Voltaire, the 18th century French writer-philosopher, preferred an enlightened aristocracy to democracy yet he eloquently embraced one of the latter’s most sacred tenets, the right to free speech.

For decades, the nation's media have covered, and amplified, the controversies of rap music, from the hype of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry that framed the murders of rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. in the 1990s, to last year's murder of Los Angeles rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle.

Mankato’s largest city park, “Sibley,” was named for fur trader, Minnesota territorial delegate, second territorial governor of Minnesota and first state governor, Henry Hastings Sibley.

Whodunit?

Watching 90 minutes of press conferences by Gov. Mark Dayton, GOP Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and Speaker Kurt Daudt commenting on the vetoes of supplemental spending and tax bills leaves one with a summary conclusion about who won here: Nobody. And certainly not the citizens of Minnesota.

The Twins played their first week-plus of 2018 in snow squalls and sub-freezing temperatures. They are hardly unusual. 

Connectivity is the buzzword of the day.

Many folks seem to agree that this community needs a domed practice facility, capable of hosting games for some sports and practices for others during the inevitable bad weather.

It was just like old times Friday: An irate Ron Gardenhire kicking dirt over home plate while jawing at an umpire who promptly ejected him from the game.

Usually, by the time the last winter-season state tournament is finished, we can see the beginning of the spring sports schedule.

Miguel Sano this weekend told a Twin Cities writer the Twins will win the World Series.

Mike Moustakas is a two-time All-Star who hit 38 home runs last season and hit free agency this winter expecting a big, long-term payday.

There have been seasons when the Minnesota State men's basketball team had an impressive, athletic roster, but the results didn't reflect the talent.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The offseason certainly bled into spring training for the Twins.

Minnesota State was fortunate to get into the NCAA II men’s basketball tournament. Northwest Missouri State is the defending national champion.

Exactly a century ago the Boston Red Sox had a weak lineup and an ace pitcher who could hit a bit. So they decided to play him in the outfield between starts.

In South Dakota, as that state’s department of tourism says, the fishing season never closes.

Waiting is the hardest part, but the Minnesota State men's basketball team still has a good chance to receive an at-large berth in the NCAA tournament.

A few Saturdays ago, I awoke to temps that hovered at minus -8 degrees.

It was one of the most disappointing games in his young coaching career, but Matt Fletcher didn't want his Bethany Lutheran men's basketball team looking back at last season's loss to St. Scholastica in the semifinals of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference tournament.

Better late than never, and better a little than nothing.

Mark Esch knew that one day, he'd returning to coaching, but even he was surprised at how much of a void there would be when he wasn't involved in high-school football.

After spending a week around media peers, it's easy to run out of interesting things to talk about.

All week, various players from the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles talked about the 10 days leading up to the Super Bowl, how the practices and media requirements took more energy than playing in the game itself.

It’s been a long week, wandering miles and miles around Mall of America or traveling through Minneapolis and St. Paul, watching how different folks are approaching the upcoming Super Bowl.

It was going to be such an exciting, fun week leading up to the Super Bowl.

Minnesotans love their own, and in the Mankato area, we're not shy about reminding others that Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen spent four years going to college at Minnesota State.

Adam Thielen stood there, frozen by the moment along the New Orleans sideline.

You expect college basketball teams to win at home, and the Minnesota State men’s team has done that, going 5-2 even with crowd support not creating any sort of advantage.

When Zack Annexstad was a young football player, he attended camps at the University of Minnesota, hoping one day to wear the maroon and gold.

Four years ago, Teddy Bridgewater was a highly touted first-round draft choice, and Adam Thielen was the undrafted rookie, fresh off one season on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad.

You didn’t really want the Minnesota Vikings to clinch a playoff berth on the road?

The preseason goal for the Minnesota State football is to win a national championship.

When did you stop mowing your yard? Or watering the grass?

Let's be honest: The first seven games of the Minnesota State football season didn't tell us much.

By now, you've probably gotten over the anger and disappointment, gotten past denial and accepted the fate.

It’s finally here. The Minnesota State football team plays at Sioux Falls on Saturday, which has been an intriguing date since the schedule came out, and as expected, there’s plenty riding on the outcome.

And now we enter the winter of our not-quite-content.

The words "famous" and "pitching coach" are seldom connected, but there are some who acquire a reputation of note.

For the last three weeks, since Winona State traveled to South Dakota and defeated Sioux Falls 31-13, fans of Minnesota State football have looked forward to a game between the Mavericks and Winona State at Blakeslee Stadium.

Justin Verlander and CC Sabathia didn't square off against each other in the ALCS, but the two veteran power pitchers certainly mattered.

The high-school football season goes by so fast.

The postseason — Justin Verlander's outing Saturday for Houston notwithstanding — has put an exclamation point on the message of the regular season:

For the last three years, principal Trent Langemo has been trying to enhance the homecoming spirit at Kasson-Mantorville, building school and community spirit and adding to the educational experience for the students.

There will never be enough good hunting land. At least that seems to be the sentiment these days when we look at declining wildlife and hunter numbers.

Should he stay or should he go?

The appetizer and salad courses are over for the Minnesota State football team.

Three pitches equaled one popup for the scoresheet, one memento for the display case and a few tears for the memory bank.

Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said it a couple of times at Sunday’s press conference: The NFL is a one-week league.