Quick Hits: Volume CDXVIII

When a high profile individual (whether it be an actor, pro athlete, etc.) speaks out about hot button social/political issues, it elicits a lot of conversation online. And when a big name speaks, the media often rushes to peers in the same industry in order to garner other reactions, possibly resulting in a war of words between two people on opposite sides. 

So even though I'm fine with big names using their respective platforms to advocate for a cause, I'm equally OK with those who opt out of the discussion. While WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has caused quite a stir decrying the presence of trans females (aka biological males) participating in female sports, her Indiana Fever teammate (and easily one of the league's biggest names) Caitlin Clark would prefer to steer away from such a sensitive topic. 

Caitlin Clark dodges question on protecting women's sports.

"It's for the leagues and governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions." pic.twitter.com/LZSx91D4XX

— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) August 2, 2026

This has drawn the ire of some high profile conservatives, including Matt Walsh, who is quickly becoming a caricature, IMO. 

Caitlin Clark might be the biggest coward in the history of sports. She refuses to say anything about the anti-white racism she has been subjected to since coming into the league. She punts on the trans question, which is the easiest question you could ever be asked. No spine. https://t.co/64p1pbjbML

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) August 3, 2026

When NBA star LeBron James stumped for Hillary Clinton for POTUS in 2016 or NFL QB Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem, people of Walsh's ilk essentially said "stay in your lane." But now when it's one of their pet causes, Walsh et al demand acquiescence. 

Speaking freely should be highly encouraged. But equally respected should be the desire to not speak at all, especially when one's livelihood can be in peril. It's part of Walsh's job to be provocative, but not so much Clark's.

- Speaking of the trans debate, remember in late 2024 when Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) bucked his fellow leftists on the issue? 

But now that he actually wants to be a U.S. Senator out of the far left haven that is Massachusetts? 

Seth Moulton apologizes to the far-Left for saying he doesn’t want men in girls’ sports.

Q: "You said 'I have two little girls. I don’t want them getting run over...by a male or formerly male athlete'..."

MOULTON: “To the trans community…I’m sorry if my comments hurt you.” pic.twitter.com/dZAMvkVqu5

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 4, 2026

The fact is, it's possible to not want biological men in women's spaces while also standing up for their civil liberties. But Seth likely knows as well as anyone that progs aren't big on nuance. 

- Conservative commentator Ben Domenech on the rise of Communist tendencies in today's Democrat party. 

 

The Red Diaper Babies of TikTok can GTFO. pic.twitter.com/cjvu1t9yoE

— Benjamin Domenech (@bdomenech) August 4, 2026

This should be a warning to conservatives to get their poop in a group by getting back on message with economics. It's always, always, alwayyyyyys the economy, stupid. 

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Box Score of the Week

New York Mets at St Louis Cardinals - September 28, 1979,

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Cards' shortstop Garry Templeton, a switch hitter, collected his 100th hit of the season while hitting right handed. Since he already had 100+ hits from the left side, he became the first player in MLB history to have at least 100 hits from both sides of the plate. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 8/2/2026

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The wind and the weathering were on channel 14.......

Happy first Sunday in August!

I'll be back in the Patriot bunker today after being away on assignment last week. Today's edition of my radio show The Closer will air 1-3 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I will weigh in on multiple stories about Minnesota politics, including the wife of Gov. Tim Walz rebuffing Lt Gov Peggy Flanagan by endorsing Angie Craig for US Senate. Also, former DFL chair Ken Martin appears to be in over his head as the DNC chair. 

In the second hour, I'll discuss former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci refusing to answer questions before a US Senate Committee this past week. At 2:30 Landmark Legal VP Michael O'Neill will join us via phone to weigh in on what, if anything, can be done to hold Fauci accountable given he received a preemptive pardon from then President Joe Biden in January 2025. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

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Nuts!

The end of an era for one of the most recognizable (by sight *and* smell) landmarks in St. Paul.

Pearson’s Candy Co., the iconic St. Paul candy maker best known for Salted Nut Roll bars and Nut Goodies, plans to permanently close its West Seventh Street manufacturing facility this fall. The closure will eliminate about 80 jobs.

The company notified Minnesota’s State Rapid Response Team that it will permanently shut down its plant at 2140 W. Seventh St. because of a lack of financial sustainability to continue operations, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification.

The closure and layoffs are scheduled to take effect Sept. 28.

In a statement to the Pioneer Press, a Pearson’s spokesperson said the decision was made after careful consideration and “reflects the current business and economic environment.”

“At this time, we’re looking to move certain key brands of Pearson’s to a strategic partner and we’ll continue to explore all options in order to make these legacy products,” the statement said.

Pearson’s Candy was founded in Minneapolis in 1909 and moved to St. Paul in 1950. The current factory has been a fixture in St. Paul since it started production in 1957.

For the first six years of my life, I lived in general proximity of that plant. The daycare lady under whom my bro and I were charges while ma was working would occasionally drive by that facility when taking the kids out for activities. While I couldn't describe what I was sensing, I knew I was instantly drawn to that luscious aroma of nougat, caramel and salty Virginia peanuts. 

I believe I tasted a Pearson's Salted Nut Roll for the first time shortly thereafter. I know it was a Friday, because my mom would bring home a snack for my brother and me, courtesy of the 3M vending machine. Upon indulging, ma reminded me that we used to live near the building which made that delightful sweetness. From that point forward, the Salted Nut Roll became firmly entrenched in my top 5 favorite indulgences whenever the ol' sweet tooth comes a callin'. 

Fast forward about 30 years to Wednesday, July 11, 2007. It was near the end of my workday when I decided to partake in a Pearson's SNR. As the vending machine dispensed the treat, I noticed a business card taped to it. The card belonged to the organization's executive secretary with a note informing me that I won a 5-lb. Salted Nut Roll. I called the number on the card and confirmed I indeed was now the proud owner of a concoction that was the equivalent to 54 regular size candy bars!

Mrs. Carlson and I have often reflected on that particular week as one of the most trying times in our marriage. On Monday of that week, my sister-in law was hospitalized with a serious ailment. On Thursday, we were notified that we'd have to endure an audit from the IRS. Then on Friday the 13th (rather fitting) I was fired from that job. 

Looking back now, we like to think my winning a 5-lb. candy bar in the middle of that quagmire was God's way of injecting a little levity. While we had no idea how the various disasters of that season would be resolved, we held tight to His promise of never leaving or forsaking us. 

The mind is a funny thing, ain't it? A seemingly benign story about the closing of a manufacturing facility can set in motion memories (good and bad) which have spanned a half century.

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Quick Hits: Volume CDXVII

- In the event you thought it was hyperbole that Gov. Tim Walz and his Lt Gov Peggy Flanagan have had a fracture in their relationship since after the 2024 election, this should put to rest any doubts. 

Minnesota’s First Lady Gwen Walz is endorsing U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in the U.S. Senate race, handing the congresswoman another big-name backer in the closing days of the heated Democratic primary campaign.

Gwen Walz’s endorsement comes as her husband, Gov. Tim Walz, has refused to back Craig or her opponent, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

Gwen Walz said Craig’s record of winning tough races in the Second District “speaks for itself.”

“Angie Craig is the candidate to beat the Republicans and win in November. I’ve worked with Angie for years — on issues ranging from LGBTQ rights to reproductive healthcare," Gwen Walz said in a statement first shared with the Minnesota Star Tribune.

“In an era when everything we hold dear is at stake, we need a nominee who can win statewide — in red counties and blue. And that’s Angie," Gwen Walz added.

While this isn't the governor himself weighing in, you can't convince me that he didn't give the Mrs. the OK when she broached the idea of endorsing a candidate in the Senate race. 

So will this have any significant impact on the DFL primary for U.S. Senate? Eh. I have my doubts. But at the very least it ensures the race will stay ultra competitive so as not to tempt any leftist voters to cross over and vote in GOP primary and thus vote in Mike Lindell as the Republican candidate for governor. 

- I've made no secret how I'm an out and out non-fan of Barack Obama. That said, I thought his recent interaction with WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark was absolutely delightful. 

And of course, you had a bunch of progs who echoed sentiments very similar to this. 

Republicans really tried to claim Caitlin Clark as one of theirs lmao pic.twitter.com/ylVbvPWwZo

— Jared Shult (@jared_shult) July 24, 2026

What an asinine take. Republicans didn't claim Clark as theirs as much as they defended her against nonsensical attacks which appear to be rooted in jealousy. Whether it's resentment from WNBA veterans who've bristled over her being largely responsible for the league's increased popularity to a USA Today columnist invoking a teenaged lynching victim when criticizing Clark (yes, really), political righties sticking up for her is rooted in nobility. 

Besides, if you believe former WNBA player Candice Wiggins, what may likely draw the ire of Clark's peers is the fact she's a straight chick.

- Oof. Things aren't going swimmingly for the former chair of the Minnesota DFL. 

The DNC is $2 million in debt, while the RNC has $128 million cash-on-hand.

Ken Martin also recently faced a DNC HR complaint for chucking his phone at a junior staffer.

But other than that, things are going great.https://t.co/OJklDK9qwL

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 26, 2026

If you're a political righty, I wouldn't get too overly excited about the financial standings. The fact is leftists will be awash in special interest cash from the likes of George Soros, teacher's unions, pro abortion groups, gun grabber organizations, etc. And Dems are still in a decent position to retake the US House and possibly the Senate. 

All that said, Kenny has something in common with the senior US Senator out of his home state. Apparently both are prone to fits of rage which result in their chucking inanimate objects at staffers. 

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Box Score of the Week

 Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox - September 13, 1976.

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On assignment

It's been such a crazy week between family stuff and my day job that I haven't been dong much with the blog this past week. And because I'm traveling for work this weekend, I will be off the air for today's radio show. However, former President of the MN Senate Dave Osmek will be taking the reins of today's broadcast, airing 1-3 PM Central Time. 

Here's what Dave has tentatively planned: 

1:15 - MNGOP gubernatorial hopeful Mike Lindell

1:45 - Local conservative activist Dustin Grage

2:00 - MNGOP State Auditor hopeful Nate George

2:30 - MNGOP Secretary of State candidate Tad Jude

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics Dave plans on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

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