BREAKING: French Senator Claude Malhuret just called Trump an “emperor” and Musk a “jester high on ketamine”: “Washington has become Nero’s court, with an incendiary emperor, submissive courtiers and a jester high on ketamine. We were at war with a dictator, we are now at war

Not yet eligible for the NCAA tourney, St. Thomas is still taking aim at a CCHA crown. Don't miss this one from Randy Johnson: startribune.com/college-hockey…

I’m writing piece for weekend on Janel McCarville, Stevens Point Area hoops coach. Jim Pete sent this clip from a Lynx scouting tape … Janel to Monika Wright in far corner.

Honoring the late John Gilbert during this week's Minnesota boys high school state hockey tournament.

Dawn-breaking piping hot takes: 🔥 I’ve seen nothing official, but it appears Julius Randle looks trim & quicker since coming back from injury … indicating he rode Hades out of training bike during rehab.

🔥 🔥Reliever Justin Topa allegedly threw 7 pitches & left Twins exhibition w/ arm injury Wednesday. I have only read about “Topa” for two yrs, never seen him, & now suspect “Topa” could be myth created by Twins beat writers to give themselves a few smiles in long seasons.

🔥 🔥 🔥 It would be a disgrace to tournament standards if Gophs WBB team actually was on “Bubble” for NCAA field. 13th in Big 10, immediate loser in conf. tourney, losers of 8 of last 10. Worst of all, Coach Plitzuweit would be awarded for team’s pathetic non-conf. schedule.

There will be no four-flamer (🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥) this morning, due to need to break in this occasional feature gently in a country reeling over the price of eggs.

Patrick Reusse The Capt. Tuttle of the Twins…

Patrick Reusse More people have seen Sasquatch than Justin Topa in a Twins uniform

Thank you, Badgers fans, for filling up Williams Arena last night. We appreciate — and need — your support. 👍🏽

In hoops, coaches.

Why are we not talking about the fact The Athletic has reported Joel Eriksson Ek has a broken bone in his leg and John Hynes acknowledged it might be a "usage" injury. Which means 4 Nations plays a big rule in this. He could have had 2 weeks off. Do we care about the NHL season?

Please don’t try to assist further my wrinkly old ass, Chip. You’ll lose your job, then your home, then your family.

Timberwolves — 7 in doubles, no one gets 20. Another win. “The juggernaut has been unleashed.”

Reusse: Gophers baseball team plans a ‘bulldog’ approach to Big Ten slump-busting startribune.com/gophers-baseba…

Visitors (underdogs in seeding) went 3-0 on opening night of Big Ten hockey playoffs.

I'm not retiring until August, but today marks the end of my final winter season in my role with the MSHSL. I've been writing throughout the day, trying to paint a picture of what these events are like, and I'm at more 1,500 words. I'll plan to post a finished product tomorrow.

Opening Day is about the Cheap Pohlads vs. the Cheap DeWitts, Patrick Reusse writes. Read more here: startribune.com/reusse-twins-c…