Unique opportunity for fast-tracked social integration, if only...ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In losing Sunday’s battle with the Buffalo Bills, perhaps the best team in football, Jerod Mayo won the war. Best I can tell, he’s staying put. For 2025, and maybe beyond. To his angry fan base and incredulous pockets of the New England Patriots’ media corps, remember Mayo’s future doesn’t hinge on winning this season. It’s not about what you want, or what I think. It’s about the Krafts, who hand-picked Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick four and a half years before he actually did, believing in him, and finding reasons to maintain that belief. In the eyes of someone who wants to believe, Sunday supplied enough reason. The Patriots led at halftime, then lost by three as 14-point underdogs. They became the first team since mid-October to hold the Bills under 30 points. Drake Maye outplayed the next MVP of the league for most of the game and took another step toward his destiny as a franchise quarterback, People are also reading... If that sounds like a low bar, that’s because it is. Such is life in Year 1 of a rebuild, a multi-year process ownership has committed to seeing through to the end with their organizational pillars now in place: Mayo, Maye and de facto GM Eliot Wolf. As frustrating as this 3-12 campaign has been, there are always nuggets of optimism amid the rubble of a losing season; particularly if you want to find them. The Krafts do, and so does Maye, who loves his head coach, by the way; calling questions about Mayo’s job security “BS.” “We’ve got his back,” Maye said post-game. Maye’s voice matters. Certainly more than any number of fans or media members. Ever since media-fueled speculation that Mayo could get canned at the end of his first season began rising, the caveat has always been the same: if, a Gillette Stadium-sized “if,” the Patriots bomb atomically down the stretch, ownership could pull the plug on Mayo. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport became the latest to join that chorus Sunday with this pregame report: “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo,” he said. “They believe he is the leader for the organization for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right. Now if things go off the rails, if they really start to struggle and he loses the locker room the last couple games of the season, we’ve seen this thing turn. “But as of now, the Patriots believe Jerod Mayo is their leader for the future.” Well, Mayo hasn’t lost the locker room. That’s a fact. To a man, both in public and from those I’ve spoken to in private, Patriots players believe in their head coach. Mayo might be a players’ coach, yes, in the best and worst senses. But the Patriots were a few plays away Sunday from pulling off their largest upset since Super Bowl XXXVI. “I think we’re building something good,” Maye said. The Patriots also played their best half of football this season against their toughest opponent yet. Another fact. Now, to the frustrated, I am with you. To the shocked, I understand. But to the trigger-happy, lay down your arms. Mayo, by all accounts, is returning in 2025. Alex Van Pelt, however, is another story. In the same vein that the Krafts could have viewed Sunday’s performance as a reason to save Mayo — despite his pathetic punt at midfield, down 10 with just eight and a half minutes left — they could have convinced themselves their offensive coordinator is the real problem. After all, team president Jonathan Kraft was visibly exasperated over Van Pelt’s play-calling during the Pats’ loss at Arizona a week earlier. Four days later, Van Pelt told reporters he had yet to hear from his boss. Well, that time may be coming. Trailing by three in the fourth quarter Sunday, Van Pelt called a pass that resulted in an unnecessary lateral and game-winning touchdown for Buffalo. His offense later operated like it was taking a Sunday drive with the game on the line, using up 3:16 of the final 4:19 en route to its final touchdown. Van Pelt, finally, weaponized Maye’s legs in critical situations, something that arguably should have been done weeks ago. Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess. Call him Alex Van Fall Guy. Because Van Pelt’s offense, for the first time in a while, under-performed relative to Mayo’s defense. On merit, he deserves to stay; a case that’s harder to make for defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. But it’s not about merit this season. It’s not about what you want. It’s not about what I think. It’s about the Krafts; what they see, what they want, what they believe. Even in defeat. ____ Sent weekly directly to your inbox!
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:03 p.m. EST
Rosalinda Giannotti, a councilor in Ostuni, enthusiastically embraced the initiative proposed by the European Socialist Party to the European Parliament. Ostuni has officially become the first Italian city to be declared safe for women, joining the broader SafePlace4Women project. But what does this important recognition mean? Greater safety and well-being for Italian women In recent years, Italy has seen a growing number of movements and initiatives, both political and civic, in support of women. These efforts focus not only on safety but also on rights and equality. With this new initiative, Ostuni aims to serve as a model for the rest of the country , should other cities choose to join the project. The ambitious goal is to allow women to move around without fear, regardless of the time, location, or company. At a time when the term femicide tragically appears daily in the headlines and is frequently discussed in public debates, Ostuni positions itself as a symbol of change. With pride, the city defines itself as a pioneer in a movement that seeks to revolutionize how women’s safety is perceived and ensured . SafePlace4Women: what does the project entail? The key word is clear: safety . However, ensuring real protection for all women is no easy task. To achieve this, Rosalinda Giannotti and the city council have developed a strategy based on concrete actions, ranging from cultural awareness to infrastructural improvements. Here are the main measures planned: “Joining this network of virtuous cities,” the councilor added, “represents a fundamental step in promoting cultural change and ensuring greater safety for women.” Also, don’t miss on other Ostuni-related articles: Featured Image Credit Related Posts:
Butler scores 35, Bowling Green beats Morgan State 102-81Unique opportunity for fast-tracked social integration, if only...
New Zealand opener Devon Conway out of third England TestWalker 4-8 10-10 18, Banks 6-10 1-3 13, Kinziger 6-12 3-4 18, Pence 1-3 4-4 6, Wolf 3-6 0-0 7, Poindexter 0-3 0-0 0, Boser 0-2 0-0 0, Barnes 1-2 0-0 2, Daugherty 0-2 0-0 0, Norris 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 21-48 18-21 64. Buchanan 3-11 9-11 15, Castro 2-4 3-4 7, Drumgoole 4-9 6-7 16, Hutchinson 1-7 2-2 5, Moss 2-8 3-4 8, Autry 5-7 1-2 16, Hansen 1-2 0-0 3, Jones 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 19-50 24-30 72. Halftime_Illinois St. 29-27. 3-Point Goals_Illinois St. 4-18 (Kinziger 3-6, Wolf 1-3, Banks 0-1, Pence 0-1, Walker 0-1, Boser 0-2, Daugherty 0-2, Poindexter 0-2), George Washington 10-28 (Autry 5-7, Drumgoole 2-5, Hansen 1-1, Hutchinson 1-6, Moss 1-6, Jones 0-1, Buchanan 0-2). Rebounds_Illinois St. 29 (Pence 8), George Washington 28 (Buchanan 10). Assists_Illinois St. 6 (Walker, Banks, Kinziger, Pence, Wolf, Poindexter 1), George Washington 12 (Buchanan, Hutchinson 4). Total Fouls_Illinois St. 24, George Washington 16.MMA Global Announces the SMARTIESTM X Global & North America 2024 Winners: A Celebration of Marketing Excellence - Pushing Innovative Boundaries on the Global Stage
NoneWhy Every Growth Investor Should Own the “Stock of the Decade”Manila, December, 2024 – The countdown to the holidays just got more exciting as ZALORA officially launches its 12.12 Year-End Sale , inviting shoppers to discover the perfect gifts for everyone on their Christmas wishlist from today until Dec. 15, 2024 at zalora.com.ph . This year’s celebration is made even more special with celebrity IT couple, Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras celebrating their first Christmas with each other and with ZALORA, embodying the joy of finding the “Real Deal” this holiday season. Gifts for Everyone ZALORA recommends gifts from its stellar lineup of global favorites like adidas, Nike, New Balance and Puma. On top of new colorway drops of the crowd-favorite adidas Terraces collection, ZALORA and adidas are also launching collector’s shirts featuring artworks from local artists, exclusively available on ZALORA. The best gifts truly come in small packages with Swarovski on sale up to 40% off and Charriol at 3% off + 2% Cashback plus a free exclusive gift of a snow globe worth Php10K. Luxury is indeed available on ZALORA with Coach, Dior Beauty, Jo Malone, and Dyson all offering holiday glam for all. Fashion favorites Mango, COS, H&M, & Other Stories, Urban Revivo; travel best-sellers American Tourister, Samsonite, the 815 co, and Kamiliant; plus Gingersnaps, Mothercare, Mini Melissa and more for kids complete the perfect wishlist lineup. Kyline and Kobe’s first Christmas Adding even more sparkle to the season, Kyline and Kobe are the perfect duo to bring ZALORA’s campaign to life, celebrating the joy of real connections and real finds. “Whether it’s love or the perfect holiday gift, we always want the REAL DEAL—something authentic and meaningful,” said Kyline, sharing her excitement about joining the ZALORA family. “I had my first shoot with ZALORA back in 2020, during the pandemic! It’s crazy to think that four years later, I am now officially joining the family. I’m thrilled to be here, and to have this experience with Kyline makes it even more special,” shares Kobe. ZALORA, in partnership with Sparkle GMA Artist Center , held a festive launch event on December 4 at Manila House bringing together Sparkle GMA artists, media, and ZALORA VIPs. Guests were surprised with a scavenger hunt of gifts, and the evening was even more vibrant with Diageo’s cocktails and spirits along with athleisure brand adidas showcasing its holiday picks, highlighting the intersection of style and celebration that ZALORA is known for. Aashish Midha, CEO and Managing Director of ZALORA Philippines and Indonesia , spoke about the partnership, saying, “Kyline and Kobe are the freshest faces for ZALORA because they represent authenticity, individuality, and the spirit of giving that we champion this holiday season. They embody the joy of finding the ‘Real Deal,’ whether it’s a meaningful connection or the perfect gift, and that’s exactly what ZALORA strives to deliver to our customers every day.” Joy Marcelo, First Vice President for Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Talent Development and Management , expressed great excitement about the growing and stronger partnership with ZALORA. With Heart Evangelista as ZALORA’s first endorser, the brand set a high standard in fashion and lifestyle. Now, the addition of Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras brings even more star power and versatility to their campaigns. Marcelo shared, “We are thrilled to bring the REAL DEAL this ZALORA 12.12 Christmas Sale, a highly anticipated event where customers can enjoy unbeatable deals and exclusive promotions. Having Kyline and Kobe join Heart in representing ZALORA is a testament to the dynamic energy and diverse talent of our Sparkle artists. Together, they embody style, authenticity, and creativity, which are perfectly aligned with ZALORA’s brand values.” This collaboration aims to enhance the shopping experience, making this year’s 12.12 Christmas Sale more exciting and memorable for customers as they celebrate the festive season. Vouchers and Giveaways this Season of Giving This 12.12, ZALORA is pulling all the stops with an array of exciting deals and exclusive offers to make holiday shopping truly memorable. With discounts up to 90% off, generous cashback rewards, and free shipping deals, shoppers can enjoy incredible savings on every purchase. ZALORA’s nationwide shipping ensures customers across the Philippines can access these amazing deals, while its expanded assortment of brands guarantees the perfect gift for everyone—including dad, mom, partners, best friends, kids, and even pets. To end the year strong, ZALORA has partnered up with valued payment partners like BPI, Metrobank, EastWest Bank, Union Bank, and more to enjoy up to P1,000 worth of savings on top of sitewide deals and discounts. Get your Holiday wish lists ready and start loading your carts, the best shopping deals are yours to unlock this 12.12. ZALORA is also giving away Php120k worth of vouchers through a social media giveaway. Customers can join by sharing their 12.12 wishlists and tagging @zaloraph @itskylinealcantara and @_kokoparas on Instagram using the hashtags #ZALORA1212 and #KylineKobeforZALORA Shop like a VIP Spend Php3k from December 3 to December 15 and get a ZALORA VIP subscription for FREE! ZALORA VIP customers enjoy first dibs on the hottest deals and latest arrivals, free and fast delivery with no minimum spend and a special cash back on every order! The 12.12 Year-End Sale is now live, and ZALORA invites everyone to experience the joy of finding gifts they’ll love from brands they trust. Don’t miss Kyline and Kobe’s first campaign with ZALORA and the much-anticipated “12 Gifts of Christmas” on YouTube, launching on December 6, where Kyline and Kobe take center stage to unveil giveaways from 12 incredible brands, each one offering the perfect holiday cheer. With unbeatable deals, exclusive offers, and the convenience of shopping from anywhere, there’s no better way to make this holiday season extra special. Visit www.zalora.com.ph and discover the “Real Deal” this 12.12! Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.
WOONSOCKET, R.I. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health Corporation ("CVS Health" or the "Company,"NYSE: CVS ) announced today the applicable Reference Yields and Total Consideration (each as summarized in the tables below) to be paid in connection with the previously announced cash tender offer (the "Maximum Tender Offer" ) for the maximum principal amount of the following series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes (as defined below) for which the aggregate purchase price, not including Accrued Interest (as defined below), payable in respect of such Maximum Tender Offer Notes, does not exceed $1,774,423,242.62 (such maximum purchase price, the "Maximum Tender Offer Amount"): its 2.700% Senior Notes due 2040, the 3.875% Senior Notes due 2047 issued by its wholly-owned subsidiary Aetna Inc. ("Aetna"), its 4.250% Senior Notes due 2050, the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2042 issued by Aetna, its 4.125% Senior Notes due 2040, its 2.125% Senior Notes due 2031, its 1.875% Senior Notes due 2031, its 5.050% Senior Notes due 2048, the 4.500% Senior Notes due 2042 issued by Aetna and its 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030 (together, the "Maximum Tender Offer Notes"). The applicable Reference Yield for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes and the Total Consideration for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes are summarized in the table below: Maximum Tender Offer Notes : The Maximum Tender Offer is being made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December 2, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"), which sets forth a more detailed description of the Maximum Tender Offer. Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available at www.dfking.com/cvs. The Maximum Tender Offer is open to all registered holders (individually, a "Holder" and collectively, the "Holders") of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. The Total Consideration payable by CVS Health for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes is a price per $1,000 principal amount calculated as described in the Offer to Purchase in a manner intended to result in a yield to maturity or first par call date, as the case may be, equal to the sum of the yield to maturity of the applicable U.S. Treasury reference security specified in the table above as determined at 10:00 a.m. , New York City time, on December 16, 2024 and the applicable fixed spread shown in the table above. Maximum Tender Offer Notes that were tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 13, 2024 (the "Early Tender Date") and that are accepted for purchase will receive the applicable Total Consideration, which includes the Early Tender Payment (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). Maximum Tender Offer Notes that are tendered after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 31, 2024 (the "Maximum Tender Offer Expiration Date") (unless earlier terminated by CVS Health as described in the Offer to Purchase) and that are not validly withdrawn and that are accepted for purchase will receive only the applicable Tender Offer Consideration (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), which is the applicable Total Consideration minus the Early Tender Payment. The Maximum Tender Offer Withdrawal Deadline of 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 13, 2024 has passed and, accordingly, Maximum Tender Offer Notes validly tendered in the Maximum Tender Offer may no longer be withdrawn. The settlement date for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase is expected to be December 18, 2024 , the third business day after the Early Tender Date (the "Early Settlement Date"). Although the Maximum Tender Offers is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 31, 2024 , unless extended or terminated, because the aggregate purchase price of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) prior to the Early Tender Date exceeded the Maximum Tender Offer Amount, there is not expected to be a Final Settlement Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), and no Notes tendered after the Early Tender Date are expected to be accepted for purchase. In addition to the Total Consideration for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes, Holders of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes accepted for purchase on the Early Settlement Date will receive accrued and unpaid interest ("Accrued Interest") on those Maximum Tender Offer Notes from the last interest payment date with respect to those Maximum Tender Offer Notes to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date. CVS Health expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, to amend, extend or terminate the Maximum Tender Offer with respect to any or all series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes at any time if any condition to the Maximum Tender Offer is not satisfied. The Maximum Tender Offer is not conditioned on any minimum principal amount of Maximum Tender Offer Notes being tendered but the Maximum Tender Offer is subject to certain other general conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. CVS Health has retained Barclays Capital Inc. and Mizuho Securities USA LLC to act as Dealer Managers for the Maximum Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained to act as the Tender and Information Agent for the Maximum Tender Offer. The Offer to Purchase may be accessed at the following link: http://www.dfking.com/cvs . Requests for assistance relating to the procedures for tendering Maximum Tender Notes may be directed to the Tender and Information Agent either by email at [email protected] , or by phone (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 487-4870 (for all others toll free). Requests for assistance relating to the terms and conditions of the Maximum Tender Offer may be directed to Barclays Capital Inc. at (800) 438-3242 (toll free) or (212) 528-7581 (collect) or Mizuho Securities USA LLC at (866) 271-7403 (toll-free) or (212) 205-7741. Beneficial owners may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of tenders with respect to, any securities, including the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. No offer, solicitation, purchase or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Maximum Tender Offer is being made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase made available to Holders of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. None of CVS Health, the Dealer Managers, Tender and Information Agent or the trustees with respect to the Maximum Tender Offer Notes, or any of their respective affiliates, is making any recommendation as to whether or not Holders should tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their Maximum Tender Offer Notes in response to the Maximum Tender Offer. Holders are urged to evaluate carefully all information in the Offer to Purchase, consult their own investment and tax advisers and make their own decisions whether to tender Maximum Tender Offer Notes in the Maximum Tender Offer, and, if so, the principal amount of Maximum Tender Offer Notes to tender. About CVS Health CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer it serves and connecting care so that it works for people wherever they are. As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had more than 9,000 retail locations, more than 900 walk-in medical clinics, more than 225 primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 90 million plan members and expanding specialty pharmacy solutions, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The Company also serves an estimated more than 36 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including expanding Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company is creating new sources of value through its integrated model allowing it to expand into personalized, technology driven care delivery and health services, increasing access to quality care, delivering better health outcomes and lowering overall health care costs. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of CVS Health. By their nature, all forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and/or quantify. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section and under the heading "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 , June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on CVS Health's forward-looking statements. CVS Health's forward-looking statements are and will be based upon management's then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. CVS Health does not assume any duty to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, uncertainties or otherwise. SOURCE CVS HealthROCHESTER – A meeting room inside the Rochester Public Library was stuffed Thursday with folks curious about the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s rail plans, wondering whether passenger rail or other options might finally come to their community. MnDOT officials say more than 5,000 people have recently submitted comments, thoughts and proposals as state officials update the rail policy plan over the next few months. They’ve heard from people want expanded rail across the state, from Moorhead to Duluth , St. Cloud to Red Wing. Though the plan is more a recommendation, it’s got southern Minnesota communities wondering about how they could benefit from more rail access. Not every community supports rail connections; some like Rochester have been scared off of rail talks for years after previous plans went awry. Other cities like Austin say they want to focus on more pressing issues. Yet more transportation options have cities pondering the future of rail transportation. “There’s pretty strong interest in connection between the Twin Cities and places like Rochester, Winona, Owatonna, Northfield,” said Robert Clarksen, a MnDOT planning coordinator managing the process to update Minnesota’s State Rail Plan. “But we’re also hearing people who are telling us that it’s important to continue to investigate options to get to St. Cloud and other places via whatever mechanism that may look like in the future.” MnDOT officials update the plan every decade. It’s meant to guide lawmakers on potential rail projects 20 years into the future. The current update work started in 2022; MnDOT has two more public meetings planned for Moorhead and St. Paul next week. If all goes well, the updated plan’s expected to wrap up next spring. State lawmakers have fought in recent years over the viability of commuter rail projects, from light rail proposals to high-speed tracks. It’s led advocates like Suzi Nakasian, a former Northfield City Council member, to push compromises like introducing more conventional passenger rail options, which would also lay the groundwork for more freight and business connections across the state. “We’re just hoping to get on the game board and study the possibilities,” Nakasian said. Nakasian has put together a coalition of colleges, cities and counties across south-central and southeast Minnesota in favor of a few large-scale proposals: Build passenger rail (think regular commuter railroad lines) from the Twin Cities to Albert Lea and further south roughly following Interstate 35. Get another connection from the Cities to Mankato. And create an east-west connection by expanding freight rail lines along Highway 14, which could run from South Dakota through Wisconsin. Thus far, almost 20 cities and counties have officially supported Nakasian’s proposals. Albert Lea officials jumped at the opportunity. A line connecting the Twin Cities to Des Moines and beyond could lead to an unprecedented boom period for the city of 18,000. “It’s huge in dealing with everything from some of our housing issues to when we look at our climate and the ability to find alternate transportation instead of singular use vehicles,” Albert Lea City Manager Ian Rigg said. Though Rigg acknowledged such a line would take years — and likely another city manager — to complete, he said the proposal would offer “extraordinary” economic development as a stop along a potential north-south route from Minnesota to Texas. A Federal Railroad Administration study earlier this year identified a Twin Cities-to-Kansas City-to-San Antonio long-distance routes as one of 16 preferred projects to add to Amtrak’s U.S. network. Amtrak appears to support the Twin Cities route, according to Nakasian. Even if it has Amtrak support, a large-scale railroad network throughout southern Minnesota would be a heavy undertaking. “When it comes to passenger rail, it’s not just about Minnesota most of the time,” said Adam Fulton, a rail planning coordinator for MnDOT. “It’s usually about how we coordinate with other places.” Albert Lea could be a decent place to build Amtrak rail, but it would require support from several states before track could be laid down. And Minnesota would also have to take federal policymaking into account before it hurdles into a rail project. “The FRA has done a lot of work in thinking about what a long-term system looks like,” Fulton said. “Recognizing how that looks and how it has changed over time is something that should be considered as those big investments happen.” Fulton pointed to the recent Borealis Amtrak line stretching from the Twin Cities to Chicago as a project that took years to complete, involving Wisconsin, Illinois and federal transportation officials. Austin balks at rail Not everyone is convinced passenger rail is the future for southern Minnesota. Last month, the Austin City Council voted 3-1, with three council members absent, against supporting Nakasian’s idea for a criss-cross passenger rail network across southern Minnesota. Council Member Jason Baskin said Thursday he felt the project had low odds of success, especially when people could drive to other parts of Minnesota faster than they could take a conventional train. “When it’s been tried in other areas of the state, it’s ended up being a really poor financial decision,” Baskin said. “Our [city] staff are already overworked trying to deal with core issues like public safety and plowing the streets. It didn’t make sense for us to put additional burden on them .. having to participate in a process like this.” Baskin worries Greater Minnesota doesn’t have the the population density to financially support expanded rail networks. He sees investing in more bus lines as a better approach. “We’ve already got stuff that works really, really well,” he said. “It’s just a matter of taking what’s proven to work and scaling it up.” In Rochester, ‘we’re going to be Switzerland’ Arguably the biggest voice in a southern Minnesota rail conversation is Minnesota’s third-largest city, home to the Mayo Clinic. But Rochester officials haven’t made rail policy plans for more than a decade after a failed attempt to get a high-speed line from the metro area to Med City. The Rochester area pushed for the line in the mid-2000s, but communities in between there and the Twin Cities arduously opposed the project. Republican lawmakers killed the line soon after, according to former DFL Rep. Kim Norton of Rochester. Though some groups have tried to push for rail connections over the years years, city officials haven’t really discussed rail projects since then. “I think people thought it’s not going to happen,” said Norton, whose served as Rochester’s mayor since 2019. “And so we don’t want to keep wasting political capital on something that isn’t going to move because of the politics.” Earlier this week, Norton called on city staff and the Rochester City Council to start talks on rail policy after Nakasian approached her and other officials. While Norton said she personally would prefer high-speed rail or hyperloop connections, it’s up to the city to research the issue and get community feedback before Rochester could support any project. “We’re nowhere near ready to be able to take any position for or against,” Norton said Thursday. “We’re just going to be Switzerland right now because we haven’t had a discussion.” Nakasian meets with Mankato officials this week and hopes to convince more communities to support expanded rail proposals. She’s already got support from several colleges and universities, including Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, St. Olaf and Carleton colleges in Northfield, and South Central College in North Mankato. “We want to make the colleges competitive and keep attracting people to the region,” Nakasian said. “And if you’re going to do that, you’d better have regional passenger rail because other cities are doing it. It’s the wave of the future.”