4/28/2025 -- Ant Man Strikes Again

🌪 Severe weather is incoming (more info below) with a chance for tornadoes if the conditions align. The last time a tornado hit Minneapolis was 2011.

Weather

Twin Cities Braces For Unusually Severe Weather 🌩

The Summary: The Twin Cities and much of southern Minnesota face a significant risk of severe weather today with the National Weather Service urging residents to prepare for possible large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. The region is under a moderate risk (level 4 out of 5) for severe storms, a rare occurrence for this area.

Timeline and Storm Details Two rounds of storms are expected. The first round will move in during the early morning hours, between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., bringing strong winds, hail, and heavy rain, especially during the morning commute. After a midday lull, a second, more dangerous wave is forecast for the late afternoon and evening, between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. This round carries the highest risk for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. If supercell storms form, the threat of strong, long-lived tornadoes increases.

Areas Most at Risk: The moderate risk zone includes the entire Twin Cities metro area, southeastern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin. Areas just outside this zone remain at enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) and should also stay alert.

Unusual Severity: Meteorologists note that a moderate risk for severe weather is uncommon for the region, underscoring the need for vigilance. The storms could produce winds over 60 mph, hail larger than quarters, and, depending on storm development, the possibility of intense tornadoes.

What Else We’re Reading…

Twin Cities Fails Air Quality Report Card ❌

The Summary: The American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report reveals worsening air quality in the Twin Cities, with failing grades for ozone and particle pollution. Residents faced more unhealthy air days over the past decade, driven by increased pollution and wildfire smoke

Key Findings and Rankings: Greater Minneapolis ranked 48th worst nationally for ozone pollution (5.5 unhealthy days/year) and 36th worst for particle pollution (4.8 unhealthy days/year). Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota counties received “F” grades for particle pollution, while Anoka and Scott counties scored similarly for ozone.

Sports 🏀

Timberwolves Rally Past Lakers, Take 3-1 Series Lead 🏀

The Summary: The Minnesota Timberwolves staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 116-113 in Game 4, moving to the brink of advancing in the first-round playoff series. Minnesota now leads the series 3-1, with Game 5 set for Wednesday in Los Angeles.

Game Highlights: Anthony Edwards powered the Timberwolves with 43 points, including two clutch free throws with 10 seconds left. The Timberwolves overcame a 12-point deficit late in the third quarter and closed the game on a 14-6 run.

Fourth Quarter Dominance: Minnesota has consistently outperformed the Lakers in the fourth quarter throughout the series, outscoring them 105-69 over four games. This late-game resilience has been a defining factor in their playoff run and was again on display in Game 4.

Overtime Drama as Wild Fall to Golden Knights 🏒

The Summary: Game 4 between the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights delivered high-stakes playoff drama at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild led 2-1 entering the third period, but Vegas rallied with a power-play goal from Nicolas Roy and a controversial go-ahead score by Tomas Hertl. Minnesota quickly responded with a wraparound goal from Jared Spurgeon to tie the game 3-3 and force overtime.

Overtime: In overtime, Ivan Barbashev scored at 17:26, redirecting a puck that deflected off a Wild defender to secure a 4-3 win for the Golden Knights and even the series at 2-2. The series now shifts back to Las Vegas for Game 5 on Tuesday, with both teams seeking momentum in what has become a best-of-three showdown.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ A new Twin Cities nonprofit provides haircuts to community members in need (WCCO)

❯ A Minneapolis restaurant has been named one of the best in the world (Bring Me The News)

❯ The MLS is investigating discrimination in Vancouvers win over the Minnesota Loons (ESPN)

The Final Word: 🐺

All I have to say is……..Wolves in 5.

-Patrick