Mo Ibrahim is coming home.

A source confirmed to the Pioneer Press on Thursday afternoon that the Vikings are planning to sign the former Gophers star running back who rushed for 4668 yards and 53 touchdown during his prolific career in Dinkytown.

This is the second stop for Ibrahim after not being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He originally signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent before being placed on injured reserve.

This is a cool moment for Ibrahim, even if he’s being brought in mostly to serve as an extra body late in training camp. He will likely suit up for the Vikings in the preseason finale against the Eagles this weekend. If he performs well, Ibrahim could earn a spot on the practice squad.

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By DAVID BAUDER AP Media Writer

The Democratic convention presents Fox News Channel with a delicate challenge: how to cover a party suddenly enthused about its election chances when much of the network’s audience has a different political viewpoint.

During the Democrats’ first two days, Fox personalities called the proceedings “boring” and filled with “a lot of hate.” There was a focus on demonstrations outside the arena while many of the speakers inside went unheard on the air. Presidential nominee Kamala Harris was given nicknames like “the princess” and “comrade Kamala.”

“We’re at the DNC,” Sean Hannity quipped, “so you don’t have to be.”

Fox’s telecast illustrated the challenges inherent in covering news events on networks that are filled with both breaking news and partisan political talk, sometimes mashed up — where opinion personalities like Hannity, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow and CNN’s Van Jones freely mix with reporters and blur boundaries. During the GOP convention last month, the liberal-leaning MSNBC cut off Nikki Haley in favor of a discussion about how she debased herself, and ignored Ron DeSantis entirely.

The feel-good Republican gathering gave Fox News the biggest convention audience ever for a cable network, a feat at a time when millions of Americans are pulling the plug on subscriptions, and a staggering audience of 10.4 million people for the opening moments of former President Donald Trump’s acceptance speech, the Nielsen company said.

No one expects such numbers this week for Fox, where roughly two-thirds of the audience in a 2024 Nielsen/MRI study called themselves Republican. Fox’s audience has shown a marked tendency to tune away from news that doesn’t reflect its beliefs, such as the Jan. 6 committee hearings.

Fox had 2.5 million viewers for Monday’s DNC coverage, 1.7 million on Tuesday — the latter sixth among networks covering it. Fox was the most-watched network for both of the first two nights of the GOP session a month ago, with 6.9 million on opening night and 5.4 million on the second night.

Not mincing words

Hosts on “The Five,” Fox’s most-watched show, were nothing if not direct in setting the stage for the Democrats’ week. “You can’t believe anything the Democrats tell you,” Jesse Watters said. “Everything is a lie. … There is no joy here. The only joy is that Joe’s gone.”

Watters said “no one believes” that the economy is good, or that polls showing Harris rapidly making up ground against Trump since replacing Biden at the top of the ticket are real. Later Monday evening, Watters declared the event boring, saying “this is like a convention your boss makes you go to.” Hannity described the convention as “far-left radical protesters outside and manufactured unity, deception and lying inside.”

Fox hosts uniformly rejected the Democrats’ interpretation that Biden had committed a selfless act by giving up his reelection bid and called the president’s appearance on Monday more humiliating than valedictory. “You had to wrestle this job away from him like it was car keys from a drunk,” said Greg Gutfeld, who called former President Barack Obama the “Barack-stabber.”

Harris was depicted as an inexperienced, risky choice. Onscreen messages, or chyrons, during Laura Ingraham’s show drove home the point: “Dems Overconfident in Their Unproven Backup,” read one. Others: “Kamala’s All Vibe, No Substance” and “Comrade Kamala Fails Econ 101.”

“This is like booking tickets on the Titanic,” analyst Keith Kellogg said.

During most of Hannity’s show on Tuesday, an onscreen camera was focused on a nonviolent protest outside of the convention. “The convention has been full of a lot of hate,” Hannity said, “instead of the politics of joy, which you’ve been promised.”

Who made it and who didn’t

Fox News has made room for Democrats willing to come on its shows this week for interviews, including Harris campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingel and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly. Fox said it has seen a 40% increase in bookings of Democrats compared with last year, and that its sister business network presents full coverage of convention speeches.

Fox says it has the same footprint on the ground for the DNC in Chicago as it did for the Republican convention in Chicago last month. It rejects the notion that it is unwilling to show the Democrats’ point of view.

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Fox carried Biden’s speech in its entirety Monday night, as well as some other moments including Harris’ short, surprise address, which occurred during Hannity’s show. Both Barack and Michelle Obama were carried on Tuesday night. Speeches by Hillary Clinton and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — both deeply unpopular with many in Fox’s audience — were also carried in full. Fox’s Dana Perino said Ocasio-Cortez made a great speech, “but it didn’t make any sense.”

Fox anchor Bret Baier praised both Obamas, saying the former first lady “had an amazing speech that got this crowd on their feet.” Lawrence Jones, “Fox & Friends” co-host, said Wednesday that “no matter how inspirational they are, no matter how good the cadence is on the stage, you can’t dip BS in gold and expect the American people to buy it.”

Several podium appearances covered elsewhere went unheard on Fox News Channel: Olympics basketball coach Steve Kerr, UAW President Shawn Fain, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth. Fox analyst Brit Hume complained that a group of women who talked about abortion policy did Biden a disservice by going on too long — even though the network did not follow their remarks.

Tim Graham, director of media analysis for the conservative Media Research Center, said Fox programs to its audience in much the same way that Nicolle Wallace and Rachel Maddow say they won’t show Trump because of concerns that he’ll lie, “but it’s because they don’t want to watch it.”

Brian Stelter, author of “Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump and the Battle for American Democracy,” said that while Fox News Channel recognized the news importance of the convention, he saw it as reluctant to give its viewers an unvarnished view of what was being said.

“Fox did very little listening and a lot of talking,” he said.

Interestingly, there was an effort by the campaigns Monday to reach beyond friendly territory: The Harris campaign ran a commercial on Fox, while Trump advertised on CNN.

Fox has been particularly sensitive about not threatening audience loyalty. Concerns about its audience’s anger with Fox following coverage of the 2020 presidential election were cited in evidence presented by Dominion Voting Systems in its defamation suit against Fox. That suit was settled when Fox agreed to pay $787 million.

The right outdoor furniture for your patio

When the weather warms up, we all enjoy spending more time outdoors. Your patio can be the ideal spot to unwind in the spring and summer, if you add the right furniture.

Patio furniture should be comfy, so you can relax as well outdoors as you do in your living room. However, outdoor furniture also has to be durable enough to hold up to rain, wind and other elements without breaking down quickly.

From outdoor couches to dining tables to chaise lounges, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best patio furniture to help upgrade your outdoor living space into one of the comfiest areas of your home.

What types of furniture can I buy for my patio?

Patio and decks are essentially extensions of the living and dining spaces inside your home, so you can find outdoor furniture similar to the pieces you have in your living room or kitchen. Patio furniture sets are usually the most popular option, featuring a couch or loveseat with armchairs and a coffee table. You can also purchase outdoor sofas, loveseats, club chairs and coffee tables for your patio individually.

Chaise lounges and lounge chairs are another common furniture option for your patio. They’re not only comfortable but also make it easy to catch some sun for an even tan.

If you enjoy dining al fresco, a patio dining set is a must-have. It usually includes a large dining table and four to eight chairs to pair with it. A patio bistro set, which only seats two, is compact enough to fit on the most cramped patio.

Best patio furniture sets

Top patio furniture set

Christopher Knight Home Navan 4-Piece Chat Set

What you need to know: This low-profile, sturdily constructed patio furniture set can seat up to four but still fits on most small to mid-size patios.

What you’ll love: It features a powder-coated aluminum frame and weather-resistant cushions for improved durability. It includes a loveseat, two club chairs and a coffee table. It is easy to assemble.

What you should consider: The cushions are somewhat flimsy.

Top patio furniture set for the money

Safavieh Rocklin Teak 4-Piece Patio Set

What you need to know: This lovely wooden furniture set adds coastal flair to any patio and provides seating for up to four without breaking the bank.

What you’ll love: The set is made of durable acacia wood and features weather-resistant foam-filled cushions that can be cleaned with water and a brush. It includes a loveseat, two chairs and a coffee table.

What you should consider: The cushions don’t offer much support, and the wood stain can be uneven in some spots.

Best outdoor sofa sets

Top outdoor sofa set

Modway Quest Wicker Rattan Patio Daybed with Canopy

What you need to know: This striking patio daybed set offers a unique modern look and a truly comfortable, versatile design that provides shade from the sun.

What you’ll love: The frame is made of powder-coated aluminum and synthetic rattan weave treated with UV protection to prevent fading. The upholstery is fade- and water-resistant. The pieces come apart, so you can arrange them in various configurations.

What you should consider: The cushions can easily fall off the daybed.

Top outdoor sofa set for the money

Mainstays Stanton Cushioned 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set

What you need to know: This set provides plenty of bang for your buck with a highly durable loveseat, two chairs and a coffee table that can fit even on a smaller patio.

What you’ll love: It features a sturdy powder-coated steel frame. The cushions are covered with water-resistant fabric and stay in place. The coffee table has a sleek, modern glass top.

What you should consider: The cushions aren’t very thick and don’t provide much support.

Best outdoor club chairs

Top outdoor club chair

Oakmont 2 Piece Outdoor Furniture Patio Bistro Chairs

What you need to know: This set includes two club chairs that can fit on nearly any patio, deck or terrace and are seriously comfortable thanks to the included cushions.

What you’ll love: Each chair boasts a long-lasting iron frame. The cushions are removable for easy cleaning and are available in red, blue, or brown cushion covers.

What you should consider: Some people reported issues with the chairs rusting quickly.

Top outdoor club chair for the money

Crosley Furniture Sedona Solid-Cast Aluminum Outdoor Club Chair

What you need to know: This chair is extremely sturdy and well-constructed despite its more affordable price tag.

What you’ll love: This chair features durable cast aluminum construction. It offers a comfortable, contoured seat and is treated with a UV-resistant coating.

What you should consider: The chair feels fairly lightweight.

Best outdoor chaise lounges

Top outdoor chaise lounge

Crosley Furniture Palm Harbor Outdoor Wicker Chaise Lounge

What you need to know: This chaise lounge combines form and function with a stylish, comfortable design perfect for sunbathing or napping on your patio.

What you’ll love: The durable steel frame is built to last. The moisture-resistant cushion is extremely thick and supportive. The chair adjusts in six reclining positions.

What you should consider: Assembly can be somewhat difficult.

Top outdoor chaise lounge for the money

KingCamp Patio Lounge Chair

What you need to know: This chaise lounge may be fairly basic, but it folds easily for storage and can be moved around your patio.

What you’ll love: It’s made of sturdy, anodized steel and 600D Oxford fabric and can hold up to 300 pounds. The pillow is removable, allowing you to adjust its position and making cleaning easier.

What you should consider: The seat is pretty low to the ground and may be too firm for some.

Best patio dining sets

Top patio dining set

Safavieh 7-Piece Outdoor Living Horus Dining Set

What you need to know: This dining set offers a unique, attractive look and seats up to six despite its small footprint.

What you’ll love: Its strikingly modern look can give any patio a resort-like feel. It includes a table and six matching stools in a neutral gray color. The stools fit under the table when not in use.

What you should consider: It can take a lot of time to put together.

Top patio dining set for the money

Birch Lane Fleur 2-person Square Outdoor Dining Set with Cushions

What you need to know: This simple, two-person set is perfect for putting on an apartment balcony or small patio.

What you’ll love: The chairs can hold up to 250 pounds, and the foam cushions are removable.

What you should consider: The table is small and can be a little wobbly.

Best patio bistro sets

Top patio bistro set

Oakland Rose Patio Bistro Set

What you need to know: This bistro set comfortably seats two on even the smallest patios, and its stunning rose design makes it a striking piece for your outdoor space.

What you’ll love: It includes a table and two chairs. The rust-free cast aluminum and cast iron construction is highly durable. It assembles quickly and easily.

What you should consider: The set is relatively small, so it may not provide as much space as you’d like.

Top patio bistro set for the money

Grand Patio Premium Steel Patio Bistro Set

What you need to know: This folding bistro set stands out for its bold color options and budget-friendly price tag.

What you’ll love: It’s made of powder-coated, rust-resistant steel and folds for easy storage. It’s available in several colors: black, peacock blue, red, sage green, white and yellow.

What you should consider: It isn’t as sturdy as some other bistro sets.

Best patio bar sets

Top patio bar set

Best Choice Products 7-Piece Outdoor Rattan Wicker Bar Dining Set

What you need to know: This attractive patio bar can do double-duty as a dining set and fits even in smaller outdoor spaces.

What you’ll love: It’s made of charming weather-resistant wicker that’s tightly woven and reinforced with a steel frame. The bartop features tempered glass for a modern look. The stool cushions feature high-quality foam and durable polyester covers.

What you should consider: The bar is taller than other patio models, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

Top patio bar set for the money

Suncrown 3-Piece Outdoor Wicker Bar Set

What you need to know: A highly durable set, this patio bar looks and performs like it costs more than it does, making it a great value.

What you’ll love: It’s made of sturdy, weather- and UV-resistant synthetic resin wicker. It features a tempered glass bar top and two storage shelves. It comes with two stools and offers easy assembly.

What you should consider: While assembly is easy, it can take up to 2 hours.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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The estranged wife of the commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Corrections is charged with attempted murder of their son, who is a vulnerable adult.

Julie Louise Myhre-Schnell, 64, told an investigator that she crushed up Lorazepam pills, a prescription medication used to treat anxiety, and put them into a “slurry” of water, and emptied it into her son’s feeding bag at his group home in Vadnais Heights, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday.

She told the investigator after the Dec. 3 incident that she intended to kill her son. When the investigator asked how she felt upon finding out he was going to survive she said, “I was worried about them finding out through the toxicology, and I was probably trying to figure out what I’m going to do. I’m just going to go to jail.” She said she “completely regretted he survived,” according to the complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court.

Paul Schnell, the DOC commissioner, said Thursday morning that it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the charge against Myhre-Schnell.

Order for protection

In June, Schnell applied for an order for protection for their son, who is now 33. According to his affidavit:

Schnell and Myhre-Schnell were foster care providers when a 3-month-old ward of the state came to live with them, becoming their son. He has Spina Bifida and other medical needs that require use of a wheelchair, ventilator and around-the-clock medical care.

He lived with Schnell and Myhre-Schnell into adulthood. In 2017, the court granted Schnell sole, legal guardianship of his son. They moved him into his Vadnais Heights group home in 2021.

In May 2023, Schnell and Myhre-Schnell separated and lived in separate residences. It was “amicable,” Schnell wrote. The divorce case is ongoing.

In the last quarter of 2023, Myhre-Schnell “began to noticeably struggle more with mental health,” Schnell wrote in the affidavit. “At this time, (she) was frequently providing for some of the daily cares of (their son) because (the group home) … was facing considerable challenges with staffing.”

In early December, nurses told Schnell that his son had been transported to the hospital because he wasn’t waking or responding as expected. He was treated and released from the hospital.

In the days that followed, Schnell wrote that he arranged for all care of his son because Myhre-Schnell “said she needed to disengage from providing care for (their son) to better attend to her own mental health.”

On May 30, Schnell’s adult daughter called and frantically reported she’d found a note taped to her mother’s bedroom door saying, “Don’t come in my room alone. I had to go. I don’t want you to find me by yourself. Please do not call 9-1-1. Do not resuscitate…”

Myhre-Schnell was hospitalized. Schnell later received a call from Myhre-Schnell’s sister reporting that Myhre-Schnell told her that in early December 2023 she’d gone to her son’s group home and attempted to overdose him with medication, which resulted in his hospitilization.

The information led Schnell to file a report to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for investigation and to apply for the order for protection for his son from Myhre-Schnell.

Criminal complaint

The criminal complaint filed against Myhre-Schnell said she texted her son on Aug. 6, saying she’d put her medicine in his feeding bag, “hoping he would ‘go to sleep forever.’” He responded that he was “on the fence” about deleting her number.

The investigator talked to Schnell’s son about how he felt when he found out what happened, and he said, “I made it, I’m still here,” but he said finding out what Myhre-Schnell admitted to “was heavy” and “a lot to process.”

Myhre-Schnell, of St. Paul, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Ramsey County jail. An attorney wasn’t listed for her in the court file as of Thursday morning.

Schnell has been DOC commissioner since 2019. He was previously police chief in Hastings, Maplewood and Inver Grove Heights, and was formerly a St. Paul police officer and Carver County sheriff’s deputy.

For help

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 for free 24/7 support.

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