from I-494 to westbound I-94 will be closed Wednesday, April 10 through mid-July.

    To the north, MnDOT will resurface Hwy. 36 between Edgerton Street in Little Canada and I-35W in Roseville, meaning motorists will face lane and ramp closures all summer. The highway carrying up to 80,000 vehicles a day will be closed in each direction for three weekends, which have yet to be announced.

    Drivers on I-494 in the south metro will feel the squeeze again as MnDOT continues building an EZ Pass lane, repairing bridges, modifying interchanges and rebuilding the I-35W/I-494 interchange. Motorists will encounter lane closures on the freeway and detours on nearby roads. American Boulevard, which runs parallel to I-494 will be closed to through traffic between Hwy. 100 and France Avenue.

    Snow delayed the start of work on Hwy. 169 in Elk River — it was set to start last week — but it begins this week. The highway will be reduced to a single lane for the summer, meaning a trip to the cabin could take a bit longer.

    Large projects outside the metro include rebuilding the Hwy. 25 bridge over the Mississippi River in Monticello, pavement and bridge work on I-35 between the Twin Cities and Duluth and rebuilding the I-90/Hwy. 52 interchange east of Rochester.

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    Tim Harlow

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  • Apple River stabbing trial continues with witness testimony Tuesday

    Apple River stabbing trial continues with witness testimony Tuesday

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    HUDSON, Wis. — Day two of the trial for the deadly stabbing on the Apple River in Wisconsin gets underway Tuesday morning. 

    Nicolae Miu is accused of killing a teen and injuring four others in July of 2022. 

    The prosecution is trying to prove that Miu was the aggressor. They expect to call more than 40 witnesses to the stand. 

    The defense is arguing Miu stabbed the five people in self-defense.   


    What will prosecution, defense do on day two of Apple River stabbing trial?

    02:28

    The trial is scheduled to resume at 8 a.m. Tuesday. WCCO will have live coverage, which you can watch via CBS News Minnesota, Pluto TV or the CBS News app on your phone or connected TV.

    Day one recap

    Among the first witnesses was Ryan Nelson, the best friend of Isaac Schuman, one of the five people stabbed and the only person who died from his injuries.

    Nelson said he was positive that Miu started the fight when he hit one of the victims.  

    inx-miu-opening-statements-040124-13-18-4401.jpg

    WCCO


    During an intense cross-examination, defense attorneys were quick to challenge Nelson’s memory of events.  

    The prosecution also showed two cellphone video clips, less than four minutes in total, detailing much of what happened that day on the Apple River. 

    In the first video, which is just nine seconds long, someone is heard saying Miu was “looking for little girls.” The defense was quick to note there were not little girls near him in the video.

    In another three-and-a-half minute clip, Miu can be seen running towards the group of tubers and underlying audio can be heard indicating Miu was asked more than 20 times by the groups to go away.

    Then the physical confrontation begins, with pushing and shoving and, ultimately, the stabbings. 

    Legal expert Joe Tamburino, who’s not affiliated with the case, said now it’s up to both sides to call witnesses that will help give these clips context. 

    “What they’re also going to point out is what led up to parts of the video,” Tamburino said. “You see at the beginning when the video is played, all we see is Mr. Miu basically running toward these young men and we don’t know why, and that’s where witness testimony will be very important so it can explain, where did he come from? Why was he coming near the young men? What was he saying, what was he doing? All of that’s not on the video.” 

    Pauleen Le


    web-pauleen-le.jpg

    Pauleen is a journalist with a passion for telling stories. Nothing makes her happier than talking to ordinary extraordinary people, and using beautiful pictures and solid writing to share their amazing stories with the world.

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    Pauleen Le

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  • Monday Morning Mailbag: Rule Change Recap & First-Round Scenarios

    Monday Morning Mailbag: Rule Change Recap & First-Round Scenarios

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    Craig Peters

    Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the Vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we’ll post several comments and/or questions as part of the Vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can’t post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted.

    Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag. Remember to include your name and town in the email. If Twitter is your jam, you can send a question to me that way as well.

    Last week’s Annual League Meeting included the major overhaul by NFL Owners of what kickoffs will look like in 2024, as well as media sessions with Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf, General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell.

    Wilf, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell addressed multiple offseason talkers, providing assessments of the offseason so far and offering a couple of details for how the team is approaching this month’s – yep, THIS MONTH’S – NFL Draft. I think we’re all looking forward to that event, which will be hosted by Detroit this year and Green Bay next year. Wilf mentioned the Vikings hope to help bring an NFL Draft to Minnesota.

    “It’s been going around the NFC North, and why not Minnesota? We’ve proven we can do big events in an incredibly special way. Our facilities, and more importantly, the community steps out in a way that’s special,” Wilf said. “I think we’ve put a lot of effort into the draft, and we’d love to have a draft here in the not-too-distant future. [The NFL is] well-aware of that interest, and there’s a process. We’re working with the community to try to see if we can get toward that window.”

    It was such a treat to see the way Minnesota hosted Super Bowl LII, and I’m quite confident the community would do a tremendous job if awarded a draft bid.

    I also have great intrigue in seeing how the kickoff rule, which is going into effect for a one-year trial basis, impacts games. Coaches also will be able to have a third challenge in games if at least one of their first two is successful (previous rules required a coach to be successful on both challenges to receive a third within a game).

    Most of the mock drafts have the Vikings trading up with picks 11 and 23. Many of them have the Vikings adding even more to the pot, including next year’s first. Your analysis of QBs taken in the first round (or first 3 taken) shows very clearly that the selection of QB is really a toss-up. It’s that way for every position, but maybe more so for QBs.

    I think, like in 1983, six QBs go in Round 1. In 1983, [John] Elway, [Jim] Kelly, and [Dan] Marino became superstars. [Todd] Blackledge, [Tony] Eason, and [Ken] O’Brien – not so much. I really think time will yield the same for this year’s six. Who fits in which category???? With that in mind, I think it’s better to use one pick per choice, rather than bundle two or three firsts into one choice. I’d stick at 11 and 23. If one of the top four QBs drop to 11, then take him. If they don’t value [Bo] Nix or [Michael Penix, Jr.] that highly, then likely the first CB off the board is there. At 23, Nix or Penix would be a value pick, but if they aren’t there, then the No. 2 DT would be, or the No. 2 or No. 3 IOL.

    In the fourth round or later, they could take one from the next tier. [Spencer] Rattler will be gone, but [Jordan] Travis and [Michael] Pratt will be there. Maybe they work out, maybe they don’t. But the last time the Vikings were a game away from the Super Bowl, Case Keenum was the QB. Cousins is a much better QB than Keenum, but the Vikings only made the playoffs twice in his six years. It really is a team sport, and you really need a complete team with plenty of reserves, not just an excellent QB.

    – David Sinclair in Rio Rancho, New Mexico (patiently waiting since Super Bowl I. Please once before I die.)

    And

    Hope, as in free agency and the draft. This 50-plus-season-forever Vikings fan sure HOPES the brain trust does not trade away any draft selections to move up in the first round. Just my impressions. QBs seem to be one of the most difficult positions to predict success in the NFL. Guessing if the 11th selection is a QB, the long-term difference in the first, second or third choice will depend on the coaching staff to develop the person and design an offensive system around that choice. (Just my humble opinion), to give away the current two selections in the first round just to move up and hope you made the correct choice vs. option two or three is too much of a “calculated gamble.” Thinking, hope that Sam Darnold may have found a coaching staff that will maximize his potential. We need to give the man and the coaches an opportunity before we dump on them. The season HOPE. Top 5 defense. Top 5 running offense. Solid passing offense. Hang on to the football.

    SKOL!!!!

    – Noel in Bayfield, Wisconsin

    And

    I would be highly disappointed to trade three [first-round picks] for a QB. One of our executives said a lot of offensive players will go off the board early leaving a very good defensive player available at 11. I feel we will keep both picks and make our team better overall. A franchise QB cannot do anything if the franchise around him is not good.

    – Gerald Goblirsch

    It’s a little rare to group three questions out of the gate, but I thought these were a nice blend to go with your morning coffee.

    When I’ve been putting together the Mock Draft Tracker versions, I’ve kind of chuckled at the willingness of prognosticators to deal away Vikings draft picks and the different offers they suggest as what will be required to vault up to a particular spot. Some think the current two first-round selections this year will do the trick, but others have added even more, almost as if playing with Monopoly money instead of the valued currency that draft picks represent.

    A trade up might be the route the Vikings choose, and if so, I guarantee they’ve weighed detail in considering that approach and concluded the value obtained will be worth the value dealt.

    In case you missed last week’s Mailbag, I briefly summarized first-round picks (or first three quarterbacks selected) in each of the past 10 drafts.

    The projections for so many quarterbacks – (listing alphabetically by last name) Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, Michael Penix, Jr., Caleb Williams all have been projected as first-round selections – to potentially be drafted in a first round is quite rare, and I love David’s reference to the 1983 NFL Draft, which was chronicled so well in the Elway to Marino 30 for 30 documentary by ESPN in 2013.

    Elway, Kelly and Marino accounted for three of the seven Hall of Famers who were selected in the first round (28 selections at the time).

    The addition of Darnold provided Minnesota with a quarterback whose college traits and pro projections made him the No. 3 overall pick of 2018. It was done before Minnesota added the 23rd overall pick by sending a second this year as part of that deal to Houston.

    That deal boosted Minnesota’s flexibility to either make another big move before or on draft day; stay put with both spots and boost the roster; or nudge up or down from either or both picks, depending how the board falls.

    Which QB should the Vikings take? Preferably, if possible J.J. McCarthy at 11 and use 23 on defense. If not, trade up for Jayden Daniels or J.J. McCarthy. Either one should be great in Vikings offense.

    – Kevin Harris in Christiansburg, Virginia

    I’ll leave the evaluations of quarterbacks (and other positions) to people with more expertise than me, and I’ll focus my efforts on trying to help connect the draft picks with this awesome fan base by relaying their stories.

    Most think Daniels will be off the board by pick No. 11. Some think McCarthy will last that long, although he’s picked up plenty of steam since the Wolverines claimed the CFP National Title.

    His former Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, who coincidentally already has a franchise QB on his Chargers roster, as well as the No. 5 overall pick, has been championing McCarthy’s stock at every turn.

    A head coach should be able to have a penalty reversal – two per half.

    – Michael H.

    I’m not exactly sure if there’s a specific type of penalty that is being referenced here, but I do think it’s a positive that coaches will now have an opportunity to have a third challenge by getting just one of the first two within a game correct.

    Beyond the kickoff rule, this change has the potential to impact multiple games every week.

    Still wondering when you are going to address the back end of the defense. We got killed in the end of games because of it last year and need some veterans back there.

    – Tre P.

    The Vikings have all six safeties they rostered in 2023 under contract for 2024 and have added Shaq Griffin to their cornerbacks room.

    O’Connell mentioned last week that adding Griffin, who has 79 starts under his belt, will enable Byron Murphy, Jr., to play more of an inside defensive back role (nickel).

    The Vikings obviously directed considerable attention to multiple levels of their defense.

    I wonder where Sam Darnold is compared to Kirk Cousins’ progression at the same point in his career? I would think Kirk was maybe slightly ahead, but considering the level of talent in Washington at the time, is he really that far ahead or was showing that much more potential than Darnold? Seems like Kirk improved a lot over his career and especially during his time in MN with decision making, ability to affect the game at the line before the play, and willingness/ability to make tough throws. I am not implying Darnold will be able to make the same progress but seems like the potential and talent is there.

    – Josh in South Dakota

    Darnold has started 56 of the 66 games he’s played, passing for 12,064 yards with 63 touchdowns against 56 interceptions. His completion percentage is 59.7, and his passer rating is 78.3.

    Cousins started 57 of the 62 games he played in his first six pro seasons (all with Washington), passing for 16,206 yards with 99 touchdowns against 55 interceptions. His completion percentage was 65.5 percent, and his passer rating was 93.7 during that time.

    So the traditional stats were in Cousins’ favor, but subtexts can often accompany stats.

    I try to approach every addition to the roster with an optimistic neutrality that’s aware of what players have done elsewhere in the NFL or in college on their way to the draft but also lets them start from scratch when they become Vikings.

    Vikings fan since 1972. Suffered through three Super Bowls – as the first one, I was a little young. Fran Tarkenton was the best quarterback of the ’70s in my opinion, but if you don’t win the big one you don’t get remembered too much. I think we are headed in the right direction. You always need luck – something the Vikings have not had since I’ve been a fan, so all I gotta say is keep your fingers crossed. Whoever we get, whether it’s 11, three or four, we need the luck. The curse must be broken.

    – Rick Tafoya in Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Tarkenton’s place in the franchise, with direct and indirect impact, is singular. He was an original Viking who came off the bench in the franchise’s Inaugural Game to stun the Bears. Former Minnesota General Manager Jim Finks (in the Pro Football Hall of Fame with Tarkenton) executed a trade with the Giants for first- (1967 and 1968) and second-round (1967 and 1968) picks that were used on RB Clinton Jones, WR Bob Grim, T Ron Yary and G Ed White, respectively.

    After five seasons in New York, Tarkenton headed back to Minnesota in a deal for QB Norm Snead, Grim, RB Vince Clements, a 1972 first-round pick and a 1973 second-round pick.

    His career – he led the NFL in so many major categories when he retired – cast a long shadow that the Vikings have tried to replicate in terms of success and continuity.

    What’s going on in “TACKLE” football? How, please tell me, I really want to know, you have a 220-pound running back coming at you full speed, how do you tackle him? Granted I only played in high school before joining the Marine Corps and then played football in the Marine Corps. We took players down, give no inch! PUT FLAGS ON THEM? SMH (shaking my head).

    – Rick O. in Stillwater, Oklahoma

    Rick’s email references the unanimous vote by NFL Owners to eliminate the hip-drop tackle, which was viewed as a way that a smaller defender could help bring down a larger offensive player with momentum.

    Appreciate your service in the Marine Corps, and I’m glad you were able to play football during that time. I’d imagine it’s pretty fierce action.

    There’s a much better and comprehensive assessment of that decision by someone much more qualified than me to weigh in on it.

    I think this could be a possibility for the Vikings and want your thoughts.

    Since the Vikings are looking to move up for QB. Something I’ve yet to hear about which seems at least an obvious option. Here you go!

    Since the Chargers and Harbaugh have the No. 5 pick, Harbaugh loves and coached McCarthy. And the fact that the Chargers dumped their WRs, RB and TE, this would be the perfect opportunity for them to trade [Justin] Herbert to the Vikings for No. 11 and No. 23 and 2025 first-rounder. Then, the Chargers draft McCarthy and reset their QB pricing.

    The Vikings, with the moves, can win now with Herbert; the Chargers aren’t winning now, they are rebuilding.

    I say the Vikings pursue trade talks with the Chargers. It makes sense for both teams. The only downside for the Vikings is Herbert’s contract that they can restructure. For the Chargers, why pay Herbert big money now when you have no one else on offense?

    I think it could be an option unless the Vikings think McCarthy is better than Herbert. I think it’s worth pursuing; then, 2024 could be a Super Bowl run.

    – Kevin Flynn

    I mentioned Harbaugh’s frequent flowery comments regarding McCarthy, and although I don’t know Harbaugh, I believe they can be two-fold. One motivator is continuing the relationship with the player and showing support for him; the other is piquing interest and trying to maximize offers the Chargers might receive for the fifth pick.

    Herbert is under contract through 2029, and his cap hit is about to increase dramatically over the next few years. It seems the Chargers made some of their other moves with managing Herbert’s contract and building around his talent in mind.

    When thinking about moving up to No. 3 or No. 4 and giving up three No. 1 draft choices for a quarterback, how do you balance that against keeping your draft choices, picking a top-5 defensive player, a No. 5-6 “ranked quarterback (Penix?), and keeping a No. 1 for 2025? We built a four-time Super Bowl team with the second option.

    Fan since ’61.

    – Rocco W.

    And

    The theory is that the Vikes could probably get No. 4 from Arizona with this year’s two first rounders only. Trading up any higher could cost those two, plus next year’s first round pick. Since it seems that one of the two QBs targeted should be there at No. 4, why would we part with next year’s first round pick?

    – Phil Zupetz, in Monroe, North Carolina

    There’s been so many projections, and some seem more favorable to the Vikings than others.

    If there’s a huge swell for quarterbacks in the top 10 picks, and Minnesota chooses not to move up or is unable to negotiate a deal it agrees with as fair, then that will only increase the pool of players available on defense or at other positions.

    If the Vikings want to move up, then predicting the top of the board will be important in figuring out how competitive other teams may try to be with their offers to vault up the board.

    I’ve been a Vikings fan for 55 years. Seen what I thought were some pretty good teams that had everything in place to make a Super Bowl run. Seems like [Bud] Grant was the only person that was good enough to pull everyone together and get there.

    What is it going to take to get back to those glory days? I know it’s more of a business nowadays, and back then it was more of a true game. Is it coaching, ownership, players or a combination of all of it that makes it so we just can’t get back to the Super Bowl? What’s it gonna take for the Vikings to get it done? Just once before I die!

    Forever a Vikings fan, I bleed purple, and I’ll cheer until my last breath! SKOL! Vikes!

    – Jeff Wiebold

    The report cards from the NFL Players Association have rated the Vikings No. 1 and 2, respectively, in their first two years of existence, with Ownership and coaching receiving high marks.

    The Wilf family is entering its 20th season as stewards of the franchise, and they have been consistent in supporting the organization in its quest for its first Super Bowl victory.

    Minnesota has come close multiple times, including a pair of appearances in the NFC Championship during that time.

    The Vikings will be in their third season with Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell at the helm. The 2022 team won 13 games but didn’t advance in the playoffs. The 2023 team could have returned, but injuries mounted on the way to the disappointing finish.

    The roster continues to be reshaped, but the goal has not changed.

    WHY are the Vikings dragging their feet in signing J.J. (Justin Jefferson)?? Seems to us that he has been more than patient in waiting for a deal. He wants to remain with the Vikings. He wants to continue to be a team leader both on the field and in the locker room, so why the delay in giving him the long-term contract he wants? After all, he is THE BEST receiver in all of football, and the longer he remains unsigned the more he begins to feel unwanted and will be willing to listen to other offers, which by the way now seem to be increasing in number. Latest rumor today is the Rams are very interested.

    VIKING BRASS: please do the right thing and get this very valuable player under contract ASAP. Otherwise, we fear we will lose him!

    – Jerry & Bev Haremza in Le Sueur, Minnesota

    We led our takeaways story last week with an update on Jefferson and how O’Connell has kept in communication with the star receiver this offseason.

    I understand how popular Jefferson is, and I also understand that some fans were with the team when Randy Moss was traded in March 2005, but Jefferson is under contract through this year (and the Vikings could deploy a franchise tag beyond it). While he is under contract, teams should not be making overtures because of the NFL’s anti-tampering policy.

    Adofo-Mensah said the negotiations were quite close to becoming finalized in 2023, but the fact there were two years remaining prompted further negotiations. When he and O’Connell say they have good dialogue with Jefferson, I take them at their word and don’t really worry about things.

    While I hate to see us lose anyone, I am loving this enthusiasm of our new players!

    You can see the pride in their faces and hear it in their voices – the pride of being a Minnesota Viking!

    We’re already ready for some football! SKOL!!!!

    – Barbara Jean Maggert (now in St Augustine, Florida – displaced from the great city of Minneapolis, but with my Vikings love and memories, going all the way back to Metropolitan Stadium and Bud Grant! Dear Bud, always and forever.)

    Appreciate these thoughts to close us out. Bud was truly special and continues to be beloved.

    It was really cool to see John Randle in the Minnesota Vikings Museum, as well as Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen hopping on video chats, to welcome free agent newcomers. They are continuing a Purple Thread that Bud used to talk about, uniting generations of Vikings the way that our fans for decades have helped connect newer fans.

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  • Essential Tips for Writing Engaging and Scholarly Discussion Board Posts – Southwest Journal

    Essential Tips for Writing Engaging and Scholarly Discussion Board Posts – Southwest Journal

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    Crafting that perfect discussion board post that screams “scholarly” yet doesn’t put your readers to sleep can be quite challenging.

    You’re probably aiming for that sweet spot where your professor nods in approval, and your classmates don’t start browsing memes halfway through your post.

    There are ways to accomplish this, and today, I will walk you through them. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s begin without any delay.

    Getting Started

    Discussion Board Posts Writing
    This Image Is Generated by Midjourney

    First impressions matter. Begin with a bang, not a whimper. You want your readers to think, “Hey, this might actually be worth my time,” rather than, “Oh, another post I’ll pretend to read.” Here’s how:

    • Hook ’em fast: Use an intriguing fact, a question, or a bold statement. “Did you know that Shakespeare was also a ruthless businessman?” beats “Shakespeare was an important figure in literature.”
    • State your point: Do it clearly but without sounding like you’re reading from an encyclopedia.

    If you’re ever in need of a muse or a quick escape from writer’s block, checking out EssayPro can be like finding an oasis in a desert of ideas. They’ve turned the daunting task of beginning with a bang into something of a fine art.

    Body Paragraphs That Don’t Meander

    Now, let’s talk body paragraphs, the beef burgers of your post. You’re not making a salad here; keep the leafy fillers out. Each paragraph should be a mini-quest of its own, exploring a single idea or argument.

    Structuring for Impact

    • One idea per paragraph: Keep it focused. Don’t throw in side quests that confuse everyone.
    • Evidence is your best friend: Cite studies, articles, or texts. “According to a study by Someone et al. (2024)…”, not “I just feel like…” Doing this will add a lot of credibility to your work.
    • Connect the dots: Ensure each paragraph links back to your main argument. It’s a discussion post, not a random trivia collection.

    Keeping It Real

    • Relatable examples: Ground your arguments in reality. If you’re discussing economic theories, maybe don’t use billionaires as your go-to example.
    • Counterarguments: Show you’ve thought everything through by acknowledging the other side of the coin. Then, politely explain why they’re wrong. This method is much more compelling and gives you extra credibility, as you show that you considered all possible aspects.

    Conclusions That Don’t Just Fizzle Out

    Conclusions That Don't Just Fizzle OutConclusions That Don't Just Fizzle Out

    You’ve led your reader through the jungle of your argument. Now, it’s time to give them that view from the mountaintop.

    • Summarize without sounding repetitive: No one needs a play-by-play of what they just read. Keep it short, sweet, and on point to really put the dot on the letter “i.”
    • End with a question or a challenge: Leave your readers with something to chew on. “What would Shakespeare’s LinkedIn profile look like?” is more engaging than “Therefore, Shakespeare was significant.”

    Formatting & Style Tricks

    Because a well-dressed post is a read post.

    Formatting

    • Use headings: Like signposts in a dense forest, they guide your reader and improve overall readability.
    • Bullet points are your allies: They break up text and make your points digestible.
    • Embrace white space: Paragraphs are friends, not enemies. Give them room to breathe.

    Keeping It Casual Yet Sharp

    • Active voice reigns supreme: “The cat chased the mouse” beats “The mouse was chased by the cat.”
    • Be concise: If you can say it in five words, don’t use fifty. Your professor will thank you.
    • Irony, sarcasm, and a pinch of humor: Sprinkle lightly. It’s academic writing, not a stand-up routine.

    The Unspoken Rule: Engage

    Engage with Your ReadersEngage with Your Readers
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    A scholarly post isn’t just about showing off how much you know. It’s about sparking a conversation.

    • Ask open-ended questions: Encourage your classmates to share their thoughts.
    • Respond to comments: Engage with your readers. Yes, even the ones who think they know better (especially them).

    Proofreading

    Let’s be honest, your first draft may not be your masterpiece. It’s the rough diamond that needs a good polish. Or, more accurately, it’s the block of marble from which you need to chip away everything that doesn’t look like a scholarly post. Here’s how to wield your proofreading chisel:

    • Take a break: Step away from your masterpiece. Seriously. Go do something else. When you come back, you’ll see it with fresh eyes.
    • Read it out loud: If you stumble over words, or run out of breath, your readers will too. Cut. It. Down.
    • Spellcheck is your frenemy: It’ll catch your “teh” but miss your “form” when you meant “from.” Trust, but verify.
    • Get a second pair of eyes: Someone who can tell you, “I have no idea what you’re trying to say here.”

    Common Traps to Avoid

    Common Traps to Avoid in WritingCommon Traps to Avoid in Writing

    Because no one talks about these, and they really should.

    The Echo Chamber

    Repeating the same words or phrases. It’s like listening to a broken record. Your thesaurus is there for a reason. Just don’t go overboard and start using “pulchritudinous” when “beautiful” will do.

    The Academic Jargon Jamboree

    You’re trying to impress, I get it. But if no one understands what you’re saying, what’s the point? If you can’t explain it to your roommate who majors in altogether something else, you need to simplify.

    The Never-Ending Story

    Long sentences. Complex thoughts. Nested clauses within nested clauses. It’s like inception for sentences. If you need a GPS to find your way out of your sentence, it’s too long. Split it. Breathe.

    • If you want to read more Other articles check here.

    Be Bold, Be Brief, Be Gone

    Writing for Discussion BoardsWriting for Discussion Boards

    Let’s face it, writing for discussion boards can feel like trying to make kale smoothies taste good. It’s possible, but it requires a bit of creativity and a lot of restraint. Your goal is to inform, engage, and maybe even entertain without sounding like you’re trying too hard.

    Remember, your professors and peers are wading through a sea of posts. Make yours the lifeboat they want to climb into. Be that beacon of light in a fog of academic jargon. Or, at the very least, don’t be the reason someone decided to start cleaning their room instead of finishing your post.

    So, go forth and write posts that make a mark, not ones that leave everyone wondering where the last ten minutes of their life went. Good luck!

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    Natasa Pantelic

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  • Clippers shoot for 4-0 road trip, take on Kings

    Clippers shoot for 4-0 road trip, take on Kings

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    (Photo credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

    The Los Angeles Clippers will try to complete a perfect, four-game road swing on Tuesday in a matchup crucial to Western Conference playoff positioning when they visit the Sacramento Kings.

    The Kings will be closing out a five-game homestand before they hit the road for four straight — three ofwhich are against opponents locked in their own pursuits of playoff berths.

    Sacramento, coming off a 127-106 rout of the Utah Jazz on Sunday, sits eighth in the West but is only 1 1/2 games behind the New Orleans Pelicans in the chase for sixth place, the final guaranteed postseason spot.

    The Kings are four games behind the Clippers for home-court advantage in the first round. Los Angeles has bolstered its standing in recent days with a three-game winning streak.

    After knocking off Philadelphia by one point and Orlando by three last Wednesday and Friday, the Clippers followed them up with a more comfortable, 130-118 defeat of Charlotte on Sunday.

    Paul George erupted for a season-high 41 points on 14-of-21 shooting, including 8-of-12 from 3-point range, while Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points for his ninth outing of 20-plus over the last 10 games.

    “Getting a win however you’ve got to (get) it is the most important thing,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said following Sunday’s win. “We’ve still got a lot to build on and get better with.”

    Lue emphasized starting stronger on the defensive end for the final stretch of the regular season, with Los Angeles looking to solidify a seed with home-court advantage in the opening round.

    The Clippers lead fifth-place Dallas by two games and sixth-place New Orleans 2 1/2. They trail third-place Minnesota by four.

    Tuesday’s meeting with Sacramento is the last between the divisional counterparts this season, with Los Angeles holding a 2-1 advantage. The Clippers won 131-117 in Sacramento on Nov. 29, behind 34 points and nine rebounds from Leonard, and 119-99 in Los Angeles on Dec. 12 when Leonard scored 31 points.

    A key difference in Sacramento’s one win — a 123-107 home victory on Feb. 25 — was limiting Leonard to 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting from the floor.

    Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox, who is averaging 26.4 points per game this season, had one of his lowest-scoring performances of the season with 14 points in the December contest. But he bookended that with performances of 40 and 33 points in the other Clippers matchups.

    Fox finished with 24 points and 12 assists in Sacramento’s win on Sunday, while Domantas Sabonis recorded his 70th double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The streak of 57 consecutive double-doubles he carries into Tuesday is the longest since the NBA-ABA merger.

    Sacramento has relied on the duo all season but will need others to step up down the stretch, with Malik Monk sustaining an MCL sprain expected to keep him out 4-6 weeks and Kevin Huerter lost to the season with a left shoulder injury.

    “We do run our offense through (Sabonis), but usually going through Domas we go to somebody through him … and usually, it’s the two guys (who) are injured (Monk and Huerter),” Kings coach Mike Brown said. “So now, we have guys (who) are cast in new roles, because we can’t rely on Fox to go get 30 (points) every night.”

    –Field Level Media

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  • Man sentenced to 10 years in connection to 2022 Inver Grove Heights bank robbery

    Man sentenced to 10 years in connection to 2022 Inver Grove Heights bank robbery

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    WCCO digital headlines: Afternoon of April 1, 2024


    WCCO digital headlines: Afternoon of April 1, 2024

    01:43

    MINNEAPOLIS — An Indiana man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection to the robbery of an Inver Heights Bank in December 2022, U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced Monday.

    Deundrick McIntosh, 45, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a felon in November last year in connection to the robbery.

    On the morning of December 22, 2022, two men entered Vermillion State Bank, where they zip-tied two employees and stole nearly $80,000 in cash, according to court documents.

    MORE NEWS: Ex-boyfriend, 2 others plead guilty in killing of Zaria McKeever

    During the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement found money with serial numbers matching cash from the bank robbery on McIntosh. Additionally, investigators found a gun with an extended magazine and more bait bills from the bank, charges state.

    Due to prior felony convictions, including bank robbery, McIntosh is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.

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    Riley Moser

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  • TWENTYMAN’S MOCK DRAFT 3.0: Post-free agency predictions

    TWENTYMAN’S MOCK DRAFT 3.0: Post-free agency predictions

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    Tim Twentyman

    The first wave of free agency is complete, and most teams around the league feel like they filled some needs and have improved their rosters from where they were at the start of the league year.

    When it comes to the draft, the good teams will draft best available and not pass up on better players for need, but that’s not always how the draft works.

    Here’s my third prediction with Mock Draft 3.0 coming out of the bulk of free agency. Feel free to disagree.

    1. Chicago Bears (7-10) (via Carolina)

    Chicago traded quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, which opens the door for the Bears to select a quarterback No. 1 overall.

    Pick: QB Caleb Williams, USC. Williams comes with some baggage, the Combine made that clear, but Chicago gets a chance to reset the rookie pay structure at the most important position in football with the consensus No. 1 signal caller in this draft.

    2. Washington Commanders (4-13)

    It’s a new regime in Washington led by general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. It makes sense to kick off this era with their guy at quarterback after moving on from Sam Howell.

    Pick: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU. Daniels had a terrific pro day last week and I think he is a better fit for the kind of offense new Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is going to want to install in Washington.

    3. New England Patriots (4-13)

    The Patriots reset the franchise this offseason moving on from Bill Belichick and hiring Jerod Mayo as their new head coach. Now I see them creating some competition at quarterback.

    Pick: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan. I had Drake Maye here in my previous two mocks, but I think McCarthy has aced the pre-draft process. The combination of his arm talent, footwork, athleticism and moxie puts him in the top three at quarterback in this class.

    4. Arizona Cardinals (4-13)

    The Cardinals are still behind quarterback Kyler Murray and now they have to work on getting him some more weapons.

    Pick: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State. I think the Cardinals also do a lot of work on Malik Nabers after he wowed at his pro day last week, but strictly going off the tape Harrison gives the Cardinals a legitimate No. 1 receiver with good bloodlines and a track record of success.

    5. Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)

    New head coach Jim Harbaugh has the quarterback in Justin Herbert but needs weapons around him.

    Pick: WR Malik Nabers, LSU. Offensive line help makes sense here too, especially with Harbaugh wanting to run the football, but LA has to give Herbert more weapons to throw to after the loss of receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in free agency/trade.

    6. New York Giants (6-11)

    The Giants need a lot of help on offense as they had the league’s 29th scoring offense this past season.

    Pick: WR Rome Odunze, Washington. With good size, terrific speed and elite ball skills, Odunze could bring a big play element to the Giants’ offense.

    Campbell likes current cornerback room, could still add competition Meet the Prospect: Nate Wiggins Campbell ‘absolutely in favor’ of new kickoff rule

    7. Tennessee Titans (6-11)

    The Titans are rebuilding under second-year quarterback Will Levis and job No. 1 is protecting last year’s investment.

    Pick: T Joe Alt, Notre Dame. Arguably the best tackle in the draft is terrific value at No. 7 and allows Tennessee an opportunity to improve both phases of their offense in one pick. The Titans allowed 64 sacks this past season, tied for the third most in football. Levis gets a new blindside protector.

    8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)

    Now that Atlanta has their quarterback situation figured out with the signing of Kirk Cousins, they can focus on improving the other side of the football.

    Pick: Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama. Atlanta could look to trade out of this spot, but if not, this is a great spot to see the first defensive player off the board. Turner tore up the Combine with his athletic traits and he’d instantly help an Atlanta defense that ranked 21st in sacks with 42 this season.

    9. Chicago Bears (7-10)

    With a quarterback in hand, the Bears can now give Williams another weapon to throw to alongside D.J. Moore.

    Pick: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia. Receiver is definitely an option but giving Williams two terrific TE options in Cole Kmet and Bowers could be key. This is a deep receiver class, and the Bears can find more help there later.

    10. New York Jets (7-10)

    All the drama in New York this offseason can go away if quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns to form and the Jets do this year what they were supposed to do last year.

    Pick: T Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State. Fashanu’s workout at the Combine was cut short due to a thigh injury but before that he showed off terrific athletic traits for a man his size. Jets quarterbacks were sacked 64 times last season, third most in the NFL.

    11. Minnesota Vikings (7-10)

    Adding another first-round pick via trade means the Vikings are giving themselves options to move up. I’ll include trades in my final mock ahead of the draft but for now I have them taking the best quarterback available and that’s Maye.

    Pick: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina. He’s a prototypical passer with size, arm strength and good athleticism. He and Sam Darnold can battle it out for the starting job.

    12. Denver Broncos (8-9)

    With the release of Russell Wilson, the Broncos need a quarterback. I think they try to trade up to get McCarthy, but if they can’t, taking a quarterback just to take one isn’t a good strategy. Denver takes their lumps this year and has a Top 5 pick in 2025 to address the quarterback position.

    Pick: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama. Arguably the best cornerback in this draft, he would pair with Patrick Surtain II to give the Broncos one of the best young cornerback tandems in the league. Denver’s defense allowed the third highest passer rating (98.0) to opposing quarterbacks this past season.

    13. Las Vegas Raiders (8-9)

    Quarterback Aidan O’Connell showed some potential going 5-5 after becoming the starter. They also have veteran Gardner Minshew in the fold at quarterback. I think they look to add defense and could end up getting the best pass rusher in the class when it’s all said and done.

    Pick: Edge Jared Verse, Florida State. An ultra-athletic and rangy edge rusher to pair opposite Maxx Crosby is a huge win for Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

    14. New Orleans Saints (9-8)

    The Saints have a big need at guard. Why not get a player who can play guard and tackle.

    Pick: OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State. An absolute mauler in the run game, he didn’t allow a sack in his time starting at right tackle at Oregon State.

    15. Indianapolis Colts (9-8)

    Adding some beef and extra depth along the defensive line should be a priority for a defense that ranked 29th in points allowed and 24th against the run in 2023.

    Pick: DT Byron Murphy II, Texas. Not a bad first day haul getting arguably the best defensive tackle in the class in the middle of the draft.

    16. Seattle Seahawks (9-8)

    With offensive linemen Damien Lewis and Evan Brown moving on in free agency and Phil Haynes still unsigned, there is a need upfront along the offensive line, especially inside, even after signing Tremayne Anchrum in free agency.

    Pick: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington. Fautanu can slide inside and fill an immediate need there, but his versatility to play tackle as well will be a welcomed addition in Seattle.

    17. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)

    Adding an offensive lineman or a receiver makes sense too, but I think the allure of getting one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, even after signing Ronald Darby in free agency, is too good to pass up.

    Pick: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo. He really stood out at the Senior Bowl practices and then he went to Indy and had a terrific Combine. Plus, his production in college matched – five interceptions and 20 pass breakups in 2022.

    18. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)

    The Bengals could go a lot of different ways here but after addressing the safety position in free agency they look to add a young cornerback to the mix.

    Pick: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson. Wiggins has good length at 6-foot-1 and ran a blazing 4.28 at the Combine with a 10-foot-7 broad jump.

    19. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)

    The Rams could look to add a quarterback to develop under Matthew Stafford, but the more immediate help would be adding to a pass rush that ranked 23rd in sacks this year and just lost Hall of Famer Aaron Donald to retirement.

    Pick: Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA. A mature and powerful pass rusher who registered 13.0 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss for the Bruins this past season and answered some medical concerns about his neck at the Combine.

    20. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

    The Steelers addressed the quarterback position with the signing of Wilson and trade for Fields. Now they look to protect them with arguably the best interior offensive lineman in the class.

    Pick: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon. A physical and nasty football player with movement skills and versatility to play all three spots inside. A classic Steelers pick that pays dividends for a decade.

    21. Miami Dolphins (11-6)

    The Dolphins were active in free agency adding to the defense and now address the offensive line with a versatile player.

    Pick: OT JC Latham, Alabama. A two-year starter at right tackle for the Crimson Tide, Latham is a human bulldozer in the run game with versatility to play tackle or guard. More and more teams are looking for this kind of versatility upfront.

    22. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)

    Opponents tore the Eagles’ defense up in the pass game this past season. Philadelphia ranked 31st against the pass and 29th in opponent passer rating against (97.6). The addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson will help in the nickel, but Darius Slay isn’t getting any younger at cornerback.

    Pick: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa. A really versatile defensive back who can play cornerback, safety, return kicks and probably be one of the best special teams players on the team. He had seven interceptions the last two seasons combined for the Hawkeyes.

    23. Minnesota (7-10) (via Houston/Cleveland)

    Gaining a second first-round pick gives Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah some options. I still think they package 11 and 23 to move up, but if not, this seems like a good landing spot for secondary help in this class.

    Pick: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama. After adding help on the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings snag a cornerback who has a chance to help them right away.

    24. Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

    The Cowboys were pretty quiet in free agency and could go a lot of different ways in the draft. When in doubt, adding talent and depth upfront along the offensive line late in the first round is usually great value.

    Pick: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia. A prototypical tackle prospect with terrific length (6-8, 340) and technique. Adding a player like Mims gives the Cowboys options upfront.

    25. Green Bay Packers (9-8)

    The Packers could use some secondary help, but they’re going through a transition this offseason upfront along their offensive line and adding talent and depth there could give them more options.

    Pick: OL Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma. Guyton could come in and compete for a starting spot right away at left tackle or right guard after they lost Jon Runyan and David Bakhtiari this offseason.

    26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8)

    Wide receiver Mike Evans signed a two-year extension this offseason but he’s turning 31 before next season and the Bucs need to start thinking about the future of the position.

    Pick: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU. Thomas has terrific size (6-3, 209) and speed (4.33 in 40 at Combine) to be a playmaking threat right away. He’s coming off a 17-touchdown season. That would be a heck of a trio in Tampa Bay with Evans, Chris Godwin and Thomas.

    27. Arizona Cardinals (4-13) (via Houston)

    After adding a top-tier weapon in the passing game with their first pick in the first round, the Cardinals address their defense with their second first-round pick.

    Pick: Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State. The Cardinals added some defensive line help in free agency, but teams can never have too many good pass rushers. Robinson showed out at the Combine as an athletic freak, and his twitchy, athletic traits could fit in Arizona.

    28. Buffalo Bills (11-6)

    Most have Buffalo going receiver, but they added Curtis Samuel in free agency and Khalil Shakir is an underrated receiver heading into his third season after having over 600 receiving yards last year. The Bills re-signed DaQuan Jones this offseason, but he is 32 years old.

    Pick: DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois. A disruptive and productive player in college who led the Illini with 7.5 sacks from the interior last season. He led the FBS with a school-record 4 blocked kicks and finished with 52 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss.

    29. Detroit Lions (12-5)

    Lions GM Brad Holmes made it clear at Annual League Meetings last week that he doesn’t draft for need and will take best available at 29.

    There’s a lot of options here for Holmes and the Lions. Could they go with the best interior offensive lineman left in Duke’s Graham Barton? What about adding at cornerback? Maybe another edge rusher in Darius Robinson? Could a receiver be on top of Holmes’ board?

    Pick: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas. Mitchell had himself quite the Combine measuring in at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds and then testing through the roof with a 4.34-second 40, a 39.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-4 broad jump.

    The Lions return their top two receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams but lost No. 3 receiver Josh Reynolds in free agency. They also have Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Antoine Green back, but adding a player like Mitchell could be very tantalizing. Between Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and Mitchell the Lions would rival the Dolphins in terms of fastest skill weapons in the league without losing any of the toughness they’re built on.

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  • Showers in southern Minnesota Monday, sunshine and mild temps return later this week

    Showers in southern Minnesota Monday, sunshine and mild temps return later this week

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    NEXT Weather: 5 a.m. report from April 1, 2024


    NEXT Weather: 5 a.m. report from April 1, 2024

    03:39

    MINNEAPOLIS — Showers will take over the southern part of Minnesota Monday morning and afternoon, but the Twin Cities should stay mostly dry.

    Those showers are part of a system creeping in from the south. 

    Highs will be in the 40s for most of the state.

    96fda5438cf89ca086c04b305b0f1cb6.jpg

    WCCO


    By Wednesday, the sun will return and stick around into the weekend. Temperatures will start to climb after that.

    For the Minnesota Twins’ home opener on Thursday, we’ll have highs in the low to mid-50s. By the weekend, temperatures will be in the 60s.

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    Joseph Dames

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  • Sean Diddy’s Disturbing Video: Justin Bieber’s Teen Years Revealed

    Sean Diddy’s Disturbing Video: Justin Bieber’s Teen Years Revealed

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    Sean “Diddy” Combs, a notable figure in the music industry and head of Bad Boy Records, is currently facing significant public scrutiny and backlash.

    This comes in the wake of police raids tied to sex trafficking allegations, casting a shadow over his once-dominant presence in the music scene.

    Combs’ relationship with pop sensation Justin Bieber has come under intense scrutiny due to this controversy, especially concerning their past interactions.

    Viral Video of Sean “Diddy” Combs and Justin Bieber Sparks Outrage

    A video featuring a young Justin Bieber and Sean “Diddy” Combs has gone viral, drawing criticism and concern from Bieber’s fans and the wider public.

    The video showcases a disturbing interaction between Combs and Bieber, then just a teenager, embarking on his meteoric rise in the music industry.

    In the video, Combs greets Bieber, commenting on his success and inquiring why Bieber hadn’t been in touch.

    Bieber, appearing visibly uncomfortable and stumbling over his words, responds that Combs had not directly contacted him.

    The video concludes with Bieber giving his phone number to Combs, highlighting the power dynamics at play.

    Social media users have described the video as “creepy” and “disturbing,” expressing sympathy for Bieber’s evident discomfort and criticizing Combs for his behavior.

    The interaction has sparked a broader conversation about Combs’ influence and relationships within the music industry.

    Raids on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Residences

    Following the controversy, Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles were raided by federal law enforcement. Reports from these raids describe children being handcuffed and staff subjected to extensive questioning. Combs himself was reportedly stopped at an airport, preventing him from traveling to the Bahamas.

    Another video, emerging through these developments, shows Bieber at around 15 years old, spending time with Combs. In this video, Combs remarks on their time together as a “15-year-old’s dream,” involving undisclosed activities. This interaction, too, has raised eyebrows, particularly given Combs’ mention of his connections to Usher, another prominent figure in Bieber’s career.

    These incidents have led to a reevaluation of Combs’ legacy and his relationships with young artists in the industry, amid growing concerns about the welfare and treatment of emerging talents in the entertainment world.

    Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/diddy-house-raided-los-angeles-b2518451.html

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    Srdjan Ilic

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  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late shot lifts Thunder past Knicks

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late shot lifts Thunder past Knicks

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    (Photo credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports)

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drained the go-ahead fallaway jumper with 2.6 seconds left and then helped produce a defensive stop just before the buzzer Sunday night for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who outlasted the host New York Knicks 113-112.

    Jalen Brunson hit a contested layup with 4.1 seconds left to give the Knicks the lead. After a Thunder timeout, Josh Giddey sent an in-bounds pass to Gilgeous-Alexander, who dribbled once to shake Miles McBride before he turned and sank a shot from deep in the left corner.

    Following a Knicks timeout, Donte DiVincenzo got the ball to Brunson, who was covered by Gilgeous-Alexander. Brunson’s turnaround jumper bounced off the top of the rim as time expired.

    Brunson’s miss capped a wild fourth quarter in which the Thunder overcame a 10-point deficit and shot 15 of 19 from the field but just 3-for-8 from the free-throw line.

    The Knicks trailed by as many as eight in the fourth, when they were 7-for-23 from the field and 10 of 17 from the line. The teams combined for five lead changes.

    Giddey (16 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists) had a triple-double while Jalen Williams scored a game-high 33 points for the Thunder (52-22), who won for the sixth time in eight games and moved into first place in the Western Conference by virtue of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 109-101 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

    Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed the previous two games with a bruised right thigh, finished with 19 points.

    Brunson scored 30 points but missed a potential game-winner in the waning seconds for the second straight game. He missed a 3-pointer with five seconds remaining in Friday night’s 130-126 overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

    Josh Hart (13 points, 15 rebounds) and Isaiah Hartenstein (17 points, 12 rebounds) each recorded a double-double while McBride had 19 points. DiVincenzo added 15 points for the Knicks (44-30), who missed a chance to move into third place in the Eastern Conference. The Cleveland Cavaliers (45-30) fell to the Denver Nuggets, 130-101, earlier Sunday.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Minnesota family advocates for medical foods, formula to be covered by insurance

    Minnesota family advocates for medical foods, formula to be covered by insurance

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    PLYMOUTH, Minn. — It’s snack time at the Vachuska household, but every morsel little Rowan consumes must be weighed, tracked and calculated because her body can’t break down proteins normally.

    It’s a rare genetic condition called Phenylketonuria, or PKU. Doctors found it during a routine blood test when she was just one week old. There’s no cure, but it can be managed with weekly blood tests and a strict diet.

    “We’re so thankful for the early detection,” Melissa Vachuska said. “It means a low protein diet for life. And most of that comes from medical foods and formula, or specially designed meals or recipes for low protein.”

    But the food she relies on to thrive come with a hefty price tag.

    “This is $14.99 for this loaf of bread. This will last us…Not long,” Melissa Vachuska said.

    sun-7a-pku-insurance-co-wcco53x8-00-02-1416.jpg
    The Vachuska family

    WCCO


    Her specialized medical formula rings in at $75.

    “Not all of those foods are readily available in grocery stores,” said Sara Elsbecker, a pediatric nurse practitioner.

    It’s one of several roadblocks Elsbecker and the rest of Rowan’s medical team at M Health Fairview Children’s help the family navigate.

    MORE NEWS: Our Streets Minneapolis report highlights I-94’s health, economic impacts on local communities

    “That often time can be out-of-pocket costs or it may be covered by insurance,” Elsbecker said.

    Elsbecker says much like individualized care, coverage varies from patient to patient.

    “I think one of the things that’s challenging is that there’s so much variability from patient to patient,” Elsbecker said.

    But from a medical standpoint, it’s necessary nutrition.

    “Even foods that might contain 2-3 grams of protein could possibly be too much for them,” Elsbecker said. “That can cause problems with toxicity in the brain and can lead to cognitive impairments and developmental problems.”

    Right now, insurance companies aren’t required to cover medical foods or formula, but a bill on Capitol Hill could change that.

    “Medical food and formula should be covered. It is no different than other medicals that are covered. It should be covered in its entirety,” Melissa Vachuska said.

    It’s a mission this family won’t stop pushing for.

    “It’s not just Rowan. It’s an entire rare disease community that we are fighting for,” Melissa Vachuska said.

    The Medical Nutrition Equity Act would ensure that both public and private insurance cover medically necessary foods as a treatment option. It’s in the process of being introduced in the Senate. 

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    Beret Leone

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  • Mary Ann Key Book Club at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Riverfront News – Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.

    Mary Ann Key Book Club at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Riverfront News – Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.

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    Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

    Kia VangA discussion with Kia Vang, Senior Librarian and co-project manager

    The Mary Ann Key Book Club invites our community to come together to read and engage in conversations about past and current injustices that impact Black, Indigenous and communities of color. We talked to Kia Vang, Senior Librarian and co-project manager about the history of the book club, the upcoming compelling events and how to stay curious about topics that impact us all.

    Q: The Mary Ann Key Book Club is in its sixth season – congratulations! Can you tell us the history of the book club?

    A:  In his December 2020 Star Tribune column, Myron Medcalf wrote about his desire to start a new book club, framing education as a powerful response to racism:

    “And I always come back to this idea: ongoing dedication to education, which facilitates dialogue and tangible change. I’m not sure any effort against racism can thrive without that approach.”

    Library staff saw an opportunity to propose a collaboration, and over the next several months, Mr. Medcalf and Hennepin County Library developed the foundation of this successful partnership. The Mary Ann Key Book Club is named after the matriarch of Mr. Medcalf’s family who was enslaved in Alabama and Georgia in the 1840s and1850s. The book club uses reading as a catalyst to engage readers in conversations around understanding and addressing past and current injustices that impact Black, Indigenous and communities of color.

    Since its inception, the book club has received strong financial and event planning support from Friends of the Hennepin County Library. Their contributions have allowed the library to offer instant, always-available access to eBook and audiobook editions of each season’s title, in addition to expanded availability of print editions at your local library.

    Each book club season has included a conversation with community panelists who discuss the overarching themes of each season. Some of the themes have included the racial caste system in the United States, the often-overlooked history of Indigenous people in this land and the perilous migration of people across the US-Mexico border. The library has hosted several events with past authors, including Cathy Park Hong, Dr. Debbie Reese and Javier Zamora.

    Q:  What steps are taken to select books that represent a variety of perspectives and experiences?

    A:  We’re committed to selecting books that center the stories, identities and lived experiences of BIPOC communities while also recognizing that no one community is monolithic. Themes and book titles are selected with consideration for the conversations, challenges, and changes that interest Twin Cities residents. While we welcome year-round suggestions, we proactively engage library staff, county colleagues and community members whose identities or work intersect with the themes and/or communities we want to center.

    Q:  How do you approach books that may contain triggering or emotionally challenging content?

    A:  We often ask ourselves, “What does the community conversation look like? What is the greater harm in not acknowledging the terrible injustices against BIPOC communities, and how do we discuss these matters with the utmost sensitivity, particularly for the communities we are centering?” These stories are not always easy to read because of the challenging content, but they are stories that need to be told. We encourage folks to read and discuss the book with friends, family, and colleagues – past readers have even shared that the collective reading experience helped them get through more challenging content. It’s also okay to set a book down, give yourself some time to process, reflect and return to the book later.

    Q:  Please tell us about the current selection for the club.

    A:  Our 2024 book selection is “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row” by Anthony Ray Hinton. This powerful memoir tells the story of Mr. Hinton’s wrongful death row sentence and 30-year incarceration in Alabama. With the assistance of the Equal Justice Initiative, led by attorney Bryan Stevenson, Mr. Hinton was finally freed in 2015. The racism and failures of the criminal justice system that he faced are infuriating, but at the heart of the story is Mr. Hinton’s incredible perseverance and faith.

    We selected this memoir because of the focus on mass incarceration and the inequities of the criminal justice system, particularly its high impact on communities of color, as represented in data from the Prison Policy Initiative.

    Anthony Ray Hinton

    Q:  What events will coincide with the reading of the selection?

    A:  Hennepin County Library is incredibly honored to have Mr. Hinton join us in person at Minneapolis Central Library on Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. Mr. Hinton will be joined in conversation with Myron Medcalf. The event will also be livestreamed and recorded.

    We’re also looking forward to continuing the conversation on Thursday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. with Minnesota community panelists, all of whom have been justice-impacted. Moderator Minister JaNaé Bates will be joined by Marvin Haynes (represented by the Great North Innocence Project, Haynes was exonerated in December 2023 after serving 19 years in prison), Moseka Nhya and Kevin Reese. This event will be recorded.

    Q:  How does the book club engage with the broader community, particularly marginalized communities, to foster a sense of connection and understanding?

    A:  The primary goal of the book club is to use reading as the entry point for conversation, connection and understanding. We’re focused on centering the stories of BIPOC communities and inviting all community members to join us in whatever way best fits their interest – from reading or listening to the book on its various physical or digital formats to starting their own book discussions or attending library events.

    With each season, we invite a panel of community leaders with personal experience to speak on the themes of the book and its connection to their life, communities and work. This conversation highlights the ways that historical and current injustices still negatively impact BIPOC communities in the Twin Cities, and we encourage community members to engage with one another across cultures, identities, and life experiences. You don’t need to be a Hennepin County resident to join the book club or attend the programs – all are welcome to explore the topics and stories that emerge.

    Q:  Does the book club have initiatives or partnerships with organizations focused on social justice and equality to extend the conversation beyond the group?

    A:  One of the outcomes for the Mary Ann Key Book Club is that participants connect with local organizations who are engaged in making meaningful changes in the community. This year we invited several organizations leading the efforts to destigmatize incarceration, provide re-entry services, champion meaningful policy changes, to table after the author talk and share more information with participants and encourage action beyond the book club.

    Some of the organizations include the Great North Innocence Project who represented Marvin Haynes, Until We Are All Free, We Are All Criminals, Turn Signl, Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, and the Hennepin County Law Library.

    Q:  How does the book club encourage self-reflection among members regarding their own biases and privileges?

    A:  Access to a broad spectrum of ideas is foundational to our service as a public library, and for some, this book club might be one of the few opportunities where participants are hearing about experiences and perspectives that are different from their own. As participants read and discuss each season’s book, we hope participants examine their own ideas and beliefs, and notice where they may hold assumptions that can be harmful.

    Q:  Are there resources recommended for members to continue their education on issues raised in the books?

    A:  We encourage book club participants to continue their learning by staying curious, continuing to examine their own biases, and learning about organizations and individuals engaged in work to advance criminal and social justice in the community. For materials related to the Spring 2024 season, check out the library’s booklist, watch “True Justice,” a documentary that follows Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative, and explore additional criminal justice reform resources curated by the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.  

    Q:  How may we follow Hennepin County Library News?

    A:  More than 3,600 people are currently subscribed to the Mary Ann Key Book Club newsletter. It offers insightful commentary from Mr. Medcalf, community panelists, and great library resources for continued learning and exploration. Sign up for the newsletter or visit our website for up-to-date program details.

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    Becky Fillinger

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  • April is Arts Month at EaTo, Featuring Events on April 13 and 18 – Minneapolis Riverfront News – Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.

    April is Arts Month at EaTo, Featuring Events on April 13 and 18 – Minneapolis Riverfront News – Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.

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    EaTo Offers Two Fun Art Events in April!

    On Saturday, April 13, dog owners can make a stylish, personalized dog bowl under the instruction of ceramic artist Krissy Catt, an instructor at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. Krissy will provide all the supplies needed, including a pre-rolled clay stab, a pattern in three sizes, tools and alphabet pasta for spelling out names and personal messages. The bowls will then be glazed and fired and returned to EaTo in two weeks to be picked up. Cat lovers can make a smaller version for their pet!

    Invite your friends and grab a glass of wine to sip during this fun interactive workshop in EaTo’s private dining room. Small bites are included.

    For more information, go to www.eatompls.com and click on reservations, scroll down to find the class.

    –  –  –  –  –  –  –  –  

    On Thursday, April 18, watercolor artist James Nutt will be in the main dining room from 6-9 p.m. to paint original mini portraits — the original selfies.

    Come for dinner and leave with a 4×6 watercolor portrait of yourself, your date or your bottle of wine for just $20. James Nutt is an architect, artist, instructor and constant sketcher. He’ll capture you in his personal, loose style of black ink outlines with blended watercolor paint. Or give him a small bit of your wine or coffee and he’ll paint you in that medium! Each picture will take about 20 minutes and the bonus is you don’t have to stop eating to pose. First come, first drawn. Commissions are paid directly to the artist by cash or Venmo.

    Find James in Studio 321 in the Northrup King Building, and you can see his work on Instagram.

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    Kim Eslinger

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  • Twins seek opening-weekend sweep of Royals

    Twins seek opening-weekend sweep of Royals

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    (Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports)

    Starting the season for the second consecutive time in Kansas City, the Minnesota Twins again are 2-0 to begin the year and will look for a series sweep in Sunday’s finale with the Royals.

    After being taken out of Thursday’s Opening Day win, Minnesota infielder Royce Lewis was placed on the injured list before Saturday’s game and is expected to miss at least a month of action. Nevertheless, the Twins remain hopeful.

    “He’s a unique healer,” said Twins president of baseball operations Dan Falvey, who described the injury as a “severe right quad injury” that Lewis sustained while running the bases.

    “He seems to come back pretty quickly,” Falvey said. “He’s already feeling better than he felt yesterday, and that’s his nature. He’s very optimistic, and that’s the way we want to approach this.”

    It’s the latest injury for Lewis, who was taken by the Twins with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft. He tore his right ACL in 2021 and 2022, then was limited to 58 games last season because of hamstring and oblique injuries.

    “I wouldn’t even call this long,” Lewis said. “The long (injuries) I’ve dealt with were a year long. We know it’s not surgery. Not going under the knife is very important.”

    Additionally, the Twins received unfortunate news about right-hander Anthony DeSclafini, who underwent surgery Friday to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm. DeSclafini, who was acquired from Seattle in an offseason trade, will miss the entire season.

    Right-handers Bailey Ober of the Twin and Brady Singer of the Royals will make their season debuts on Sunday afternoon.

    In seven career starts against the Royals, Ober is 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA, losing his past two appearances in Kansas City. In the most recent outing, on July 29, 2023, he allowed six runs in four innings on 11 hits, including a triple and homer by Bobby Witt Jr., who has five hits in 11 at-bats against Ober.

    Each of Witt’s first three hits this season have been doubles. In the sixth inning Saturday, he lined a hit to right, then legged out the double ahead of right fielder Matt Wallner’s throw with a lightning-fast home-to-second time measured at 7.70 seconds.

    Ober was 8-6 with a 3.43 ERA last season for the Twins.

    His counterpart, Singer, finished 2023 with an 8-11 mark and a 5.52 ERA in 29 starts. Singer is 2-6 with a 5.90 ERA in 11 starts against the Twins, most recently throwing five innings while allowing two runs on four hits and striking out 10 last July 28.

    Scoring just one run in each of the first two games, Royals hitters have gone 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

    Kansas City’s rebuilt pitching staff delivered mixed results Saturday with starter free-agent acquisition Seth Lugo throwing six shutout frames, but the bullpen gave up five runs on five hits, two walks and three hit batters over the final three innings, with newcomer Will Smith surrendering four runs in a tie-breaking ninth inning.

    “Obviously you want your first outing to go well,” Smith said. “This one didn’t. It is what it is. I could say all the cliches: ‘It’s a long season’ and all that stuff, but as a competitor you want your first outing to go well. It’s going to sting a little bit, but the next one will be better.”

    The Royals’ 0-2 start to 2024 is their 17th such start in franchise history, and their two runs scored through two games is their second-lowest output in franchise history, behind only last year (zero runs).

    –Field Level Media

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  • Twins use 4-run ninth to rally past Royals

    Twins use 4-run ninth to rally past Royals

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    (Photo credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)

    Christian Vazquez sparked a ninth-inning rally to help the Minnesota Twins top the host Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Saturday afternoon.

    With one out, Vazquez sliced a 1-2 pitch down the left-field line, scoring Ryan Jeffers to break a 1-1 tie. Alex Kirilloff’s sacrifice fly and Byron Buxton’s two-run double capped the four-run inning against Will Smith (0-1).

    Griffin Jax (1-0) pitched a scoreless eighth for the victory.

    The Twins’ bullpen allowed two hits over the final 3 2/3 innings while Royals relievers surrendered five hits, five runs, and two walks in three innings.

    Minnesota starter Joe Ryan was perfect through three innings, although Salvador Perez nearly homered leading off the second, hitting a high drive to left that landed foul. After a short umpire review, the call was confirmed and the game remained scoreless.

    Bobby Witt Jr.’s fourth-inning double off the center-field wall gave Kansas City its first baserunner.

    In the sixth, Witt hit his second double of the game — and third this season. Minnesota took out Ryan after that at-bat. He threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits and a walk with five strikeouts.

    Three batters later, against reliever Steven Okert, MJ Melendez bounced a single through the left side, scoring Witt for the Royals’ first lead of the new season. The hit was Kansas City’s first with runners in scoring position. They went 0-for6 in their 4-1 loss to the Twins on Thursday.

    After early struggles to locate his four-seam fastball, Royals starter Seth Lugo shifted to off-speed deliveries, limiting Minnesota to just two singles while fanning four over six shutout innings.

    The Twins’ first two batters reached to open the fourth, but Lugo escaped damage on Melendez’s diving catch in left.

    Edouard Julien doubled to lead off the eighth against James McArthur. Julien scored when Buxton chopped a double beyond third baseman Maikel Garcia’s reach, tying the score, 1-1. Buxton delivered two doubles and three RBIs in the game.

    — Field Level Media

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  • 11-year-old boy shot in head in St. Paul, Minnesota; 2 in custody including 13-year-old girl

    11-year-old boy shot in head in St. Paul, Minnesota; 2 in custody including 13-year-old girl

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    ST. PAUL, Minn. — Police are investigating after they say an 11-year-old boy was shot in the head on Friday night.

    The shooting happened around 9 p.m. on the 800 block of Pierce Butler Route. The 13-year-old suspected shooter was found five minutes away along Charles Avenue, according to police. She was taken into custody.

    Wheeler said she was trying to fall asleep Friday night, moments before police said the 11-year-old was shot. 

    “It was quiet for a few minutes and then a bunch of loud loud loud noise,” said Wheeler.

    Wheeler went over, she said, hoping to quiet down the children with a toy. That’s when she saw the injured boy, his body in the doorway, being held by four other children.

    “I held on to him and told him to just be strong,” she said. “Kids should not be playing with guns, they should be playing with dolls.”

    Police said the injured 11-year-old was rushed to the hospital. On Saturday, police sent an update that he’s still in critical condition at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.

    The shooting and emergency response has Wheeler calling for accountability, particularly from parents.

    “I just want people to watch their kids, pay attention to them. If they’re acting out and acting violent, check their backpacks, watch your kids, take care of them,” said Wheeler.

    Investigators say they’re working to determine what led to the shooting.

    MORE: The Drivers Cooperative may be the solution if Lyft, Uber leave Minneapolis

    On Saturday afternoon, St. Paul police said they recovered two handguns at an apartment on the 800 block of Pierce Butler Route. A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a firearm and negligent storage of a firearm.

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    Jason Rantala

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  • Philadelphia Union earn shutout for Minnesota United’s first loss

    Philadelphia Union earn shutout for Minnesota United’s first loss

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    (Photo credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports)

    Daniel Gazdag scored in the 16th minute to fuel the Philadelphia Union to a 2-0 victory over Minnesota United on Saturday afternoon in Chester, Pa.

    Kai Wagner and defender Jack Elliott each notched an assist on Gazdag’s third goal of the season and second in as many matches played. Gazdag (international duty) was one of six starters missing in Philadelphia’s 3-1 victory over the Portland Timbers on March 23.

    Julian Carranza, who tallied twice versus the Timbers, provided insurance by scoring in the 84th minute on Saturday.

    Andre Blake finished with four saves during a physical match before he took a seat on the field in the 73rd minute. Oliver Semmle came on in relief and turned aside one shot for the Union (2-0-3, 9 points), who handed Minnesota United (3-1-1, 10 points) their first setback of the season.

    Dayne St. Clair made two saves in a losing cause for Minnesota United.

    Philadelphia took advantage of one of its eight corner kicks to open the scoring.

    Wagner’s service off the set piece was redirected by Elliott through traffic toward the back post. Gazdag had gained inside position on Minnesota defender DJ Taylor and provided the proper finish.

    Minnesota threatened to forge a tie in the 40th minute, only to be denied by Blake. Robin Lod deftly played the ball ahead of Teemu Pukki, but Blake extended his right foot to make a sliding kick save.

    Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan nearly extended his team’s lead in the 54th minute, however his scissor kick caromed off the crossbar.

    The Union doubled their advantage in the 84th minute. A Minnesota turnover deep in its own end led to Alejandro Bedoya heading the ball up to Carranza, who swiftly unleashed a shot that sailed inside the far post.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Timeline to reopen Port of Baltimore unclear as collapsed Key Bridge cleanup begins

    Timeline to reopen Port of Baltimore unclear as collapsed Key Bridge cleanup begins

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    BALTIMORE — A massive salvaging effort is underway to reopen the Port of Baltimore after the deadly collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

    The Navy has mobilized a 1,000-ton lift capacity derrick barge, a 400-ton lift-capacity revolving crane barge and a 160-ton revolving crane to help lift debris from the water, a huge undertaking in the works.

    Officials say the section of the bridge trapping the cargo ship dolly weighs between 3,000 and 4,000 tons, so before the Army Corps of Engineers can start moving anything off the water, they’re going to have to cut the debris into smaller pieces. 

    When will the Port of Baltimore reopen? 

    All vessel traffic in and out of the port was suspended in the wake of the collapse, but it has remained open for trucks. It isn’t clear yet how long it will take to clear the 700-foot span of the channel of thousands of tons of debris. 

    The Baltimore district of the corps activated its Emergency Operations Center, which clears the way for more than 1,100 engineering, construction, contracting and operations specialists to provide support to local, state and federal agencies.

    Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Being Struck By Cargo Ship
    BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MARCH 29: Cranes work on clearing debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The bridge collapsed on Tuesday at 1:30AM, after being struck by the massive cargo ship Dali. Two members of a road repair crew were pulled from the Patapsco River immediately after the collision, while two other bodies were pulled from the water on Wednesday and four people remain missing and are presumed dead after the Coast Guard called off rescue efforts. The accident has temporarily closed the Port of Baltimore, one of the largest and busiest on the East Coast of the U.S.

    / Getty Images


    CBS News correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports everything needs to be cleared from the bottom of the channel — 50 feet below the surface — because there is only 12 to 18 inches of clearance between the bottom of the channel and the hull of a cargo ship loaded down with containers. 

    “There is a lot of speculation as to when the channel will be reopened,” the Port said in a statement Friday. “The fact of the matter is we do not know. Please understand that we are working minute-by-minute with our federal, state and local partners to make that happen as quickly as possible.   

    The port is the ninth-busiest in the United States, according to Census data, and handled more than $80 billion in import and exports last year, the most in 20 years. It is also home to Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines.

    Directly, the port supports 15,300 jobs, while another 140,000 in the area are related to port activities. The jobs provide a combined $3.3 billion in personal income, according to a CBS News report. 

    “The most urgent priority is to open the Port of Baltimore because it is essential to the livelihood of people here in Baltimore, in Maryland, and the economies across our country and around the world,” U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen said in a news conference Wednesday.

    Maryland lawmakers are drafting emergency legislation for income replacement to assist thousands of Port of Baltimore workers impacted by the disruption. 

    Four remain missing, presumed dead

    Eight people, part of a construction crew filling potholes, were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. Two were rescued, two bodies have been recovered, and four remain missing. 

    So far, four of the victims have been identified:

    • Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, 35, originally from Honduras
    • Miguel Luna, originally from El Salvador
    • Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, 26, originally from Guatemala 
    • Jose Mynor Lopez, 35, originally from Guatemala  

    The bodies of Cabrera and Fuente were recovered from a submerged pickup truck. The search for bodies was paused Wednesday because divers can no longer operate around the mangled bridge debris that has encased submerged vehicles, officials said.

    Federal support incoming 

    Maryland is receiving an initial $60 million in emergency funding from the federal government as the state works to clear the debris. The state sent a letter of request for relief to pay for mobilization, operations and debris recovery.

    President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he intends to push the federal government to pay for the entire reconstruction of the bridge, and pledged to work with Maryland leaders to provide as much support as possible.  

    “It is my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect the Congress to support my effort,” Biden said earlier, adding that he plans to visit Baltimore as soon as he can.

    The $60 million estimate made by the state of Maryland for initial expenses is, at most, just 10% of the estimated cost for response to the disaster, CBS News learned following a Maryland Congressional delegation meeting.

    The Maryland delegation talked about likely costs exceeding $1 billion and a “need for an emergency supplemental” aid package from Congress. 

    Rohan Mattu

    Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ’s website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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    Rohan Mattu

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