Box Score of the Week

Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies - July 5, 1989.

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 8/9/2026

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Place is a madhouse, feels like being cloned......

It is two days before the Primary elections in Minnesota, so a lot to get to regarding state politics. As such, I will be in the Patriot bunker for today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour extravaganza gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

Right at 1:00, I will be joined by Republican endorsed candidate in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District Paul Wikstrom. Paul will be on to discuss how his campaign is faring thus far. 

At 1:30, Luke Doerer, GOP candidate in MN House District 37B (eastern Maple Grove) will stop by to discuss his candidacy. 

Finally at 2:00, MNGOP endorsed candidate for US Senate Adam Schwarze will check in regarding his campaign 48 hours ahead of Primary Day. 

If time permits, we'll discuss the latest in the MN gubernatorial race, particularly the candidates' appearance at Farmfest this past week.

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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Can't function outside the bubble

It's been long established that Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is easily rattled. Her bullying tactics of behind-the-scenes staff is stuff of folklore. And when she wasn't treated with rhetorical kid gloves upon being one of about twenty Democrats running for President in 2020, you could tell it took every ounce of self control for her to not bubble over with rage. 

So when Klobee appeared on stage at Farmfest this past week as the unofficial Democrat candidate for Minnesota governor, she didn't take it well when the audience expressed their incredulity over her claims that she's solid on border enforcement. 

WATCH: Boos and jeers erupt at Farmfest as Amy Klobuchar says she has "long believed in and supported funding for order at the border" and has "worked well with law enforcement." pic.twitter.com/6HZQvoofYs

— Alpha News (@AlphaNews) August 5, 2026

You'd be forgiven if that may come as even a mild surprise to you given most of Minnesota media stoops to touch the hem of her garment when conducting an interview with her.

One final thought: Will Black Lives Matter be showing up at future Klobee campaign rallies?

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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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