Minnesota

Alanna Smith fights through a back injury to help Minnesota Lynx even WNBA Finals

Published

1 year ago

October 19, 2024

Alanna Smith fights through a back injury to help Minnesota Lynx even WNBA Finals

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — It wasn’t always pretty, but Alanna Smith fought through a back injury and made a big difference down the stretch on Friday night as the Minnesota Lynx evened the WNBA Finals by beating the New York Liberty.

Smith, Minnesota’s 6-foot-4 center, fell hard on her back in Minnesota’s Game 3 loss on Wednesday. She returned to play but clearly was in distress, and her status for Friday’s Game 4 was uncertain.

But when the starting lineups were announced, there was Smith in her customary spot, right where she was for 39 of Minnesota’s 40 regular-season games this year.

The early results were less than promising. Smith missed three layups in the first quarter and appeared hesitant when battling New York’s Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally. But she ended up giving the Lynx 30 minutes — up from her regular-season average of 26.5 — and her perseverance paid off with 12 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said it’s what the team expected from Smith, who was named to the WNBA’s all-defensive second team this year.

“All season long (Smith has) been in those positions for us, and we just appreciate her ability to turn around and buck up and do what her team needed to her to do,” Reeve said. “It’s important for her to be on the floor for us.”

After Minnesota led by one at halftime, Smith opened the second half with a 3-pointer on Minnesota’s first possession. She added a corner 3 that capped a 6-0 run by the Lynx to tie the game after they fell behind by six midway through the third quarter.

Smith hit another key basket when Courtney Williams found her for an open layup, giving Minnesota a 74-72 lead. And she was a big part of a swarming defense that helped frustrate New York stars Breanna Stewart (5 for 21 from the floor, 0 for 4 on 3-pointers) and Sabrina Ionescu (5 for 15, 0 for 5 beyond the arc).

“She’s battling against (Jones) constantly, and JJ’s not an easy task for anybody. And she’s a little bit undersized and she battles, makes things as difficult as possible,” said Lynx forward Bridget Carleton, whose two free throws with 2 seconds left broke an 80-80 tie.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

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Minnesota

Iran conflict: 250 Minnesota National Guard member serving in Middle East

Published

9 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Iran conflict: 250 Minnesota National Guard member serving in Middle East

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota National Guard tells FOX 9 there are currently 250 guard members on regularly scheduled deployment at the United States Central Command areas of responsibility as the United States leads strikes in Iran.

Guardsman in Middle East

What we know:

The Minnesota National Guard says the deployed airmen and soldiers are serving from Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing, the Marshall-based 1-151 Artillery, and the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company.

What they’re saying:

“While their missions and duty locations vary, all are grateful for the strong support of those back home,” writes Army Maj. Andrea Tsuchiya, State Public Affairs Officer for the Minnesota National Guard.

What we don’t know:

The guard did not disclose the exact bases or countries where the soldiers and airmen are serving.

CENTCOM covers 21 countries including: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Pres. Trump says Iran operations likely to last 4 to 5 weeks

Big picture view:

In his first public remarks since the launch of the attack on Iran, President Trump said he expected operations to last four to five weeks, but he was prepared “to go far longer than that.”

The president also laid out his objective for the mission: to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, to “annihilate” their navy, to ensure the country doesn’t obtain a nuclear weapon and that the regime “cannot continue to arm, fund and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders.”

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Minnesota

U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities

Published

21 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

U.S.-Israeli strikes spark dueling rallies in Twin Cities

Iranians in Minnesota react to Khamenei death

Iranians in the Twin Cities gathered in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday to celebrate major developments in the Middle East following the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. While many Iranian-Americans expressed hope for regime change, anti-war protesters also took to the streets to condemn the military strikes, with some members of Minnesota’s DFL delegation calling the operation “unlawful” and “illegal.”

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Iranians in the Twin Cities gathered in downtown Minneapolis Sunday to celebrate major developments in the Middle East. Anti-war protesters also took the streets of Minneapolis Saturday.

Plus, Jewish communities say they are on high alert over concerns of potential retaliatory acts in major cities across the U.S.

‘Massive moment’

What we know:

Following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation in Iran, Khamenei was killed in an attack, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday.

What they’re saying:

Iranian community groups rallied at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street on Sunday to express hope for regime change.

Dozens of Iranian-Americans said they are celebrating the news.

“We are here to support Iranian people. Today, everybody is happy, very happy,” said Beheshteh Zargaran, an Iranian-American.

“Killed Khamenei, which was the supreme leader, and hopefully they will continue this action and help Iranians finally topple the Islamic regime,” said Faraz Samavat, an Iranian-American.

“That means a lot. We are fighting for almost half a century to destroy this cruel regime against people of Iran,” said Ali Mohammad, an Iranian-American.

Iranians in MN celebrate strikes by Pres. Trump

Iranians in the Twin Cities are gathering in downtown Minneapolis to celebrate major developments in the Middle East following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation. Community groups rallied at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street to express hope for regime change after news that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in Saturday’s airstrikes.

The other side:

Protesters also took to the streets in the Twin Cities over the weekend condemning the strikes.

Some people are criticizing the military operation including members of Minnesota’s DFL delegation. Congresswoman Betty McCollum called the strikes “unlawful” and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar called the war “illegal and unjustified.”

Heightened security:

Jewish communities in Minnesota say they are also on high alert following security guidance across the country to prevent potential retaliatory violence.

“A heightened sense of vigilance making sure that everybody is aware of their surroundings and that all of the protective measures are in place,” said Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

There are currently no known specific threats against local Jewish communities.

WorldDonald J. TrumpPoliticsMinneapolisReligion

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Minnesota

Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

article

Storm reports in from Minnesota on Saturday, Feb. 28.

LANESBORO, Minn. (FOX 9) – Impressive snow totals were reported in parts of Minnesota after a narrow band of heavy snowfall worked its way across the state.