The Milwaukee Brewers continue their road trip to begin the week, as they’ll visit the St. Louis Cardinals for three games beginning Monday evening. The Brewers, who have taken two of three against the D-backs and Nationals in their last two series, are now 18-15 on the season, sitting in fourth place in the deepest division in baseball. Just above them in those standings are the Cardinals, tied for second at 20-14. The Cardinals had their six-game win streak — including a four-game sweep of the Pirates and two wins over the Dodgers — snapped on Sunday.
Midwest
Congressman Eric Burlison: In the Biden administration, 'the inmates are running the prison'
U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., sat down with Fox News Digital at FreedomFest in Las Vegas to discuss the 2024 election, immigration, Second Amendment rights, and the government response to the COVID pandemic.
As former President Trump and the GOP brand have expanded throughout the American heartland in many areas that were once swing states, Burlison said he believes that the Democratic Party has abandoned his home state ideologically.
“When I was first elected in the Missouri House, I sat across the aisle from people that were friends of mine that were part of the Democratic Party who were pro-life…There were members who were part of the pro-Second Amendment caucus…and that’s not an option today and I think that people that that once held, that still hold those values that once found a place in the Democratic Party, there’s no place for them anymore…It’s not that Missouri has moved ideologically, I think it’s the Democratic Party has left them.”
LIVE UPDATES: REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., participates in the Republican Study Committee news conference to unveil their FY2025 budget proposal in March. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Burlison has been a tireless critic of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, and said the issue will pay dividends for the GOP in 2024.
“This is unprecedented levels of illegal immigration and I think that his [Biden’s] executive orders directly undermined the authority of Customs and Border Patrol, and now we have this crisis situation … over 10 million people that we know of have come across the southern border illegally, and then we have over 2 million people that are known got-aways,” he said. “When the Biden administration talks about job numbers, and he’s taking credit for this surge in jobs…the fact is that more than half of those jobs are occupied by someone who was not living in the United States before Joe Biden became president. And so, that is a disturbing factor.”
WHITE HOUSE GRILLED ON FLOW OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO GOVERNMENT DEI PROGRAMS
Energy production and independence are also issues that Burlison is championing in Congress, and he said will resonate with the American electorate come November.
“I think we need to return to an America that was energy independent, that was the America of abundance and that was what we were on track for that under the previous administration under President Trump. Look, in my lifetime I’ve heard so many people running for president claim that they were going to make America energy independent: we would be a net exporter of electricity, net exporter of fuels, and natural resources. That didn’t happen until President Donald Trump,” Burlison said. “The one nexus [for the economy] is energy independence and having abundant energy in the future. If America can go back to being a net exporter, and we reduce our costs for oil…natural gas, and other things, then I think we’re going to solve a lot of our problems.”
While Biden pledged to govern as a moderate after defeating democratic socialist Bernie Sanders in the 2020 primary, Burlison argues that Biden reneged on that promise.
President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign in Philadelphia. (Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I would love to have a moderate Joe Biden as president, but that’s not who we have. I think that his office…the inmates are running the prison I think that the staff are running the show, and those staff are a lot more progressive than Joe Biden has ever been as an elected official, so it’s a disturbing trend, and I hope that we change course,” Burlison said.
GOP LAWMAKER HIGHLIGHTS LINGERING DIVIDES: ‘IT’S THE CONFERENCE AGAINST THE CONFERENCE’
One of the most important issues for Burlison is Second Amendment rights. He said he believes that Republicans have work to do to fine-tune their messaging on the issue.
“I think that we need to do a better job of communicating the value of people having the right to carry a firearm. The FBI numbers, even under the Obama administration, they did a report that showed that two and a half million times a year someone uses a firearm to save a life or stop a rape, stop a violent act, and those are amazing numbers and there’s anecdotes for every one of the two and a half million stories like that,” he said. “But what ends up being covered in the media are the horrific shootings that occur and while they are absolutely horrible, and we should do everything we can to try to stop those, we can’t ignore the fact that firearms overwhelmingly save lives.”
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (llison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Burlison is a vehement critic of both parties on spending.
“It’s not only a financial crisis, but it is a security crisis. We are at a debt to GDP level that we have not seen since World War Two, and we didn’t just complete a war. In fact, we’re looking at wars that the United States may have to get into in the future, and we can’t afford it, so we have to fix this, and we don’t…we have a spending problem in D.C. and, the thing that I’m most disappointed in is my Republican colleagues who are not willing to make the necessary cuts,” he said. “They’re not willing to do what’s important and necessary for the future of America, and look, cutting is difficult, but it’s something that we’re going to have to do if we want to save this country.”
During the COVID pandemic, Burlison emerged as a champion of civil liberties, and an opponent of government overreach, and pledged that another attempt to enact policies, such as shutdowns and lockdowns, would not take place without a fight.
“This [the government reaction to COVID] was a horrific situation. We saw what a totalitarian regime might look like in America,” he said. “We got a taste of that and, I hope, I think that there’s a lot of patriots who are not going to let that happen again, and I think that there’s a lot of legislators that are trying to pass bills to make sure that…we don’t see those losses of liberty again.”
Read the full article from Here
Continue Reading
The playoff comeback of the ages is complete. The Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 on Sunday in front of what was an energetic crowd at Little Caesars Arena, advancing in the NBA playoffs.
The Pistons are the second Eastern Conference team in this year’s NBA playoffs to come back from a 3-1 deficit and win the series. The Philadelphia 76ers also rallied from a 3-1 deficit to upset the Boston Celtics.
The Pistons’ first-round win over the Magic is their first playoff series win since the 2007-08 season, and now they’ll advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals and look to reach one step closer to reaching their goal of winning their first NBA championship since 2004.
Not only did the Pistons repeat history from 2003 by rallying from a 3-1 deficit in the first round against the Orlando Magic as the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed, but the comeback showed their resolve as a team that could provide a huge confidence booster for the group heading into the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Tobias Harris’ Remarkable Game 7 Performance
While Cade Cunningham led the Pistons in scoring with 32 points, Tobias Harris put on arguably the best performance of his career in the playoffs. Throughout this series and in the Pistons’ three elimination games, Harris has been an unsung hero for Detroit. Without his contributions, the first-round comeback likely never would have happened for the Pistons.
In the Pistons’ win, Harris scored 30 points, nine rebounds, and two assists on 11-of-18 shooting from the field, including five three-pointers. It was a remarkable performance for a player who, in the past, faced criticism for his postseason contributions. Entering Sunday’s matchup, Harris was 0-2 in Game 7’s, and he ended that streak in a big way.
In addition to Cunningham and Harris 30-point playoff performances, Jalen Duren (15 points) and Duncan Robinson (10 points) also scored in double figures for the Pistons.
For the Magic, Paolo Banchero led Orlando in the loss, scoring 38 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. While not as efficient offensively as Banchero was in Game 7, Desmond Bane (16 points) and Wendell Carter Jr. (13 points) also scored in double figures for the Magic.
What’s Next For Pistons?
The Pistons currently await their opponent in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, as they’ll face either the Toronto Raptors or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Game 1 of the Pistons Eastern Conference Semifinals series is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena, with the game broadcast on Peacock.
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
I already provided a more in-depth rundown of the Brewers’ injured list earlier today, but for the quicker version, read on. The big news here is that first baseman Andrew Vaughn should be back with the team for the first time since Opening Day as he finishes his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville. Alongside Vaughn, outfielder Jackson Chourio was also expected to return Monday, but after he fouled a ball off his foot/ankle on Saturday night, that return may be slightly delayed. Regardless, we should see him soon. Jacob Misiorowski is the other big name to mention, as he exited Friday night’s win with cramps — he would be slated for the series finale in St. Louis, but the Brewers still have that spot listed as TBD. More on that below. Rounding things out: Angel Zerpa (extended absence as he weighs whether to undergo Tommy John surgery), Brice Turang (day to day after he was scratched with an illness on Sunday), Brandon Woodruff (right arm inflammation; should be back in a couple weeks), Quinn Priester (rehabbing from thoracic outlet syndrome), Christian Yelich (has begun running and hitting as he recovers from a groin strain); Jared Koenig (on a throwing program); Rob Zastryzny (playing catch again); Akil Baddoo (TBD, but no earlier than a June return). Oof.
The Cardinals have a much smaller injured list, as they’re only without outfielder Lars Nootbaar and right-hander Matt Pushard. Nootbaar underwent surgery on both heels and hasn’t appeared in a game this season. On the 60-day IL, he is eligible to come off the IL on May 24, with the team tentatively scheduling a rehab assignment to begin around May 10. Pushard is currently with Triple-A Memphis as he works his way back from right knee tendinitis that has kept him out since the end of March.
The not-so-heavy-hitting Brewer offense is currently led by Brice Turang and William Contreras, both of whom are close to batting .300 (.298 for Contreras, .291 for Turang). Tyler Black, who was recalled last week, has shined in six games with the team, hitting .429 with nine hits (four doubles) and seven RBIs over 21 at-bats. Jake Bauers and Gary Sánchez have provided the little bit of power Milwaukee has had, though they’ve both been sitting with five homers for a couple of weeks. Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, David Hamilton, Greg Jones, Brandon Lockridge, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, and Luis Rengifo round out the offense, though two players will have to be optioned to make room for Vaughn and Chourio this week. As a team, the Brewers .239/.335/.354 (.689 OPS ranks 24th), with 22 homers (29th), 172 runs (eighth), and 38 steals (first).
Jordan Walker got off to a scalding hot start and leads the Cards with 10 homers this season, adding 27 RBIs, 27 runs, and six steals as he’s hitting .307/.373/.591. Rookie JJ Wetherholt adds seven homers, while Alec Burleson, Nathan Church, and Nolan Gorman have five homers each. The Cardinals also have a solid combo of catchers in Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés. Masyn Winn is the team’s starting shortstop, though he’s a defense-first player, with Yohel Pozo, Ramón Urías, José Fermín, Thomas Saggese, and Victor Scott II rounding things out. As a team, the Cardinals are hitting .241/.325/.403 (.728 OPS ranks ninth), with 44 homers (tied for fourth), 166 runs (ninth), and 26 steals (12th).
It seems like we haven’t seen Grant Anderson and Aaron Ashby quite as often in the last couple of series, but they still lead the Crew with 17 and 16 appearances, respectively. Abner Uribe, DL Hall, Shane Drohan, and Brian Fitzpatrick have also been solid recently, and Trevor Megill has improved drastically after a ridiculously cold start. Jake Woodford has served as a long-relief arm in a few of the Brewers’ blowout games this year, as he’s a former starter/swingman for these Cardinals. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.56 team ERA (fifth), including a 3.47 starter ERA (fifth) and a 3.67 bullpen ERA (eighth). They’ve struck out 309 batters (seventh) over 293 1/3 innings.
Justin Bruihl leads the Cardinals’ bullpen with 18 appearances, though he has a 5.29 ERA. Closer Riley O’Brien has been solid, with a 2.20 ERA and nine saves in 11 opportunities. JoJo Romero, George Soriano, and Gordon Graceffo have all been solid, while Ryne Stanek (7.71 ERA) and Matt Svanson (9.68 ERA) have struggled. Jared Shuster, who was selected and DFA’d by the Cardinals earlier this season, rounds out the bullpen after once again being selected on Friday. He’s made three appearances with a 3.18 ERA over 5 2/3 innings this season. As a staff, the Cardinals have a 4.54 team ERA (23rd), including a 4.27 starter ERA (17th) and a 4.92 bullpen ERA (26th). They’ve struck out 236 batters (last) over 307 innings.
Monday, May 4 @ 6:45 p.m.: RHP Chad Patrick (2-1, 2.57 ERA, 4.33 FIP) vs. RHP Kyle Leahy (3-3, 5.52 ERA, 5.64 FIP)
Patrick continues to outpace his FIP, as his 2.57 ERA is nearly two runs lower than his 4.33 FIP through six appearances (four starts) this season. The former fourth-round pick picked up his second win of the year his last time out, allowing two runs on a hit and five walks while striking out five in a 13-2 win over the D-backs. He made three appearances (two starts) against St. Louis last season, going 0-1 with a 3.72 ERA and six strikeouts over 9 2/3 innings.
Leahy, who served as the Cardinals’ set-up man for the majority of last season, has transitioned into a starter this season. Through six starts, he’s an even 3-3, though he has a not-so-pretty 5.52 ERA and 5.64 FIP, striking out 22 over 29 1/3 innings. He picked up the win his last time around against Pittsburgh, allowing three runs on nine hits and striking out seven over 5 1/3 innings. He’s alternated wins and losses in each appearance this year, though, which means he’s due for a loss. In eight appearances (all relief) against Milwaukee, Leahy has a 3.65 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 12 1/3 innings.
Tuesday, May 5 @ 6:45 p.m.: RHP Brandon Sproat (0-2, 6.75 ERA, 6.38 FIP) vs. RHP Andre Pallante (3-2, 3.73 ERA, 4.68 FIP)
It has been a rough start for Sproat in his first season in Milwaukee, as he has a 6.75 ERA and 6.38 FIP with 25 strikeouts over 26 2/3 innings. He made a pair of solid outings against the Nationals and Blue Jays a few weeks ago, allowing just two runs and striking out nine over 10 1/3 innings in those games, but he’s struggled his last two times out against the Tigers and D-backs. Against Arizona on Wednesday, he allowed four runs on six hits (two homers) and a pair of walks, striking out five in a 6-2 loss. This marks his first career appearance against St. Louis.
Pallante, 27, is now in his fifth season with St. Louis and his third as a full-time starter. After a rough -1.1 bWAR season last year, he’s bounced back to begin the 2026 season. Through six starts, he has a 3.73 ERA, 4.68 FIP, and 26 strikeouts over 31 1/3 innings. A former fourth-round pick, Pallante went six innings against the Pirates his last turn through the rotation, allowing one run on five hits and striking out six. A familiar opponent for Milwaukee, Pallante has made 15 appearances (three starts) against the Brewers, with an 0-2 record, a 5.06 ERA, and 19 strikeouts over 32 innings.
Wednesday, May 6 @ 12:15 p.m.: TBD vs. LHP Matthew Liberatore (1-1, 4.50 ERA, 5.84 FIP)
As I noted above, the Brewers haven’t yet announced a starter for Wednesday’s series finale, as this would be Misiorowski’s turn in the rotation. Miz exited Friday night’s game against the Nationals with cramping, but it seems more likely than not that we’ll still see him in this one. If that is the case, I’ll note that Miz had his best stuff in his last outing, striking out eight and allowing no hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings in the win over Washington. He made three starts against St. Louis last year (including his MLB debut), going 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings.
Liberatore, 26, is also in his fifth season with the Cardinals. He made 29 starts with a 4.21 ERA a year ago, and he looks to be on track for a similar season in 2026. Through seven starts, he has a 4.50 ERA, 5.84 FIP, and 23 strikeouts over 36 innings. He picked up the win in Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers, going 5 2/3 innings with two runs allowed on five hits and a pair of walks, striking out four. Liberatore has made 11 appearances (four starts) against Milwaukee for his career, with a 4-0 record, a 1.26 ERA, and 31 strikeouts over 28 2/3 innings.
Monday, May 4: Brewers TV and nationally on FS1; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Tuesday, May 5: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Wednesday, May 6: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
The Cardinals have gotten off to a solid start thanks to a strong offensive showing across the lineup. I think the Brewers’ pitching staff can hold them, though, and the return of Vaughn (and maybe Chourio) should be big for Milwaukee’s inconsistent offense. I’ll take the Crew to win two of three.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis sports bars see boost in revenue as professional teams continue playoff runs
Minnesota’s playoff runs are giving Minneapolis sports bars a boost as three Minnesota sports teams have punched their ticket into the playoffs.
Bars and restaurants in Minneapolis tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they are seeing more business as both teams keep winning in the playoffs.
Jay Ettinger, co-owner of the Rabbit Hole in the North Loop, is one example. Opening one year ago, Ettinger said the Rabbit Hole bet on Minnesota sports teams to have postseason success, and so far that bet has paid off.
“All the other restaurants in the neighborhood don’t really allow for large groups, so we built this to have large groups to celebrate things like this,” said Ettinger.
Ettinger said the restaurant is set up for sports fans with 54 TVs across the bar and seven more expected to be installed by next week to meet demand. He said playoff games on back-to-back nights have brought a major increase in business.
There are currently three Minnesota teams in the postseason: the Minnesota Wild, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Minnesota Frost. Meaning the Rabbit Hole can expect a large crowd and a large revenue boost almost every day this week.
“We’re going to have hockey tonight, basketball tomorrow, hockey, basketball…” said Ettinger. “I would say on those off nights…it’s probably triple to quadruple what our numbers would normally be.”
The Rabbit Hole is not the only business benefiting, either. The Minneapolis Downtown Council estimated last year that one Timberwolves playoff game could add up to $1.5 million for the city. But this year, for the first time ever – the Wolves and Wild are playing in May.
“After work, you come down during the week and there are people that are out getting a drink, getting a bite to eat…it makes the whole entire vibe of the city better…it’s just awesome to live down here right now,” said Minneapolis Resident, Caleb Wall.
“Like I said, something feels different this year…something just feels very different with the fandom, with the teams, with the attitude, with the culture of the teams, it just feels different this year…in a great way,” said Ettinger.
-
World2 minutes agoCruise ship outbreak leaves 3 dead as officials delay medical evacuations and probe hantavirus threat
-
Politics8 minutes agoMarco Rubio spotted behind DJ booth at family wedding as social media reacts to viral clip
-
Health14 minutes agoJane Seymour, 75, shares how she approaches aging with vitality: ‘Best I can be’
-
Sports20 minutes ago2025-26 NBA Title Odds: Thunder, Spurs Favored; East Up For Grabs
-
Technology26 minutes agoUnited Arab Emirates plans AI-run government within two years
-
Business32 minutes ago‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ steps out to $77 million at the box office
-
Entertainment38 minutes agoFormer Santana vocalist Alex Ligertwood dies at 79
-
Lifestyle44 minutes agoShe’s rich, self-made and wants women to boldly talk about money (and make more)