My friend and Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague Mitch Berg and I are switching broadcasts this weekend, so I will be in the Patriot bunker today for the weekly airing of my radio show. The 2-hour blitz will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time.
In the first hour, we'll discuss the latest in the 2026 midterm election cycle, specifically how the Democrat party has an extremism problem. I will also weigh in on the DFL-controlled Minnesota State Senate passing a major gun control bill. Will it get through a tied House?
At 2:00, Miss Twin Cities 2026/journalism student/activist Anna Brennan will join the broadcast to discuss her testimony before a MN Senate Committee on legislation addressing kids' social media usage.
Finally at 2:30, longtime friend of the broadcast Sen. Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) will check in with an end of session update. She will also discuss her recently announced reelection campaign.
Indeed, a new poll commissioned by The Argument magazine finds that the generic ballot shows Democrats have been stuck with a six-point lead for a while even as Trump’s job approval has declined precipitously in the last several months. They’re voting to put a check on the GOP’s dominance of Washington, without endorsing the direction of the Democratic party.
“Democrats still have tangible policy misalignments with many voters who dislike Trump,” The Argument concluded in its polling analysis.
All told, the question becomes: Will the anticipated Democratic wave closely resemble the Democrats’ version of the GOP Tea Party election of 2010? In that election, Republicans swept into power in the House but far-right and extreme Senate candidates in key races blew golden opportunities, costing Republicans the upper chamber.
That dynamic repeated itself in 2022, when many experts anticipated a Republican wave election, but the party’s nomination of hard-line MAGA candidates in battleground contests led to a marked underperformance.
The alternative outcome is that partisanship and tribalism now run so deeply that an individual candidate’s flaws — even seemingly disqualifying ones — don’t mean what they used to. Right now, Democratic primary voters look like they’re ignoring personal baggage in favor of candidates that are the most ideologically progressive, personally authentic and who are burning hot with rage against Trump and the leadership class.
Earlier this week, you had Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank (from his death bed) warning his fellow Democrats about the consequences of lurching too far left.
Not to be outdone, leftist CNN commentator Van Jones lamented the continued efforts to put moderate Democrats out to pasture.
Van Jones on Democrats not supporting John Fetterman being a "moderate"
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) May 6, 2026
“That should not be illegal in this party. My god you have to agree on 100% of 100% of the Berkeley California agenda to be a Democrat?”
“It just shows you how nutty things have gotten that someone who… pic.twitter.com/52YPAht2SA
There is this old mantra that if your opponent is making a mistake, just get outta their way. However, even if Dems put forth extreme left wing candidates in a handful of these Congressional races, there's a nonzero chance they still win in the general election due to anti-Trump sentiment reaching a fever pitch. That and the fact too many Trump supporters typically don't vote when Trump himself is not on the ballot makes the environment ripe for leftist kooks in swings states (i.e. Maine, Michigan and Minnesota) to be elected to the Senate.
This once again underscores the left's utter hypocrisy as well as complete lack of standards: they decry constantly that Trump is fascist in nature yet have no issue with advancing candidates who are, at best, sympathetic to such tendencies.
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- This kind of legislation will be ramped up if the DFL gets its trifecta back after the 2026 elections.
The Democratic Farmer-Labor majority in the Minnesota Senate passed a gun control package Monday that includes a ban on so-called assault weapons and limits on magazine capacities.
Its passage comes after years of debate at the state Capitol and two high-profile tragedies last summer: the August shooting that left two dead at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, and the shootings of two lawmakers and their spouses at their homes in June.
“Today the Senate has a choice to listen to students, to families, to communities across Minnesota, or continue the cycle of inaction,” said bill sponsor Sen. Zaynab Mohamed, DFL-Minneapolis. “Because honoring the lives we’ve lost means doing something different.”
For the first time, a bill to ban semi-automatic rifles with features like pistol grips and detachable magazines has passed a major floor vote in the state Legislature. But the prospects for any new gun control or school safety package remain as dim as ever in the closely-divided Capitol.
You'll notice the Senator quoted didn't indicate how this kind of legislation would have prevented the tragedy at Annunciation, or potentially any other spree killings. Merely that undermining gun rights is "honoring the lives we lost." And because the 67 GOP members of the House will likely stay unified and reject this legislation, it won't ever reach the desk of Gov. Tim Walz.
The DFL is betting that "gun control" is a salient issue this cycle and thus will attempt to demagogue the Republicans' refusal to go along as proof they care more for guns than children's lives. As usual, it's all symbolism and no substance for the progs.
- Just gonna leave this here.
NYT's @NickKristof to fellow progressives: "A black kid in Mississippi is 2.5 times as likely to be proficient in math & reading by 4th grade as a black kid in Calif. Do we need to look a little bit less at what the Trump Admin is doing ... & look a little more in the mirror?" pic.twitter.com/I803loucRM
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) May 5, 2026
While I applaud Mr. Kristof's request that his fellow leftists remove the blinders, the fact of the matter is far too many of his ilk are flat out addicted to blaming President Trump for all their ills. Sadly, looking in the mirror requires a conscience.
- I was heartened to see this.
Former #Ravens All-Pro RB Ray Rice returned to Rutgers to earn his degree and has now officially graduated. 🎓
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 5, 2026
(📸 @RFootball) pic.twitter.com/Ukhos0zdSZ
When you hear the name Ray Rice, your first thought is likely not the dynamic Baltimore Ravens running back who amassed more than 9,000 all purpose yards in six NFL seasons and was instrumental in helping the Ravens win Super Bowl 47. No, like you, I immediately recount that awful night in February 2014 where Rice and this then fiancée (now wife) Janay got into a heated argument which culminated with Rice knocking her out cold while in an elevator in Atlantic City. That incident essentially cost him his NFL career as he never played another down in the league. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of replies to that tweet reference that awful incident 12+ years ago.
If you're interested in how Rice is faring today, I would encourage to watch a recent episode of the YouTube series Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman. While the host, a former Sports Illustrated writer, doesn't sugarcoat Rice's domestic abuse incident, he shares the latest accounts of the former running back's life and how redemption is indeed possible.
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Detroit Tigers at Washington Nationals - July 22, 1947.
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In this game, Detroit's Roy Cullenbine drew a walk for the 22nd consecutive game, which is an all-time MLB record. The Athletics' Nick Kurtz was threatening to break that record as he drew a walk in 20 straight games this season. However. Kurtz's streak came to an end this past Saturday.
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Welp....we're into the month of May already! It's a beautiful day in the Twin Cities today but, alas, I'll be in the Patriot bunker this afternoon for my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour festivities begin at 1:00 Central Time.
In the first hour, I'll recap much of the reaction to the latest assassination attempt of President Donald Trump. While progs believe "rightwing rhetoric" foments violence, they deflect instances where their allies actually carry out deadly attacks.
In the 2:00 hour, I'll discuss the latest shakeup in the GOP race for MN governor.
At 2:30, the VP of Legal Affairs for Landmark Legal Foundation Mike O'Neill will join us to discuss the dubious history of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Minnesota State Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) is exiting the race for governor.
I got into this race last August to defeat Tim Walz. Minnesota could not take four more years of fraud, tax increases, and out-of-control government spending. His radical woke agenda is hurting our kids and making our communities less safe. Because of my leadership on the Fraud Prevention Committee, and with the help of our friends and partners, we exposed billions in fraud and forced Tim Walz to step aside. As Minnesotans realized the staggering scope of the fraud and expressed their growing frustration, Democrat Party leaders knew Tim Walz was an embarrassment and unceremoniously replaced him with Amy Klobuchar.
My pledge to Minnesotans was that I would fight the fraud, stop the woke insanity that is hurting our kids and our communities, and make Minnesota prosper by getting our state budget under control and cutting taxes and regulations to attract talent and investment to our state.
But as I returned to St. Paul for the 2026 legislative session, I realized that this race was about much more than fighting fraud or economic policies. The foundational issue is whether we can stop Minnesota’s slide into socialism. When I first began saying this, people laughed a little nervously – but this is not hyperbole. Many of the Democrats who are making decisions in St. Paul are part of a growing Democrat Socialists of America (DSA) party that is gaining traction from New York City to California.
Minnesota Democrats have already adopted much of the Socialists’ platform – and are clearly doubling down on their agenda. Only a coalition of sensible Republicans, Independents, and Democrats can stop them. However, too many Democrats want the government to control more of our lives and more sectors of the economy, crowding out the private sector in healthcare, education, childcare, and employment decisions.
Democrats have passed a number of socialist policies already: letting criminals out of jail early and closing Stillwater prison as part of their effort to end mass incarceration; driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants; “free” college; and an overall increased dependency on state and federal programs instead of enabling people to develop skills and determine their own destiny.
These policies are not operating in a vacuum – they make Minnesota uncompetitive and are driving people and investment out of our state in droves.
Minnesota faces a choice: we can be the next state to fall to socialism, OR we can be the firewall that stops the spread of this ideology that has caused millions around the world to suffer in the name of “equality.” Socialism creates a bifurcated society that allows the powerful to live in luxury on the fruits of corruption, insulated from the effects of their policies that keep the masses trapped in government-run housing, education, and healthcare.
The American Dream, in contrast, gives equal opportunity for upward mobility based on hard work and skills. No other society has achieved the levels of success, innovation, wealth, and generosity enabled by free people and free markets. We cannot let the American Dream be turned into a socialist nightmare, and I will continue do all I can to ensure that Minnesota does not go down the path of New York or California.
But I will be engaged in this fight for Minnesota as a State Representative and, come 2027, as a private citizen.
After much thought and prayer, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Governor of Minnesota.
It has become apparent that the establishment political class, media, and donors have anointed Amy Klobuchar, despite her refusal to engage meaningfully on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans.
Our state government and political system are broken, and after fighting for Minnesotans from the inside for the past eight years, I have determined that the best way for me to fight for the future of our state is from the outside. I believe more than ever that it’s going to take a grassroots coalition of common-sense Minnesotans to save our state. And that starts with our families, faith and communities, not government.
I am so grateful for the incredible opportunity I’ve had to go all around the state and meet so many amazing, inspiring, hard-working, patriotic Minnesotans. As a small-town girl from Crookston, I never dreamed I’d have the chance to run for the highest office in our beloved state. THANK YOU for sharing your dreams, frustrations, and hopes with me! Thank you for inspiring me to fight for greater freedom and opportunity for families, workers, students, and seniors, and to restore integrity in government and state programs.
It has been the honor of my life to fight alongside you and for you, and I will find new ways to stay engaged. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty – and it is up to all of us, not just those who hold public office, to stand watch.
My heart is filled with gratitude for the wonderful Minnesotans I have met and everyone who has supported me over the past 10 months. I am also incredibly thankful for the amazing team of professionals, friends, and family who have worked so hard to give me the opportunity to run.
I hope we have helped people see that we are facing a decisive choice in our state’s history: Do we want to follow the false promises of socialism, or recommit ourselves to freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all?
After spending 10 months driving all around our great state, I believe Minnesotans will make the right choice!
I look forward to continuing to serve the people of my wonderful House District 37A until January 2027, and I will continue to work hard for all of you every day. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to finding new ways to serve and build with all of you!
Robbins declined to endorse any of the remaining GOP candidates in the race, despite there being approximately 5 or 6 still officially campaigning. But let's face it: the only viable candidates left standing are Kendall Qualls and current House Speaker Lisa Demuth. And since both have pledged to abide by the Republican Party of MN endorsement, the GOP's candidate for governor will be officially decided at the state convention later this month. Given how a Klobee campaign is an absolute juggernaut, it would behoove Republicans to have their candidate in place well ahead of the August primary.
I remain skeptical that anyone can slow down the Klobuchar runaway train, but if there's even a scintilla of a possibility then firmly deciding on a GOP candidate at this point is a good start.
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The Democratic Party is having a Charlie Hebdo moment. pic.twitter.com/WjhwqLS0s7
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) April 29, 2026
I get that elected Democrats and Republicans are more divided now than possibly at any time in American history. But if there's ever an occasion where they need to unify, it would be in the face of fearing violent retribution for merely calling a spade a spade. There's no way forward in a culture that is unwilling to offer significant push back here.
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- With the release of the White House Correspondence Dinner's attempted assassin's manifesto, it's kinda difficult for progs to make this incident a "both sides" issue. As such, they choose to concern troll the intended targets, which were President Donald Trump and members of his administration.
On Monday, the vile hags on ABC's The View had their usual deranged takes.
Navarro is happy that Trump and his cabinet experienced the fear of a shooter coming for them because "now they know" what students go through in active shooter situations and "maybe now that they have felt the fear themselves they will do something on gun reform":
— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) April 27, 2026
NAVARRO: But,… pic.twitter.com/EZRgNQSwXJ
The gal doing most of the speaking, Ana Navarro, seems woefully ignorant of recent history. In one breath, she cites the June 2017 incident where GOP Congressman were engaged in a baseball practice when a maniacal Bernie Sanders supporter opened fire, nearly killing Rep. Steve Scalise. Later, Navarro expresses how she was grateful some Republicans were at Saturday's White House Correspondence Dinner and had to hide under tables because "maybe now that they have felt the fear themselves they will do something on gun reform!"
Uhhh...hey, Ana? How many "gun reforms" did the Republicans advocate for in the aftermath of that 2017 shooting? Did you ever bother to ask them way they never brought any forth? Might be an enlightening topic on your lil' TV show if you and your fellow harpies ever wanna set foot outside your echo chamber some time.
- Speaking of one having their head up one's derriere, former President Barack Obama has entered the chat.
Although we don’t yet have the details about the motives behind last night's shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, it’s incumbent upon all us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy. It’s also a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice that U.S. Secret Service Agents show every day. I’m grateful to them – and thankful that the agent who was shot is going to be okay.
To fair, Obama posted this statement Sunday afternoon, prior to the shooter's manifesto being made public. But what was ascertained by that point was the shooter was a Kamala Harris supporter and, given his social media activity on the leftist cesspool that is Bluesky, an enthusiastic participant in leftist activities like the "No Kings" rallies. Connect the dots, Barry.
Alas, this has been Obama's modus operandi since he was President. Remember the Pulse nightclub shooting in the summer of 2016? The gunman pledged allegiance to ISIS before slaughtering scores of people. Then *President* Obama's response? “(W)e have no definitive assessment on the motivation” of Omar Mateen but that “we know he was a person filled with hate.”
Apparently abject denial is Barry's default sentiment when an emotionally charged incident runs afoul of his preferred narratives.
- After Saturday's assassination attempt, some folks dug up some days old footage from Jimmy Kimmel Live! where Kimmel pretended to be the WHCD emcee/roaster. The joke which caught people's ire was where Kimmel said to First Lady Melania Trump that "you have a glow of an expectant widow."
Uber podcaster (and longtime friend of Kimmel's) Adam Carolla shared his perspective.
Oakland Athletics at Kansas City Royals - September 27, 1986.
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The Athletics capped off a sweep of a doubleheader against the Royals on the road. This was the last time the A's swept a twin bill on the road, making the near 40-year long streak the longest active drought in Major League Baseball.
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We've reached the last Sunday in April, which means 2026 is about one-third of the way through. As such, we have a lot to get to on today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour blitz will begin at 1:00 Central Time.
In the first hour, I'll discuss the chaos which ensued at Saturday evening's White House Correspondents Dinner. The gun-toting, knife-wielding suspect is in custody.
If time permits, I'll weigh in on the corrupt Southern Poverty Law Center allegedly staging racist rallies.
Then in the second hour, I'll talk Minnesota stuff, including Gov. Tim Walz continuing to stick his head in the sand over the state's fraud problem.
Finally at 2:30, Republican endorsed candidate in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District Paul Wikstrom will be on to tout his candidacy.
As he was ascending in the "Veepstakes" in the summer of 2024, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz uncorked this hot take.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a top VP contender for Kamala Harris, says socialism is actually just "neighborliness." pic.twitter.com/xISVQSxIUv
— Alpha News (@AlphaNews) July 30, 2024
In the nearly 21 months since that clip, it's been revealed that state of Minnesota taxpayers have been defrauded to the tune of billions of dollars. As such, that vapid statement takes on a whole new connotation. Nevertheless, Walz continues to spin it as basically erring on the side of generosity, as he did in an interview with prog boot licker late night host Jimmy Kimmel.
KIMMEL: Did it take an extraordinarily long time for you to know what was happening with fraud?
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 23, 2026
WALZ: It happens in other states...Trump, Trump, Trump...we are a generous state. pic.twitter.com/JWCihDmaFO
With a significant decrease in adjusted gross income over the past 5+ years due negative net migration, that "generosity" is not going to be sustainable much longer.
MN State Rep. Max Rymer (R-North Branch) breaks it down further.
I want you to know “We are a generous state” are the most warped words in Minnesota government. And I hear them all the time.
(On Wednesday), as we are in the thick of session, Governor Walz decided to take a trip to California and do the Jimmy Kimmel show. When asked about fraud, he blamed the federal government and asserted that Minnesota is a "generous state" with our programs.
First, you can’t be “generous” with other people’s money.
Second, to the extent that you feel entitled to use other people’s money - you must be judicious and careful with it. Tim Walz and Minnesota Democrats are not, have not been, and are incapable of being judicious and careful. After everything that’s happened the past 5 years, Democrats will still tell you we have a “revenue” problem (aka we don’t tax enough).
“Generosity” in Minnesota government simply has meant taking as much as you can get away with from people who produce in your state (forcing many of them to leave), in order to fund ill-defined programs with little-to-no oversight, so you can justify your own political existence… even when it inevitably gets discovered a ton of the money went to fraudsters anyway.
That’s not generosity. It’s self-destruction.
More specifically, the problem with socialism is, as Margaret Thatcher so brilliantly stated, eventually you run out of other people's money.
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- As he prepares to exit the stage of electoral politics in about 8-1/2 months, the current Governor of Minnesota is already plotting his next move.
Today, we’re launching Small Town PAC.
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) April 20, 2026
We’re going to show up in small towns, organize in places too many people have given up on, and build power with the folks who call these places home.
If Democrats want to win in more places, we’ve got to start showing up in more places. pic.twitter.com/2ZWpvyy59M
As Dems have hemorrhaged support from outstate areas over the past decade, their strategy to woo those voters has been little more than donning flannel shirts in an attempt to appear "relatable."
But seriously, showing up is one thing. However, advocating for radical trans ideology, pillaging of small businesses (which are the lifeblood of small towns) to pay for pet progressive projects and being hostile to Second Amendment rights ain't gonna go over well with voters in "small towns."
- After the New York Mets defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on April 7, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani embraced team mascots Mr & Mrs Met.
The Mets now have an 11-game losing streak since Mamdani showed up and hugged them
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 21, 2026
The Mamdani curse pic.twitter.com/Bz4UUEwjAs
The Mets have won nary a game since that moment. As of Tuesday night, their losing streak reached 12 consecutive games. Yikes!
- As Bill Glahn of American Experiment has said on multiple occasions, the demand for "white supremacy" vastly exceeds the supply.
Allegations concerning the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has for years labeled conservative activist organizations as "hate groups," suggests they were willing to pay a pretty penny to perpetuate the hoaxes.
The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that a grand jury indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center for making fraudulent payments of millions of dollars to members of the Ku Klux Klan and other neo-Nazi organizations.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said at a news conference that the 11-count indictment filed in an Alabama federal court alleged the left-wing nonprofit had in the past decade paid at least $3 million to eight members of the far-right groups.
One leader of the 2017 Unite the Right protest in Charlottesville, Va., received roughly $270,000 over an eight-year period. Neither that person nor others were identified in the 14-page indictment.
Ah yes, the Charlottesville rally. For years, progs used that as a cudgel to further the narrative that President Donald Trump referred to white supremacists as "very fine people." It took about 7 years before the fact check outfit Snopes (hardly a conservative milieu) acknowledged that was bull pucky, which was no doubt a significant blow to the "Trump is racist" true believers. But this SPLC business? That makes the Jussie Smollett ruse look like a children's theater production in comparison.
No doubt this story is a blow to the hate crime hoax industry. But if you believe it's a death knell to the entire genre, you clearly have been sleepwalking since the Rev. Al Sharpton was a fat guy.
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Another Sunday, yet another edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour broadcast will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time.
In the first hour, I'll discuss all things Minnesota politics, specifically the 2026 campaigns for state and Federal races.
Then in the second hour, I'll weigh in on the spectacular crashing and burning of Eric Swalwell's political career.
Given he represented a D+19 Congressional district in California, Swalwell was often used as the attack dog by his Democrat colleagues. Specifically, he could give Dems in swing districts political cover by advocating for some of the most insane leftist policy. As such, his vulnerable colleagues could have plausible deniability if there were attempts to bring such lunacy to the mainstream. In that vain, I often viewed Swalwell as a west coast Anthony Weiner. That is, he appeared to be little more than an egomaniacal, power hungry leftist who was using his time in Congress as a stepping stone to something greater. For Weiner, it was Mayor of New York City. And for Swalwell it was Governor of California (only after his 2020 presidential run predictably crashed and burned). How ironic that, much like Weiner, Swalwell allowed his base urges to ruin his aspirations. Not only did this result in Swalwell suspending his gubernatorial campaign, but also forced him to resign his Congressional seat. And the warp speed at which he went from being anointed the next gov of Cali to a unemployed loser needs to be studied for the history books.
As I write this, there are multiple women who have come forward to allege that Swalwell sexually assaulted/harassed them. And as much as I am tempted to pig pile upon that smug jackass, I can't help but think of what his wife and three young children are having to endure. While Mrs. Swalwell likely understood that the spouse of a high profile politician will be under at least a modicum of scrutiny, I'm guessing she wasn't prepared for her husband to abuse his power and morph into a complete dirt bag.
While we can rejoice that an elected official like Swalwell has slinked away from public life, our celebration should be tempered by the fact his ilk are like cockroaches: you can stomp out one, but such action only serves to attract more.
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- I'm not saying the open U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota is in play for Republicans this cycle, but......
Since launching this campaign in January, I’ve been humbled and grateful for the support across our state! Our momentum is strong, and we’re ready to go head-to-head against the Democratic nominee.
— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) April 13, 2026
Minnesotans are fed up with the failed leadership that has pushed our state to… pic.twitter.com/uM38qmRt7R
That's more money than the other four (five? six?) GOP hopefuls have raised combined. Given that fundraising prowess in addition to significantly high name recognition, Tafoya is in a strong position for the nomination. But do we dare to dream that she can snap the party's 20-year losing streak in Minnesota statewide elections? To say it's *not* hopeless is actually a step in the right direction.
I'll say this: making Minnesota competitive enough to where the Democrats have to divert financial resources to a reliably blue state would go a long way to keeping the U.S. Senate under Republican control.
- File this under the category of "A confirmation, not a revelation."
The Biden administration worked alongside pro-abortion activists to track the activities of pro-lifers, some of whom the Department of Justice later prosecuted for their peaceful protest actions thanks to dossiers from pro-abortion groups, according to a new report from the Trump administration.
The Justice Department’s Weaponization Working Group on Tuesday published a nearly 900-page report documenting the Biden administration’s weaponization of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
Investigators who analyzed more than 700,000 internal records found that pro-abortion groups including the National Abortion Federation, Planned Parenthood, and Feminist Majority Foundation used their close relationship with the Biden DOJ to gain internal information and push targets for enforcement.
The weaponization was carried out in large part by the National Task Force on Violence Against Reproductive Health Care Providers, which operated out of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division under the direction of Sanjay Patel.
The report reveals Patel was on “texting terms” with the National Abortion Federation Security Team and that he also “regularly communicated” with the other two groups.
In messages from November 2021, Patel introduced an unidentified FBI agent to Michelle Davidson, the security director for the National Abortion Federation, calling her a “wonderful contact for me as it relates to FACE Act investigations.”
“She has been an MVP bringing incidents to my attention, often in real-time, which usually result in investigation/prosecution,” Patel said.
For a collective that likes to shriek "NO KINGS" or proclaim they oppose fascism, they sure are conspicuously silent on this one.
- I can't even pretend to understand what Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) has been through in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on he and his family 10 months ago. But it's clear he's still enduring significant PTSD over the incident given his outburst during a recent Senate committee hearing.
WATCH: Minnesota Senator John Hoffman (D) loses it when Senator Glenn Gruenhagen (R) refers to illegal aliens as “illegals.”
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) April 14, 2026
Well, maybe they shouldn’t have migrated to America illegally. Then they would be legal. pic.twitter.com/vglHUYWOJq
To suggest he was shot due to people using "dehumanizing language" is a stretch if you read any of the gunman's manifesto. To me, this just appeared to be Sen. Hoffman's attempt to enact the typical leftist strategy of attempting to prevail in a debate by eliciting emotion over facts. But hey, if Sen. Hoffman is going to begin a crusade to tamp down "dehumanizing language," a good place to start are the replies to any social media post put forth by the likes of Reps. Mary Franson and Walter Hudson.
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Look, I get it. Today in the Twin Cities is likely to be the first 80 degree day of 2026. So be sure to bring along your radio/laptop/smartphone while engaging in your favorite outdoor activities to ensure you don't miss a minute of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour blitz begins at 1:00 PM Central Time.
In the first hour, I'll discuss Minnesota's bleak economic outlook, specifically how it impacts the hospitality industry. Also, out-of-control state government spending is going to result in some difficult choices over the next few years.
At 1:30, Minnesota Family Council CEO Jeff Evans will join the broadcast to promote the organization's annual dinner as well as share details about their advocacy at the MN Legislature.
At 2:00, geopolitical wonk Amanda Peterson will stop by to talk about the latest in the U.S. war with Iran.
So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.
It's been nearly 100 days since former Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While he's never shied away from his disease being a death sentence, Sasse has been steadfast in his desire to be a bright spiritual light despite the unfathomable physical pain he endures on a daily basis.
Here are a couple of excerpts from a recent interview he granted NY Times columnist Ross Douthat.
Former Sen. Ben Sasse, who is facing terminal illness, opens up about how his faith in Jesus Christ is sustaining him during this difficult time:
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) April 10, 2026
“I believe in the Resurrection, and I believe in a restoration of this world, and so I did not feel great fear about my death.” pic.twitter.com/MhZrV5ULra
“You got me at the end” @BenSasse with @DouthatNYT pic.twitter.com/6TA7cYUUiq
— Caleb Wait (@calebwait) April 9, 2026
When we humans think of our mortality, I would suspect the vast majority of us would, if given the choice, desire to pass away while sleeping as opposed to perpetual physical pain until our day of death approaches. But Sasse wasn't given that choice, yet he approaches the end of his time on Earth with joy, peace and humor. What a legacy.
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- With significant wealth departing the state of Minneota in addition to leftist policy being hostile to small businesses, this is the inevitable result.
Minnesota’s nearly $9 billion hospitality industry “is on the brink of no return,” according to a new report warning years of mounting regulation and economic uncertainty threaten to decimate a key part of the state’s economy.
The new survey from Hospitality Minnesota found only a third of restaurants, hotels and other tourism businesses expect a better spring than last year. In contrast, nearly three-quarters expected a better spring in 2021.
“We’ve not recovered since the pandemic,” said Angie Whitcomb, Hospitality Minnesota’s president and CEO. “We are at a point now where it is dire and we’re starting to see the effects of this.”
In 2025, more than half of hospitality businesses in the state saw foot traffic and profits drop year over year. Slightly less than half reported being in financial decline, an increase of 12 percentage points over 2024.
Several hot spots closed in 2025, including Keys Cafe, Zen Box Izakaya, Soberfish, Cocina del Barrio and Petit León.
The report cites a slew of pressures on the industry, which employs about 230,000 people statewide. Federal tariffs have raised wholesale prices; state and local regulations have added new costs and red tape; and widespread economic uncertainty has consumers spending less.
Sincere request from those on the left side of the political spectrum in Minnesota:
— Pat Garofalo 🇺🇸 (@PatGarofalo) April 8, 2026
Please explain how this is sustainable. pic.twitter.com/EyqMXZB1Y3
I imagine the patented prog responses were shrieks of "rIcH pEoPlE nEeD tO pAy ThEiR fAiR sHaRe." But, again, since may upper income individuals have moved elsewhere, that well is quickly running dry. It also means that the left's definition of "rich" is going to shift also.
Minneapolis city leaders are considering legalizing adult bathhouses and sex venues where sexual activity between consenting adults would be allowed.
The City Council will decide Thursday, April 9, whether to have city staff research several ordinances that would allow adult bathhouses and sex venues to operate again after a 38-year ban.
The ordinances would remove “stigmatizing language” and add “new definitions to be inclusive of establishments where sexual activity between consenting adults may be facilitated.”
Adult bathhouses were popular among some men in the U.S. until public pressure and laws led to their closures in the 1980s during the AIDS crisis.
In Minneapolis, bathhouses and sex clubs operated until a 1988 ordinance banned businesses that facilitate “high-risk sexual conduct” — which it defined as fellatio, anal intercourse and vaginal intercourse for pay.
Because nothing says "progress" like bringing back the depravity and moral decay of 1980s San Francisco.
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Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Indians - September 12, 1977.
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In this game, 19-year old Tigers' rookie Alan Trammell reached based safely for the fourth consecutive game to start his MLB career. That was a record streak for a teenager in the division era (starting in 1969), eventually tied by Andruw Jones in 1996.
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Our military installations have been turned into gun-free zones—leaving our service members vulnerable and exposed.
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) April 2, 2026
That ends today. pic.twitter.com/IQ204YepZ0
- If the LGBTQIA+2S community is truly an oppressed folk, why is that when someone so much as looks at them cross-eyed, the clap back is a veritable tidal wave?
The Chicago Bulls waived guard Jaden Ivey for conduct detrimental to the team Monday, hours after he posted a lengthy video rant on social media about religion and other topics that included anti-gay sentiments.
Ivey has gone live on his Instagram account more frequently in the past week, posting at least three lengthy videos after he was shut down for the rest of the season by the team because of injury last Thursday. On Monday morning, he called out the NBA for promoting Pride Month, saying it celebrates "unrighteousness."
"The world proclaims LGBTQ, right?" Ivey said during the video stream. "They proclaim Pride Month and the NBA does, too. They show it to the world. They say, 'Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.' They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it on the streets. Unrighteousness."
In another live stream Monday evening, Ivey questioned why he was waived before speaking again at length about religion.
"[The Bulls] said my conduct is detrimental to the team," he said. "Why didn't they just say, 'We don't agree with his stance on LGBTQ'? Why didn't they say that? ... How is it conduct detrimental to the team? What did I do to the team? What did I do to the players?"
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 30, 2026
The Bulls likely believe this gives them plausible deniability in that they didn't specifically cite Ivey's comments about LGBTQ.
Naturally, most Christians believe this is yet another instance of bigotry against their faith and that Ivey wasn't bullying others as much as he was questioning forced advocacy. But those who supported Ivey's ouster claim it was more out of concern for his mental health than what he was actually saying. Well if that's true, why didn't the team intervene to provide him whatever assistance he needed as opposed to leaving him high and dry? And the fact Ivey will receive his entire salary for the season suggests the Bulls organization just wants this to go away. Heh. In a country bound up by nonstop culture wars, this definitely is not the last we'll hear of this.
- Just your periodic reminder that students, in the minds of the teachers union, are not the top priority when it comes to education funding.
WATCH: A Minnesota teacher testifies against a bill that would incentivize donations to private and public schools
— Alpha News (@AlphaNews) March 30, 2026
In a stunning moment, she says the bill should be rejected because "donations to private schools would decrease tuition, making private school more affordable to… pic.twitter.com/wSJ0vyjyQf
There has been ungodly amounts of money thrown at Minnesota public education for decades, yet there's been no discernible improvement in student aptitude. Also, why should schools continue to receive funds for a student who is no longer attending there? That's not "defunding" as much as it is refusal to allocate resources for a kid who isn't even a part of that school.
Public schools are a failing business model, yet not enough people are asking why. Let's start there.
- I'm thinking the Rocky Mountain state oughta get out of the business of demanding people acquiesce to the LGBTQ+ lifestyle.
The power of government to regulate the professions, especially in medicine and law, has created a lot of levers to enforce conformity. That power can be exercised openly through lawmaking, and more subtly by delegating licensing and disciplinary powers to quasi-public cartels run by the professions themselves. In Chiles v. Salazar, the Supreme Court struck a blow against the use of those powers to dictate orthodoxy and stifle disfavored opinions. Still more encouragingly, Justice Neil Gorsuch’s ringing opinion attracted a lopsided 8–1 majority, with only Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in dissent.
Chiles arose from yet another effort by Colorado to ban dissent from “LBGTQ+” ideology, which was yet again defeated by a legal team from Alliance Defending Freedom. A state law bans licensed counselors from engaging in “conversion therapy” with minors, on penalty of fines and loss of license. The law is flagrantly one-sided: It applies only to therapy that aims to resolve gender dysphoria or to reduce homosexual attraction, while permitting state-favored counseling in favor of gender transition and homosexuality. It is coercive and destructive of parental authority: While blue states have schemed to let public schools “socially transition” kids without telling their parents, Colorado won’t even let the disfavored therapists talk to minors when both the minor and the parent consent. It is speech-specific: Unlike red-state bans on irreversible surgeries and puberty-blocking drugs, the law applies to purely talk-based therapies. And it is harmful as well: Most children and teens suffering gender dysphoria can outgrow the problem and learn to live in their bodies; talking through their problems can help.
he Court called this what it is: discrimination against a particular viewpoint. As Gorsuch wrote, “Colorado may regard its policy as essential to public health and safety. Certainly, censorious governments throughout history have believed the same. But the First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country.” Even Justice Elena Kagan, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, emphasized that “the case is textbook. The law distinguishes between two opposed sets of ideas—the one resisting, the other reflecting, the State’s own view of how to speak with minors about sexual orientation and gender identity.” To Kagan’s credit, she added that this is just as bad when her own side does it: “It does not matter what the State’s preferred side is.” Justice Jackson, who opened by urging that there is “no right to practice medicine which is not subordinate to the police power of the States,” could use a remedial course on that score.
As has often been the case, Justice Jackson shows she's more of an emotional ideologue than a legal mind.
- With "No Kings" rallies slated to occur across the country this weekend, Minnesota's own Nebraska Fats Gov. Tim Walz plans to be more present at the Twin Cities gathering.
Earlier this week, Walz appeared on MSNBC MS NOW show All In to do what he loves best: slam President Donald Trump while acting like the disarray in Minnesota has absolutely nothing to do with looney leftist policy.
The Minnesota Senate on Thursday unanimously approved a measure to repeal César Chávez Day in the state after sexual abuse allegations against the late civil rights icon surfaced.
The 67-0 vote sends the bill to DFL Gov. Tim Walz after House approval on Monday. Walz is expected to quickly sign the bill.
The New York Times published a report on March 18 detailing several allegations of sexual abuse by Chávez, a Latino farm labor activist, including the sexual abuse of two minor girls and the assault and rape of Dolores Huerta, who led the farmworkers’ movement of the 1960s and ’70s alongside Chávez.
State and local leaders have quickly responded, leading to the push at the Capitol to repeal the quickly approaching “César Chávez Day” on March 31, Chávez’s birthday.
St. Paul also has a street named after Chávez on the West Side, as well as a charter school, Academia César Chávez.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her said this week that she’s assembling a group of stakeholders and residents to discuss the future of the street name.
Ramona ArreguÃn de Rosales, an activist who personally met Chávez and the co-founder of Academia César Chávez, said she has recommended that the Board of Academia César Chávez change the school’s name.
This is undoubtedly the morally correct stance. However, it's notable that Chávez's support for an ideology (Communism) which has caused death and destruction of millions of people across the world should have been more than enough to keep him from being "honored" in the first place.
- Yeah, so this ain't good.
NEW overnight:
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) March 27, 2026
MN State Rep. Elliott Engen (R-36A) was arrested overnight on probable cause DWI. He's been released on recognizance.
A statement has been requested. pic.twitter.com/khNnC57HHN
3/
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) March 27, 2026
Minnesota GOP Rep. Elliott Engen arrested on suspicion of drunk driving
According to police, Engen had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13.https://t.co/FNlw3vnBhM
Rep. Engen eventually posted a statement on Friday.
To my family, colleagues and constituents. I am deeply sorry.
— Elliott Engen (@elliottengenMN) March 27, 2026
I strive to be a man of good character, and my actions fell short last night.
I will learn from this. I will do better.
Elliott
I first met Elliott back in 2020, when, as a 22-year old, he sought election to the Minnesota House. He fell short that cycle but emerged victorious in a close race in 2022, becoming the youngest member of the MN Legislature at age 24. He then coasted to reelection in 2024.
Sometime last year, Engen chose to seek the GOP nomination for MN State Auditor. Given a Minnesota Republican winning a statewide race is tough lift even with a spotless background, I contend Engen is now far too damaged to continue in the Auditor race. Heck, in this year's environment, reelection to his House seat would be unlikely.
Elliot is only 27 with a wife and young son at home. While I have no doubt he will, in his words, "do better," the redemption story needs to begin away from the spotlight.
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1) When I look at the glorified Star Wars cantina scene that is the Minneapolis City Council, I initially feel genuine sorrow on behalf of the residents of Minneapolis.
🚨 WATCH: Minneapolis City Council meltdown after members wouldn’t unanimously approve resolutions to:
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) March 26, 2026
• Normalize relations with Cuba
• Divest from European institutions who support ICE
These people are paid six-figure salaries to LARP as diplomats in a city council meeting. pic.twitter.com/T4n20giMm8
However, it bears repeating: You get what you vote for.
2) Outside of Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, Senate Democrats are a veritable insane asylum.
The fact these are shocking takes shows you how far gone the party is.
An alleged repeat criminal offender was allowed back on our streets and killed an Air Force veteran.
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 26, 2026
This is precisely why I was the Democratic lead on the Laken Riley law.
Why is it controversial for Democrats support deporting criminal migrants? https://t.co/rwb2MI8FJv
Here in Philadelphia.
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) March 26, 2026
Truly appalling.
These assholes chanting for the death of our servicemembers.
Where’s the Dem outrage and condemnation? https://t.co/BZ9oH0ryk1
It bears repeating: The most rational member of the Senate Democrats is someone who suffered a debilitating stroke just a few years ago.
3) In their 2026 season opener on Thursday, the Minnesota Twins lost to the Baltimore Orioles 2-1. While ace starting pitcher Joe Ryan was solid allowing 0 runs and 1 hit in 5-1/3 innings while striking out 7, a patchwork bullpen gave up two runs late. Add to that a lineup (which inexplicably had Royce Lewis batting eighth before being pinch hit for in the ninth inning) going 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position while grounding into three double plays.
It bears repeating: The 2026 Twins will be fortunate to win 70 games.
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- Imagine reading this headline:
Quadruple amputee, professional cornhole player faces murder charges.
When I learned it was not from The Babylon Bee or The Onion, I thought "Wow, that's quite the dynamic duo crime spree." But then to learn those description were applicable to......one person?!?!?!
Dayton James Webber, 27, of La Plata, Md., was arraigned in the District Court of Maryland for Charles County after being located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and arrested following the fatal shooting of 27‑year‑old Bradrick Michael Wells, according to court documents.
According to charging documents signed by a detective from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Webber is formally charged with:
- First‑Degree Murder — accused of intentionally and with premeditated malice killing Bradrick Wells on or about March 22, 2026, at 1015 Newport Church Road in Charlotte Hall, Charles County, Maryland.
- Second‑Degree Murder — also charged in the same incident.
- Assault in the First Degree (two counts) — one relating to an alleged assault on someone identified as Bradwick Webber and another relating to Bradrick Wells.
- Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony — alleged firearm use during the felony offense.
Is it wrong that I'm downright impressed that someone with such a handicap is able to become a professional at tossing beanbags into a small hole from a significant distance and is also proficient in firearms? The former is pretty amazing. The latter is definitely a cautionary tale.
- Oof. This is shattering a lotta prog narratives.
Houston traveler shakes an ICE officer’s hand and thanks him for his service. pic.twitter.com/kk1DyKwS2X
— Jennie Taer (@JennieSTaer) March 24, 2026
ICE agents at Houston airport hand out water to passengers and save spots in line so people can take bathroom breaks: pic.twitter.com/7ZvovHkYRq
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) March 24, 2026
Congressional Dems were shamed into voting to end the Federal government shutdown last year with virtually no concessions from Republicans. Now they may be in a similar position here. Essentially, Dems must decide to a) fund DHS without their desired reforms of ICE and Customs Border Patrol or b) have their anti-ICE sentiments rendered obsolete due to agents stepping up for traveling Americans.
How is the Democrat party this bad at politics?
- I was crestfallen when I heard this news.
Longtime KQRS Minneapolis morning show personality and Radio Hall of Famer Tom Barnard announced he has Alzheimer’s disease on his family’s podcast on Friday.
Speaking from his home in West Palm Beach, the 74-year-old said he has undergone seven treatments so far and that he’s seen some improvement.
“Mine is getting better, little by little,” he said. “I can tell by a little tick that each one of them did something good. (But) it’s not overwhelming and it’s not gone.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a Chicago-based nonprofit, it’s the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of dementia cases. There is no cure.
On the podcast, Barnard’s family said they had been telling him to get checked for the past three years. His wife, Kathryn Brandt, said the idea of the treatments is to slow down or stop the disease from worsening.
Barnard also said he’s going to start speaking publicly about the disease, including an upcoming engagement at Donald Trump’s Florida club Mar-a-Lago.
Born in Long Prairie and raised in North Minneapolis, Barnard worked at several Twin Cities stations before landing at KQRS in 1986. He quickly established himself as an outspoken, politically charged voice and turned KQ’s “Morning Show” into the highest-rated radio morning show in the market. In 1997, Howard Stern’s show began airing locally, going after Barnard’s audience. But Stern was unsuccessful at dethroning Barnard and left the market a couple of years later.
Tommy B. has been part of my life's soundtrack for 40+ years. Even though he left KQ in the early '80s after co-hosting the morning show Cat & Kincaid (which my 8th grade school bus driver listened to every morning), Tom returned in 1986 to lead a new iteration of that station's morning show. The kind of ratings that show pulled in over 3 decades was the envy of all morning radio shows across America. To imagine such a titanic figure like Tom potentially being silenced by such an insidious disease is impossible for me to comprehend.
Prayers up on behalf of Tommy's loved ones.
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