There was a burning question consuming much of Minnesota with the Vikings set to host mandatory minicamp this week

Would star receiver Justin Jefferson be in attendance?

That is no longer a a cause for concern after Jefferson agreed to an historic contract extension with the Vikings. A source confirmed to the Pioneer Press on Monday morning that it’s a 4-year, $140 million contract extension for Jefferson, which will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

Though it will have a celebratory feeling when the Vikings descend upon TCO Performance Center in Eagan, there is still work to be done at mandatory minicamp this week

Here are some storylines to keep an eye on:

How does Sam Darnold look?

If the past few weeks of organized team activities are any indication, veteran quarterback San Darnold is undoubtedly the starter for the Vikings. He has consistently been working with the other starters on offense while also growing his relationship with head coach Kevin O’Connell. The arm strength has always been there for Darnold. He can zip it around with relative ease no matter where he’s throwing from on the field. The biggest issue for Darnold has always been his lack of consistency under center. It should help that Darnold now gets to throw passes to Jefferson as he attempts to revitalize his career.

Where does J.J. McCarthy slide in?

Unless he proves himself in a major way over the next couple of months, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will more than likely start this season watching from the sidelines. He has spent time working in behind both Darnold and veteran Nick Mullens throughout organized team activities. Now, that actually isn’t too surprising given Darnold was signed to be the starter, and Mullens has an institutional knowledge of the offense. That said, McCarthy will seemingly been given the chance to overtake Mullens at some point.

How are the new pieces fitting in on defense?

The overhaul on defense was palpable this offseason. Whether it was the addition of edger rusher Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Shaq Griffin, among others, in free agency, or the selection of rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner in the draft, the Vikings certainly will have a new look on that side of the ball this season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is still installing some of the basics of his scheme, so it will be interesting to see how everything starts to come together.

Who’s going to be WR3?

The departure of veteran receiver K.J. Osborn this offseason has created an opening alongside Jefferson and young receiver Jordan Addison. The leader in the clubhouse at the moment appears to be shifty receiver Brandon Powell, who earned the trust of the coaching staff last season, consistently making plays when called upon. There is also speedy receiver Jalen Nailor, who has continuously garnered lots of praise in practice, and likely would have carved out a role for himself last season if he stayed healthy. There are usually a number of receivers that become fan-base darlings during organized team activities, mandatory minicamp and training camp, so perhaps a relative unknown receiver will put himself in the conversation.

Is there an actual kicking competition?

The fact that the Vikings drafted rookie kicker Will Reichard came as a surprise to some. That speaks to how much they wanted him as they look to solidify the position that often plays a major role in wins and losses. The signing of veteran kicker John Parker Romo this offseason was the only reason this is worth anybody’s attention. It will at least be worth following how Reichard and Romo look in comparison to each other. That said, the Vikings used a draft pick on Reichard, and thus, he likely will be given the inside track on making the team.

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MOORHEAD, Minn. — He stepped out of the car in the parking lot, looking less like a politician and more like a dad running weekend errands. But even wearing a baseball cap, sneakers and a fanny pack, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura knew how to command an audience.

Close to 100 people lined up to meet Ventura at Unwind, a Moorhead store specializing in THC and CBD products.

People came out to meet former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura at Unwind Minnesota, a family-owned THC & CBD store in Moorhead, Minn., on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Ventura was there to promote Jesse Ventura Farms, a cannabis business. (Chris Flynn / Forum News Service)

Ventura, who served as governor from 1999 to 2003, launched his own brand of cannabis edibles this spring. He partnered with Twin Cities-based Retro Bakery, which produces hemp-derived THC edibles under the Jesse Ventura Farms brand.

The products, which include chocolate bars and gummies, are now available at Unwind and other outlets in the state.

It’s been a long time coming for Ventura, who first fought for marijuana legalization during his time in office. He said, fortunately, the issue “stayed on the burner and kept smoldering.”

He said he’ll never forget last summer when Gov. Tim Walz handed him the pen he used to sign to legalize and decriminalize cannabis.

“I was very proud to be able, 25 years later, to see something that I always knew should happen, happen,” he said.

‘It was a lifesaver’

Former Minn. Governor Jesse Ventura shakes the hand of Theresa Sorenson, owner of Unwind, 3505 8th St. S. in Moorhead, Minn., where he promoted his cannabis edibles Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Tracy Briggs / Forum News Service)

Ventura’s support for cannabis legalization comes from a very personal place.

At a recent Senate hearing and again at the store, Ventura shared the story of how his wife of nearly 50 years, Terry, suffered terrible seizures. After being put on four different seizure medications, nothing worked. So, they planned a trip to Colorado, where recreational marijuana was legal.

He said after three drops of a THC tincture under her tongue, she has never had another seizure.

“If it weren’t for cannabis, I wouldn’t be standing here today. It was a lifesaver for me and my family,” he said.

Fans lined up

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura visits with fans at Unwind Minnesota, a family-owned THC and CBD store in Moorhead, to promote Jesse Ventura Farms, a cannabis business, Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Chris Flynn / Forum News Service)

Many of those who came out to see the former professional wrestler, actor and controversial governor called themselves fans, like Melissa Niecko, who recently moved to Moorhead from Texas and hoped to reconnect with the governor.

“I met him 25 years ago. It was at a marine ball. I was in the Navy, and we met in San Diego, and I just want to see if he remembers me,” she said with a laugh.

While Niecko said she’s never tried Ventura’s products, she planned to give them a try.

That was an understatement for another Ventura fan here today.

“I bought everything — the whole line,” said a woman named Tammy, who declined to give her last name.

She said she always liked Ventura because he was never a professional politician.

“I like his attitude. He’s so real. I wish he would run for president,” she said.

But the products also brought her out. Tammy is an Air Force veteran who said she suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and cannabis products have eased her stress and helped her sleep.

Unwind

Many fans had former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura autograph their products, including this dark chocolate bar, Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Tracy Briggs / Forum News Service)

It’s an endorsement Unwind’s owner Theresa Sorenson has heard repeatedly.

“We have a lot of military people come in, and they don’t want to take the prescription drugs anymore. They want something more natural. And actually, cannabis is a natural plant. It’s not made from chemicals,” Sorenson said.

She said she heard about Ventura’s tour around the state just last week and was excited to have him in Moorhead to help educate people about the products that are so new to Minnesota.

She said their staff has been taking courses to learn about different varieties and products and how they might affect customers and their ailments.

“I don’t want my salespeople saying, ‘I’m just here to sell to you.’ I want them to feel like they’re getting a product that will help them,” she said. “You can’t always trust what you get on the streets, and so I want a safe place for people to come where products are state-compliant. It’s safe. It’s not treated with anything else. You’re going to get the real deal here.”

After Ventura’s appearance, that includes the former governor’s chocolate bars and gummies, which come in flavors like bubblegum, strawberry and berry gelato.

Hitting the road

Alex Kuchta holds a 1986 LJN Jesse the Body Ventura WWF Wrestling Superstars action figure that Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura signed for him when he met with fans at Unwind Minnesota, a family-owned THC & CBD store in Moorhead, Minn., to promote Jesse Ventura Farms, a cannabis business, on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Chris Flynn / Forum News Service)

After taking photos with fans, Ventura signed product packages and even a few action figures.

He’s taking this show on the road all over Minnesota. He also visited Breckenridge, Minn., earlier Saturday and planned a stop at Moorhead’s Junkyard Brewing after his stop at Unwind.

He was also scheduled to make more appearances around the Twin Cities metro area on Sunday.

Ventura, an often colorful and controversial public figure for decades, told the crowd in Moorhead that even though he gets asked to make appearances elsewhere, these will be the only ones he’ll continue to do. That’s how strongly he feels about cannabis.

“I don’t want anybody’s family to have to go through what we went through,” he said. “Now, we just need to get the Dakotas on board with us.”

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By Mike Corder, Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Palestinian officials have applied at the top U.N. court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

The request published Monday alleges that Israel’s ongoing military operation is “part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map.” The request to the International Court of Justice was made on behalf of the “State of Palestine” and signed by Palestinian Authority foreign ministry official Ammar Hijazi.

South Africa filed its case with the world court late last year accusing Israel of breaching the genocide convention in its military assault that has laid waste to large swaths of Gaza. Israel denies it is committing genocide in its military operation to crush Hamas triggered by the deadly Oct. 7 attacks.

Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union.

Israeli soldiers work on a tank in a staging area near the Israeli-Gaza border in southern Israel, Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Israel is expanding its offensive in the southern city of Rafah, once the main hub of humanitarian aid operations. The Israeli invasion has largely cut off the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians facing widespread hunger.

Israeli bombardments and ground operations in Gaza have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

The court has issued three preliminary orders in the case calling on Israel to do all it can to prevent deaths in the enclave, ramp up humanitarian aid and, most recently, halt its offensive in Rafah.

It is unclear how long the court’s judges will take to rule on the request. If granted, Palestinian officials will be able to address the court in writing and during public hearings.

In their request, the Palestinians said they are directly affected by South Africa’s case against Israel.

“The Israeli onslaught has obliterated and damaged, beyond recognition, Gaza’s hospitals, mosques, churches, universities, schools, homes, shops, and infrastructure, as part of a systematic effort to wipe Palestinian society and its culture and social institutions from the map,” the request says.

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The request adds that, Israel is violating the court’s orders and continuing with “its genocidal acts including deliberately and systematically impeding humanitarian aid, resulting in an intentionally engineered situation of starvation and a creeping famine that is increasingly imminent.”

The Palestinians have been to the court before. In 2018, The Palestinian Authority filed a case asking its judges to order Washington to remove the relocated U.S. embassy from Jerusalem. The case followed the decision of the administration of then-U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv.

That case remains before the court, where cases can take years to resolve.

The International Court of Justice rules in cases between states. The United Nations General Assembly voted last month to give Palestine some new rights and privileges, but it reaffirmed that it remains a non-member observer state without full U.N. membership and the right to vote in the General Assembly or at any of its conferences.

The United States has made clear that it will block Palestinian membership and statehood until direct negotiations with Israel resolve key issues, including security, boundaries and the future of Jerusalem, and lead to a two-state solution.