Pretti narratives

Let me say up front that I do not believe there was justification for Customs & Border Patrol officers to shoot and kill Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last Saturday. Of all the footage I've witnessed (specifically meticulous breakdowns on social media), it would appear this was a tragic mistake. The reason I cling to this belief is because after Pretti was shot dead, there was at least one officer asking "where's the gun?" The gun was actually removed by one of the CBP officers who likely declared "gun!", thus triggering the others to believe Pretti was brandishing a weapon. Again, just a tragedy all around, albeit a seemingly avoidable one. But it definitely was not murder. 

Then this week there were videos circulating showing Pretti confronting Feds on the streets of Minneapolis, just a week-and-a-half before he was shot. 

"AssauIt me, Motherf*cker" - Alex Pretti

pic.twitter.com/daO8bGVJ7b

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 29, 2026

How the
left wants
you to see
Alex Pretti Alex Pretti pic.twitter.com/j4BL45VAYi

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) January 28, 2026

And of course, as these videos were released, the official partisan reactions were as predicted. Issac Schorr of Media-ite broke it down. 

For those on the Right determined to justify the events of Jan. 24, when Pretti was shot dead by Border Patrol agents during an altercation in which he appeared much less confrontational — and criminally liable — the footage was beheld as an answer to their prayers.

And for those on the Left who fetishize the disorderly, destructive behavior exemplified by Pretti, it was something to be handwaved away: an irrelevant, even disgusting, smear of a dead man.

Of course it is neither.

Pretti’s inexcusable actions on the 13th — though they could and arguably should have resulted in his arrest — didn’t come anywhere close to warranting the use of lethal force. To cite them as a justification for his death a week-and-a-half later at what appeared to be a much less charged moment (bear in mind that an investigation into the shooting may turn up more relevant information) is an intellectual as well as a moral error. American citizens are entitled to make mistakes, even egregious ones, without paying the price for them with their life. Anyone who disputes as much has breathtakingly low expectations for their government.

I believe it's relevant to share this footage only to combat the fluffed up narratives by the left. In the aftermath of the shooting, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz essentially said Pretti was "shot in the face on the streets coming out of a donut shop" as if he was merely a bystander minding his own business. 

You also have prog media outlets apparently believing Pretti's appearance wouldn't generate the preferred amount of sympathy, but that's nothing that a little airbrushing can't fix. 

It appears MSNBC gave Alex Pretti a tan, a stronger jawline, better teeth, shorter forehead, and a nose job to make him look hotter for the AWFLs. They broadened his shoulders, thickened his neck, and gave him biceps. pic.twitter.com/Kmx2SZ9jzA

— The Redheaded libertarian (@TRHLofficial) January 27, 2026

And lastly you have Fauxcahontas Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) spinning a yarn about someone who, had she not mentioned him by name, you would think won a treasure trove of humanitarian awards. 

Don't let the Trump administration lie to you.

Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse. He was a son. A brother. A friend. A caretaker. pic.twitter.com/B5OIYsdZN2

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 28, 2026

This seems especially disingenuous in light of the video footage from more than two weeks ago.  

The Story of Alex Pretti.

Read by Elizabeth Warren. pic.twitter.com/mxq7BkcEtx

— MAZE (@mazemoore) January 29, 2026

To reiterate: Pretti's behavior, as disruptive as it was, is absolutely not a justification for what happened to him on January 24. But the narratives put forth by elected leftists and their supporters are deliberate attempts to further demonize Federal agents who are already engaging in high stakes and very tense operations. Again, the actions by some agents in Minnesota has been inexcusable and for that there must be firings (DHS head Kristi Noem is a good place to start). But now that there's been a recalibration of operations in the state, let's ensure more deadly encounters do not reoccur. And it starts with allowing state and local law enforcement the ability to assist Feds in ensuring provocateurs like Pretti and Renee Good do not cross the line which clearly divides protesting and obstructing justice. 

------------------------------------------------

The true motivation

If you were to ask leftists why they oppose mass deportations of illegal aliens, you're likely to hear a variation of the following:  

• No human being is illegal. 
• What right does America have to remove people from "stolen land?"
• For many, this is the only home they've ever known. 

I would guess that there is a small percentage of progs who truly believe one if not all of those sentiments, misguided as though they may be. However, it's more likely that a significant number of leftists don't view illegals so much as cherished human beings as they do pawns to prevent Democrats from being the minority party for the foreseeable future. 

Exhibit A: 

🚨2030 Apportionment Forecast🚨
+4: TX
+2: FL
+1: AZ, GA, ID, NC, UT

-4: CA
-1: IL, MN, NY, OR, PA, RI, WI

* Based on the 2025 Census Population Estimates released January 27, 2026. pic.twitter.com/ugZPVCs6zw

— The American Redistricting Project (@AmerRedistrict) January 27, 2026

Yes, while illegals aren't eligible to vote in American elections (though no doubt some are skirting the law to do so), the census isn't based on the number of legal citizens, but rather actual human beings residing in a state at census time. And population growth year over year looks to be declining due in no small part to mass deportations, much of which is occurring in the bluest of blue cities in blue states. 

As such, Dan McLaughlin of National Review paints a rather sobering picture for team blue. 

How bad is this news for Democrats? Let’s break this out by reference to the last few presidential cycles:

• Red states that Donald Trump won by six or more points in 2024, which voted for Trump in 2020 and 2016 and have all-Republican senators and governors: +8 seats.
• Purple-red states that Trump won by two to six points in 2024, all of which have Republican state legislatures: +3 seats. (Of these: Arizona and Georgia voted for Biden in 2020, North Carolina and Arizona have Democratic governors, and Arizona and Georgia each have two Democratic senators.)
• Purple-blue states that Trump won by less than two points in 2024, Biden won in 2020, and that have Democratic governors and one senator from each party: –2 seats.
• A blue state (Minnesota) that Kamala Harris won by less than six points in 2024: –1 seat.
• Deep-blue states that Harris won by six or more points in 2024: –8 seats, with half of the loss in California.

In a future presidential election where the Sun Belt battlegrounds of North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona go red while the Rust Belt battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan (plus Minnesota) go blue, there would be a net shift of eleven electoral votes in favor of the Republican ticket compared with the current Electoral College. That would turn a 270–268 Democratic map into a 279–259 Republican map. The House of Representatives would see a similar shift toward red states and toward Sun Belt battlegrounds over Rust Belt battlegrounds.

One way Democrats could mitigate this potential electoral disaster is perhaps gravitating a bit more to the center on key issues. While they certainly haven't given any indication lately that they're capable of such a thing, data such as this might scare them straight. 

----------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCXCV

- After so much chaos and unrest in the Minneapolis area due to the Feds conducting immigration enforcement, it was beyond time for a change in strategy. Combine that with the fact that top officials in the Trump administration poorly handled the aftermath of the shooting death of Alex Pretti, the status quo was no longer tenable. 

Thankfully, the only adult in the room among President Donald Trump's immigration team is getting the call. 

"I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota" is directionally the opposite of "I am sending the 11th Airborne to Minnesota" and is, at least for the moment, a promising sign they have actually realized for once that they are out way over their skis. pic.twitter.com/k1ODt1pXSV

— Andrew Egger (@EggerDC) January 26, 2026

There have been reports that Homan and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem have been at odds over these operations. Noem et al preferred to engage in sweeping operations (i.e. Home Depot and car washes) while Homan prioritized violent criminals with multiple deportation orders. Thankfully, the latter looks to continue in Minnesota while US Border Patrol head Greg Bovino and many CBP agents will be leaving the state for operations elsewhere. 

I'm guessing the White House being put on the defensive over the Second Amendment as well as hemorrhaging political support on their pet issue motivated Trump to make this move. Better late than never. 

- I remarked last week that while attending a MNGOP gubernatorial candidate forum, I left very impressed with attorney Chris Madel, who was the true political outsider. I even placed him in my top 3 most formidable candidates. 

Less than a week later, this shocking development occurred. 

 

Attorney Chris Madel has ended his campaign for Minnesota governor. In a video published Monday morning, Madel said Minnesota faces serious challenges, but Operation Metro Surge has made running a Republican campaign untenable.

Referring to the federal government’s ongoing immigration enforcement efforts in the state, Madel said, “I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.”

This appeared to be a reference to a Jan. 13 statement from President Donald Trump in which Trump said ICE wants to remove dangerous criminals from Minnesota and Democrats “love the unrest” that has occurred because it distracts from fraud.

“FEAR NOT, GREAT PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA, THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING!” the president said.

A longtime trial attorney, Madel said he supports Operation Metro Surge’s “originally stated goals” of locating and deporting the “worst of the worst” non-U.S. citizens who have been convicted of sex crimes and violent offenses.

However, Madel said “Operation Metro Surge has expanded far beyond its stated focus on true public safety threats. United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear. United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship; that’s wrong.”

Many progs and non-Trump Republicans posted video footage of the 2-minute excerpt featuring Madel's rationale for leaving the race. What's notable is that Madel's entire diatribe, which lasted nearly 11 minutes, included his crediting the Trump administration for attaining a cease fire in Gaza while simultaneously blasting leftists for their conspicuous silence on what was supposedly a dire issue for them for two years. Also, he didn't spare any harsh words for Gov. Tim Walz or Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over their lack of cooperation with the Feds in rooting out violent criminals with multiple deportation orders. 

Do yourself a favor and check out the entire speech. 

I am ending my campaign for Minnesota Governor. I describe why in the below video. Please watch until the end. (It is 10 minutes, 52 seconds.)

Thank you,
Chris pic.twitter.com/2nfyAyTzNZ

— Chris Madel (@CWMadel) January 26, 2026

This is also Madel's way of telling Republicans they better get their poop in a group, posthaste. 

- Former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is going to the Super Bowl! After a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks are going to the franchise's fourth ever appearance in that ultimate game. 

I've noticed a lot of my fellow Vikings fans lamenting Darnold moving on, almost implying had he remained in Minnesota that it could've been our Vikes on the cusp of the big game. Obviously there's no way to know for sure, but given the Vikings missed the playoffs by literally a half game while enduring (to be charitable) substandard QB play the majority of the 17 regular season games, it's not a stretch to say they would have at least made the playoffs.

For the record, I supported the move to let Darnold walk via free agency after 2024 and thus usher in the JJ McCarthy era. I felt with the high profile moves the Vikings made in free agency combined with stellar coaching from Kevin O'Connell that McCarthy would have a good enough infrastructure to lead this team to 10 or more wins. But McCarthy's lack of durability (only 10 starts in 17 games) to go along with O'Connell's obstinance to design a more balance offensive game plan (i.e. take heat off the young QB by utilizing a good running game) torpedoed the Vikings season. It also didn't help that the highly touted offensive line played less than a third of the snaps together due to injuries. 

At the end of the day, the Vikings had to spend so much money in free agency last year due to GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's first three drafts (2022 thru 2024) not producing enough starters. As such, there wasn't enough money remaining to retain Darnold. 

Let's just say there's a nonzero chance that ownership will clean house next year at this time if the Vikings miss the postseason again in 2026. 

------------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/25/2026

-----------------------

I just wanna be your friend, is it ever gonna be enough?

Rejoice, as it may get above zero degrees today! However, it's still gonna be quite chilly, so throw another log on the fire and indulge in today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I will weigh in on anti-ICE protestors storming a St Paul church. Thus far, three people have been arrested. And while Immigrations & Customs Enforcements operations continue in Minnesota, so does blatant misinformation put forth by elected officials. 

Then in the second hour I will talk about the latest in the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races out of Minnesota. 

And finally, Second Amendment advocates shouldn't given an inch when it comes to gun rights. 

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.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2025 NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship games (and blog post number 5,000!!!!)

New England Patriots (-4-1/2) at Denver Broncos: Boy, ya gotta feel for those Pats fans, huh. Their club was in the wilderness for a whole five seasons after a near two-decade dynastic run, but they're back in the AFC Championship Game. And the Patriots are likely in this for the long haul with a terrific coach and QB combo of Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye, both of whom could well be highly decorated (i.e. Coach of the Year and MVP, respectively) when the 2025 season awards are doled out. 

The Broncos and their fans were barely an hour into their celebration of being one step away from a Super Bowl when they received the shocking news that starting quarterback Bo Nix would be out for the remainder of the postseason due to breaking a bone in his right ankle. As such, Jarrett Stidham (a 2019 Patriots draft pick) will be making his first start in two years. Stidham is literally only the second QB in NFL history to make his first start of the season in a conference championship game. The other was Roger Staubach, whose Dallas Cowboys fell to the Washington Redskins 26-3 in the 1972 NFC title game. 

I felt the Broncos were playing with house money even before the Nix injury given the highest salary on their roster is for a guy who was cut after the 2023 season (QB Russell Wilson). But thanks to coach Sean Payton's tutelage, Nix had become a solid QB in only his second season and will likely only get better. So if anyone can elevate the play of a backup quarterback like Stidham for a two game stretch, it's Payton. 

In the end, this will be a defensive struggle given both defenses are in the top 5 in terms of points allowed. New England definitely lucked out with Nix being unable to play, but I'd still be surprised if they win easily. 

New England 20 Denver 19

Los Angeles Rams (+2-1/2) at Seattle Seahawks: These NFC West rivals split their two meetings in the regular season with the home team prevailing by less than a field goal in each contest. 

Around Thanksgiving time, I got the impression that the Rams were the most complete team in the NFL. However, they definitely showed some cracks in their final six games, going 3-3. One of those losses was blowing a 16-point fourth quarter lead in Seattle, eventually losing 38-37 in overtime. 

As of right now, the Seahawks have the healthiest, most talented roster among the remaining four clubs. I could certainly do a deeper dive into some of the numbers but I'll once again refer to my prediction on the Purple Daily podcast a little more than two weeks ago. That is, former Vikings QB Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks will be playing in Super Bowl 60. 

Seattle 24 Los Angeles 17

My 2025 postseason record:

Against the spread: 4-6

Straight up: 5-5

----------------------------------------

No one is coming to save you

The mass shooting at a Uvalde, TX elementary school more than 3-1/2 years ago resulted in 19 children and 2 teachers being killed. The most galling aspect is the number of atrocities could have been mitigated were it not for the lackadaisical response of law enforcement. Said response was so atrocious that one officer in particular stood trial recently for basically being derelict in his duty. 

Given there have been several cases adjudicated before the U.S. Supreme Court where justices essentially ruled citizens have no inherent right to law enforcement protection, I'm not surprised this Uvalde case was decided as it was. 

A former Uvalde school police officer is speaking out after he was acquitted on all counts nearly four years after the shooting at Robb Elementary School that left 19 students and two teachers dead.

Adrian Gonzales, who was charged with 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment tied to the shooting, said in his first interview since the acquittal that he has no regrets about the actions he took on May 24, 2022.

The jury deliberated for just seven hours before returning the verdict. Gonzales did not take the stand during the trial, while his attorneys brought up two witnesses.

An investigation found that it took 77 minutes from the time authorities arrived at the scene until the tactical team breached a classroom and killed the shooter. Police faced criticism over their response in the years since the shooting.

"You can sit here and tell me all you want about what I would have done, or what you would have done. Until you're in that mix, you can't tell me anything," Gonzales told ABC News.

Gonzales was the first on the scene at Robb Elementary School when 18-year-old Salvador Ramos carried out his deadly attack. The former school police officer told ABC News that he did not see Ramos and that he retreated from inside the school building because of an order from his commanding officer.

"I did the best that I could with the information I was getting," he said, adding, "I don't regret it, because I took an order from my chief at that time."

This is a reminder of how we must be prepared for the distinct possibility that no one is coming to save you in such a crisis. And this should also serve as motivation to be eternally vigilant against persistent calls for gun control. Self defense is absolutely a human right and the situation in Uvalde should always serve as a reminder that gun rights advocates can't given even one inch in this debate. 

------------------------------------

Found out

Since I'm loathe to use the f-word on this site, I won't spell out the words used in the acronym FAFO. But to any other secular progressives who in the future look to storm a peaceable assembly that is a church congregation, I'll offer up a more dignified interpretation: "Please, test that assumption and then take note of the results."

For the progs' sakes, let's hope they understand that playtime is over. 

FBI and Homeland Security agents arrested Minneapolis civil rights activist Nekima Levy Armstrong (aka The female Al Sharpton - ed.) and St. Paul school board member Chauntyll Allen in connection with the disruption of a church service on Jan. 18.

A third arrest of a protester involved was announced later on Jan. 22.

Attorney General Pam Bondi in a post on X said Armstrong played a “key role in organizing” the interruption at Cities Church in St. Paul on Jan. 18 by activists who determined one of the pastors is the acting director of the local ICE field office. FBI Director Kash Patel said Armstrong and Allen’s arrests are tied to a violation of the federal FACE Act.

“Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP,” Bondi said.

The third person arrested was this loon, who literally filmed himself breaking the law. 

 

BREAKING: William Kelly who filmed himself storming a church in Minnesota and harassing congregants has been ARRESTED by the FBI pic.twitter.com/njqU1MlpKo

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 22, 2026

The frothing lunatic, whose name is William Kelly, flat out challenged AG Pam Bondi to arrest him. Her response via Twitter can be injected directly into my veins (CAUTION: STRONG LANGUAGE). 

 

Ok ✅ pic.twitter.com/tQZNbKFABA

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 22, 2026

The three will be charged under the FACE act, which has been largely used to target those protesting at abortion clinics.

 

Levy Armstrong said proving activists violated the FACE Act “will be very difficult to prove because we are people of faith calling out other people of the same faith for an injustice.”

Added Jordan Kushner, Levy Armstrong’s attorney: “This is not a legitimate prosecution. This is a political persecution.”

According to the Justice Department, the federal FACE Act “prohibits the use or threat of force and physical obstruction that injures, intimidates, or interferes with a person seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services or to exercise the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship.”

Good thing for prosecutors, these mental midgets filmed their activities for all the world to see. Gonna be a tough lift for them to deny they were literally interfering with the "exercise of the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship." 

--------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, Minnesota electoral politics roll on

This had been rumored for some time. On Wednesday morning, it became official.

Michele Tafoya, the former prominent sports broadcaster known for her sideline reporting on “Sunday Night Football,” has announced she plans to run for Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat.

In a video announcing her candidacy Tafoya described herself as a “political outsider and a reformer” who will “clean up the system” by “fighting corruption, ending the fraud and protecting your tax dollars.”

Tafoya jumps into the race nearly a year after she first teased a bid following DFL Sen. Tina Smith’s announcement that she planned to retire. Republicans had struggled to find a top-tier candidate after several prospects decided to pass on running.

Though she enters crowded GOP field, which includes former Minnesota Republican Party Chair David Hann and controversial former NBA player Royce White, she won rare early backing from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), which had worked to recruit her.

With Democrats nationally having a built-in advantage in the second midterm of a GOP presidential administration, the national party likely isn't sweating Minnesota due to a Republican not having won a statewide race since 2006. But that could also work to the Dems' disadvantage since it's been well documented how Minnesota is rife with fraud, corruption and out-of-control crime. Kinda hard to lay that at the feet of Republicans given they haven't held a single statewide office in 15 years. As such, enough voters are willing to be convinced to maybe move to the right this cycle.

The one issue which may dog Tafoya is that of abortion. She has publicly declared that she is pro choice, something which would likely be a nonstarter with the GOP grassroots. However, the fact she is such a big name in addition to being the handpicked candidate of the NRSC, Tafoya should easily have the fundraising edge over all the other Republican hopefuls, meaning she's definitely taking this to the August primary. And if she prevails, what then? Will she tout her pro choice chops in an effort to attract independents and moderate Dems or will she find a way to placate Republican voters by downplaying her viewpoint? Given this is a Federal race, abortion won't at all be an issue given the 2022 US Supreme Court decision declaring it a states rights issue. The only scenario that this becomes a factor is if the Dems one day attain a trifecta (President, House and Senate), nuke the filibuster and decide to codify Roe v. Wade as the law of the land. So the question that needs to be posed is would a Sen. Michele Tafoya vote in the affirmative if that hypothetical came to pass?

I honestly can't recall a Republican U.S. Senate candidate out of Minnesota with this kind of name recognition and fundraising prowess. Obviously Tafoya winning a general election is a big lift, but any resources which cause the Dems to draw away from GOP-held seats they look to flip would go a long way to keeping the upper chamber in Republican hands. 

-------------------------------------------

Power Rankings: 2026 MNGOP gubernatorial candidates

Of the 13 (14? 15?) individuals who are seeking to be the GOP nominee for Minnesota governor, the top seven candidates (as determined by straw poll results at a meeting of State Central delegates) squared off in a candidate forum Tuesday night.

My evening started by co-hosting with my Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague Mitch Berg a 2-hour broadcast live from the venue in St. Michael. As the show concluded at 6:59, Mitch put on his moderator hat (and, of course, did a phenomenal job) and proceeded to throw questions at each of the candidates. Said candidates were then selected in random as to whom would answer each question when.

Anyhow, after indulging in the 90-minute forum, I've decided to put forth my own personal "power rankings" via tiers. Not sure how often I'll do this, but here's where I stand as of now. 

Formidable: Lisa Demuth, Chris Madel and Kristin Robbins. 

Better than average: Kendall Qualls.

Too dorky and too tied to Trump to win statewide: Mike Lindell.

Hostile pricks: Scott Jensen and Phil Parrish. 

With Demuth and Robbins both being MN House members, it's clear they're trying to draw distinctions from each other despite having the same voting record. But since Demuth was House Speaker in last year's session, she has a bigger target on her back given she had to make concessions with a Dem governor and Senate DFL Majority Leader to avoid a government shutdown in a budget year. As such, Robbins takes every opportunity to point out that, in her view, Demuth caved to Gov. Tim Walz. 

Madel's stock elevated in my view, as he (not Kendall Qualls) is the true outsider. He didn't call out candidates by name, but it was clear he was going with a very "tough love" approach regarding those who have actually been elected to office. It's easy to see why he's been a successful defense attorney because he is excellent in his power of persuasion. 

Jensen has been a non-starter for me since he entered this race. This is simply because I firmly believe we ought not be re-nominating candidates who lost a winnable general election race for the same office the previous cycle. But the main reason he's in the bottom tier of "hostile pricks" is because he had this air of entitlement as if he's being inconvenienced by other candidates daring to step up for this office. He also interrupted the moderator at one point (when it wasn't even his turn to speak) just so he could take a rhetorical shot at Speaker Demuth. 

I guess you could say the '26 election campaigns are officially in full swing. 

---------------------------------------------------

Peaceable assembly for we, not for ye

Say, remember the week of Christmas when Nebraska Fats Gov. Tim Walz expressed concern that the godless Trump administration would be prone to sending Immigration & Customs Enforcement agents to church services to conduct their operations? 

Roll the tape. 

An erratic MN Gov. Walz spreads rumors and fear that ICE may target "midnight mass."
Hours later, the Archbishop issues a statement saying Walz's rumors are false and unhelpful "fear-filled speculation." ICE has taken no such actions.
Full statement: https://t.co/8GDOtUf6KA pic.twitter.com/9x1KYtQVG2

— Clarity (@covid_clarity) December 24, 2025

Turns out, it was the classic fear mongering (not to mention projection) put forth by Walz as no churches were under siege. At least, not until this past Sunday. And it wasn't ICE causing the disturbance. 

🚨BREAKING: William Kelly and a mob of anti-ICE extremists stormed a Cities Church in Minneapolis, disrupting a worship service and hurling baseless accusations that one of the church’s lead pastors is an ICE agent. pic.twitter.com/QYl7q9gkwz

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) January 18, 2026

Disgraced ex-CNN guy Don Lemon just happened to be present for this. 

 

Don Lemon sees kids fleeing church: "It is traumatic for the people, and that's what protesting is about" pic.twitter.com/M5zVXHZk96

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 19, 2026

Sorry Don, but trespassing onto private property and interrupting a group peaceably assembling themselves is absolutely not protected speech, thus you can't hide behind the First Amendment. 

Oh, and check out Donny and his condescending tone toward the church's pastor. 

 

NEW: Don Lemon tries lecturing a pastor on the First Amendment after a mob of far leftists stormed a church in Minneapolis.

Pastor: “This is unacceptable. It's shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship…”

Lemon: “Listen, there's a constitution, the First… pic.twitter.com/joHdCvaXe6

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 18, 2026

Kudos to Pastor Jonathan Parnell there, who perfectly executed the biblical mantra of turning the other cheek. Seriously, that's as good an ambassador of Christ I've seen given how my blood boils just watching the despicable conduct of Lemon and his fellow provocateurs.  

Not to be outdone, Minnesota's corrupt and hackish Attorney General excuses this away. 

MN Attorney General Keith Ellison: "The FACE Act is designed to protect the rights of people seeking reproductive rights... How they are stretching these laws to people protesting in a church is beyond me."

The FACE Act specifically says that you can't use intimidation to… pic.twitter.com/auEJvZcOQX

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 19, 2026

This buffoon is literally Minnesota's top legal executive, yet doesn't even know the wording of the statute he cites. 

 

Your First Amendment right to peacefully protest does not override other people's First Amendment right to worship.

This protest violated the FACE Act.

Don Lemon should arrested immediately. They could all face prison time over this. pic.twitter.com/ZGu1Uw1Q83

— The Conservative Alternative (@OldeWorldOrder) January 18, 2026

Let's be honest: the rollout of these ICE operations in Minnesota has been fraught with chaos. And while it's an undeniable positive that there have been extremely dangerous criminals apprehended and processed for deportation, the public relations hit the Trump administration has taken is significant. Yet somehow, someway, leftists manage to give Trump a political gift he absolutely doesn't deserve. 

One final thing: have you noticed how over these past two weeks that Walz has been all over TV, social media, etc. jumping around like a poo flinging monkey over the disruption he likely welcomes because it scores points for his team? Well now that his side has taken one on the chin with this shameful exhibit, all he could muster is a statement from his office about 24 hours after the fact. 

“The Governor has repeatedly and unequivocally urged protesters to do so peacefully. While people have a right to speak out, he in no way supports interrupting a place of worship.”

He literally never has to face voters again, yet he's still too gutless to make a firm, definitive statement. Looking at all of our sorry state leadership over the past two weeks, is it any wonder Minnesota has become a national punchline?

-------------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/18/2026

------------------------------

Tell me why am I to blame? Aren't we supposed to be the same?

Another Sunday, yet another packed radio show planned for today's edition of The Closer. The 2-hour festivities get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, there is still plenty of news regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement's operations in Minnesota. And once again, our elected leaders failed to meet the moment when chaos erupted. 

Then in the second hour, I'll discuss a potential landmark case at the U.S. Supreme Court regarding transgenderism. 

At 2:30, Caitlin Connors, who is Political Director at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, will discuss President Donald Trump's suggestion to Congressional Republicans that they be "flexible" on the Hyde Amendment. 

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.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2025 NFL Playoffs: Divisional round

Buffalo Bills (+1-1/2) at Denver Broncos: The Bills have a terrible run defense but the #1 ranked unit in defending the pass. This would be great news for the Broncos if they had a quarterback who could average well more than 6.4 yards per pass attempt and had starting RB J.K. Dobbins available. But since Denver's QB is Bo Nix and Dobbins is on injured reserve, the offense is likely to struggle. However, the Broncos can play some defense too, as they were third best in the NFL in terms of points allowed and second in total yardage. 

At the end of the day, the Bills have the ultimate trump card: quarterback Josh Allen. And since he and his Bills squad don't have the Kansas City Chiefs hurdle to get over, they seem to have a clear path to the AFC title game. 

Buffalo 24 Denver 21

San Francisco 49ers (+7) at Seattle Seahawks: These division rivals split their regular season matchups with the road team prevailing in both. One of those games took place in the season's final week with the NFC's top seed on the line. Seattle prevailed in that game with a defensive performance that reminded us of the days of the Legion of Boom. 

I noted last week that somehow the Niners keep winning despite being ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball. And in their wildcard victory over the defending Super Bowl Philadelphia Eagles last week, San Francisco suffered yet another devastating blow with perennial Pro Bowl TE George Kittle tearing his Achilles tendon. Not sure how they overcome that. 

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold was a surprise entry on this week's injury report, being listed as "questionable" with an oblique injury. Good thing for Darnold and the 'Hawks, they have a solid running game, one which gashed the Niners defense for 180 yards (4.6 yards per carry) in that Week 18 game. Also, Seattle's defense, one which held San Francisco under 200 total yards just two weeks ago, is remarkably healthy at this point in the season. And that'll be the difference. 

Seattle 21 San Francisco 10

Houston Texans (+3) at New England Patriots: About a week-and-a-half ago, I appeared on the The Purple Daily podcast segment "Write That Down" where the three hosts and a guest predictor each put forth three football related predictions. One of mine was how the AFC representative in Super Bowl 60 will be a team who's making their first ever appearance in the big game in their franchise's history. Given that only the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans fit that criteria, that narrowed it down quite a bit. But since the Jags were one and done this postseason, that means I'm now riding the Texans all the way to Santa Clara. 

It also doesn't hurt that Houston's defense looks similar to that 2000 Baltimore Ravens squad that won it all. 

Houston 17 New England 10

Los Angeles Rams (-4-1/2) at Chicago Bears: The Rams barely survived their wildcard matchup last week, edging the Carolina Panthers 34-31. What's worse is they now have to travel to Chicago where Sunday evening's weather will see temps in the single digits with wind chills well below zero. And if that doesn't make it hard enough for the Rams high octane pass offense, QB Matthew Stafford is nursing a sprained index finger on his throwing hand. But coach Sean McVay has relied heavily on three Tight End sets this year, so expect that to continue this game. Also, the Bears had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL during the regular season, which bodes well for RBs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, both of whom averaged around five yards per carry.  

In watching the 2025 Bears, they reminded me of my Vikings squad of 2022. That is, a terrific regular season with a lot of their wins decided in the fourth quarter or overtime. However, the Bears, unlike the '22 Vikes, have actually won a playoff game after last week's (you guessed it) 4th quarter comeback win over the Green Bay Packers. 

I've been saying for weeks now that the Bears' luck is going to run out eventually. But with QB Caleb Williams seemingly meeting the expectations heaped upon him when drafted #1 overall, what they've built this season feels sustainable. Alas, I believe they'll fall short this game. 

Los Angeles 20 Chicago 17

My 2025 postseason record:

Against the spread: 2-4

Straight up: 3-3

----------------------------------------

Transitioning out of trans madness.

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently hearing a case on the constitutionality of states making laws prohibiting transgender women and girls (aka biological men and boys) from competing on women and girls' athletic teams. If this past week's oral arguments are any indication, SCOTUS is primed to allow such laws to stand. 

Perhaps one of the most damning exchanges occurred when Kathleen Hartnett, attorney for one of the challengers of these laws, couldn't coherently define a woman when pressed by Justice Samuel Alito. 

Is the ACLU a shadow operation of the Christian-right? pic.twitter.com/1aghi6OqMR

— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) January 14, 2026

Justice Alito continued with even more pointed questions. 

 

Justice Samuel Alito: “Suppose this school has a boy’s track team and a girl’s track team… A male student… that has never taken puberty blockers, never taken female hormones, never had any gender-altering or affirming surgeries, says never the less, ‘I am a woman. That's who I… pic.twitter.com/fBADTpEQnE

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) January 13, 2026

Conservative commentator Erick Erickson put forth a theory that, despite fighting vehemently for "trans rights" for about a decade now, elected Dems may actually be pining for a way out of this madness. 

 

Right now, Republicans are on their knees praying fervently that the Supreme Court saves Trump and the GOP from tariffs by throwing them out. Increasingly, Democrats are burning sage and taking psychedelics to channel their inner chakra and focus it on the karma of the Supreme Court, hoping the Court says boys can be banned from girls’ sports.

Both sides want the Court to save them from themselves. With the GOP, Trump is fleeting and will be gone in three years. The problem for Democrats, in addition to the Electoral College and census (particularly if deportations continue), is that Trump will go. But the Democrats are stuck with the progressive donors and trans-advocates.1

So they better be able to answer if a man can get pregnant with a straight face.

Well......they're not off to a good start.

SPOILER ALERT: Men cannot get pregnant pic.twitter.com/08JwHUlxIj

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) January 14, 2026

Kinda hard to gracefully exit this movement when a good number of high profile progressives have referred to transgender rights as "the civil rights issue of our time." 

---------------------------------------------- 

Quick Hits: Volume CCCXCIV

- Tim Walz has been governor of Minnesota for just over seven years now. And in that time the state has endured multiple crises, whether it was the COVID-19 pandemic, the riots in the aftermath of George Floyd's death and now Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting operations in the state. In each of those instances, Walz has utterly failed to meet the moment. 

On Wednesday evening, he took to live TV to once again fan the flames of escalating tensions. And he did so with unsubstantiated gossip and blatant lies. 

Armed, masked, undertrained ICE agents are going door to door, ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live.

They’re pulling over people indiscriminately, including U.S. citizens, and demanding to see their papers.

And at grocery stores, at bus stops, even at schools, they’re breaking windows, dragging pregnant women down the street, just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans, kidnapping innocent people with no warning and no due process.

Let’s be very, very clear: This long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement.

Instead, it is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government.

But then later on in the speech, he says this. 

Donald Trump wants chaos.

He wants confusion.

And, yes, he wants more violence on our streets.

We cannot give him what he wants.

We can – we must – protest: loudly, urgently, but also peacefully.

Indeed, as hard as we will fight in the courts and at the ballot box, we cannot, and will not, let violence prevail.

As we have witnessed over the past several years, there are enough mentally fragile people out there who are going to hear those words and take them to heart. So when Walz flatly accuses ICE of racial profiling American citizens and the roughing them up and then later says he doesn't want violence, that is the equivalent of lighting the fuse of an M80 but not wanting a loud explosion. 

Like in his speech at Shiloh Temple the week of Christmas, Walz is inciting violence. So when he insists that's actually what Trump wants, you now know he's simply projecting. 

- If you're wondering why Minnesota (specifically the metropolitan area) has become such a prog cesspool, it's because this vacuous dork was the state party leader for more than a decade. 

From Tehran to my birthplace of Minneapolis, people are rising up against systems that wield violence without accountability.

In Iran, brave protestors confront a far-right theocratic regime that crushes dissent and denies basic freedoms. Here at home, tens of thousands are…

— Ken Martin (@kenmartin73) January 11, 2026

When receiving pushback, Kenny, now the chair of the Democrat National Committee, doubled down. 

 

If comparing the U.S. to Iran makes you angry, ask why. Killing protesters. Crushing dissent. Kidnapping and disappearing legal citizens. Ignoring courts. Threatening critics. Terrorizing communities. That’s authoritarian behavior—anywhere. If you’re rushing to defend it, maybe… https://t.co/nh6krxBHul

— Ken Martin (@kenmartin73) January 11, 2026

Check out the tweet thread of Ali Bradley, who lists the rap sheets of the many violent criminals ICE has rounded up in their operations in Minnesota. These are the people who Ken and his ilk believe are "victims."  

- Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, passed away this week after a bout with prostate cancer. He was 68 years old. 

National Review's Dan McLaughlin paid tribute to Adams' genius last year when it was announced he had metastatic prostate cancer. 

But what was so fresh about Dilbert, and helped make it a sensation with Gen Xers entering the workplace in the 1990s, was its unflinching cynicism and misanthropy, combined with how Adams drew on his own experiences and a steady stream of reader emails to flesh out his critiques of the corporate world. For previous generations, a white-collar career was supposed to be a better version of the American Dream than blue-collar factory work — the thing for which a generation of kids were sent to college — as well as a peacetime refuge from the bureaucracy-ridden military service that defined young manhood in the 1940s and 1950s. But Adams drew a new and vivid portrait that stripped away those illusions.

The world of Dilbert was one of workplaces full of unattractive, self-interested, unhappy people in which nobody knew what they were doing, meetings were endless and pointless, management spoke in buzzwords they didn’t understand, nobody cared about the customer, people socialized with coworkers only to kill time, and nothing ever really changed or improved. The strip satirized every trend in the corporate world: reorganizations, mission statements, product development and launches, outsourcing, budgeting shenanigans, you name it. Built around a doughy, bespectacled, girlfriend-less engineer, it surfed the office and personal technology trends of the decades from the golden age of the fax machine to the era of smartphones and social media. Unlike working-class hero bards of prior generations, Adams made his workers little more sympathetic than their bosses.

Adams came back into consciousness nearly ten years ago when he predicted that Donald Trump would not only be the GOP nominee for President but that he would defeat Hillary Clinton in the general. He was the first high profile name I was aware of who went out on such a limb. And because he switched his endorsement from Clinton to Trump, you can probably guess how his death was reported on. 

This is gross, @nytimes pic.twitter.com/KkC9u2NCiQ

— Drew Holden (@DrewHolden360) January 13, 2026 

🚨 People Magazine is a total disgrace!

Both died of cancer, yet look at the headlines:

OJ Simpson: Dead at 76 From Cancer, Family Announces

Scott Adams: Disgraced Dilbert Creator, Dies at 68

Same cause of death. Totally different tone. pic.twitter.com/lC1w8CBmkz

— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) January 13, 2026

Regardless, I truly hope Scott accepted Jesus as his savior, which he vowed to do near the end of his life. 

--------------------------------------

Not good.

As if Minnesota hasn't been wracked with enough bad news, one of the shining lights on the state's welfare fraud scandal is moving on. 

A majority of the leadership team at the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office resigned on Jan. 13 over the direction of the Justice Department under the Trump administration. Among those who resigned was Joe Thompson, the lead federal prosecutor and public voice on uncovering rampant fraud in Minnesota.

The departures of several prosecutors stemmed from directives from top federal officials to staff members after the killing of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, according to sources familiar with the decision. That included blocking the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) from the investigation into the shooting and a request from the Justice Department to investigate Good’s widow for possible federal charges. A source also said Thompson’s resignation resulted from a general frustration that a surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota ordered by the Trump administration has “eclipsed” fraud investigations by the office.

Because Thompson et al resigned due to what appears to be an overreach by the Trump DOJ, it provided an opportunity for Nebraska Fats Gov. Tim Walz to pile on. 

 

Joe is a principled public servant who spent more than a decade achieving justice for Minnesotans. This is a huge loss for our state.

It’s also the latest sign Trump is pushing nonpartisan career professionals out of the justice department, replacing them with his sycophants.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 13, 2026

Principled public servant, eh? Funny, Tim, but that wasn't the tone you struck a week ago when you basically said Thompson shouldn't even be on the fraud case and then flat out accused him of a crime.

Here’s Tim Walz calling for Joe Thompson to be fired… *checks notes* …last week.

Fascinating. https://t.co/758GqKIGOk pic.twitter.com/aUFIDfQ9tQ

— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) January 13, 2026

He really does think we're stupid. 

Anyhow, the larger issue at hand is how this development puts the screws to the Minnesota taxpayers even worse than before. When Thompson was first addressing the fraud issues last year, he said then his office was so overwhelmed by the magnitude of the scandal. But now that there have been mass resignations, justice will be delayed that much more. For all the bluster Trump put forth is rooting out the fraud in Minnesota, his administration's latest actions effectively help blunt the investigation now that the U.S. Attorneys office is even more understaffed than when Thompson expressed how resources were being spread thin.

I'm all for enforcing our immigration laws, but denying basic investigative protocols (i.e. scrutinizing the actions of the shooter) give appearances that enforcement is selective. 

----------------------------------------------

2025 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Monday game)

Houston Texans (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers: I feel as though the Texans are the most slept on team in the NFL postseason. And while third year QB CJ Stroud is the face of the franchise, it's their stout defense (#1 in total yards, #2 in points allowed) which has carried them this season. Also, Houston enters the playoffs with the longest active winning streak at nine games. 

The Steelers are only here due to Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missing a field goal on literally the final play of the regular season. Good news for them is their otherwise pedestrian offense gets a boost as WR D.K. Metcalf returns from a two game suspension. Regardless, Pittsburgh didn't have a single running back or receiver break the 1,000-yard barrier this season. And even though he'll be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years after he retires, 43-year old QB Aaron Rodgers is clearly ready to ride off into the sunset. 

Unless the Steelers come up with some big plays on defense, I believe the Texans will roll. 

Houston 20 Pittsburgh 10

--------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 1/11/2026

-------------------------------------

After my own indecision, they confused me so......

We're not even two weeks into 2026, yet it's felt like two months. I could literally conduct a 3-hour solo broadcast today but, alas, the usual two hours will have to suffice. Today's edition of my radio show The Closer will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

Obviously much of the broadcast will be focused on Wednesday's incident in Minneapolis where a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agent killed a woman who was blocking their path. And as has been custom for some time, leftist and righty narratives were flying before all the facts were known. Also, this past week marked the 5-year anniversary of the riots at the U.S. Capitol. I'll discuss why that incident parallels what happened in Minneapolis Wednesday. 

In what was going to be the top story on today's show got pushed aside by the ICE incident. Nevertheless, Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he would not seek reelection for a third term next year. While this news was initially shocking, a big picture look would tell you it shouldn't be all that surprising. 

And finally, GOP members of the MN House of Representatives traveled to Washington, D.C. to give testimony regarding the state's rampant welfare fraud. 

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.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2025 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Sunday games)

Buffalo Bills (-1-1/2) at Jacksonville Jaguars: Over the previous five seasons, Josh Allen and the Bills have won no fewer than 11 games per year and have seemingly been a Super Bowl contender each time ---- but have nary a Super Bowl appearance in that span. The good news for Buffalo this postseason is neither of the two teams (Kansas City and Cincinnati) who have stonewalled them those five years are in this year's tournament. The bad news? They must face a resurgent quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, whose play this season was on par with the two QBs (Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow) who have been a thorn in the Bills' postseason side. 

The Jags enter the playoffs as one of the NFL's hottest teams as they finished the year with eight consecutive wins. And despite the fact head coach Liam Coen comes off as extremely goofy, he's guided the Jaguars offense to their highest scoring season since 2017, a year which saw them reach the AFC Championship Game. 

While the Bills sport the NFL's top ranked pass defense in terms of yards allowed, their run defense has been gashed all season, allowing 5.1 yards per carry. While I think Lawrence will still get his, look for a heavy dose of RB Trevor Etienne, who finished 11th in the NFL with 1,107 yards. While Buffalo's James Cook led the NFL in rush yards with 1,621, the Jaguars were the best run defense in the league. If Buffalo is to prevail, Allen once again needs to be the magic. 

Jacksonville 24 Buffalo 21 

San Francisco 49ers (+5-1/2) at Philadelphia Eagles: I don't know how, but the 49ers won 12 games this season despite WR Brandon Aiyuk being unavailable all season, QB Brock Purdy and WR Ricky Pearsall missing eight games, TE George Kittle being out for six, and stalwart defenders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner each suffering season-ending injuries. Ironically, the offense was held together by the oft injured RB Christian McCaffrey, who played in all 17 games and compiled more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage (1,202 rushing, 924 receiving and 17 total touchdowns). Expect McCaffrey to be saddled with his normally heavy workload this game.

The Eagles are a hard team to figure out. While they've looked uneven offensively all year (especially RB Saquon Barkley taking a significant downturn from a 2,000+ yard rushing season in 2024), their defense really stepped up the final five games of the regular season, allowing an average of only 235 total yards. And while QB Jalen Hurts has been underwhelming most of the year, he always seems to find an extra gear in the postseason. 

I don't really have a good feel for this game, so I'll just go with the home team. 

Philadelphia 20 San Francisco 17

Los Angeles Chargers (+3-1/2) at New England Patriots: Despite being drafted #6 overall in 2020 and putting up some really good passing numbers, Chargers QB Justin Herbert is likely feeling significant pressure this postseason. In Herbert's first five years, the Chargers have been to the playoffs only twice, going one-and-done on both occasions. The fact San Diego L.A. is even in the postseason is no small feat given starting offensive linemen Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are both on Injured Reserve. Their absence has been felt (literally) by Herbert as he was sacked 54 times in sixteen games. 

After a near two-decade dynasty, the Patriots made only one playoff appearance in the subsequent five seasons after Tom Brady departed. 

If we are to enact a re-do of the 2024 draft, QB Drake Maye, whom the Pats selected #3 overall behind quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, may have to be taken first. Maye has had an MVP caliber 2025 season and has guided New England to a 14-3 record after a 1-2 start. He led the NFL in completion percentage, quarterback rating and QBR. He also finished fourth overall in pass yards and third in TD passes. 

Despite stellar quarterback play from both teams in 2025, I see this as a grind 'em out type game given both defenses are in the top 10 in terms of yardage and points allowed. 

New England 22 Los Angeles 20 

--------------------------------------------------------

2025 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Saturday games)

Los Angeles Rams (-10) at Carolina Panthers: This is a rematch of a Week 13 game when a middling Carolina team upset a 9-2 Rams squad, 31-28. Going into that game, the Rams were on the short list of Super Bowl favorites. However, they stumbled down the stretch, going 3-3 in their final six contests. 

The Panthers had everything go right in that regular season matchup as they won the turnover battle 3-0 and went 3 for 3 on fourth down conversions, yet still needed a late TD to prevail. Even though they are the home team here, Carolina finished the season 8-9 with a minus-69 point differential. Regardless, don't expect them to catch the Rams by surprise this time. Add to that the NFL's #1 offense in terms of points and yardage getting back veteran WR Davante Adams, this could mean a long day for the Panthers. 

I like what Carolina is doing and their future certainly isn't as hopeless as it appeared two years ago, but the Rams are built for "win now" mode. 

Los Angeles 28 Carolina 17

Green Bay Packers (-1-1/2) at Chicago Bears: This is the 213th all-time matchup in what is easily pro football's most prolific rivalry. However, this is only the third meeting of these historic franchises in the postseason. The teams split their two regular season contests with the home team prevailing in each. Both games went right down to the wire, so expect this game to have at least a similar vibe now that we're in the postseason. 

The Packers were riding high in Week 15 at Denver, where they were sporting a 9-3-1 record and leading the Broncos in the second half of that game. However, Green Bay's fortunes turned late in the third quarter when stud pass rusher Micah Parsons suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Broncos would rally for the victory, which was the first of four consecutive losses the Pack would suffer to end the season. 

The 2025 Chicago Bears are certainly not your daddy's Bears (or grandfather's. or great-grandfather's) given they're sporting a top 10 offense in terms of total yards but rank near the bottom in total defense. However, the Bears led the NFL with 33 takeaways, which certainly covered the ills of a sieve-like D. 

To me, this is the key takeaway: the Bears were 9-0 in the regular season when they forced at least 2 turnovers, but only 2-6 when they didn't. Meanwhile, the Packers' offense gave away the ball only 13 times all year, which was third fewest in the NFL. But the Bears' O was actually the best with only 11 giveaways. 

Much to my chagrin as a Vikings fan, I believe the Bears got it right with head coach Ben Johnson and QB Caleb Williams. The franchise hasn't had this kind of stability in those two key areas since the 1980s. And while the Bears are certainly set up for the long haul, I maintain Green Bay is a slightly better team this year. It's hard for me to envision the Pack making a long playoff run without Parsons, but they'll have enough to emerge victorious this game. 

Green Bay 26 Chicago 23

-----------------------------------------------------

He called it!

Less than 12 hours before Rep. Walter Hudson (R-Albertville) was to testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, he sat down with NewsNation to discuss Minnesota's rampant welfare fraud. 

If you notice the caption on the video, Walter warns us to "anticipate attempts to deviate from the facts" regarding Minnesota's fraud problem. 

Fast forward to the committee hearing the next day. 

What's hilarious is the vacuous Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) thought he could "own" those he likely viewed as bumpkins from flyover land. 

So what's the insinuation here, Max? If Reps. Hudson and Marion Rarick don't kowtow to your demands for performative condemnations of President Donald Trump that they're not able to credibly decry welfare fraud in their home state? 

Is there any wonder why the U.S. Congress has an approval rating worse than a used car salesman? 

----------------------------------------------------------

Sadly predictable

I take absolutely no pride in being correct when I wrote two weeks ago that the anti-ICE rhetoric of Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey may well radicalize citizens to the point of them resorting to violence against the Feds. Or worse, citizens may end up being killed themselves. Sure enough, 37-year old Renee Good was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement officer in what the Dept of Homeland Security is claiming as an act of self defense. 

WARNING: SOME VIDEOS CONTAIN STRONG LANGUAGE. 

BREAKING: Woman shot and killed during ICE operation in Minneapolis. New video shows the circumstances pic.twitter.com/isgu028bEQ

— BNO News (@BNONews) January 7, 2026

As ICE vehicles were traveling down the street, Ms. Good blocked them from proceeding. Again, protests are one thing, but impeding Federal officers from enacting their duties is obstruction of justice. With that said, the Feds can't just shoot her without taking her under arrest, which is what many anti-ICE politicians are suggesting. But a closer look at the incident throws those claims into question. 

Slowed down video (w/ enhanced brightness & captions) show the driver attempting to run over at least one ICE agent.

Democrat narrative over. Open-and-shut case.#Minneapolis #ICE #ICEMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/xP2EGssleL

— LeftistsofMN (@LeftistsofMN) January 7, 2026

Here's a solid breakdown by NBC News law enforcement analyst Jim Cavanaugh.  

This was back from just after 230pm Eastern, but this is really good from NBC News law enforcement analyst Jim Cavanaugh...

“Well, we're seeing a person who was, you know, being stopped in the street, her vehicles across the street, and ICE agents are trying to talk to her.… pic.twitter.com/BHxBRoJqca

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) January 7, 2026

As with any law enforcement shooting where injuries or fatalities have occurred, a thorough investigation will ensue. So with that in mind, certainly Walz and Frey will exercise discretion while issuing their official statements on the incident. Right?  

ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/1gfFC0Le6Q

— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) January 7, 2026

BREAKING - Tim Walz is now threatening to mobilize the Minnesota National Guard to keep the federal government out of Minnesota.

Literal civil war style rhetoric. pic.twitter.com/lwwTTMUYb2

— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) January 7, 2026

🚨 Tim Walz just said that Minnesota is "at war with our federal government." pic.twitter.com/GlRR7p4ABr

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 7, 2026

It's been my understanding that elected leaders are expected to be pillars of strength, decisiveness and calm in a crisis. As we've seen over the past couple weeks (and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic 5+ years ago), these two buffoons have been anything but. And it has played no small part in citizens being killed. 

--------------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCXCIII

- It was five years ago Tuesday when the U.S. Capitol came under siege by a bunch of Trump supporters unable to accept his defeat in the November 2020 presidential election. While it was sorry day in our nation's history and should never be whitewashed as just "bunch of people peacefully walking the halls," it was also not even close to the worst day our Republic has ever witnessed, despite what progs and other anti-Trumpers may proclaim. 

So on the 5-year anniversary of the 1/6/2021 riots, it's not all that shocking that progs are still making mountains out of molehills over that day, especially now that Donald Trump is POTUS again. 

 

Democrats end their January 6 candlelight vigil by singing God Bless America together pic.twitter.com/lsXqeqewfz

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 6, 2026

Remember how leftists accused the political right of being overly dramatic about the attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya back in September 2012, where there were actual American casualties (unlike Jan. 6)? In the minds of progs, they view the Capitol riots in the manner they believe the right emphasized Benghazi. 

- Gov. Tim Walz officially dropping his reelection bid was a blow.....to Republicans. While I don't believe he was directly complicit in the rampant welfare fraud in Minnesota nor would I suggest he covered it up, the fact remains this all occurred while he was the state's top executive. And that made him incredibly vulnerable in the 2026 cycle. 

Here's the latest instance of fraud. 

Explosive audit finds Minnesota state workers mismanaging money meant to treat addiction and mental health then fabricating documents to cover their tracks pic.twitter.com/ywHcwtJgsY

— Lou Raguse (@LouRaguse) January 6, 2026

Remember this tweet by former President Barack Obama after the first legislative session of a 2-year DFL trifecta? 

 

If you need a reminder that elections have consequences, check out what's happening in Minnesota.https://t.co/JCMdLRantC

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 26, 2023

That tweet could be written word-for-word today with the word "consequences" taking on an entirely different connotation. 

- Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan, passed away Sunday at the age of 80.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan," his family said in a statement. "Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa. Michael was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California. Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.

"We appreciate your prayers and ask that you would respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time."

Reagan was a conservative author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and frequent public speaker who spent decades actively defending and promoting his father’s legacy through close involvement with the Reagan Library and Foundation.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said it "mourns the passing of Michael Reagan," describing him as "a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy."

"Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals," the foundation said in the statement.

I actually had the privilege of meeting Michael back in the fall of 2011. He was gracious enough to stop by a NARN broadcast Mitch and I were conducting at a Bloomington conservative gathering. 

While I'm not the type to be starstruck, I couldn't help but think I was literally one degree of separation from one of the most revered President's in American history. I couldn't tell ya what specifically Michael talked about during his appearance on our radio show, but Mitch and I were more than willing to just sit back and have Michael share anecdotes about the Reagan legacy. 

My sincere condolences to Michael's loved ones. 

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Whoa!

I was surprised when Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced late last year that he was seeking a third term in 2026. He did so in spite of a majority of voters believing he should be done after two terms. 

With that said, I shouldn't be shocked (though I am a little bit) by this announcement which dropped late Sunday evening. 

A shocking development in the 2026 race for Minnesota governor as WCCO political analyst Blois Olson has learned that Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) has likely decided to drop out of the race and won't seek an unprecedented third consecutive term.

According to Olson, Walz will make an announcement about his political future on Monday, and says he's likely made the decision to drop out of the 2026 governor's race.

I've written in this space as well as speculated on my radio show about the possibility of Democrat power brokers pressuring Walz to drop his bid for a third gubernatorial term. Given the rampant waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars which have happened under his watch, there were DFL legislators voicing concern that a poor showing by Walz on Election Day 2026 could adversely impact down ballot races. Given that Democrats have a built-in electoral advantage of being the opposite party of a sitting President in his second term, the last thing they want is to prop up an incumbent Dem governor in a solidly blue state. 

And let's not forget Congresswoman Shelly Morrison's disclaimer when asked is she'd consider being Walz's running mate in '26.

"I'm not gonna be the lieutenant governor, but I am going to support with everything I have, Gov. Walz, if he is the Democrat who is running," Morrison told me on Capitol Hill last week after several Democratic sources told me she's being considered by Walz for the job.

— Sydney Kashiwagi (@SydneyKashiwagi) December 16, 2025

"....if he is the Democrat who is running." Gotta wonder if Rep. Morrison was already cued in on the possibility of Walz not sticking around. 

There'll be plenty of time for speculation as to whom will replace Walz as the Democrat candidate this year. But if I had to guess? Based on little more than gut instinct, I'd say Congressman Dean Phillips is likely on the short list.

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