Farmington Mayor abruptly resigns after expletives fly at city council meeting

posted in: All news | 0

After a heated city council meeting on Monday, the mayor of Farmington has resigned effective immediately.

Joshua Hoyt

Farmington Mayor Joshua Hoyt resigned Wednesday after a contentious city council meeting where he and residents exchanged words, some of them being expletives.

While commenting on a proposed data center, which has faced persistent community backlash, Farmington residents took issue with an enforced five-minute rule for the public commenting period. Each person is given five minutes to speak and once the timer runs out, the mic at the podium is cut and an alarm can be heard.

One resident called the timer “ridiculous” and claimed it was discriminatory against people who speak slower than others.

Tensions grew as one resident refused to leave the podium after five minutes. “You can be done … or I’ll have you removed,” Hoyt said. A video of the meeting shows a law enforcement official approaching the man at the podium and following him out of frame.

“When people come to the podium and they abuse it … then rules have to be put in place,” Hoyt said, to “maintain decorum and order.”

After another exchange with a resident, Hoyt can be heard saying, in a now viral video clip: “We have to hold decorum, that’s how rules work. Otherwise, it’s just a free-for-all, everybody just does what they want when they want and then what? It becomes (an expletive) circus.”

Hoyt’s comment drew more expletives from the crowd, prompting the council to break for a 10-minute recess.

In a letter addressed to the City of Farmington, Hoyt wrote: “After careful consideration, I have come to the difficult decision that I must step away from my role as Mayor to focus on my mental health. This was not an easy conclusion to reach, but it is a necessary one.”

Hoyt was first elected mayor in 2020 and reelected in 2024 with 51% of the vote compared to Paul Larsen’s 47%.

“We are deeply grateful for Mayor Hoyt’s years of dedicated service to the City of Farmington. He truly believes in this community and lives and breathes Farmington,” the city wrote on its website.

Council member Nick Lien will serve as acting mayor. The city council is expected to discuss next steps in filling the vacancy at the March 2 work session.

Related Articles


Minnesota Hockey Hall Of Fame clears planning commission hurdle


Fare For All, an affordable pop-up grocery store, ending service to metro


One year after death, authorities release video hoping for information on William ‘Ike’ Eickholt


Mark Glende: How much do I love ‘I Love To Read Month’? Well …


St. Paul woman, Inver Grove Heights teacher charged in ICE encounters

Fitzgerald, Brees headline NFL Hall of Fame class

posted in: All news | 0

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring five players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick.

Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their first year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night after prolific careers. Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors.

“One of the coolest moments was getting up on that stage with all the other Hall of Famers,” Fitzgerald said. “That moment kind of crystallized it for me.”

But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins in the regular season and playoffs and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach. A report last week that Belichick fell short in his first year of eligibility was met with widespread criticism of both the voters and the process for choosing Hall of Famers.

“His stats speak for themselves,” said Vinatieri, who played six years for Belichick.

“I thought he’d have a real good chance to be up there as well. The people who voted made their votes and I think he’ll be up here one day.”

The man who hired Belichick in New England to set the stage for the Patriots dynasty also fell short, with owner Robert Kraft failing to get enough votes.

This is the second straight year with a smaller class after only four people made it last year as new rule changes have made it harder to get into the Hall. There had been at least seven people inducted in the previous 12 classes before last year.

That contributed to the snub for Belichick and Kraft, who were grouped with Craig and two other players — Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood — who have been retired for at least 25 seasons. The voters picked three of the five candidates with the highest vote-getter and anyone else above 80% getting the honor.

Craig, who was in his 28th year of eligibility, was the only one of those five to make it. Craig was the first player ever to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, which happened in 1985, and he led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage in 1988 when he helped San Francisco win the Super Bowl.

Craig also was part of the title-winning teams for the 49ers in the 1984 and 1989 seasons. His 410 yards from scrimmage in those Super Bowl wins are the third-most ever behind Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Franco Harris.

The four modern-era candidates all overlapped for several years, waging many battles against each other.

“Very early on you realized there was something special and unique about these guys,” Brees said.

Vinatieri was one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, making the game-winning field goals in the first two Super Bowl victories during New England’s dynasty with Belichick and Kraft in charge. He joined Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen as the only players in the Hall who were primarily kickers in their careers.

Vinatieri helped launch the run with one of the game’s greatest kicks — a 45-yarder in the snow to force overtime in the “Tuck Rule” game against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round. He made the game-winning kick in OT to win that game and then hit a 48-yarder on the final play of a 20-17 win in the Super Bowl against the Rams.

Vinatieri is the NFL’s career leader in points (2,673) and made field goals (599) over a 24-year career with New England and Indianapolis. He also leads all players with 56 field goals and 238 points in the postseason.

Brees is second all time to Tom Brady with 80,358 yards passing and 571 touchdown passes. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing as a free agent with the Saints in 2006, where his career took off as he helped lift a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Brees delivered to New Orleans its first Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, when he won MVP of the game after beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Brees made the Pro Bowl 13 times in his career, won AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, was an All-Pro in 2006 and was a second-team All-Pro four times.

Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 yards receiving in 17 seasons rank second all time to Jerry Rice.

Fitzgerald topped 1,000 yards receiving nine times — tied for the fourth-most ever — and helped the Cardinals reach their only Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Fitzgerald set single-season records that postseason with 546 yards receiving and seven TD catches, including a go-ahead 64-yard score with 2:37 to play in the Super Bowl before Pittsburgh rallied for a 27-23 win over Arizona.

Kuechly’s career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by Carolina in 2012 was an All-Pro five times, with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66).

Voters reduced the list of 15 finalists in the modern era category to 10 and then seven before voting for five to make it. The top three vote-getters and anyone else above 80% got into the Hall.

Offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Marshal Yanda, and edge rusher Terrell Suggs made it to the final seven in the modern-era category and will automatically be finalists again next year.

Related Articles


Stafford edges Maye for NFL MVP


In the Land of 10,000 Sports Heartaches, who left to win a championship?


Coming Sunday, another Gophers Super Bowl champion


Bad Bunny says he will bring his culture to 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance


Inside the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era and where it all went wrong for the Vikings

Review: Katie Chin celebrates her mom Leeann Chin in sweet, savory and delightful show

posted in: All news | 0

At first glance, Katie Chin’s one-woman show “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star Is Born” feels like a tough one to relate to for most folks. After all, it’s the story of Chin and her mother, a Chinese immigrant who worked her way from poverty to become a multi-millionaire celebrity restaurateur who counted Carl Pohlad and Sean Connery among her investors.

But after watching opening night Thursday at the History Center in St. Paul, it was quickly apparent that once you strip away the Minnesota Twins owner, 007 and other details, you’re left with a story packed with universal themes. It proves, again and again, that even people from totally different backgrounds are more alike than not and face similar struggles and successes that transcend race, age, economic background and any other number of would-be stumbling blocks.

If nothing else, locals who see “Holy Shiitake!” have probably heard of Chin’s mom, Leeann Chin. She built a restaurant empire, sold it for millions, took it back over and eventually retired and reconnected with Katie. As the show details, the pair found a new depth to their relationship, and that’s what fuels “Holy Shittake!”

Chin speaks of her childhood, with her immigrant parents struggling to build a life in Minneapolis in the ’70s, when the city was far less diverse and Chinese cuisine was largely limited to chop suey, a bland, American invention that lacked the developed flavors and nuances of the real thing.

Leeann Chin worked as a seamstress, earning 50 cents an hour, but getting to know what Katie Chin called the local fashionistas in the process. At one point, the elder Chin threw a luncheon for her best clients who were so wowed by her food, they urged her to go into catering. Chin fills in the rest of the details with the help of bits of period music and vintage family photos and the occasional, well-placed and hilarious expletive.

While Chin took acting lessons, advanced writing classes and worked with professionals to stage the show, she comes off as a total natural on stage. She’s never forced or pushy, but instead warm, personable and relatable. She’s reminiscent of your favorite high school teacher or your cool aunt you can wait to dish with at the holidays. (A note to technical crew at the History Center, it wouldn’t hurt to turn up the sound as Chin speaks in a more natural, less stagey, voice and she could have used a bit of a boost.)

There are plenty of laughs along the way, but the most powerful moment lands midway through the show. Chin puts her hair up in a bun, dons a shawl and essentially becomes her mother. She recreates the moments when both women were adults and the elder Chin told harrowing stories from her childhood she had never before shared. Leeann Chin died from cancer in 2010, but her spirit lives on through this show.

With a running time of 50 minutes, and a post-show reception catered from — where else, but Leeann Chin — “Holy Shiitake!” is a true delight that’s also an easy in for those without much experience watching stage plays. Chin’s stories are so compelling and so perfectly delivered, you’ll leave the theater hungry for more.

‘Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star Is Born’

When: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
Tickets: $35 via mnhs.org
Capsule: Leeann Chin’s story is more universal than one might guess

Stafford edges Maye for NFL MVP

posted in: All news | 0

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Matthew Stafford edged Drake Maye for the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award on Thursday night in the closest race since Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were co-winners in 2003.

Stafford received 24 of 50 first-place votes while Maye got 23. But Maye has a chance to go home this week with a Vince Lombardi Trophy. He leads the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Myles Garrett was a unanimous choice for the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after setting a season record for sacks with 23.

All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba beat out Christian McCaffrey for the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

New England’s Mike Vrabel beat out Jacksonville’s Liam Coen for the AP NFL Coach of the Year award, becoming the seventh coach to win it with two different teams.

McCaffrey became the first running back to win the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 24 years.

Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger was a runaway winner for the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan ran away with the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels won the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award in the first season of his third stint with the team.

A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league completed voting before the playoffs began. Votes were tabulated by the accounting firm Lutz and Carr.

Voters selected a top 5 for the eight AP NFL awards. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second- through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.

Josh Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP, received two first-place MVP votes, and Justin Herbert got the other one.

Stafford, who earned first-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his 17-year career, finished with 366 points to Maye’s 361. Allen placed third with 91 points, Christian McCaffrey (71) was fourth and Trevor Lawrence (49) came in fifth.

It’s McCaffrey’s second top-five finish in three years, more than any other non-quarterback since the weighted point system was implemented in 2022.

Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 yards passing and 46 TDs. He threw eight picks and finished second to Maye with a 109.2 passer rating. Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams lost to Seattle in the NFC championship game.

Maye had 4,394 yards passing, 31 TDs and eight picks. The second-year pro led the league in passer rating (113.5) and completion percentage (72).

Coach of the Year

Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots celebrates with the Lamar Hunt Trophy during the Trophy Presentation of the AFC Championship Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. The New England Patriots defeat the Denver Broncos 10-7. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Vrabel can get his first Super Bowl title as a head coach Sunday if the Patriots beat the Seahawks. He received 19 first-place votes to Coen’s 16 and finished with 302 points.

Vrabel, the 2021 Coach of the Year winner with the Titans, led the Patriots from worst to first in the AFC East, a 10-win turnaround in his first season in New England.

Coen had 239 points after leading the Jacksonville Jaguars to 13 wins and an AFC South title in his first season.

Seattle’s Mike Macdonald got eight first-place votes and finished third (191). Chicago’s Ben Johnson received one first-place vote and came in fourth (145). San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan had six first-place votes to place fifth (140).

Defensive Player of the Year

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, center, celebrates with teammates after breaking the NFL single season sack record during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Garrett received all 50 first-place votes to become the ninth player to win DPOY multiple times and second unanimous choice following J.J. Watt, who did it in 2014. Cleveland’s edge rusher also was a unanimous All-Pro selection. Garrett previously won the award in 2023.

“It doesn’t just start with me,” he said. “It starts with great teammates, a great organization, great coaches being able to put us in position. I’m thankful for every single one of teammates to help get me up here. It’s not possible without them.”

Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. finished second with 77 points, Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons came in third (63) followed by Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto (52) and Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (42).

Garrett surpassed both Michael Strahan (22.5) and T.J. Watt (22.5) when he sacked Joe Burrow in the final game of the regular season.

Offensive Player of the Year

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates his touchdown catch during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Smith-Njigba got 14 first-place votes to McCaffrey’s 12 and finished with 272 points. McCaffrey, who won the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, had 223 points.

Smith-Njigba caught 119 passes and led the league with 1,793 yards receiving. He had 10 TDs.

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, a unanimous All-Pro like Smith-Njigba, finished third with eight first-place votes and 170 points. Falcons All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson was right behind him with six first-place votes and 168 points.

Maye had five first-place votes and ended up fifth (58). Stafford (3), Allen (1) and Trey McBride (1) also got first-place votes.

Comeback Player of the Year

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) tries to get past the Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

McCaffrey, San Francisco’s All-Pro do-it-all back, received 31 first-place votes and 395 points, outgaining Aidan Hutchinson. Garrison Hearst was the last running back to win it in 2001.

Hutchinson got nine first-place votes and 221 points. Dak Prescott came in third with six first-place votes and 167 points. Lawrence got two first-place votes and finished fourth (130). Stefon Diggs came in fifth (40).

Philip Rivers and Chris Olave each received one first-place vote.

McCaffrey played in just four games in 2024 due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis followed by a season-ending PCL knee injury. He returned to play every game for the 49ers and had 2,126 yards from scrimmage and 17 TDs.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) warms up before an NFL football game, Dec. 28, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko, File)

Schwesinger received 40 first-place votes and had 441 points to become the sixth player in the last 45 seasons to win the award after not being picked in the first round. Shaq Leonard (2018) and DeMeco Ryans (2006) were the only others in the last 20 seasons. Cleveland selected Schwesinger in the second round at No. 33 overall.

Versatile Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori got seven first-place votes and finished second (199). Falcons edge rusher James Pearce got two first-place votes and finished third. Falcons safety Xavier Watts received the other first-place vote. Watts (102) was fourth and Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter (72) came in fifth.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs onto the field before an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

McMillan earned 41 first-place votes after catching 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven TDs.

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough got five first-place votes and finished second with 168 points, way behind McMillan’s 445.

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson and Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart each got one first-place vote. Seahawks offensive lineman Grey Zabel got two.

Henderson finished third (111), Dart (88) was fourth and Buccaneers wideout Emeka Egbuka (66) was fifth.

Assistant Coach of the Year

Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels celebrates the win post game against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship NFL football game, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young, File)

McDaniels received 17 of 50 first-place votes and finished with 249 points. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph placed second with 10 first-place votes and 176 points.

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores got eight first-place votes, finishing third (130). Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio received four and came in fifth place (78) behind Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who had three first-place votes and 102 points.

Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke (3), former 49ers defensive coordinator and now Titans coach Robert Saleh (2), Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile (2) and Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer (1) also got first-place votes.

Related Articles


In the Land of 10,000 Sports Heartaches, who left to win a championship?


Coming Sunday, another Gophers Super Bowl champion


Bad Bunny says he will bring his culture to 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance


Inside the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era and where it all went wrong for the Vikings


GM Brian Gutekunst remains encouraged even after Packers’ late-season slide