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Review: The musical version of ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ is both garish and dull

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

Some 30 years after it first hit the big screen, the comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire” remains a fondly remembered classic by moviegoers. And it’s not the story — which requires a Herculean leap in logic to make basic sense — but the presence of Robin Williams, who was given a role perfectly suited for his wild, one-of-a-kind comic talents.The musical take on “Mrs. Doubtfire,” which runs through Christmas Eve at Minneapolis’ Orpheum Theatre, makes the fatal mistake of attempting to recreate Williams’ manic spirit and comes across as a garish spectacle stuffed with dull gags and lifeless performances.The story follows voice actor Daniel (Rob McClure) whose carefree, live-in-the-moment attitude proves to be too much for his wife Miranda (Maggie Lakis), who asks for a divorce, even if it crushes the couple’s three children. Through a convoluted series of events, Daniel decides the only way he can spend more time with his kids is to don a wig, fat suit and frig...

Gophers lose and add one defensive lineman via transfer portal

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

The revolving doors of the NCAA transfer portal took another turn and a half on Wednesday.Navarro College defensive end Eddy Toussom flipped his commitment from Minnesota to Alabama-Birmingham and signed with UAB on Wednesday.In the meantime, Central Michigan defensive lineman Quindario Lee of McKenzie, Ala., committed and signed with the Gophers.Lee, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, had 28 total tackles, seven for lost yards and three sacks in 11 games for the Chippewas last season. Lee was credited with 21 pressures and an overall defensive grade of 59.8, according to Pro Football Focus.Minnesota added six transfers overall on Wednesday, including quarterbacks Max Brosmer (New Hampshire) and Logan Fife (Fresno State), cornerbacks Ethan Robinson (Bucknell) and Jaionte McMillan (TCU) and running back Sieh Bangura (Ohio).Transfer portal trackerIncoming players (Previous school)Dec. 3QB Max Brosmer (New Hampshire)Dec. 10DT Jordan Guerad (Fla. International)RB Trent Howland (I...

While some cement their futures on National Signing Day, other standouts like Savion Hart of St. Thomas Academy are still waiting

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

Thirteen East Metro football players signed on with Division-I football programs — including non-scholarship ones such as St. Thomas — on Wednesday, “National Signing Day” at the highest level of college football.Two Rivers defensive lineman Max Mogelson signed with UNLV, Hill-Murray defensive back Simon Seidl joined the Gophers and East Ridge offensive lineman Kene Anene signed with Kansas, among others.The Gophers rounded out the first wave of their incoming class. It was a day of celebration for many.But recruiting is far from over, as so many futures are yet to be determined. For instance, East Metro Player of the Year Savion Hart remains unsigned. The St. Thomas Academy star running back is patiently awaiting the perfect opportunity of where to play college football next season.It’s hard to think that hasn’t yet arisen. Hart ran for 2,642 yards and 39 touchdowns in the 2023 season. He recently was named MaxPreps state player of the year. He is Minnesota&...

Trudy Rubin: Why Ukraine can beat Russia and why that matters to America

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

One year ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a joint session of Congress. Lawmakers hailed him as a hero defender of democracy against an aggressive Russia, whose leader threatened Europe and the United States.This past week, GOP legislators — displaying no shame and offering no apologies — humiliated Zelenskyy. He had traveled to Washington to urge Republicans to pass a vital military aid package for his country. They stiffed him.The same Republicans who cheered Zelenskyy last December are now fast walking the U.S. toward the greatest (self-inflicted) military debacle of the post-World War II era. They are ready to hand Vladimir Putin a victory. They are also ready to abandon brave Ukrainians in the middle of battle as they fight to prevent Putin from swallowing them into a new Russian empire.Goodbye, U.S. global leadership. Onward, more military and political challenges to democracies — including ours. Every dictator — from Moscow to Tehr...

Mary Stanik: Upon reflection, reflecting … to see flashes of joy

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.”These words attributed to Winston Churchill have been on my mind a lot as the year’s biggest holiday makes its final approach. Usually, I’m big on the rejoicing part of Christmas. This year, I’m joining countless others who aren’t feeling totally holly-jolly, old-Andre-champagne-TV-ads Christmas joyful. At least not in full. I’ll get to the not in full part soon.I’ve written for this paper about the twists, turns, and cross-country moves (plural) I’ve experienced since I became my now 91-year-old mother’s full-time caregiver following her June 2014 stroke. In late August, her decline went into red alert and my brother and I added our names to the list of those who have had to put a parent into skilled nursing. One month later, we had to put her into inpatient hospice.Now none of this was unexpected. And at 91 years and nine months, it can be said my mother not only had a very long life but, when measured in full, ...

Fedyk, Deryugina: Talks can’t end the Ukraine war, because Russia lies

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

Following the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, Ukraine has suffered tremendously. Tens of thousands have died, and a quarter of the country’s prewar population has been displaced. Homes, neighborhoods and entire cities have been reduced to rubble.Some question the wisdom of Ukraine continuing to fight back instead of seeking to negotiate with Russia. President Vladimir Putin himself claims he “does not reject the idea of peace talks,” while prominent figures have called for negotiations, possibly involving a settlement to cede occupied territories in exchange for peace.Calls for Ukraine to have such talks rely on an assumption that Russia would negotiate in good faith. But, looking to history as a guide, this assumption is naïve. Russia’s actions over the last 31 years reveal a troubling pattern of frequent lying and breaking international agreements. Negotiations with Russia are therefore futile.Russia agreed to respect Ukraine’s territo...

Mayfield crash leaves man fighting for his life

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

MAYFIELD, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A crash from last month is still under investigation. The Fulton County Sheriff’s office says speed and alcohol seem to have been factors in the crash that left one in man in a coma. NEWS10 speaking with the family and has the latest on the investigation and the man’s recovery. Saratoga County church raises $10K for foster families “I received the phone call at around 10:30 in the evening and I was sitting with my son, and he[Fulton County Sheriff] said I hate to say this your son's been in a tragic accident," said Evan’s father Kevin.“The beginning is very much a blur. you kind of go into a survival mode for your child. It's a lot of meltdowns. It's a lot of, why is this happening to our son,” said Evan’s mother Kristen.Kevin and Kristen Wieczenski recall the moment they learned of a car crash that left their 23-year-old son, Evan, in coma fighting for his. “My son was stuck underneath the dashboard. So, in order to extract him from there they had to go...

Schenectady PD investigates Lincoln Ave homicide

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -The Schenectady Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened Tuesday evening. As of Wednesday morning, the investigation is now considered a homicide.Around 8:49 p.m. on December 19, Schenectady PD responded to a call of shots fired on Lincoln Avenue at Steuben Street. They located one victim who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound along with several bullet casings nearby. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Identified as Usman Pirzada, the 21-year-old was transported to Albany Medical Center for his injuries. He passed away on the morning of December 20 from injuries.Police are investigating the nearby area. Their vehicles were found parked on Delamont Avenue. Outside the police station, friends of the Pirzada's spoke highly of him to NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski. Matthew’s Law ups access to free drug test strips Lieutenant Ryan Macherone said a suspect has not been identified at this ...

Firefighters the victims of car break-ins in south St. Louis

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

ST. LOUIS – Just days before Christmas, St. Louis firefighters are among the most recent victims of car break-ins. And this is not the first time they’ve been hit this holiday season.St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said four cars were broken into overnight at the fire station on Arsenal, and two more at the fire station on Donovan near Chippewa.He said the thieves stole sunglasses and coins, but nothing major.“The guys bring their belongings into the firehouse and put them in lockers. It’s a crime of opportunity, but unfortunately, it cost the members of the fire department a thousand bucks a piece to get these windows replaced,” Jenkerson said.The fire chief said it’s disheartening to know that someone would target a fire house, especially around the holidays, and he hopes the police find the people responsible. Police bodycam video after Bar:PM crash under review This is the second time the fire station on Donovan has been hit this month. On Dec. 2, vandals smashed the win...

Bakeries on The Hill report uptick on holiday sweets and treats

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:40:00 GMT

ST. LOUIS - T’was five days before Christmas and all across The Hill, there were goodies galore and wish lists to fill.“The Hill is normally always hopping, but it is the season and extremely hopping,” Mimi Lordo, co-owner of Missouri Baking Company, said. “The restaurants are buzzing at night (as are) the bakeries.”“I think families are finally getting together again, and they’re celebrating the holidays like they should be with family and friends,” Frank D. DiGregorio, DiGregorio’s Imported Foods, said. “They always want good food, so they come to The Hill to get it.”The cannoli were stacked in the stocked store cases and a buzz in the air at a number of places. How much daylight will St. Louis have on the shortest day of 2023? “Who doesn’t love their Christmas cookies, yeah?” Hannah Menke, Vitale’s Bakery, said. “We ship our Christmas cookies everywhere. So we’ve done over 100 cookie boxes to be shipped! So crazy, yeah?”So, if it's yummy treats you want, then don't delay. Becau...