Box Score of the Week

Pittsburgh Pirates at St Louis Cardinals - June 27. 2021.

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 9/6/2026

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It's the same old theme, since 1916................

Happy Labor Day weekend! A lot to get to on today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour festivities begin at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I'll discuss the horrific shooting incident at a downtown Minneapolis apartment building, one which resulted in multiple deaths. 

At 1:30, GOP candidate for Minnesota House Sebastian Stoss will stop by to discuss his candidacy in MN House District 36A (Lino Lakes, North Oaks, Centerville, Circle Pines, northern part of White Bear Township). 

In the second hour, I'll weigh in on the prog follies at the MN State Fair as well as the latest news in the midterm Congressional races. 

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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Predictable

The longer the jury held out, the more it became obvious this would be the outcome. 

Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial Friday in Lindsay Clancy’s murder case after jurors said they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the killings of her three children after a week of deliberating at the Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The mistrial followed a dramatic dispute over an alleged 11-1 divide, with Clancy’s defense arguing that the lone holdout juror had acknowledged doubt but was refusing to properly apply the court’s instructions on reasonable doubt.

The alleged holdout is believed to be one of the three male jurors on the 12-person panel after defense attorney Kevin Reddington repeatedly referred to the unnamed juror as a male inside and outside court.

"[The other jurors] know that they were robbed — by one man — for whatever his agenda was, who stole seven weeks of the life of these other jurors that were so attentive, so beautiful, so wonderful and listened to this evidence," he told reporters after leaving the courthouse.

"And you could see how defeated they were sitting there. And I got a funny feeling they could go one for another week if they had to. So, I hope that guy can sleep well at night."

I noticed a good number of prominent pro lifers lauding the one holdout, essentially saying he was the only one pushing for a "guilty" verdict. However, it's important to understand the Massachusetts law in this context.  

Erick Erickson broke it down. 

 

Massachusetts is the only state in the nation where, if a judge allows a defendant to argue they were insane based on certain criteria, then the jury, when they deliberate, must assume the defendant is insane, and the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was actually sane.

How do you show Lindsay Clancy was sane when she strangled her three toddlers, slit her own throat, and jumped out a second-story window, rendering her permanently paralyzed?

That’s a pretty tough thing for the prosecution to show.

My guess is that the jury was not going for “not guilty” but “not guilty by reason of insanity” with one hold out.

Had the jury been unanimous in declaring not guilty by reason of insanity, Clancy likely would have been committed to a psych ward for the rest of her natural life. Did the one holdout juror not believe that was just punishment? Did he honestly believe Clancy was actually sane and thus needed to be locked up in a regular prison? 

However you feel about the outcome of this trial, one aspect none of us can deny is three dead children have yet to receive the justice they richly deserve. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CDXX

- A mass shooting occurred at a downtown Minneapolis apartment complex on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in three deaths (including the gunman) and six people injured. 

The suspected shooter was identified as Carlton Neal Johnson II, 35, of Minneapolis, according to people with knowledge of the investigation. Johnson was fighting an eviction proceeding based on a series of threatening incidents at the apartment complex, according to court records.

Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson said law enforcement was “familiar with who this individual was.” He did not provide a motive for the shooting.

A huge police presence converged on the Loring Park neighborhood following an initial report of multiple casualties.

KARE 11 news guy Lou Raguse has dug up some disturbing background on the shooter. 

Given the legally documented threats the gunman had made to multiple individuals, how was this guy still eligible to have a carry permit? A statement from the Hennepin County Attorneys Office indicated that because Johnson's firearm "did not leave his waistband" it's not considered a threat. 

My friend, radio colleague and highly knowledgeable 2A activist Mitch Berg suggests HennCo attorney Mary Moriarty et al didn't follow proper procedures with this one. 

Minnesota’s “brandishing“ law treats the threatening display of a firearm as assault of some degree or another, depending on the circumstances (and unless it is a proportional deterrent, itself, to an attack.).

Either the repeated charges of brandishing just weren’t all that serious (huh?), Or the Hennepin County attorneys office really really really didn’t want to prosecute.

And that is why the obligatory "GUN CONTROL NOW!!!" shrieks are largely mute given there are already laws on the books to prevent an incident such as this, yet the system (once again) largely failed. 

- With President Donald Trump's approval ratings hitting record lows, his presence on the campaign trail for Congressional Republicans is not desirous for candidates in competitive races. Nevertheless, Trump's $400 million super PAC seeks to make the midterms about one thing: Trump. Essentially the pitch is to vote for Republicans due to all the wonderful things Trump believes he's accomplished. 

It's reminiscent of the 2014 midterms when deeply unpopular Democrat President Barack Obama basically undermined his party's prospects by saying his "policies are on the ballot" a mere month ahead of Election Day. Sure enough, the GOP flipped nine seats in the U.S. Senate to take over the majority in that body in addition to enhancing their advantage in the House, winning a party record 247 seats. 

The silver lining for the GOP this cycle is the Dems are running absolute whack jobs in a good number of these congressional races, specifically Senate candidates in Texas, Michigan, Maine and my home state of Minnesota. Will it be enough to mitigate the potential bloodbath Republicans may endure? Time will tell, but Trump's self-promotion certainly won't persuade sorely needed independent voters. 

- The annual "seed art" submissions at the Minnesota State Fair typically consist of leftists tapping in to their creativity by either skewering Republicans or deifying their favorite leftist politicos. 

One submission this year seemed to accentuate the left's "a**a**inate Trump" fetishism. 

Minnesota media downplay ‘8647’ crop art controversy, paint creator as the victim

The crop art was entered into a public competition and displayed at the Minnesota State Fair for thousands of visitors to see. The State Fair itself displayed the artist's name and city of… pic.twitter.com/vNbZ9rNYUv

— Alpha News (@AlphaNews) September 1, 2026

After significant backlash, the artist requested her "art" be removed from the exhibit. 

There have been a lot of "8647" symbols showing up in prog spaces, but each time they deny it means they desire to kill the 47th POTUS. Their claim is they use "86" in the traditional slang term of "getting rid of something" (in this case, convict Trump in an impeachment trial, thus forcing him to leave the White House). While that may be true in some contexts, it's understandable how folks aren't buying it with this particular seed art submission. Just look at the picture contained in the above tweet. Why are the seeds below the numbers decorated in blood red? Obviously the lefty apologists at Minnesota Public Radio noticed it, which is why a photo contained in their story attempting to paint the artist as a victim seemed to understate the colorization. 

Look, I don't believe that the artist should have been doxxed or harassed for expressing herself. However, she would appear to be a perfect candidate for Minnesota's "hate speech registry" that she and her fellow leftists were attempting to get passed during the 2023 legislative session. 

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Box Score of the Week

St. Louis Browns at Philadelphia Athletics - May 16, 1951.

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The Athletics' Gus Zernial became the first player in MLB history to hit multiple homers in three consecutive games. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 8/30/2026

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Bands won't play no more, too much fighting on the dance floor......

After hosting the Saturday NARN last weekend, I'm back in the Patriot bunker for today's edition of my radio show The Closer. Today's 2-hour bonanza will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

It's a guest-a-palooza on today's show: 

1:00 - Karen Attia, GOP candidate for MN Senate District 34 (Champlin, Dayton, Rogers, northern Brooklyn Park). 

1:30 - William Beck, GOP candidate for MN House District 41B (Hastings, southern Cottage Grove). 

2:00 - Mark Heuring, who will be on to preview the NFC North division. Since Mark is a Packer backer and I'm a Vikings rube, it's the only NFL division which matters to us. 

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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Quick Hits: Volume CDXIX

 - Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has now joined the chorus of those who are making the radical suggestion that males should not participate in female sports leagues. 

He even was kind enough to provide clarity on what the "W" in WNBA stands for. 

Careful what you wish for, @WNBA

Freedom of speech never looked this good. 💅🏽

Somehow controversial.🤷🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/TZRa2M3mxc

— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) August 24, 2026

This was in Chicago where the hometown team Sky hosted the Indiana Fever. Kanter Freedom was eventually asked to leave the arena late in the third quarter after this incident. 

 

I dont think boys should be allowed to play in girls sports. I also think Enes Kanter is an absolute clown for making this issue about him.

We should be talking about how Caitlin had another double double 37 and 10 pic.twitter.com/cegEhT8DtD

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) August 24, 2026

 

Look, I'm not a huge fan of these kinds of stunts. To me, it doesn't really result in productive discourse, something which is needed when addressing such a hot button issue. Then again, as long as the WNBA continues to kick the can down the road by not saying definitively what a woman is, these kinds of clown shows will continue. And what a shame that would be given the league is enjoying perhaps the most successful 3-year stretch in its near three decade existence. 

- He's just making it up as he goes along. 

Mike Lindell is withholding the payment required for a recount and audit of ballots cast in the Republican primary for Minnesota governor, claiming that the Secretary of State's office has proposed an unlawful recount process, according to a statement released by his campaign Monday.

The MyPillow founder, who, according to the current results, finished second to Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the race, said on Wednesday that he would personally pay for the recount. Secretary of State General Counsel Lauren Bethke set Monday as the deadline for Lindell to submit the request.

Lindell's campaign said the $825,000 payment was "primed and ready to cover the costs" but had not been submitted because of a dispute over the planned scope of the recount. The campaign said state officials intend to recount only the votes cast for Lindell and Demuth and not all the votes cast in the Republican gubernatorial primary, while excluding votes for other candidates in the race.

"The actions taken by the Secretary of State put Mike Lindell in an untenable position," Lindell's campaign said.

The campaign argues that the scope of the recount violates Minnesota law, citing a provision that defines a recount as determining "the number of votes validly cast for the office or question to be recounted."

Lindell is asking the state to waive the payment deadline until a court can rule on the parameters of the recount proposed by election officials.

Cassondra Knudson, a spokesperson for Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, said in response to the Lindell campaign's statement, "Our office provided the contingent recount plan to Mr. Lindell after it was approved by the State Canvassing Board on August 18. The plan follows state law and administrative rules on recount procedures, and is consistent with plans of its kind for the past two decades."

Lindell wants a full audit, but the state is only obligated to acquiesce to a recount. He was never going to be allowed to dictate the terms. 

At this point, I'm not really concerned about Lindell's reputation being further tarnished. Sadly for him, that's all self inflicted. But the salient issue is the potential to sow distrust in Minnesota's election system among some Republicans. That's the last thing the party needs with an already uphill battle to end a near 20-year losing streak in Minnesota statewide elections. 

- I've been lamenting for some time know that there is virtually nothing which unites Americans these days. One sentiment that was a legitimate unifying force? The love and admiration of Dolly Parton, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 80. 

We probably won’t ever see anything like this for the rest of our lives pic.twitter.com/nMSMusS2xl

— Nathan McDermott (@natemcdermott) August 25, 2026

The question now would be is there any *living* soul in America who could be as universally beloved as Dolly? The only one who comes to mind is maybe actor Denzel Washington. But I don't think even he is on the level she attained. 

Erick Erickson wrote a terrific piece on how Dolly just loved others unconditionally while seeking no fanfare for her good works. 

Dolly Parton, for years, has donated band uniforms to poor, majority-black schools across the South with no public credit or recognition. She has provided books for children because her father was illiterate. She rebuilt homes and she rebuilt churches. She built and upgraded hospitals in poor communities. She provided jobs and opportunities for the poor.

She did not demand that the government do it. She used her wealth to do it.

Dolly Parton did not care if you were gay or trans or straight or white or black or Republican or Democrat. She loved her neighbor as herself.

Today, partisans of the Left insist one cannot love their neighbor without affirming their sins. Partisans of the Right insist one cannot love their neighbor without denouncing their sins. A growing number of people on both sides of the political spectrum believe they cannot love their neighbors who are different, politically or otherwise. Some relish hating their neighbors and find ways to justify it.

A growing number of Christians in America think basic empathy, i.e., understanding another person’s lot in life, is a bridge too far. Others insist that one cannot embrace an understanding of loving one’s neighbor without compromising principled beliefs.

A growing number of online partisans in the church believe if one is too friendly or nice to those outside the church, that’s a sign of one’s compromise of belief and infidelity to scripture.

All I know is if we had more people willing to love their neighbors like Dolly Parton did, not waiting on the government to act or insisting others affirm their values first, we’d be a lot better off.

Amen.

We can certainly mourn the fact Dolly is no longer physically with us. However, the legacy she's left can serve as an inspiration to us all. 

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