9/23/2024 -- Vikings Remain Undefeated

Vikings

Darnold Throws 4 Touchdowns And Vikings Dominate Texans To Remain Undefeated

The Summary: The Minnesota Vikings continued their impressive start to the 2024 season with a commanding 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans at. After not being considered a playoff contendor heading into the season, the Vikings now just one of two reamining undefeated seasons.

Game Highlights

❯ Darnold was on fire, throwing four touchdown passes, bringing his season total to eight—leading the NFL. He went 17 of 28 for 181 yards.

❯ Aaron Jones had a big day, accumulating 148 total yards, including his first 100-yard rushing game with the Vikings.

❯ The Vikings' defense continued to shine, holding the Texans to just one touchdown. They racked up five sacks and forced two interceptions.Through three games, the Vikings’ defense has only allowed 30 points, third best in the NFL.

What’s Next: The Vikings head to Lambeau Field next week to take on the Green Bay Packers who improved to 2-1 with a win over the Titans.

“For budget reasons, we can’t give every single one of our fans a game ball, but they certainly deserve it.” — Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell

Housing

Mayor Jacob Frey Says He Will Accelerate Destruction Of Homeless Encampments After Recent Crime

The Summary: Joshua Jones, was charged with second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Robert Brown, near a Minneapolis homeless encampment on Friday. Jones, believed to be responsible for another fatal shooting earlier the same day, also faces charges for a third shooting near a different encampment. The series of shootings occurred within 15 hours and within a several-block perimeter.

Frey’s Response: In response to the violence, Mayor Jacob Frey announced plans to accelerate the removal of homeless encampments, citing the fentanyl crisis as a major contributing factor.

New Ordinance to Track Encampment Evictions: On Thursday, the Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance requiring the city to submit quarterly reports on homeless encampment evictions. This will include data on the number of people affected, available shelter beds, and the number of staff involved.

Police Chief Addresses Community Frustration: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara voiced concern over a recent wave of violence at homeless encampments, following the third shooting in a matter of weeks. Residents near the 17th Avenue and 25th Street encampment have also voiced frustrations with the ongoing violence and drug activity.

What Else We’re Reading…

Could Changes Be Coming To I-94? 🚗

According to a new article from the Sahan Journal. The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously approved a resolution opposing any expansion of Interstate 94 and advocating for a smaller roadway with more space for housing, transit, pedestrians, and bicycles. The council is supporting designs that prioritize removing parts of the highway, addressing historical harm caused by its construction in the 1950s and ‘60s. The resolution is strategic as the council looks to influence MnDOT’s long-term “Rethinking I-94” project, which will finalize design options for the interstate in 2025.

Read the full story here.

GAME — Mini Crossword

Star Lynx player Napheesa Collier affectionately goes by a certain nickname. Think you know the answer? Solve the entire crossword puzzle here.

Sports

🏀 The Minnesota Lynx won game one of their first round playoff series with the Phoenix Mercury. Game two will be on Wednesday at Target Center.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins dropped two out of three against the Boston Red Sox and are now outside the playoff picture with just six games remaining in the regular season.

🏈 The Gopher football team lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes 31-14. The Gophers are now 1-7 against the Hawkeyes in the PJ Fleck era.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ St. Thomas received the single largest donation for scholarship in school history (TCB)

❯ Minnesota’s first-ever mushroom dispensary has opened in St. Paul (KSTP)

❯ Delta will introduce nonstop flights from MSP to Rome in 2025 (Bring Me The News)

❯ A Minneapolis police sergeant has been accused of using an AirTag to track, harass coworker (WCCO)

❯ An Overnight shooting in downtown Minneapolis leaves two dead, three injured (WCCO)

The Final Word: Duluth Rocks

Like I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, I spent the weekend in Duluth and had a great time exploring some of the trails with my pup.

Also, big shout-out to a couple of readers, Karina and Laura, who reommended the Duluth Grille and Northern Waters Smokehouse!

-Patrick