Insight News News
By Stacy M. Brown
Under President Donald Trump’s Project 2025, the administration has launched an unprecedented effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) programs. Federal agencies are now prohibited from observing Black History Month, and employees involved in DE&I initiatives have been terminated. Critics argue these measures represent a full-on attack on marginalized communities and signal a clear directive for corporations to follow suit.
Trump’s administration, which has no diversity in its ranks, has been accused of setting a dangerous precedent. Some companies, however, remain committed to their DE&I
By Stacy M. Brown
Senior
The White House’s decision to pause federal grants and loans has sent shockwaves across Washington, D.C., and beyond, exposing vulnerabilities in Republican-leaning states that heavily depend on federal funding. In a memo issued Monday, acting Office of Management and Budget director Matthew J. Vaeth instructed federal agencies to halt all activities related to federal financial assistance, leaving questions about the legality and long-term impact of the directive. Federal funding plays a significant role in Washington, D.C., where $6.3 billion was allocated in fiscal year 2021 to support Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for
efforts. Organizations like Costco, JPMorgan Chase, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Apple continue to view diversity as a cornerstone of their workforce strategies, refusing to back down despite mounting pressure from conservatives and the White House.
Corporations Holding the Line
Costco’s board of directors recently rejected the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) proposal that sought to force the company to publish risks associated with its DE&I programs or eliminate them. The board reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusion ahead of a January 23 shareholder vote. “Our success at Costco Wholesale has been built on service to our critical stakeholders: employees, members, and suppliers,”
Needy Families (TANF), public schools, and infrastructure. These funds accounted for 32.2% of the district’s revenue. The freeze now threatens programs critical to D.C. residents, especially the city’s most vulnerable populations. However, the impact of this freeze could hit Republican states hardest. According to data from MoneyGeek, seven of the 10 states most dependent on federal funding are Republicanleaning, with these states receiving an average of $1.24 for every dollar contributed. In contrast, Democratic-leaning blue states received $1.14 per dollar paid in federal taxes. New Mexico, a state that leans blue, saw the highest return on federal spending at $3.42 per dollar contributed, while Delaware, another blue state, had the lowest return at $0.46. Despite these outliers, higher-
the board said in a statement reported by Forbes. “Our efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion follow our code of ethics. These efforts remind and reinforce with everyone at our company the importance of creating opportunities for all.”
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has also resisted calls to retreat from diversity programs. “We will continue to reach out to the Black community, the Hispanic community, the veterans’ community, and LGBTQ. We have teams with second chance initiatives — governors in blue states and red states like what we do,” Dimon said in an interview with CNBC. Apple’s leadership has similarly rejected proposals to scale back DE&I, labeling such measures as attempts to “micromanage” the company’s operations. The board stated, “The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well-
income, blue states generally contribute more to federal coffers than they receive, due to higher tax revenues and lower reliance on federal assistance. Experts say the freeze will likely hit red states the hardest, as they are more dependent on federal funding.
“Higher-income states produce the majority of the tax dollars that go into the federal government’s pocket,” Kathy Fallon, a human services practice area director at Public Consulting Group, told MoneyGeek in October.
“Because of the higher income, states and their residents need less support and use fewer federal dollars.” Tax code changes in recent years have further increased the financial burden on wealthier blue states.
“Before, people who paid large state income taxes would deduct those from their federal tax payments,” Fallon explained. “Now, state tax deductions are
established compliance program,” as reported by Tech Xplore.
Walmart’s Retreat Draws Outrage Walmart, by contrast, joined corporations like Meta, McDonald’s, Ford Motor Co., and Molson Coors in rolling back its DE&I initiatives. In response, longterm shareholders representing $266 billion in funds wrote a letter to CEO Doug McMillon on January 14, expressing their disappointment. “Seeing the company retreat from its stated values and the business opportunities associated with a diverse and inclusive workforce is very disheartening,” the letter, organized by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, stated.
Caroline Boden of Mercy Investment Services, a signatory of the letter, added, “DEI initiatives aren’t just
‘nice to have,’ they are essential to breaking down systemic inequities hindering our economy and preventing society from fully thriving. Inequity is bad for business and, ultimately, investors.” A coalition of 14 attorneys general, including Maryland’s Anthony G. Brown, also sent Walmart a letter urging reconsideration. Speaking to CBS News, Brown said, “When major companies roll back their commitments to these efforts, they signal to smaller businesses that it is acceptable to do the same, creating a ripple effect that inflicts lasting harm across our State and nation.”
Advocates Warn of LongTerm Consequences Leaders in DE&I initiatives continue challenging corporate rollbacks, warning of the harm such decisions could cause. Tinisha Bookhart, co-founder and director of IT and DE&I at Primary Talent
Partners, described the move to abandon diversity programs as deeply troubling. “When implemented correctly, DE&I solutions aim to provide opportunities to qualified individuals who, due to conscious or unconscious bias, might not otherwise have them. Abandoning DE&I altogether is a grave misstep that only serves to perpetuate existing disparities in the workforce,” she said. In an interview with CWS 3.0, Omni Inclusive CEO Perry Charlton said corporations like Costco and Apple serve as shining examples of why DE&I matters. “Diversity in the contingent workforce is not just a moral imperative — it’s an essential driver of innovation, growth, and long-term success. Abandoning these efforts now undermines progress and jeopardizes the future of equitable work environments,” Charlton said.
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Douglas Rissing
A commonsense solution for online safety
By Lawrence Wright, Member of the DFL
Minnesota prides itself on being forward-thinking, so, when it comes to protecting our children online, we cannot settle for anything less than thoughtful,
effective solutions that both keep our communities’ children safe, and allow them to fully utilize the tools and opportunities to be found online. We need to encourage smart policies that
offer modern solutions to the problems our teens face today. That is why I am advocating for a federal bill that brings social media age verification to the very beginning: the app store.
The reality facing Minnesota’s families today isn’t just about whether children should be on social media
– it’s about ensuring equal access to digital opportunities while maintaining safety. Our current approach of requiring each platform to verify age and implement safety measures isn’t
Chaos isn’t just a byproduct of Republican leadership under Donald Trump, it’s the strategy.
From Washington, D.C., to Minnesota, Republicans have weaponized instability to consolidate power, undermine democratic norms, and sow distrust in our institutions.
This chaos isn’t accidental; it’s a calculated effort to create confusion, suppress accountability, and stifle progress.
Since his inauguration, Trump’s leadership has been defined by this deliberate use of chaos. His recent public threats to impose tariffs on the nation of Colombia in retaliation for their refusal to accept deportation flights is just one example. This threat of tariffs would not only destabilize diplomatic relationships, in fact it did, but also risk economic harm to American businesses and consumers. This move isn’t about effective policy, it’s about creating turmoil to divert attention from his broader failures.
Trump’s broader strategy includes purging independent inspectors general, rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and deploying aggressive immigration raids. These actions aim to dismantle systems of accountability, stoke fear, and pit communities against each other. Chaos, in Trump’s hands, becomes a tool to maintain power while disorienting those who would hold him accountable.
This playbook of chaos-driven governance isn’t confined to Washington. It has made its way to Minnesota, where Republicans in the State House have embraced similar tactics. When Minnesotans elected a DFL majority to represent the will of the people, Republicans responded not with cooperation but with obstruction and an all-out assault on democracy. Recent events in Minnesota’s State House underscore this strategy. Republicans attempted to unseat a duly elected representative and restructure the House without the required quorum. These actions culminated in what can only be described as an attempted coup. It took
just failing; it’s creating new barriers that disproportionately impact communities of color.
The digital world is where our children learn, connect, and grow. From homework help to job opportunities, from educational resources to social support networks, online access has become essential for youth development. But our current patchwork of platform-byplatform safety measures is leaving too many families struggling to balance safety in the mix of these innovations.
Let me be direct: Requiring families to share sensitive personal information with multiple social media platforms is not a solution –it’s a privacy crisis waiting to happen. We already see how data collection and surveillance disproportionately affect our communities. Why would we create a system that demands even more personal information be shared with tech companies?
There’s a straightforward fix: implementing parental controls at the app store level. This approach mirrors successful policy solutions we’ve seen in other areas – creating a
single point of oversight rather than a fragmented system that leaves families vulnerable. When lawmakers introduced this solution last session, they showed they understood the need for systemic change. Now it’s time to finish the job. We’ve seen how confusing and burdensome the current system can be for parents trying to keep their children safe online. Many families in our communities work multiple jobs, face language barriers, or struggle with technical literacy. They need a simple, secure way to protect their children – not another complex system to navigate. The goal here is simply to ensure that all families can make informed choices about their children’s online presence without
intervention from the Minnesota Supreme Court to restore order, but the incident revealed the lengths to which Republicans will go to subvert democracy and create chaos.
This is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a broader effort to erode trust in institutions and grind governance to a halt. What happened in Minnesota mirrors Trump’s chaos-driven politics at the national level. The refusal to respect norms, disdain for accountability, and relentless pursuit of power at any cost are hallmarks of a Republican Party that thrives on the disorder and chaos they create.
But there’s a critical difference between Washington and Minnesota. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Supreme Court stepped in to check the chaos. Nationally, there’s been little resistance to Trump’s erosion of institutional norms. His recent remarks questioning the very existence of FEMA, suggesting states manage disaster responses independently, are a stark reminder of his disregard for systems designed to provide stability and support. Removing FEMA’s federal safety net would leave states vulnerable during crises, undermining decades of bipartisan consensus on disaster response.
History offers a clear lesson: chaos as a governing strategy is devastating, and we’ve seen its consequences right here in the United States. The Jim Crow era weaponized social chaos to entrench racial hierarchies, destabilizing Black communities through systemic violence, propaganda, and discriminatory laws. After Hurricane Katrina, the chaos of disaster recovery was exploited to dismantle public education
in New Orleans, replacing traditional schools with charter schools and leaving vulnerable communities even more disempowered. In more recent years, the deliberate spread of misinformation on social media has sown division and distrust, culminating in the January 6, 2021, insurrection, a shocking example of how chaos can threaten the very foundations of democracy. Political polarization today continues to deepen these divisions, allowing those in power to thrive by turning Americans against each other.
As a former 5th grade U.S. History teacher, I taught my students about these moments in our nation’s past. The truth is, we already know these lessons. We’ve seen how chaos erodes trust, undermines progress, and destabilizes societies. The question is, are we willing to learn from them?
Minnesotans should take these lessons to heart. The chaos Republicans attempted to unleash in the State House isn’t an anomaly, it’s part of a larger, deliberate effort to undermine democracy. The national GOP’s chaos machine has arrived at our doorstep, and it will persist unless we remain vigilant.
The Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision is a powerful reminder that we have tools to fight back. Our state institutions, for now, stand as a bulwark against the worst impulses of chaos-driven politics. But protecting those institutions requires electing leaders who prioritize stability, accountability, and the public good over partisan power grabs. At the national level, the stakes are even higher. Trump’s chaos will continue to spread unless checked by Congress, the
By Simon Burris
courts, and, ultimately, the voters. Minnesotans have a unique opportunity to lead by example, rejecting chaos-driven politics and showing the rest of the nation that stability and democracy are worth fighting for.
Chaos is not governance. It’s a weapon wielded by those who fear progress and accountability. Throughout history, chaos has been used deliberately to destabilize societies and maintain power by dividing communities and stoking fear. From the systemic violence of the Jim Crow South to today’s misinformation campaigns, these tactics aim to confuse and disempower. But Minnesotans have rejected such strategies before, and we must reject them again, for the sake of our state, our nation, and our future.
Columnist
By Haley Taylor Schlitz, Esq.
For five years, insulin manufacturer Novo Nordisk agrees to cap out-of-pocket cost of its insulin treatments at $35 per month, and provide free insulin to the neediest Minnesotans.
Resolution of 2018 lawsuit against three largest insulin manufacturers means every Minnesotan will have access to insulin for no more than $35 a month.
Attorney General Keith Ellison today announced a settlement with Novo Nordisk that guarantees that all Minnesotans, with or without insurance, can buy Novo Nordisk’s insulin products for $35 per month for the next five
years. The settlement resolves the Attorney General’s 2018 lawsuit alleging that Novo Nordisk deceptively priced its insulin, a lifesaving drug used to treat diabetes, requiring uninsured and underinsured Minnesotans to pay astronomically high outof-pocket costs based on the Wholesale Acquisition Cost, or list price, of the drugs. In 2024, Attorney General Ellison reached similar settlements with Eli Lilly and Sanofi, the other two defendants in the 2018 lawsuit. Today’s settlement with Novo Nordisk means all Minnesotans can purchase insulin from the three
biggest insulin manufacturers for just $35 per month. To learn more, Minnesotans are encouraged to visit MNInsulin35.org, a website set up by the Attorney General’s Office to share information about how to purchase insulin for just $35, or obtain it for free depending on one’s income. Today’s settlement requires Novo Nordisk to provide insulin products— including Novolog, Tresiba, Fiasp, and Novolin, at any formulation and via any delivery method—at $35 per monthly prescription (3 vials or 2 packs of pens) for customers paying with cash. Even Minnesotans with insurance can choose to
not use their insurance and pay no more than $35 per month. Like Eli Lilly and Sanofi, Novo Nordisk has agreed to implement a texting system to assist pharmacists and patients to determine eligibility for low-cost insulin, and alert patients about this lowcost alternative at pharmacy counters throughout the state. Finally, Novo Nordisk has committed to continuing its Patient Assistance Program that provides free insulin to Minnesotans with an annual household income of less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level—$124,800 for a
The family of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has expressed hope of reviewing records related to his assassination before they are made public. King’s family’s statement came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to declassify records surrounding the assassinations of the civil rights icon, President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. “For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the
For members of the African American community, women, Latinos, LGBTQ, and even some marginalized white men, the buyer’s remorse has been swift and the sense of betrayal gutwrenching. President Donald Trump wasted no time in using his first week back in the White House to enact policies that
critics have called overtly racist, discriminatory, and regressive among the most controversial actions: mass deportations, a push to end birthright citizenship, and the revocation of key worker protections for minorities, women, and other marginalized groups. The latest executive order, targeting the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rule, is poised to dismantle decades of progress in workplace equity. The
Nancy Leftenant-Colon, the first Black woman to join the U.S. Army Nurse Corps after the military was desegregated in the 1940s, has died at the age of 104. She passed away earlier this month at a nursing home in New York. Known for quietly breaking barriers during her remarkable military career, Leftenant-Colon enjoyed a legacy of resilience, excellence, and service. Born on September 29, 1920, in Goose Creek, South
Carolina, to James and Eunice Leftenant, she graduated from Amityville High School in New York in 1939. Despite facing racial discrimination, Leftenant-Colon pursued her passion for nursing, graduating from Lincoln School of Nursing in 1941. According to her biography posted on Tuskegeeairmen. org, when she initially sought to join the Armed Forces, she was denied due to her race. Undeterred, she persisted and was accepted as a reservist into the Army Nurse Corps in January 1945, becoming a Second Lieutenant and serving
By James Pollard Associated Press
Target’s rollback on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is raising questions about the retail giant’s philanthropic commitment to fighting racial disparities and promoting progressive values in liberal Minneapolis, where it is based, and beyond.
Target and the Target Foundation have made sixfigure donations in recent years to groups working on Black economic empowerment and LGBTQ+ acceptance. “Racial equity” is still listed as a cornerstone of the foundation’s local grantmaking. But some fundraisers now wonder whether those types of gifts remain a primary concern for the brand, as Target joins other major American companies in curtailing internal DEI efforts attacked most prominently by President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Billions of dollars are spent annually on DEI, but rather than reducing bias and promoting inclusion, DEI creates and then amplifies prejudicial hostility and exacerbates interpersonal conflict,” The White House said in a statement accompanying Trump’s executive orders.
Corporations — including Walmart, Amazon and
The Black Press is the trusted news and information source for millions of Americans and is bringing on news trailblazer, April Ryan. This is April Ryan’s 6th Presidency, having covered five Presidents as a White House Correspondent and Bureau Chief. “April Ryan has exemplified the best of outstanding journalism for decades at the White House for news companies across the nation and world. We are so proud to announce that April Ryan will now be the Washington Bureau Chief and Senior White House Correspondent for Black Press USA (http://www. BlackPressUSA.com ). As the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) celebrates in 2025, the 198th Year of the
Black Press of America, we acknowledge the transformative contemporary benefit to the amplification of the strategic importance of the Black Press that will be rendered by the courage and professional
last 56 years,” the family stated in a message shared by King’s daughter, Bernice King.
Bernice
Building resiliency after New Orleans tragedy
By Naette Yoko Lee (Kirilova), Ph.D.
Mashed potatoes and chicken -- a small comfort but welcome change from the long days of hospital food. The meal was one of the ways United Way of Southeast Louisiana showed up for Heaven Sensky Kirsch and her family. On New Year’s Eve, Heaven’s family and father, Jeremi Sensky, were visiting New Orleans from Pennsylvania when tragedy struck. A man intentionally drove a pickup down the crowded Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter in a deadly rampage taking 14 lives, injuring 35 others, and traumatizing countless bystanders . Jeremi, who has been in a wheelchair since a 1999 accident left him paralyzed, had been out with friends Michael and Jordan, enjoying a late-night slice of pizza. He was making his way back to their hotel when the chaos unfolded. “We kept calling his phone. It was ringing, but he wasn’t answering,” Heaven recalled. Moments later, news reports revealed the devastating scene. She saw her father’s crumpled wheelchair on TV. Jeremi had been struck by the vehicle, thrown from his wheelchair, and left critically injured. Heaven says
it’s a miracle he survived.
“My dad is not an angry man. He’s been through so much, but he stays positive.” United Way of Southeast Louisiana responded immediately. Michael Williamson, president and CEO, says, We launched the United for New Orleans Relief Fund on January 1 to ensure we can respond at the speed of need, just like we always do.”
Bird flu is forcing farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month, pushing U.S. egg prices to more than double their cost in the summer of 2023. And it appears there may be no relief in sight, given the surge in demand as Easter approaches.
The average price per dozen nationwide hit $4.15 in December. That’s not quite as high as the $4.82 record set two years ago, but the Agriculture Department predicts prices are going to soar another 20% this year.
Shoppers in some parts of the country are already paying more than double the average price, or worse, finding empty shelves in their local grocery stores. Organic and cage-free varieties are even more expensive.
Some grocery stores have even limited how many eggs shoppers can buy.
“It’s just robbery,” said Minneapolis resident Sage Mills, who bought eggs to bake a birthday cake last week. “Eggs used to be kind of a staple food for us, but now you know, you might as well just go out to eat.”
What is driving up prices?
The bird flu outbreak
The fund’s contributors include Ms. Gayle Benson, the New Orleans Saints, NFL Foundation, and over 500 generous donors, raising over $600,000. Within seven days of the tragedy, United Way allocated funds to those impacted, including $15,000 for families who lost loved ones , $3,500 to those injured, like Jeremi, to help offset medical and logistical costs, and crisis grants to partner
organizations addressing mental health and other urging needs. Beyond financial support, United Way focused on unseen but essential necessities—meals, laundry services, and partnering with the Split Second Foundation and the United Cajun Navy to provide a specialized motorized wheelchair after Jeremi’s was destroyed. Their work isn’t new. United Way responded
to countless natural disasters in recent years and launched a mental health collaborative in 2023, addressing trauma and crisis response citywide. Now, they’re expanding those efforts and are committed to long-term recovery and healing. “Our focus is on the survivors and the victims’ families, but also on the broader community affected by this tragedy,” Williamson said. Heaven is grateful for the support her family
has received: “They’ve been bringing food; they brought in Mark Raymond Jr. with the Split Second Foundation, who’s a quadriplegic here in New Orleans, and that has been a tremendous support for my dad. They helped ... us ... pay for a special bed for my dad at home so that he can prevent bedsores. And just all around, being there for us as we’re far away from home.” Today, a United Way staffer is picking up and returning a package that was delivered to the family’s hotel after they started their journey home following Jeremi’s release. Proof that where there is a need, there is a United way. The road to healing will be long for
that started in 2022 is the main reason egg prices are up so much.
Anytime the virus is found on a poultry farm, the entire flock is slaughtered to help limit the virus’ spread. And with massive egg farms routinely housing more than 1 million chickens, just a few infections can cause a supply crunch.
The problem tends to linger because it takes months to dispose of all the carcasses, disinfect barns and bring in new birds.
More than 145 million chickens, turkeys and other birds have been slaughtered since the current outbreak began, with the vast majority of them being egg-laying chickens. Cage-free egg laws in 10 states may also be responsible for some supply disruptions and price increases. The laws set minimum space for chickens or cage-free requirements for egglaying hens. They’ve already gone into effect in California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Michigan. At a Target in Chicago on Monday, a dozen large conventional eggs cost $4.49 but a dozen large cagefree eggs were selling for $6.19. Why is the virus so hard to control?
Bird flu is primarily spread by wild birds such as ducks and geese as they
migrate. While it is fatal to a variety of animals, those species can generally carry it without getting sick, which offers the virus a chance to mutate and thrive.
The virus can be spread through droppings or any interaction between farm-raised poultry and wild birds. It’s also easily tracked into a farm on someone’s boots or by vehicle. Unlike previous outbreaks, the one that began in 2022 didn’t die out in high summer temperatures. The virus found another new host when dairy cattle started getting sick last March. That creates more opportunities for the virus to linger and spread and unlike poultry, cattle aren’t slaughtered when they get sick because they rarely die from bird flu. More than five dozen people have also become ill with bird flu and one person died since last March. Nearly all of them worked around sick animals. Health officials haven’t yet found evidence of the disease spreading from person to person. What is being done to stop the virus?
Farmers go to great lengths to protect their flocks. Many poultry farms installed truck washes to disinfect vehicles entering their property and require workers to shower and change clothes
before stepping inside a barn.
They have also invested in duplicate sets of tools so nothing used in one barn is shared.
Some poultry farmers have even invested in lasers that shoot beams of green light in random patterns to discourage ducks and geese from landing.
Dairy farmers isolate any sick cattle and do additional testing before moving animals off the farm — especially if there has been a nearby outbreak or if the cows are being sent to a meat processing plant. The government is also testing milk.
Future vaccines might help, but it’s not practical to vaccinate millions of chickens through shots, and other countries might refuse to purchase meat from vaccinated birds.
Health officials emphasize that any sick birds or cattle are kept out of the food supply. Cooking meat to 165 degrees (74 Celsius) kills bird flu, E. coli, salmonella or anything else. Pasteurization also kills the virus in milk. Raw milk is the only food product linked to illnesses so far. How much has the outbreak cost so far?
It is impossible to know how much farmers have spent to seal barns, build shower houses for workers or to adopt other biosecurity measures.
“Over the last five years, my small farm alone has
spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on biosecurity,” said Minnesota turkey farmer Loren Brey. “But not only that, it’s the time daily that you’re attending to biosecurity.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has spent at least $1.14 billion compensating farmers for the birds they have had to kill. A similar number wasn’t immediately available for how much has been spent to aid dairies.
USDA spokeswoman Shilo Weir said the department also spent more than $576 million on its own response. The prices of turkey, milk and chicken have also seen some pressure from bird flu. Mike Vickers, a manager at Sentyrz Liquor & Supermarket in Minneapolis, said he can’t even stock any organic, cage-free or brown eggs right now and is limited instead to selling large or jumbo eggs. He understands the pain customers are feeling.
“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve ever had to be kind of embarrassed on what I’m selling eggs for,” he said. “And it’s not our fault. We’re paying today $7.45 for a dozen eggs. We’re selling for $7.59. We’re making $0.14. That’s doesn’t pay the bills.” Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska.
AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
Eggs sit for sale at a grocery store, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Windham, Maine.
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family of four.
“Our litigation has had a huge impact on insulin prices,” Attorney General Ellison said. “In 2018, when our lawsuit was filed, it could cost hundreds of dollars for Minnesotans to fill their insulin prescription. As of today, it will cost just $35. My mission as Attorney General is to help
From 1 not granting interviews as they await further information. The release of the documents wasn’t the only moment in the news this week for the King’s family. The nation observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which fell on the same Monday as Trump’s inauguration this year. Bernice King, the youngest of King’s four children, told MSNBC that the
should raise eyebrows and help showcase the irony of the Trump administration’s actions, as many of the most federally dependent states supported him and are likely to feel the sting of these new policies. While 31 states contributed more to
Minnesotans afford their lives, and lowering the cost of an expensive, life-saving drug like insulin does exactly that.” In the months ahead, the Attorney General’s Office intends to work with local, state, and community partners to raise public awareness of the low-cost option afforded by this settlement. The Office has already created a website, MNInsulin35.com, to help consumers navigate the options opened to them by the insulin settlements. With the resolution of the lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, Minnesotans may
overlap provided an opportunity to recall her father’s legacy while the country transitions to a new administration. “It’s wonderful that this occurs on the King holiday, the inauguration because it reminds us of King,” said King, who was five years old when her father was assassinated in 1968. “It points us back to King. It says, ‘When we move forward, we’ve got to do it in the spirit of King.” She called on Americans to remain steadfast in the values her father championed, particularly nonviolence. “We have to strategize. We’ve been missing the strategy. We’ve
the federal government than they received in 2024, 52% of these states were Republicanleaning, revealing a shift from previous years. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) sharply criticized the order, saying, “Congress
now obtain free or low-cost insulin from any of the three largest insulin manufacturers in the country to help consumers navigate the options opened to them by the insulin settlements. With the resolution of the lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, Minnesotans may now obtain free or low-cost insulin from any of the three largest insulin manufacturers in the country.
“With this final insulin settlement, we have guaranteed that Minnesotans can not only obtain and afford their insulin, but they can choose between manufacturers and
been missing the spirit of Dr. King,” she said. “The spirit of Dr. King is nonviolence. And nonviolence is not just a posture; it’s a mindset. It’s a love-centered way of thinking, speaking, acting, and engaging that leads to personal, cultural, and societal transformation.”
This year marked just the third time that Martin Luther King Jr. Day coincided with a presidential inauguration, the first during President Bill Clinton’s second term in 1997 and the second during President Barack Obama’s second term in 2013. Obama took his oath of office using a Bible that
approved these investments, and they are not optional; they are the law. Donald Trump must direct his administration to reverse course immediately and ensure that taxpayer money goes where it’s needed.” Experts warn that the
insulin products to ensure they get what they need,” Attorney General Ellison added. “While our insulin lawsuits have been resolved, the work my Office to make life more affordable for folks across our state remains ongoing.”
Background Over the last decade, insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefits managers have faced rising scrutiny over the climbing cost of insulin from both state attorneys general and Congress. In 2022, President Biden’s Inflation Reduction
once belonged to King. In yet another incident this week that stirred controversy surrounding the King family, rapper Sexyy Red posted an AI-generated image of herself and Dr. King at a nightclub on social media on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The image showed the rapper holding hands with King in a crowded setting. The post, which lacked captions, was widely criticized and later deleted following a request from Bernice King. “This is intentionally distasteful, dishonoring, deplorable, and disrespectful to my family and my father, who is not here to
discriminatory.”
rule, which required federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure workers are not discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, was a crucial safeguard against systemic inequities. Now, with its removal, Black Americans, other minorities, women, and LGBTQ individuals face heightened vulnerability to workplace discrimination.
A Step Backward for Civil Rights
The EEO rule held federal contractors accountable for creating equitable workplaces, covering everything from hiring and promotions to pay. It also empowered the Department of Labor to enforce these standards. By rescinding the rule, Trump has significantly weakened the government’s ability to combat workplace discrimination, leaving marginalized groups with fewer avenues for recourse.
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“Revoking this rule not only undermines workplace equity but signals to private employers that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are no longer a priority,” said Alex Hontos, a partner at the law firm Dorsey & Whitney and an expert on government contracting. Hontos added that Trump’s executive orders will likely extend beyond federal contractors, targeting private companies through enforcement actions and public scrutiny of their DEI efforts.
Ripple Effects Beyond Federal Contractors
The chilling effect of rescinding the EEO rule could reach private employers, many of whom have already begun scaling back DEI programs in response to political and legal pressures. Corporations such as Meta, Ford, McDonald’s, and Walmart have rolled back DEI initiatives following the 2023 Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action in college admissions. Critics warn that this trend and Trump’s executive orders threaten to undo years of progress toward workplace equity.
For Black Americans, who already face systemic barriers in employment, the loss
of these protections exacerbates long-standing disparities. Women, particularly women of color, will likely see even more significant hurdles in hiring, pay, and promotions.
Hypocrisy Within the MAGA Movement
While Trump’s base includes supporters from across various demographics, his actions reflect the MAGA movement’s increasingly hostile stance toward LGBTQ individuals. Notably, Trump’s supporters include Caitlyn Jenner, a trans woman and high-profile conservative figure. However, after the administration’s executive orders targeting LGBTQ rights, many in Trump’s circle have strongly suggested they will only refer to Caitlyn as “Bruce,” her former name, before transitioning. The action signals a clear disregard for transgender identities, even among those who have been loyal to Trump’s agenda. “This is the hypocrisy of the MAGA movement,” noted one LGBTQ advocate who, like so many others, doesn’t want to be identified for fear of Trump and his band of worshippers.
“They claim to have diverse supporters, but their policies and rhetoric are unapologetically
Weakening Enforcement, Discouraging Complaints Under the nowrevoked rule, the Department of Labor had the authority to investigate and address workplace discrimination. Without it, federal contractors may feel less pressure to ensure fair practices, and workers may hesitate to report discrimination, fearing that their cases will not be taken seriously. That’s especially concerning for marginalized communities that already face disproportionate challenges in accessing legal recourse. “Workers who believe they’ve been treated unfairly could find themselves with fewer options to fight back,” a labor expert warned. Several labor experts fear the rollback of these protections could embolden employers to ignore diversity and inclusion goals, further marginalizing those already disadvantaged.
A Broader Conservative Agenda Trump’s actions align with those of a broader conservative movement against DEI initiatives. The executive order’s directive for attorneys general to scrutinize private-
legal authority for this freeze is tenuous. While the president can temporarily defer spending, significant pauses require formal notification to Congress and detailed justification.
G. William Hoagland of the Bipartisan Policy Center
Act capped out-of-pocket costs of insulin to seniors on Medicare to $35 per monthly prescription, a price which Minnesota’s settlement with Novo Nordisk now provides to all Minnesotans.
In addition to bringing lawsuits against Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk today, the Attorney General’s Office has worked to defend other legislative efforts to combat high drugs prices, including defending the Alec Smith Insulin Act from attack by the pharmaceutical industry, and price gouging laws intended to
respond himself because he was assassinated for working for your civil and human rights,” Bernice King wrote in response. Despite calling out the post, King also addressed negative comments directed at the rapper, writing, “I don’t believe Sexyy Red to be a ‘degenerate,’ ‘ghetto,’ or ‘trash,’” King stated. “I have spoken out in the past about the use of and comparison to either of my parents to denigrate other people.” Sexyy Red immediately apologized, saying, “You ain’t wrong, never meant to disrespect your family, my apologies. Just reposted
sector DEI efforts has raised alarm among civil rights advocates, who see it as an attempt to dismantle diversity programs across all sectors. Hontos noted that this “stepwise approach” will likely chill DEI initiatives even in companies not directly tied to federal contracts. The impact of these measures is compounded by other actions taken by Trump during his first week in office, including mass deportations and his move to end birthright citizenship. Critics have described these policies as part of a calculated effort to erode the rights of minorities, immigrants, and women while emboldening his base with overtly racist and exclusionary rhetoric.
Widening Inequities
The rollback of the EEO rule comes at a time when racial and gender inequities remain deeply entrenched in the U.S. workforce. By eliminating proactive measures to ensure equity, Trump’s actions risk normalizing discriminatory practices. Combined with the Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action in college admissions, these developments create a hostile environment for those seeking equal
expressed concerns about the broader implications. “This could be an effort to avoid implementing the law of the land as it relates to the budget process,” Hoagland said. “And the impact could be enormous.”
stop generic drug manufacturers from holding consumers hostage with high prices. Attorney General Ellison once again thanks his state partners and countless Minnesotans without whose help today’s settlement would not be possible. The Attorney General’s Office encourages consumers with complaints about their insulin to contact the Office online or by phone at (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787, or at (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).
something I saw that I thought was innocent.” King accepted the apology. “I value you as a human being,” King responded. “I know that my father has become a bit of a caricature to the world and that his image is often used with no regard to his family, his sacrificial work, or the tragic, unjust way in which he died (a state-sanctioned assassination). Unfortunately, I regularly challenge the disregard.”
opportunities. “This is a direct attack on the progress we’ve made as a nation,” civil rights advocates have argued. “It sends a message that diversity and inclusion are no longer valued and that discrimination will not be meaningfully addressed.”
A Return to Jim Crow-like Policies?
For many, Trump’s actions signal a return to an era where the rights of marginalized groups were openly disregarded. Black Americans stand to lose hard-won gains in workplace equity, with women and LGBTQ individuals facing similarly dire consequences. The broader implications of these policies, including their impact on private-sector companies, could reverse decades of progress in creating fair and inclusive workplaces. As Trump’s first week in office draws to a close, the question remains: how much damage will these policies inflict on the most vulnerable populations in America? The stakes could not be higher for those who have fought for civil rights and workplace equality. “We cannot afford to go backward,” said another labor advocate. “This is a fight for the soul of our nation.”
in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, treating wounded soldiers from World War II. In 1948, after President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981 abolishing segregation in the military, Leftenant-Colon became the first Black woman integrated into the Regular Army Nurse Corps. Her career continued to flourish as she transitioned to the newly established U.S. Air Force, where she supported missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, serving in various locations, including Germany, Japan, Alaska, and Vietnam. As a Flight Nurse with the 6481st Medical Air Evacuation Group, she evacuated wounded soldiers from active war zones and was credited with saving countless lives. Her groundbreaking service extended beyond the battlefield. In 1989, she became the first woman elected as National President of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., where she held multiple leadership roles. Honored with numerous accolades, Leftenant-Colon received honorary doctorates from Tuskegee University and Mount Saint Vincent College and was inducted into the Long Island Air and Space Hall of Fame. After retiring as Chief Nurse at McGuire Air Force Base in 1965, LeftenantColon continued to serve her community as a school nurse at her alma mater, Amityville High School, until 1984. In 2018, the school honored her with a new media center named in her memory. “She was just an awesome person,” her nephew Chris Leftenant told The Associated Press. “She never created waves when she was
Meta — are retreating from policies intended to counter discrimination, many of which were implemented after the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in 2020. Philanthropic advisors say the conservative backlash is also chilling support from some funders who fear that backing race-based nonprofit work could bring legal challenges like the one that successfully shuttered the Fearless Fund’s grant contest for Black women business owners.
Target announced Jan. 24 that it would conclude the DEI goals previously set to increase Black employees’ representation and advancement, improve Black shoppers’ experiences and promote Black-owned businesses. The company plans to stop submitting reports to external diversity surveys and named Human
Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index as an example. It is also “further evaluating our corporate partnerships to ensure they are directly connected to our roadmap for growth,” according to a memo posted on its website.
Target did not share publicly what those changes meant for its philanthropy — which totaled $384 million last year in cash and products from the corporation and its foundation, according to the company. In response to an Associated Press inquiry, the company described philanthropy as “a key way Target engages with communities, whether in our hometown of MinneapolisSt. Paul, in the communities surrounding our stores, or in the countries where our supply chain exists.”
A company spokesperson told AP that the “recent update does not impact Target Foundation giving” but added that, “as always, the foundation will continue to evaluate how it best supports organizations, coalitions and networks.” Also unchanged is the Target Circle
community giving program that allows loyalty members to decide which nonprofits the company supports. Target did not say what impact the internal changes might have on its corporate giving.
“Whenever you see corporate leadership making shifts in priorities, it worries folks in the foundation space about what impacts that might have on both existing giving and future initiatives,” said OutFront Minnesota Executive Director Kat Rohn, who said their LGBTQ+ advocacy group is not a Target partner. The changes have already influenced how one longtime partner sees their relationship. Twin Cities Pride Executive Director Andi Otto said he learned about the changes when he contacted Target about re-upping its sponsorship of his nonprofit’s programming celebrating the LGBTQ community. Target had consistently contributed around $50,000, Otto said.
As he pitched Target on recommitting this year, Otto said he was asked to set up a meeting with company leaders.
On the call, according to Otto, executives explained that they still wanted to sponsor Twin Cities Pride but let him know they would be removing internal DEI policies.
Otto said he appreciated the “heads up” but chose to reject Target’s sponsorship after his board discussed the impact of the company’s moves on the community they serve.
Inclusion falls by the wayside when there aren’t checks to ensure it, he added.
“It isn’t always just about the money that they give to us as a nonprofit, but it’s about what they are doing for the community in getting small, BIPOC- or LGBTQ-owned businesses into their stores and giving them a platform to do so,” Otto said.
Twin Cities Pride had seen this coming. Otto recalled that Target didn’t carry Pride Month merchandise at its stores last June after the collection received backlash in 2023 and said the nonprofit feared things would “just continue down that slope.”
Progressive activists
are now calling for a boycott of Target. Nina Turner’s workingclass advocacy group We Are Somebody is asking customers to instead purchase directly from minority-owned brands.
At least one Black-owned brand, Oh Happy Dani, has begun “the process of removing our remaining products from Target shelves,” according to a LinkedIn update from founder Danielle Cook Balfour.
Corporate philanthropy can be a reliable source of significant nonprofit funding.
Target has long had a very significant presence in the Twin Cities and is notable for its support of education, arts and other diversity efforts. Target and the Target Foundation together were the fifth-largest corporate giver in the state in 2022, according to the Minnesota Council on Foundations. But Rohn, the LGBTQ advocate and fundraiser, said corporate philanthropy can sometimes put nonprofits in a “tough spot” by pitting their values against the need to sustain their programs. She expects that more nonprofits will step back
this first this, first that. She never made a big thing of it. It was just happening.”
from corporate relationships — as Twin Cities Pride did — when their missions no longer align with their sponsors. To that point, Twin Cities Pride shared Monday that more than $50,000 had been raised since the nonprofit cut Target as a sponsor. Individuals donated more than half the total, according to Otto. The Minneapolis Foundation also contributed.
“Right now, all of us in the LGBTQ nonprofit sector are afraid because we don’t know what companies will choose to do and what the outcome is going to be,” Otto said. “I think everybody right now agrees that it was the best decision to make, and that (if) we stick together, we’ll see things on the other side.” Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ philanthropy.
Target DEI DEI
State Supreme Court rules 68 members constitutes a House quorum
By Mike Cook
One day after hearing arguments on both sides of the issue, the Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that 68 members constitute a quorum in the House.
Per Friday’s ruling:
“The quorum clause in Article IV, Section 13, of the Minnesota Constitution, requires a majority of the total number of seats of which each house may consist to constitute a quorum. Because under current statute, the total number of seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives is 134, a quorum under Article IV, § 13, is 68 members. We assume that the parties will now conform to this order without the necessity of issuing a formal writ.”
A quorum refers to the minimum number of members who must be present to conduct business.
“I thank the court for its promptness and clarity in this case,” Secretary of State Steve Simon said in a statement.
“This was a closely contested legal issue, and for the first time in state history we now have a final answer on what constitutes a legislative quorum.”
“Republicans tried to seize power that the voters did not give them,” Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), the DFL speaker-
designate, said in a statement.
The judgment ends a dispute that dates back to the first day of the legislative session. With 67 Republicans present and zero DFL members, Simon, acting as presiding officer, ruled a quorum was not present. Arguing that 67 is a quorum because there are only 133 House members — the District 40B seat is vacant — Republican members went ahead and selected Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) as speaker.
Since then, committee hearings have taken place with only Republicans present, and DFL members have continued to stay away from the Capitol. In essence, the court decision voids any work done thus far in session.
“House Republicans will be showing up to work on Monday — it’s time for the Democrats’ walkout to end and for the legislature to get on with its work,” Demuth said in a statement.
Hortman expressed a willingness for her caucus to do so with a power-sharing agreement.
“Now that it is clear Republicans must work with Democrats for the House to operate, I am hopeful we will be able to shortly negotiate an acceptable path forward. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and return to the
negotiating table immediately.”
After Election Day when it appeared the House would be 67-67, Demuth and Hortman began working on such a power-sharing agreement.
But the numbers
changed last month when a court ruled that Curtis Johnson did not meet residency requirements when he won the District 40B seat by 30 points. Their presumption is the seat will remain in the
DFL column when a special election is held in March.
The fate of Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) may also be a sticking point. Tabke won his District 54A seat by 14 votes, but 20 absentee ballots were likely thrown away
Court rules Republican power grab unconstitutional
By Rep Esther Agbaje,
If you’ve been following along with what’s been happening at the Capitol, you know there have been some significant developments. On Friday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the House Republican power grab of the last two weeks violated our state constitution. Every House Republican action, including the election of a fake Speaker and appointment of fake committees, was unlawful and illegitimate. Democrats are looking forward to continuing our work in the Capitol, but that cannot happen until Republicans respect the rule of law and commit to seat Rep. Brad Tabke, a duly elected representative from Shakopee. Their refusal to commit could set a dangerous precedent that even outside of criminal or unethical conduct, the House can unseat a duly elected member because they are displeased with the election result. The reason they want to do this is simple: to empower them to advance their extreme agenda, including taking away reproductive freedoms, eliminating paid family leave, rolling back progress to address climate change, and ending free school meals for kids. This is the future that House Republicans are promising, and House Democrats are standing strong to protect the institution and our democracy. Currently, Republicans have a temporary one-seat advantage – kind of like a power play in hockey. But they want to change the rules in the middle of the game to give them a permanent two-year advantage, even when we’re once again in a tie. Our proposal is simple: Republicans can run the House while they have an advantage, but when the House returns to a 67-67 tie, we must return to a fair, co-governing model. In November, voters elected an equal number of Democrats and Republicans to represent them in the House. Now, it’s time for Republicans to work with Democrats to finalize a fair power sharing agreement so we can return to the Capitol to govern as Minnesotans intended.
history. The estimated $65 million project will preserve 221 units across two neighboring buildings, investing more than $35 million in capital improvements, while also constructing a new four-story building that will create 15 new deeply affordable and disability accessible units (nine onebedroom and six two-bedroom units).
Public housing is a vitally important part of our communities. I’m glad to see Minneapolis Public Housing Authority embark on this renovation to create a better living environment for residents and do it in a way that’s mindful of residents’ needs for community building and energy efficiency. It was nice to tour the vision for the space with my colleagues and discuss how the state can continue to be a strong supporter of public housing.
Community updates
Here are a few community events that I’ve attended since session began: Black Women’s Wealth Alliance roundtable: It was an honor to host a legislative roundtable with members of the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance at ZaRah on the Northside. My DFL colleagues and I learned how the coaching and incubation programs have helped to take women led businesses to the next level. We also talked about how the state can be a better partner in securing resources for entrepreneurs. Once the House is constitutionally organized, I look forward to amplifying the voices and experiences of BIPOC women business owners in committee hearings and advocating for increased investments in small local businesses. Minneapolis Public Housing Authority tour: MPHA hosted state legislators from the Minneapolis delegation and the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee to tour Spring Manor, the largest public housing high-rise redevelopment project in city
Urban Homeworks: I had the opportunity to attend Urban Homeworks monthly tenant discussions to hear about constituents’ experiences with property managers and participating in Urban Homeworks programs. It’s always great to hear directly from renters and housing partners about what they need and how policy makers can help them create safe and dignified housing. Visiting HERC: As the state representative of a district directly impacted by the Hennepin County Energy Recovery Center (HERC), environmental justice is a critical concern for me. I recently toured the facility with my colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of its operations and the challenges associated with waste management in our region. This visit provided valuable insights into current practices and highlighted the urgent need to transition towards a more sustainable, zero-waste future. I am committed to working closely with county officials to explore feasible pathways for phasing out the HERC and implementing innovative solutions that prioritize environmental equity and sustainability for all residents.
by mistake. However,
Photo by Andrew VonBank
The House Chamber was half-empty as the 2025 legislative session kicked off Jan. 14. The Minnesota State Supreme Court ruled Friday that 68 members constitute a quorum in the House.
AP Photo/Steve Karnowski
Supporters of House Democrats, who are staying away from the State Capitol in a power struggle with Republicans, demonstrate outside the House chamber on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in St. Paul, Minn.
Sports
Twins manager signals a new approach to hitting for the upcoming season
By Pat Borzi MinnPost
The Original Baseball Old Timers Hot Stove Banquet in West St. Paul kicked off several days of Twins-related local events in late January. Now a Twins Winter Caravan stop, it attracted a lively crowd, dressed in everything from sportcoats to jerseys and ballcaps.
This year’s banquet, this past Wednesday night at Southview Country Club, offered a test for the friendliness and patience of local Twins fans. Last season’s stunning collapse, and an off-season with no significant free agent or trade action, left everyone in a foul mood. At my table, former amateur players griped about today’s MLB, all the usual stuff — too many strikeouts, too much emphasis on home runs and not enough on fundamentals and situational hitting.
Then Twins manager Rocco Baldelli — on the dais with Twins execs Derek Falvey, Dave St. Peter and other baseball notables — rose to speak. Though our table was in the back of the room, it seemed like Baldelli heard every word.
Responding to a question from master of ceremonies Sean Aronson, the talented and savvy St. Paul Saints broadcaster, Baldelli vowed to change the “all-or-
By Dave Campbell AP Sports Writer
Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov needs surgery on the lingering lower-body injury he recently returned from and will be sidelined for at least a month.
General manager Bill Guerin said during practice on Tuesday that Kaprizov is expected to be back with the team later this season, but the Wild must again compensate for the absence of their leading scorer and popular teammate.
“Kirill was having a Hart Trophy-type season. It’s disappointing for him. It’s disappointing for us, too, but we’ve put ourselves in a good position in the standings with the way we’re playing, and we just need to deal with the situation. It’s not the end of the world,” Guerin said. “We’re going to keep playing and continue to get better, and when Kirill’s healthy and all healed up, he’ll be back and we’ll be even better.”
The impact of Kaprizov absence will be
nothing” hitting approach he believes failed the Twins down the stretch. That’s in part why the club replaced its three hitting instructors — an unpleasant task for Baldelli, who liked them all — while retaining all the pitching coaches.
“The pitching staff did a decent job, but we didn’t hit,” Baldelli told the audience of about 300. “It kept me up a lot of nights. I was not eating, and I still haven’t gained all the weight back.” Baldelli expanded on this two days later, after the annual Twins media luncheon at Target Field. The gist: He wants more level swings and hard-hit balls to right-center and right, instead of batters uppercutting and trying to pull everything. The latter approach, favored by former hitting coach David Popkins, required batters to make contact in front of the plate, leaving them susceptible to breaking pitches. Even with two strikes, most still tried to jack the ball.
“Not every player, but almost everyone was guilty of that last year,” Baldelli said.
“I would say it’s a mental adjustment. It’s something we’re going to talk about from the very beginning of spring training.
“To win games, it has to be more of a hit-first mentality than a power-first mentality. The power will come, because we have some very dynamic, big strong guys. The extra-
stemmed a bit by the two-week break on the NHL schedule next month for the 4 Nations FaceOff tournament. If Kaprizov were to return in four weeks, for example, he’d only miss 10 games. But the Wild will certainly take another cautious approach to the recovery of their 27-year-old left wing, who has 23 goals and 29 assists in 37 games.
‘”Kirill’s very upset. Kirill is such a team-focused guy, and I think with what he has, he knows he could probably get by in games and try to help the team. Him at 60% is better than most players in the league, but he wants to be 100% and help us play as long as we can this year, and I agree with him,” Guerin said. “I don’t think it’s the best thing for a player to try to gut it out in this situation, because I think you leave yourself open to other injuries. I think the best thing to do is to shut him down right now for a little while, fix the problem, and then get him back to 100%.”
After missing 12 games over a month of inaction, Kaprizov rejoined the Wild last week. He played in three games,
base hits will come. We need to make the best swing decisions we can make, and we need to aim and tone our swings to hit line drives instead of getting really big and lifting the ball. We don’t have to lift the ball. We’re plenty strong enough to hit the ball out of the ballpark.”
This is a remarkable bit of honesty from an organization not exactly known for being straight with its fans. But it should ring true to anyone who watched the Twins last season and knows a little about hitting. Almost all batters strike out more than they used to. That’s a given. But the clubs that play deep into October, when runs and homers are harder to come by, generally put the ball in play more often than the ones that don’t. That’s what the Twins — only one season removed from ending that record 18-game playoff losing streak — need to get back to.
“Consistency is a word I use a lot, and something I want to bring more of to our offensive game,” Baldelli said.
“I don’t want to score 10 runs, and then score one run. I’d like to score five runs each game and give ourselves a chance to win.
“I think our pitching is good enough where if we give them five runs to work with on a regular basis, we’re going to win, be successful, and everyone’s going to be pleased. I think this is the type of adjustment that can take our team where
but he was not himself.
“Even on the bench at times, he was struggling to get through it,” coach John Hynes said. “He did, and we did everything we could to see if it would work for him, but it didn’t.”
The Wild won at Chicago on Sunday, their first of five straight games, but they’ve lost six of their last nine and are 9-11 since mid-December. Going into the game at Atlantic Division leader Toronto on Wednesday, Minnesota (29-174) is in third place in the Central Division. The Wild, though, are 18-5-3, which is the best road record in the league.
“I’ve been very happy with the way that the team’s performed. Look, it’s never perfect. There’s always ups and downs,” Guerin said. “You always want to be playing at your best, but that’s just not possible in an 82-game schedule. So you have to control your emotions during the highs and lows, and we’re in a good spot. We just have to stay there.” AP NHL: https://apnews.com/
everyone wants to go.”
Throughout the various events last week — the Hot Stove banquet, Thursday’s Diamond Awards dinner at the Minneapolis Armory, the media luncheon and TwinsFest — Falvey repeated the same message about the club’s lack of off-season acquisitions: Things tend to happen later in the winter than they used to.
He’s right. In 2023 the Twins signed Carlos Correa and traded for Pablo Lopez and Michael A. Taylor in January. Last season it signed Santana and traded for Manuel Margot in February.
But this winter, besides the club’s budget constraints, Falvey said fewer teams are sellers.
Almost all see themselves as contenders, so there’s more competition for players the Twins want. Spring training starts in about two weeks.
“We’ll continue to find ways to augment and add to the roster,” Falvey said.
“I do believe in the core that we have, but we’ll continue to work on that over the next few weeks, and months.”
While the Los Angeles Dodgers spent freely and signed seemingly every big name free agent out there, the budgetconscious Twins let veteran right fielder Max Kepler and Gold Glove first baseman Carlos Santana walk in free agency and haven’t replaced them. Falvey’s priorities: A veteran first
baseman, and a right-handed hitting outfielder who can back up Byron Buxton in center field.
Questions remain at first base and second base. Sure, there are in-house candidates.
But does anyone really want to see Edouard Julien, who struggled defensively at second base, try to play first? Julien, Brooks Lee and Austin Martin are all in the mix at second, with Jose Miranda the likely first baseman if the Twins don’t acquire anyone. Correa and Royce Lewis are set at shortstop and third, respectively.
“We need someone to step up and claim some of these sports on the field,” Baldelli said. “I’m talking about first base. I’m talking about second base. I’m even talking about potentially an outfielder.
“Right now, we have some good young players who are reaching that point in their career where they’re gaining that consistent time out there and define who they are. These are the guys I’m talking about. They have the ability. Now, when they get the at-bats, they need to go out there and do it.”
Then, of course, you’ve got the two things casting a long shadow on the season: Last year’s 12-27 collapse that cost a playoff berth, and the impending sale of the club. At the media luncheon, St. Peter announced 90% of season ticket holders renewed for 2025, which sounds like a big
number unless you remember 97% renewed after the success of 2023. The Twins haven’t drawn more than two million spectators since 2019, and it will take a big move or three for many fans to forgive and forget.
“I wasn’t happy with the finish last year, either,” Falvey said. “We all say that, and none of us are running from it. It was a disappointing last stretch of the season. We had good baseball for good chunks of the year, and a lot of the players that were part of good runs in ’23 and the good run in ’24 were part of some of those struggles in ’24.”
So, how do the Twins avoid a replay of the last 40 games of the previous campaign?
“There are two ways to approach it: You either run from it, or you lean into it and learn from it. Our staff Rocco, his coaches, the front office group and the players themselves are all looking at it saying, ‘How can we be better?’ And each person needs to take it personally and find a way to be better. I can tell you that talking with the players this off season, talking with our staff and others, they’re all using it as fuel to try to get better.” That’s a start, at least.
Pat Borzi
Pat Borzi is a contributing writer to MinnPost. Follow him on Twitter @ BorzMN.
Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli speaking with the media during the 2024 MLB Winter
Dossier of Black Gay Men
By W.D. Foster-Graham Book Review Editor
EBANMAN: DOSSIER OF BLACK GAY
MEN By Perez Harrison Pratt and Phil Esteem
“When we change the narrative, we change the perception.”
For far too long, there has been a stereotypical narrative about the LGBTQ+ community. Add in the intersectionality of Black and LGBTQ+, and there is a greater challenge to change that narrative, which this book lays out in its authenticity. Those of us who stand at that intersection have always been part of our history and our community (e.g. Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Alain Locke, Billy Strayhorn). Today, we walk in our authentic truths in our personal and professional lives in gratitude and appreciation to these brothas who went before us. That being said, I bring to you
EBANMAN’s EBANMAN:
Dossier of Black Gay Men.
Many
to Perez, Phil, and Tom for your
The diversity doesn’t stop there. The brothas are entrepreneurs, educators, activists, accountants, entertainers, pastors, artists, authors, military men, politicians, journalists, corporate officials, and that is just scratching the surface of how they have impacted the LGBT and the greater community. They remind us that behind the accolades (and those are impressive) they are sons, fathers, grandsons, brothers, husbands, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
This coffee-table book, as it is described, provides us with in-depth interviews of 43 contemporary Black SGL (same-gender-loving) men and 1 ally, beautifully bound and photographed. Through the vision of EBANMAN founder Tom Logan and co-authors Perez Harrison Pratt and Phil Esteem, the contributors embody the diversity and culture in the Black LGBTQ community. They hail from the African continent, the Caribbean islands, the U.S., the UK, and Canada.
Come meet these inspiring men who represent well in the following sections of the book: Perez Harrison Pratt (author), “Representation Matters,” “Gay Dad’s Love,” “Leaving a Legacy,” “Black Boy Joy,” “Passion and Purpose,” “Black Gay Love,” “Seat at the Table,” “Black Boy Magic,” “Human Rights, Advocacy & Pride,” “My Brother’s Keeper,” “Amen,” and “LGBTQ+ Lives Matter.” With each story shared, we see honesty, vulnerability, and the commitment to live an authentic life. Some of the men live in countries that are not welcoming to Black gay men; others are living in countries
that are more inclusive. In spite of whatever challenges have been faced, they are living their lives, role models who are changing the narrative. In the forward to this book, Tom Logan says, “Finally, thank you to all the readers who have picked up this book. I hope it provides you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Black Gay community. I hope it serves as a reminder that representation comes in many forms and that we must continue to strive for representation in all aspects of life. It is important that all our voices are heard and seen.”
EBANMAN: Dossier
Insight 2 Health
Acute stress and early signs of PTSD are common in firefighters and other first responders −
By Ian H. Stanley Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine & Clinical Psychologist, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The thousands of firefighters and other first responders on the front lines of the fires that are raging in the Los Angeles area are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Amanda Mascarelli, The Conversation U.S.’s senior health and medicine editor, spoke with Ian H. Stanley, a clinical psychologist and emergency medicine researcher, about the early signs of acute stress or PTSD and how you can help if a loved one is experiencing these symptoms.
How does PTSD differ in the short term versus the long term?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops following exposure to a lifethreatening event such as a wildfire, a car accident, physical assault or combat. It involves the development of characteristic symptoms that are brought on or that worsen following the trauma and that persist for at least a month.
The symptoms range from nightmares to reliving the event to feelings of guilt and hopelessness or of hypervigilance, meaning constantly being on guard for future threats. Symptoms may also involve sleep disturbances,
here’s what to watch out for
as well as avoiding certain triggers or reminders of the event. One other important point is that those symptoms must also involve considerable distress or some level of impairment in someone’s life, such as interrupting relationships, work, school or self-care, for instance.
What are potential early signs of acute stress or PTSD? In this acute phase, as first responders are working the fires, although it’s incredibly
stressful, they are trained to put their heads down and push through really difficult events. That doesn’t mean they won’t be affected by it, but in the immediate phase you might not see a lot of symptoms. But that doesn’t mean they might not then go on to develop symptoms, such as feelings of sadness, irritability or persistent sleep disturbances. Over the longer term, some may develop posttraumatic stress disorder. So, it’s
important that people remain vigilant to their mental health and that of others around them. The biggest things to look out for are any kind of notable changes. There is a wide range of how people experience and react to trauma, and so there’s no concrete formula. Being vigilant to notable changes in others is critical. For example, is someone eating more or less? Are they sleeping more or less? Are they getting cranky more than they used to? Are they drinking more alcohol? And are they hanging out with friends less? Are they engaging less in activities they used to enjoy? If you notice someone is experiencing these types of changes, reach out to them and offer support.
One of the reasons that PTSD symptoms are so worrisome is that it is one of the few mental health conditions that can be very reliably predictive of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. So it’s really important to catch the signs early to prevent the progression.
What about other signs of stress that are different than
PTSD?
It’s important to emphasize that it’s normal for people to be sad, angry and anxious following a disaster or other traumatic event.
That said, there is a mental health condition called acute stress disorder that is much like PTSD. Whereas PTSD symptoms need to have existed for at least one month, acute stress disorder can be diagnosed when symptoms last for at least three days and up to one month after a traumatic exposure. In these cases, a person might be experiencing symptoms such as nightmares, persistent negative mood, irritability, sleep disturbances or related conditions.
This diagnosis opens up the opportunity for certain treatments that are reimbursed by insurance and certain pathways for services. Many people with acute stress disorder experience temporary stress responses that do not progress to PTSD; however, about half of individuals with PTSD initially experience acute stress disorder. Do early symptoms of PTSD
always translate to long-term ones?
This is a really important question. When someone’s world as they’ve known it is torn apart and turned upside down – such as in the case with the fires in Southern California – it’s normal to expect changes in the way people think, feel or act. Sadness is normal. Anxiety is normal. Most people who experience these changes get better in a few weeks, and most people do not develop mental health conditions such as PTSD. There are many different courses that people take with their symptoms. Many people get better with time. Time is a great healer – and so is social support. But if symptoms persist, reaching out to a mental health professional is critical. First responders have a higher prevalence of PTSD than the general population. Up to 20% of first responders to natural disasters such as wildfires may go on to develop PTSD. Importantly, if the firefighter is working in the community in which they live, and they are also affected in their personal life, that’s going to increase their risk.
What treatment options are there for PTSD?
There are very good treatments that work, and PTSD does not have to be a life sentence. Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy. Some people may benefit from mobile health applications, such as “PTSD Coach,” which is freely accessible. The National Center for PTSD, which is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, also has helpful resources for family members and loved ones of someone who may be experiencing PTSD. Ian H. Stanley receives research grant funding from the US Department of Defense, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Face the Fight Foundation, Rutgers University, and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
