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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.
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.
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.
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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How did Minnesota become a window manufacturing hub?
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Minnesota's largest window companies, Marvin and Andersen Windows & Doors, are well known across the nation. The state actually has the second-highest concentration of window and door manufacturing jobs in the country. So how did Minnesota become a window hub? Reporter Nick Williams joins host Eric Roper to discuss the industry's history in the sta…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings defensive coordinator interviews -- and the future of Kirk Cousins
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37:00
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Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand dive into the Vikings' pool of defensive coordinator candidates and what the hire might say about the type of defense Kevin O'Connell wants to run in 2023 and beyond. Plus they open up the mailbag for questions about impending free agents and one big name still under contract: quarterback Kirk Cousins.…
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Talking Preps
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Maureen Nelson, former Minnetonka football mom, honors her grandson by authoring "I Miss You Today"
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17:37
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Access Vikings
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Season highs, free agents and more Vikings questions
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31:52
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31:52
Andrew Krammer empties the mailbag and audio recorder in this Access Vikings episode as Vikings players recall some high points of the 2022 season and a couple pending free agents discuss their outlooks this offseason. Krammer also answers questions about veteran defenders and one rookie.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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Key takeaways from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell as Vikings' offseason begins
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Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand react to Wednesday's season-ending news conference from General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. We learned that Ed Donatell (at least for now) hasn't been fired, that the Vikings have started a dialogue with Justin Jefferson's representatives about a contract extension and th…
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Access Vikings
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Abrupt ending: The final play, the defensive woes, and where the Vikings go from here
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21:48
After a 31-24 loss to the Giants in the first round of the playoffs, there was plenty to dissect about the Vikings' performance. And a lot of the flaws on display in Sunday's defeat naturally lead into questions about the future -- all of which was tackled on this postgame episode.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Curious Minnesota
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Why are there so many stucco homes in the Twin Cities?
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About 45% of single-family homes in Minneapolis have stucco siding, along with nearly a third of the homes in St. Paul. What's behind this trend among older homes in the Twin Cities? Reporter Nancy Ngo joins host Eric Roper to discuss the reasons the region has so many stucco homes. LINKS: SURVEY: Help us improve the Curious Minnesota podcast Why a…
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Access Vikings
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Talking about playoffs: Can the Vikings keep winning on the margins and defeat the Giants?
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Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's playoff game between the Vikings and Giants while also answering a lot of your big questions ahead of the game.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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Vikings accomplish a couple goals in regular season finale at Chicago
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First-year head coach Kevin O'Connell kept most players healthy while getting the offense moving forward again during a 29-13 win against the Bears to end the regular season. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the win from Soldier Field, where a patchwork offensive line got meaningful work together ahead of a playoff rematch against the Giants.…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings' reaction to Damar Hamlin, plus Sunday in Chicago and playoffs
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Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' reaction to Buffalo Bills defender Damar Hamlin's heart stopping on the field after what looked like a routine hit. They eventually transition into a tough injury for Brian O'Neill and the Vikings offense, followed by Sunday's game in Chicago and how the NFC playoffs could shake ou…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings lose big in chance to end Packers season
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11:07
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Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan provide a quick dispatch from Lambeau Field, where the Vikings fell 41-17 in a blowout defeat that keeps the Packers' playoff chances alive. How was Justin Jefferson held to one catch? How confident should the 12-4 Vikings be?By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Curious Minnesota
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Minnesota companies once dominated the supercomputer industry. What happened?
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Like in flour and lumber milling, Minnesota companies once dominated the field of supercomputing. Firms like Univac, Control Data and Cray Research built some of the fastest computers in the world. But their success didn't last, despite the growth of the computer industry overall. Evan Ramstad joins host Eric Roper to discuss the origins of these c…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings' rematch in Green Bay comes with meaning, surging Justin Jefferson
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48:57
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Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's rematch in Green Bay, where the Vikings have a chance to end the Packers' playoff hopes and receiver Justin Jefferson continues his MVP case -- which is probably a long shot, anyway. They also open up the mailbag and answer your questions, ranging from the rookie draft class to the 31st-ranked defen…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings' improbable winning ways continue against Giants
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Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 27-24 win against the Giants, from Greg Joseph's clutch kick to Justin Jefferson's key plays.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Talking Preps
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Need a great holiday read? Order "Frozen in Time: A History of the U.S. Men's College Ice Hockey Championships"
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Access Vikings
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Sorting through Vikings' playoff possibilities and your questions
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34:29
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the importance of the Vikings' Christmas Eve game against the Giants (8-5-1) in the NFC playoff standings and which teams they could face in the first round. They also open up the mailbag and answer your questions about the offseason, the defensive adjustments and the NFL acknowledging mistakes…
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Access Vikings
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Act II: Enigmatic Vikings finish biggest comeback in NFL history over Colts
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9:50
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Like that game, this podcast is a tale of two halves because of technical issues.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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Enigmatic Vikings finish biggest comeback in NFL history over Colts
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What just happened? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins recap the Vikings' 39-36 win over the Colts from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the purple faithful who stayed to watch after a 33-0 halftime deficit have quite the story to tell.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Curious Minnesota
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Why did Finnish immigrants come to Minnesota? (And no, they're not Scandinavian)
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Minnesota has more residents of Finnish ancestry than any other state. That's the result of mass immigration from Finland that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The story of Finns immigrating to Minnesota is distinct from the Swedes and Norwegians. Eric Roper, who wrote a story on this topic, discusses the reasons why with Ash Miller. LIN…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings defense searching for answers as Colts come to town
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What's wrong with the Vikings' last-placed defense? What can be done to patch the holes in December? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the issues, edge rusher Danielle Hunter's season, Sunday's game against the Colts and answer your questions.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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Vikings defense can't slow Lions or wrap up NFC North in loss
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The Vikings didn't force a punt after halftime as they fell 34-23 to a potent Lions offense that became the latest to run up and down the field on Minnesota. From Ford Field in Detroit, Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss head coach Kevin O'Connell's remarks about the defense, the remarkable days from quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Just…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings face 'feisty' Lions team with NFC North title in reach
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Running back Dalvin Cook called this a "feisty" Lions defense that they'll face on Sunday. Detroit's offense is more formidable. The Vikings face a better-than-your-typical Lions team with the NFC North title in reach on Sunday at Ford Field. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview the game, discuss cornerback Patrick Peterson's impa…
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Talking Preps
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"Hockey is for Everybody" author and former Edina standout Anthony Walsh combatting racism in his favorite game
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Access Vikings
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Vikings stick to script with another uneven win against Jets
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20:13
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Vikings players keep saying it's not pretty, but they'll take another win. That was the popular refrain again at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 27-22 win over New York. They discuss the 10-2 record, a porous defense and quarterback Kirk Cousins' resiliency in this episode of the Access Vikin…
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Curious Minnesota
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Did a TV debate decide one of Minnesota's most scandalous elections?
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It has been more than 30 years since one of the most bizarre elections in recent Minnesota history. The Republican-endorsed candidate for governor, Jon Grunseth, withdrew from the race just days before Election Day amid a cloud of allegations. His last-minute replacement on the ballot, Arne Carlson, went on to defeat DFL incumbent Rudy Perpich -- t…
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Access Vikings
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On Vikings' chase for NFC's top seed, Jefferson's MVP case and your questions
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33:29
The Vikings have a chance to make a run with games against the Jets, Lions and Colts on the horizon. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the Jets and a tough defense. They also discuss receiver Justin Jefferson's MVP case and open the mailbag to answer your Vikings questions.…
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Talking Preps
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Breaking down the first December Prep Bowl in prep history
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Access Vikings
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Vikings topple Patriots in surprising Thanksgiving shootout
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18:52
The offense scored on five straight drives. Special teams tipped the scales. The defense got stops at the end. So goes another narrow Vikings win, this time a 33-26 victory over the Patriots on Thanksgiving night. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap what they saw and heard at U.S. Bank Stadium.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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After disastrous loss to Dallas, which Vikings team will show up against New England?
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Andrew Krammer, Ben Goessling and Michael Rand revisit the Vikings' 40-3 loss to Dallas and wonder how much carryover there will be to Thursday's game against New England. Against another vaunted pass rush, the Vikings will need to protect Kirk Cousins much better than they did Sunday, but they also should be able to contain a mediocre-at-best New …
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Talking Preps
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Football state tournament at 50 years: Reliving the championship games and the players who shined
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Access Vikings
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Diving into Cousins to Jefferson and Sunday's Vikings-Cowboys game
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Will the Vikings' run continue against the 6-3 Dallas Cowboys? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview the matchup and discuss quarterback Kirk Cousins' continued connection with receiver Justin Jefferson. What stands out about Cousins' play? Who do they have winning the game?By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Talking Preps
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Cannon Falls volleyball coach Melissa Huseth reflects on her Bombers' first state tournament championship
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23:15
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Access Vikings
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Vikings prove to be contenders with wild win in Buffalo
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20:27
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20:27
Bills quarterback Josh Allen's elbow looked just fine. The Vikings won, 33-30 in overtime, anyway. From Orchard Park, N.Y., Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss a crazy victory that had players ranking it among their most hard-fought wins, and answered questions about whether these Vikings are contenders.…
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Curious Minnesota
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Who was Hennepin and why did Minnesota name so many things after him?
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Father Louis Hennepin's name is prevalent around the Twin Cities. The state's most populous county is named after this 17th century Catholic priest, as are a prominent Minneapolis avenue and countless public facilities. So who was Father Hennepin? Kevin Duchschere joins Ash Miller to discuss Hennepin's travels in Minnesota, and why his name became …
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Talking Preps
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Going deep downfield on top football state tournament quarterfinal matchups
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Access Vikings
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Are Vikings set to face Keenum-Diggs in Buffalo?
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Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s injured elbow could keep him from playing against the Vikings on Sunday, setting up a potential Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs pairing five years after the Minneapolis Miracle. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday’s game, talk about past Vikings-Bills games and open the mailbag to answer your qu…
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Access Vikings
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Kirk Cousins, Vikings 'like that' they're 7-1 with win against his former team
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"You like that!?" could be heard from the Vikings locker room after Sunday's 20-17 win at Fed ExField in Landover, Md., where quarterback Kirk Cousins beat his former team. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap another wild one-score win, tight end T.J. Hockenson's immediate impact and more from the stadium.…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings make trade deadline splash by adding T.J. Hockenson
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43:44
There's a lot going on. First, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the acquisition of former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson, then Ben Goessling joins to elaborate on the move and fit in the offense, then Chip Scoggins hops in to give his thoughts on where this franchise is headed. There's also some talk about Sunday's game in Washington and ex-…
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Talking Preps
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Jim and David share fall state championship season tidbits and predictions
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24:58
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Access Vikings
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'Revenge game’ fuels emotional Vikings’ win over Cardinals
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20:23
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20:23
Cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebacker Jordan Hicks popped off against their former teams, and the rest of the Vikings fed off their energy in a 34-26 win against the Cardinals on Sunday. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Peterson's comments and more of what they heard from U.S. Bank Stadium from a 6-1 team.…
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Curious Minnesota
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Does Minnesota really have the 'World's Oldest Rock'?
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25:55
Historical markers peppered around Minnesota help keep the state’s rich history alive. But few are as intriguing — and controversial — as the landmark for Minnesota’s most ancient artifact: the “World’s Oldest Rock.” Eric Roper and Ash Miller discuss the 3.5-billion-year-old history behind this claim on a historical marker in Granite Falls. And the…
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Access Vikings
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Vikings offense searching for big plays ahead of Cardinals game
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32:59
The Vikings (5-1) come out of the bye week relatively healthy and even farther ahead in the NFC North. But Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss an offense searching for more big plays to further separate themselves. Up next is a Cardinals (3-4) team that has talent but makes mistakes, including allowing the most yards after the ca…
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Talking Preps
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Rosemount girls' soccer coach Gretchen Stramel guides her team toward "unfinished business."
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19:54
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19:54
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Access Vikings
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Taking stock of Vikings' strengths, weaknesses at bye week
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46:37
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On the latest Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand take stock of a 5-1 team with plenty of questions and potential at the bye week. Do the Vikings have any money for a move at the trade deadline? Who has been the best defensive player?By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
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Access Vikings
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Vikings offense gets out of mud long enough to win in Miami
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19:30
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19:30
The Dolphins had quarterback turmoil from Skylar Thompson to Teddy Bridgewater. The Vikings offense just had turmoil. Ben Goessling joins Andrew Krammer from Miami, where the Vikings escaped again with a 24-16 win against a banged-up Dolphins team that collapsed under the weight of six sacks and three turnovers.…
Republicans try to take the office for the first time in decades. 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' strong start may continue against Dolphins QB Skylar Thompson
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32:45
The Vikings face a second backup quarterback in the past three weeks on Sunday, when the Dolphins will start 25-year-old, seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson. The Vikings' strong start may continue. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game and open the mailbag to answer your questions on the latest Access Vikings episod…
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Talking Preps
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Former Minnetonka track and field standout Rashad Cohen brings message of hope to young people worldwide
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22:55
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22:55
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Access Vikings
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Vikings recover to beat Bears and start the season 4-1
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18:15
The Vikings made it interesting, but after giving up 19 unanswered points to the Bears, they rallied with the 17-play, 7-minute drive capped by quarterback Kirk Cousins' sneak for the go-ahead touchdown. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the 29-22 win from U.S. Bank Stadium.By Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer
