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Star Tribune prep reporters David La Vaque and James Paulsen are bringing all you Minnesota high school sports enthusiasts another way to stay connected to the action.
Vikings reporters Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune are bringing all you football enthusiasts another way to stay connected to the purple. Consider this podcast to be similar to any Vikings season: full of ups and downs, but never boring.
What do you wonder about the people, places and culture of Minnesota? Listen to our community-driven reporting project, which invites listeners to ask questions that our newsroom researches and answers.
Listening to the "Playing Politics" podcast from the Star Tribune and WCCO Radio is like taking a seat at the Editorial Board table and hearing an informed and opinionated weekly discussion of all things political in Minnesota and the nation. "Playing Politics" features WCCO’s Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune’s John Rash in addition to editorial writer Patricia Lopez and columnists Lori Sturdevant and D.J. Tice – award-winning journalists who bring varied perspectives to the issues of the day.
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Curious Minnesota
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Why did Minneapolis tear down its biggest train station?
15:06
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The Great Northern Depot on Hennepin Avenue was a de facto welcome mat for Minneapolis for many years. Along with the Milwaukee Road Depot, it was the primary place people arrived in the city. So why was Great Northern torn down in 1978, while the Milwaukee Road Depot survived? Rail historian Aaron Isaacs joins host Eric Roper to discuss the histor…
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Playing Politics
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Getting answers on the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol
14:58
14:58
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14:58
The country deserves a definitive account of what happened. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: What Cretin-Derham Hall's move to 5A football says about the state of the sport
24:35
24:35
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24:35
The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque talk basketball players to root for in Tre Holloman and Will Tschetter, COVID still rippling through winter sports and a girls' basketball battle of teams with long winning streaks.By Star Tribune
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Access Vikings
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Vikings need cap space for free agency; where's it coming from?
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The Vikings need to create financial room on the 2021 books to do much of anything. So, where's it coming from? Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the possibilities for a front office that may need to release a key contributor or two while also reworking other contracts on the current roster.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
A sense of normalcy pervades politics despite the president's ambitious agenda. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Who's in the running for Star Tribune all-metro hockey, basketball honors?
28:16
28:16
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28:16
Staff writers Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque serve up a slightly past midseason snapshot at who they would tap, based on performance to date, for first teams in boys' and girls' basketball and hockey.By Star Tribune
Amid positive COVID trends, Minnesota's governor urges an accelerated return to in-person learning. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Too early to talk about Minnesota hockey state championship matchups? Nah.
21:41
21:41
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21:41
The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen offer up the best two boys' teams, three girls' teams in the hunt and a nationally televised boys' basketball game that produced a surprise player not named Holmgren or Tschetter.By Star Tribune
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Curious Minnesota
1
How Ford made millions of windows from the sand beneath St. Paul
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For part of the 20th Century, Ford Motor Company relied heavily on sand beneath its plant in St. Paul to make windows for its cars. Host Eric Roper discusses that operation with reporter John Reinan. LINKS: John's Curious Minnesota story about the Ford Plant sand mining A timeline of St. Paul's Ford Plant operations Made in St. Paul: Stories from t…
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Playing Politics
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An impeachment trial - at the crime scene
16:28
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16:28
For the second time, senators heard House managers present their case to impeach former President Donald Trump. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Scott Gillespie and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Minneapolis North coach Charles Adams on Tyler Johnson and secrets of the Polars' success
24:07
24:07
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24:07
The football coach talks with the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque about community pride in the school alum and Super Bowl champion Johnson, and how the team learned from his one-man 2015 Prep bowl performance to win it all without him the next year.By Star Tribune
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Return of winter sports tournaments 'just means our season matters'
18:16
18:16
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18:16
The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen talk through newly approved and highly anticipated plans to hold high school state championships again, some basketball news and offer their take on origins of "nothing to sneeze at.''By Star Tribune
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Access Vikings
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Quarterback trades, Super Bowl and predictions
56:35
56:35
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56:35
Jared Goff in, Matthew Stafford out. Are any other quarterback changes coming in the NFC North? What's going on with the Vikings coaching staff? Who ya got -- Bucs or Chiefs? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: In a pandemic, "it's not just about the wins and losses''
18:45
18:45
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18:45
Amid the return of Minnesota high school winter sports, the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque are seeing an important new meaning being brought to the court, rink and mats that doesn't show up in the box scores.By Star Tribune
Gov. Tim Walz's proposal was met with Republican reluctance. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Access Vikings
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On Vikings connections to NFL's final four and your offseason questions
55:53
55:53
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55:53
The NFL's final four teams are dominated by elite-level QB play. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss that through a Vikings lens, and untangle the web of connections remaining playoff teams have to Minnesota. They also open up the mailbag.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Hopkins girls' basketball looks even better than last year, if that's possible
20:04
20:04
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20:04
A 50-point drubbing of a top foe has the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque wondering if the Royals, with a 64-game winning streak, will lose a game this year, Plus the latest on state tournaments coming into view,By Star Tribune
In his inaugural address, the 46th president calls for national unity. Hear the "Playing Politics" podcast analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Minnesota winter sports restart and the two toughest sets of high school athletes
26:27
26:27
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26:27
As high school sports resume Jan. 14 with masks required, Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque get the hockey season started and mix in basketball, wrestling and gymnastics as well.By Star Tribune
The U.S. House considers impeaching the president for his role in the Capitol attack. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune's D.J. Tice and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Curious Minnesota
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How do cities make Mississippi River water safe to drink?
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Both Minneapolis and St. Paul draw their drinking water from the Mississippi River. Curious Minnesota host Eric Roper paid a visit to Minneapolis’ water treatment campus in Fridley to understand the complex process that makes river water safe to drink. LINKS: Photo gallery Article (published in October 2020)…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings' 2021 offseason starts with coordinator hires, roster questions
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47:18
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47:18
The Vikings need at least one new coordinator and likely two with offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak expected to retire. But Mike Zimmer doesn't want much to change about the offense. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the 2021 offseason priorities and take your questions on the latest Access Vikings podcast.…
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: With masks and now fans, Minnesota winter sports set to start up -- finally
22:32
22:32
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22:32
"Everyone wants the kids to play,'' says the Star Tribune's David La Vaque, who with colleague Jim Paulsen delve into the mask controversy and more with games set to begin Jan. 14.By Star Tribune
Protests against the presidential election resulted in violence as Congress convened to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Hear the “Playing Politics” analysis from WCCO Radio’s Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board’s Scott Gillespie and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Access Vikings
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Justin Jefferson stamps all-time rookie season as Vikings squeak by Lions
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24:00
Justin Jefferson put a stamp on his all-time rookie NFL season in Detroit, where the Vikings held on for a 37-35 win that says far less about where this team is headed. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Jefferson, coach Mike Zimmer's postgame claim and more in the latest Access Vikings podcast.…
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Access Vikings
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Finding meaning in Vikings' finale at Detroit and taking your questions
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50:32
What can the Vikings gain from Sunday's season finale at Detroit? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss a team headed for the exits, the future of veterans like tight end Kyle Rudolph and left tackle Riley Reiff, and more in the latest Access Vikings podcast.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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Vikings defense embarrassed in worst loss of Mike Zimmer era
25:09
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25:09
The Vikings defense had never given up 583 yards before Friday, and it was 1963 when an opponent last scored as much as the Saints' 52 points. Does the embarrassment reflect more than just an injury-riddled roster? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.…
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Access Vikings
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The fifth chapter of Vikings-Saints may be the least hyped so far
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25:20
The Vikings return to New Orleans less than a year after their overtime NFC wild-card playoff win in January. But this trip doesn't have the same buzz about it, for many reasons. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Friday's game, receiver Justin Jefferson and more in the latest Access Vikings podcast.…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings defense run over in latest December loss to Bears
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18:28
The Vikings defense is decimated by injuries, and it looked the part during Sunday's 33-27 loss to the Bears. The latest December home loss to Chicago nearly shuts the door on the Vikings' playoff hopes. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: With Minnesota youth sports practices approved, what will it take to start playing games?
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23:22
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23:22
The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque look past the Jan. 4 start date for high school sports practices to when basketball, hockey and other sports will start to compete, and maybe even get to state tournaments.By Star Tribune
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Access Vikings
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Pressure on Kirk Cousins, Vikings-Bears and your questions
38:18
38:18
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38:18
Kirk Cousins says sacks can be a quarterback stat, too, while he's been sacked a season high in back-to-back games. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss what Cousins can control, what he can't and preview Vikings-Bears on Sunday with NFC playoff implications.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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Missed kicks, six sacks and a recipe for a Vikings loss in Tampa
18:10
18:10
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18:10
Kicker Dan Bailey's 0-for-4 day headlines the Vikings' 26-14 loss in Tampa Bay on Sunday, when a strong start on offense was wasted by the missed kicks, penalties and another busted coverage. Does this clarify the Vikings' standing in the NFC playoff race? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.…
Despite repeated rebukes in court, the Trump campaign's push to overturn election results endures. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Access Vikings
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Vikings-Buccaneers comes with star power and NFC playoff implications
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29:36
The NFC playoff field is muddled, so why can't the Vikings (6-6) emerge? The reasons could show Sunday against fellow playoff contender in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers (7-5) have slipped but have a ton of star power. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game on the latest Access Vikings podcast.…
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Volleyball exits on a talented note as football signing period approaches
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25:31
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25:31
The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen talk all-metro volleyball, look ahead to the college football early signing period starting Wednesday and offer predictions on when high school winter sports will get going again.By Star Tribune
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Access Vikings
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Vikings' mistakes not too much to overcome against lowly Jaguars
18:36
18:36
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18:36
The Vikings' many mistakes in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win against the Jaguars weren't too much to overcome. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins discuss the problems that persist for a 6-6 team still in the playoff chase.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Celebrating metro football's finest, hinting at the return of winter sports and state tournaments
23:57
23:57
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23:57
The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque critique their work picking their All-Metro football teams and the Minnesota State High School League's plan for getting sports back in action.By Star Tribune
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Curious Minnesota
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Will Minnesota join push toward a national popular vote?
10:45
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10:45
A number of states have joined an effort that would effectively bypass the Electoral College in determining America's president. Those states have signed on to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would commit their electoral votes to whoever wins the national popular vote. Will Minnesota participate? Reporter Torey Van Oot joins hos…
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Access Vikings
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Can Jaguars week be a good time to spell Dalvin Cook a little bit?
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44:03
Mike Zimmer insists the Vikings want to "be smart" with running back Dalvin Cook, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage and is second in touches. So, why not start watching his workload Sunday against the Jaguars' 31st-ranked defense? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss that and more on the latest Access Vikings podcast.…
The attorney general says the Justice Department sees no widespread election fraud. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's Patricia Lopez and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Access Vikings
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Vikings defense disrupts Teddy Bridgewater's return in 28-27 win over Carolina
21:10
21:10
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21:10
While his former Vikings coaches spoke of Teddy Bridgewater as a clutch performer they didn't want to put in a must-win situation, it was Kirk Cousins who led the game-winning drive during Sunday's 28-27 win vs. Carolina. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss postgame from U.S. Bank Stadium.…
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Access Vikings
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Teddy Bridgewater's return, corners under siege and Vikings-Panthers
29:51
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29:51
Will the Vikings secondary rebound Sunday against another strong receiver group in the Carolina Panthers? Will their quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, spark some what-if's among Vikings fans? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss on the latest Access Vikings podcast.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Who are the mythical No. 1 teams in Minnesota prep football?
30:11
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30:11
The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque make the case for their favorites in a season that offered no clear answers, call out some personal football highlights and, with the winter season on pause, walk through recent high school league budget news.By Star Tribune
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Access Vikings
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Vikings' shortcomings too much to overcome in 31-28 loss to Cowboys
12:06
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12:06
Unreliability across the board came back to doom the Vikings during Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the loss, including defensive woes and special teams problems that were too much to overcome.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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Vikings take winning streak into easier stretch of schedule
49:40
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49:40
The Vikings, winners of three straight NFC North games, take the winning streak into an easier portion of the schedule against three teams, the Cowboys, Panthers and Jaguars, who could all be without their starting quarterbacks. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Sunday's game against the Cowboys and Week 11 in the NFC playoff p…
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: What to make of the pause in Minnesota high school sports
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16:33
In the latest Talking Preps, David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen lament football and volleyball seasons cut short, discuss why it's a four-week break and speculate on what happens after that.By Star Tribune
The unchecked pandemic leads to new restrictions, which may lead to new pushback. Hear the "Playing Politics" analysis from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune Editorial Board's D.J. Tice and John Rash.By Star Tribune Editorial Board
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Access Vikings
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Vikings, Kirk Cousins find another way to win in Chicago
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35:37
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35:37
The Vikings' third straight NFC North win came in a much different fashion, which Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast. Also, what have we learned about a young defense? And at what point will the special teams issues cost them?By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Talking Preps
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Podcast: Savoring three Minneapolis and St. Paul football players before a fluid postseason like no other
17:55
17:55
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17:55
In the latest Talking Preps, David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen celebrate Sam Smith of St. Paul Humboldt and friends Nyle Dickel of Minneapolis Washburn and Nick Flaskamp of Minneapolis Southwest. And look ahead to section brackets unfortunately riddled by COVID absences.By Star Tribune
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Access Vikings
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Vikings-Bears suddenly carries weight in NFC playoff outlook
50:48
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50:48
Monday night's game in Chicago suddenly has playoff implications after the Vikings' back-to-back NFC North wins. The Bears are reeling with three straight losses, but another top-10 defense presents matchup problems for the Vikings offense. Can Dalvin Cook keep them on track? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Monday night's gam…
