In their game against Northwestern tonight, the Gophers made 18 baskets and had 17 turnovers while missing 14 out of 24 foul shots—and won. I agree with the Northwestern fan who tweeted he was relieved he wouldn't have to watch his team play again till next year—before adding, with clever snark, "My condolences to Gopher fans." We play Ohio State tomorrow afternoon about 2.
It's a little awkward that the COVID relief bill passed right when a lot of people are working on their tax returns. In case you're wondering, the size of your check, or whether you get one at all, is determined by the most recent information the IRS has about you—this year's return if they have it, the one for tax year 2019 if they don't. This means that if your income changed significantly, or is very near the threshold amounts for your filing status, you might want to file your return tonight or in a few weeks, depending upon the direction of the change. If you're single, you'll get the full $1400 if your adjusted gross income was below $75,000; for head of household it has to be below $112,500; and, if you're married filing a joint return, an adjusted gross income below $150,000 will result in you and yours receiving $1400 each. So, for example, if you're single and you earned $70,000 in 2019, then $80,000 in 2020, don't file your return until after you've received your check. If you went from $80,000 in 2019 to $70,000 in 2020, file your return yesterday.
Seeing the building I worked in for 35 years—the one Derek Chauvin is being tried in—on the national news every night feels a little weird. There was a different vibe in the building when a big trial was in progress, especially while the jury was deliberating, but there's no ordinary business going on alongside the current Trial of the Century. There's been a lot of commentary, and my only comment would be that much of it doesn't seem very sensible. For those who think Chauvin can't get a fair shake from a jury that will be worried about setting off a riot with a not guilty verdict, here for consideration are some of the provisions of Rule 26 regarding criminal procedure in Minnesota:
A defendant has a right to a jury trial for any offense punishable by incarceration. All trials must be in the district court. . . .
The defendant, with the approval of the court, may waive a jury trial on the issue of guilt provided the defendant does so personally, in writing or on the record in open court, after being advised by the court of the right to a trial by jury, and after having had an opportunity to consult with counsel. . . .
In a case tried without a jury, the court, within seven days after the completion of the trial, must make a general finding of guilty [or] not guilty.
Since Chauvin did not waive the right to trial by jury, he and his lawyer must believe they have a better chance with twelve wild cards than they would with one judge. I think they're right. The case against Chauvin is strong and a clear-headed judge is going to see through the defense they plan to offer. A jury, on the other hand, might do anything. A biased jury isn't a problem for Chauvin. It's his best hope.
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