By DEREK GATOPOULOS and VOLODYMYR YURCHUK, Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — At a secret location in rural Ukraine, columns of attack drones are assembled at night and in near silence to strike deep inside Russia. Their targets are strategic: oil refineries, fuel depots, and military logistics hubs.

Since the summer, Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign has ramped up dramatically, pounding energy infrastructure across Russia and stretching Moscow’s air defenses thin. Built from parts made in a scattered network of workshops, these drones now fly much further than at any point in the war.

Officers in body armor move with quick precision; headlamps glow red to stay hidden. Engines sputter like old motorcycles as exhaust fumes drift into the moonless night. Minutes later, one after another, the drones lift from a makeshift runway and head east.

The strikes have caused gasoline shortages in Russia, even forcing rationing in some regions and underscoring a growing vulnerability in the country’s infrastructure. Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Ukrainian Security Service, said Friday that more than 160 successful strikes had been carried out against Russia’s oil extraction and refining facilities so far this year.

### Drones Hammer Refineries

Western analysts say the attacks on energy infrastructure so far have had a serious but not crippling effect. Ukrainian drones have repeatedly hit 16 major Russian refineries, representing about 38% of the country’s nominal refining capacity, according to a recent review by the Carnegie Endowment, a U.S.-based think tank.

However, the actual impact has been considerably more limited: most plants resumed operations within weeks, and Russia’s refining output has been cushioned by idle capacity and existing fuel surpluses.

The deep strikes have, however, given Kyiv the initiative at an important moment. The United States and Europe are ramping up sanctions on Russia’s oil industry even as Kyiv’s request for U.S. long-range Tomahawk missiles has stalled.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s improved long-range strike capability is causing real damage, forcing the Kremlin to import fuel and curb exports.

“We believe they’ve lost up to 20% of their gasoline supply directly as a result of our strikes,” he told reporters at a briefing in Kyiv.

At the secret launch site, the commander overseeing the operation—a broad-shouldered man identified by his call sign, “Fidel,” in accordance with Ukrainian military regulations—watches through night-vision goggles as the drones climb into the star-filled sky.

“Drones are evolving,” Fidel told The Associated Press. “Instead of flying 500 kilometers (310 miles), now they fly 1,000. Three factors go into a successful operation: the drones, the people and the planning. We want to deliver the best result. For us, this is a holy mission.”

### Ukraine Thrives on No-Frills Weapons

Much of Ukraine’s fleet is homegrown. The Liutyi, a workhorse of the nightly attacks, is a waist-high craft with a sausage-shaped body, a propeller at the back, and a distinctive triangular tail. It looks neither sleek nor intimidating—more Home Depot than Lockheed Martin—but the ease of assembly means it can be kept hidden and constantly tweaked, optimized to slip through heavily monitored frontline airspace.

Typical of Ukraine’s no-frills war production philosophy, the Liutyi, whose name means “fierce” in Ukrainian, has become a symbol of national pride and recently featured on a local postage stamp.

The reach of these drones—with some models doubling in range over the past year to routinely strike targets within a 1,000-kilometer radius of the border—marks a shift in the geography of the conflict.

Attacks a year ago damaged refineries in a much narrower range, mostly in western Russian border regions. Costs have also come down, further testing expensive air defense systems, with long-range drones now being produced in Ukraine for as little as $55,000.

### A Shift in Conflict Geography

“What we’re seeing is that Ukraine is getting better at taking the war inside Russia,” said Adriano Bosoni, director of analysis at RANE, a global risk analysis firm.

“For most of the war, Russia operated on the assumption that its own territory was safe. That’s no longer the case.”

The strategic logic is attrition by logistics, he argued: by forcing Russia to reroute supplies and commit air defenses to a wider area, Kyiv seeks to degrade Moscow’s capacity to sustain large-scale operations.

The Paris-based International Energy Agency says repeated drone strikes have cut Russia’s refining capacity by about 500,000 barrels a day. That’s triggered domestic fuel shortages and curbed exports of diesel and jet fuel, even as overall global oil production remains steady and prices stable.

Kyiv’s homegrown strike capability allows independent drone launches, bypassing the Western approval required for imported long-range weapons. That autonomy preceded tougher sanctions on Russia: allies escalated only after Ukraine had spent months hitting Russian refineries.

On the ground, each mission is a study in tradeoffs. Fewer than 30% of drones even reach the target area, so meticulous planning is essential, said Fidel, who reflected on the human cost.

“War has fallen to our generation so that we can fight for our kids and they can live in a free democratic country,” he said. “We are currently obtaining experience that will be used by every country in the world, and we are paying the price with our lives and the lives of our friends.”

Associated Press journalists Hanna Arhirova, Illia Novikov, Evgeniy Maloletka, Dmytro Zhyhinas, and Alex Babenko contributed to this report from Ukraine.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at [AP News].
https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/31/ukraine-drones/

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**Article Excerpt Regarding Foster Care Issues**

Reports show instances of children spending the night in cars due to lack of appropriate placements. Jean Strout, senior attorney with the National Center for Youth Law—one of the groups that sued the department—said that even before the settlement, the judge ordered the agency to stop housing children in offices, hotels, and other unlicensed settings.

“It was not a big battle,” she said. “Where things get more nuanced is, what do you do instead?” She hopes the focus can shift to providing more individualized solutions for hard-to-place youth and addressing the underlying family issues that led to their removal in the first place.

“You can’t just keep growing the foster system and trying to find more foster families,” Strout said.

**Traumatized Children**

Advocates note that states need to explore more creative ways of caring for youth who often end up in hotels. These children are generally older and have physical and mental health needs beyond what a typical foster home can provide.

A child welfare research group, Chapin Hall, which has studied Maryland’s foster care system, found that youth who stayed in hotels, offices, or hospitals all had attention deficit or impulse control problems. Nearly all suffered from depression or mood disorders, and almost 60% were at risk of suicide.

“We’re dealing with traumatized children who are acting like traumatized children,” said Gallo.

The Chapin Hall report is one among many documenting failings of the child welfare system, as well as the heartbreaking level of needs faced.

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https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/28/hotel-foster-care-suicide/

The return of “White Christmas” marks the end of an era for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.

Michael Brindisi, CDT’s longtime president and artistic director, died unexpectedly in February, just two days before the company opened its production of “Grease.” He oversaw the successful debut of “White Christmas” last year and had already made the decision to bring it back for an encore.

The current program lists Brindisi as “original artistic director” of the show and includes his original director’s note, written in October 2024:

“There are a lot of veteran performers and designers who have worked on our play. On more than a few occasions, I’ve heard the exclamation from many, including yours truly, ‘I’m getting too old for this.’ We should all keep doing what we love for as long as we can, but when we can’t, that’s OK too. Just count your blessings and you’ll be all right!”

In many ways, “White Christmas” showcases CDT’s strength as a song-and-dance powerhouse. For two and a half hours, the cast and crew create magic on stage, offering a welcome dose of escapism into a much less complicated time.

The musical is based on the 1954 film of the same name, which also happened to be the highest-grossing film of that year. It was constructed around Irving Berlin’s song “White Christmas,” originally written for 1942’s “Holiday Inn.”

The track was such a massive hit that Bing Crosby’s version sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide. Berlin wrote a new batch of numbers to accompany it for the new movie. The stage version debuted in 2004 and added Berlin’s name to the official title.

As expected under such circumstances, the plot is paper-thin. It follows World War II vets Bob Wallace (Michael Gruber) and Phil Davis (Tony Vierling), who’ve become popular entertainers. They meet sisters and fellow performers Betty (Ann Michels) and Judy Haynes (Andrea Mislan) and propose a collaboration, both on stage and off.

Really, the story exists merely to connect the songs, which — if you’re allergic to holiday music like me — thankfully aren’t all Christmas numbers. The dynamic choreography by Tamara Kangas Erickson, who has since taken over as CDT’s leader, injects true glee into the proceedings.

Don’t be late returning from intermission, lest you miss the show’s highlight: the eye-popping, toe-tapping “I Love a Piano.”

The show remains every bit as exciting and fun as it was last year. Beyond a few new faces in the ensemble, the biggest change is Kersten Rodau replacing Brindisi’s wife, Michelle Barber.

Barber is currently starring in a production of “Come From Away” at Asolo Repertory Theatre in Florida, where their daughter Cat is associate artistic director. Barber is usually one of the best things about CDT productions, but Rodau does a fine job in the broadly comic role of Martha Watson, who runs a struggling Vermont hotel owned by Wallace and Davis’ wartime boss General Henry Waverly (Joenathan Thomas, who has both the presence and the voice of an actual general).

Two young performers, Jenalia Valerio and Malle Cenizal, return to swap nights playing Waverly’s granddaughter Susan, a character that brings a sweet sense of innocence with a dash of determination to the show.

Sweet is a great way to describe “White Christmas” as a whole. Audiences love it, and like last year, many of the performances leading up to Christmas are already sold out. Plenty of seats remain for the January shows, and given what a delight it is, “White Christmas” is worth seeing even after the candy canes and ornaments are packed away.

Brindisi’s final CDT production is a real gift.

**‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’**
**When:** Through Feb. 7
**Where:** Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St.
**More info:** [chanhassendt.com](http://chanhassendt.com)

**Capsule:** Like last year, “White Christmas” is both merry and bright.
https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/27/white-christmas-review-chanhassen-dinner-theatres-2/

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https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/27/gophers-football-utah-prep-lineman-mataalii-benjamin-de-commits-from-u/

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**NFL Reminds Players: No Illegal Gambling or Betting on Games**

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has reminded its players that they are prohibited from participating in any form of illegal gambling or betting on league games.

In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league asked all 32 teams to reiterate key aspects of its gambling policy and ensure players have access to the document.

“We all have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the Shield by ensuring that our game is played fairly, honestly, and to the best of a player’s ability,” the NFL management council wrote in the memo. “NFL players must also take appropriate steps to safeguard the game against gambling-related risks that may undermine the confidence and trust of the fans.”

The reminder follows an FBI investigation into illicit gambling activities that resulted in the arrests of NBA coach Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and others.

“These developments underscore the risks that all sports are facing in the current environment and serve as a reminder of the need to adhere strictly to the NFL gambling policy,” the NFL wrote.

According to the NFL policy, players must not:
– Place any bet on NFL Football;
– Throw or fix any NFL game or event, or manipulate or attempt to manipulate any play or aspect of an NFL game;
– Share confidential, non-public information about any NFL game, player, or event with third parties.

The NFL Players Association also sent a similar memo, emphasizing that players should avoid:
– Betting on the NFL;
– Gambling at the team facility;
– Gambling while traveling for a road game or staying at a team hotel;
– Having someone else bet on their behalf;
– Sharing “inside information”;
– Entering a sportsbook during the NFL season except to access other parts of a casino;
– Promoting any form of gambling or gambling entities.

However, NFL players are allowed to legally bet on other sports as long as they are off club property and not traveling with the team. They may also participate in traditional fantasy football leagues where prize money does not exceed $250, and legally gamble at casinos during personal time.

*AP NFL*
Originally published: October 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM CDT
https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/24/nfl-gambling-reminder/

President Donald Trump approved major disaster declarations for Alaska, Nebraska, North Dakota, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe late Wednesday, while denying requests from Vermont, Illinois, and Maryland. Other states are still awaiting decisions.

The approvals and denials mostly followed party lines. Trump noted on social media that he had “won BIG” in Alaska in the last three presidential elections and expressed that it was his “honor” to deliver for the “incredible Patriots” of Missouri, a state he also won three times.

The disaster declarations authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide federal financial assistance to help repair public infrastructure damaged by disasters. In some cases, survivors may also receive funds for repairs and temporary housing.

Although Trump has approved more disaster declarations than he has denied this year, he has repeatedly suggested “phasing out” FEMA to encourage states to take more responsibility for disaster response and recovery. While states already lead disaster management efforts, they rely on federal assistance when their resources are insufficient.

An Associated Press analysis found that Trump has taken longer to approve disaster declaration requests than any previous administration.

**Approved Disaster Declarations**

– **Alaska** filed an expedited request after back-to-back storms this month wrecked coastal villages, displaced 2,000 residents, and killed at least one person. Trump approved a 100% cost share of disaster-related expenses for 90 days.

– **North Dakota** and **Nebraska** will receive public assistance for severe weather experienced in August.

– The **Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe** in northern Minnesota was approved for both public and individual assistance following a June storm that felled thousands of trees across its tribal lands.

**Denied Requests**

Trump denied four requests, including Maryland’s appeal for reconsideration after being denied a disaster declaration for severe May flooding affecting its two westernmost counties.

Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, called the denial “deeply frustrating,” accusing the Trump Administration of politicizing disaster relief. Moore stated, “Our communities are the ones who will pay the price.”

Maryland has independently supported impacted individuals, deploying over $450,000 from its State Disaster Recovery Fund. Although Maryland met the preliminary damage assessment threshold for public assistance, Trump denied the July request. The state appealed in August with additional data showing $33.7 million in damage—more than three times the federal assistance threshold.

Vermont was also denied a major disaster declaration for July 10 floods after waiting over nine weeks for a decision. Eric Forand, Vermont’s emergency management director, said the damages to small towns “far exceed what they can afford on their own,” noting that repairs might cost over one or two years’ worth of annual budgets.

Other denials included Illinois’ request for individual assistance for three counties affected by July storms and flooding, and Alaska’s request to rebuild a public safety building destroyed in a July electrical fire.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the decisions, stating, “President Trump provides a more thorough review of disaster declaration requests than any Administration has before him.” She added that Trump is “ensuring American tax dollars are used appropriately and efficiently by the states to supplement, not substitute, their obligation to respond to and recover from disasters.”

**Leech Lake Band’s Challenges**

Several states and tribes continue to wait for decisions. Lack of federal assistance can delay vital recovery projects, especially for smaller jurisdictions with tight budgets. Survivors may also be left without help to secure temporary housing or repair unsafe homes.

Before its approval, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe was financially strained, having spent about $1.5 million of its own funds to clear thousands of trees felled by a June thunderstorm. The tribe, which can apply for assistance independently of the state, had submitted its request nine weeks prior.

Beltrami County, the surrounding jurisdiction, did not meet the damage threshold to qualify for federal assistance, falling $800,000 short.

Duane Oothoudt, emergency operations manager for the Leech Lake Police Department, explained that the tribe had been “doing a lot of juggling, using reserve funding to operate and continue paying our contractors.”

Following the disaster declaration approval for both public and individual assistance, Oothoudt said his emergency management department would focus on helping survivors first. “There’s a lot of work to do,” he said. “People were hurt by the storm.”
https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/23/leech-lake-band-of-ojibwe-wins-federal-relief-for-june-storm-cleanup/

For many college basketball experts, selecting the greatest players of the women’s poll era sounds easy—until they try it. Of course, USC’s Cheryl Miller and Diana Taurasi of UConn are relatively easy choices. But narrowing the list from there gets tricky, inevitably leaving out talented players, including those who sharpened their skills later during professional careers.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the women’s basketball poll, The Associated Press assembled a list of the greatest players since the first poll in 1976. And in the spirit of the Top 25 rankings, the choices are certain to spark debate and prompt plenty of handwringing among those in a position to vote.

“Nearly impossible,” said Rebecca Lobo, a former UConn standout and NCAA champion, describing the assignment. “As I’m looking down the list, I’m like no-brainer, no-brainer, no-brainer. But then I’m like, wait, there’s too many no-brainers and not enough slots.”

Lobo was one of 13 panel members consisting of former players and AP sportswriters who voted on the greatest players. They were instructed to consider only the athletes’ college careers. Other factors, however, were left to their discretion, including championship pedigree, record-breaking statistics, or simply a player’s ability to will their teams to victory.

“It was extraordinarily difficult, especially trying to hone in on a player’s college career and eliminate their pro career from your brain,” Lobo added. “There are going to be players who are Hall of Fame-caliber players who aren’t on the list.”

Joining Miller in the frontcourt on the first team are Breanna Stewart and Candace Parker. Caitlin Clark joins Taurasi as the guards.

Taurasi helped UConn win three national championships, including carrying the Huskies to the last two basically on her own during her junior and senior seasons.

“What an accomplishment and what an honor,” Taurasi said. “To think about the history of the game and where it’s gone. You always have to look at the past to go into the future. There’s so many great women who paved the way.”

Clark led Iowa to back-to-back NCAA championship game appearances while setting the career scoring record for any Division I women’s or men’s basketball player. Her play on the court—including her logo 3-point shots—helped lift women’s basketball to unprecedented levels of attention and energy during her last two seasons.

“Being named an AP All-American is one of the most storied honors in college sports,” Clark said. “It means a lot to be named to this all-time list alongside players I looked up to. It’s fun to think about what it would have been like if we all played together.”

The frontcourt of Miller, Stewart, and Parker dominated the game during their eras. Stewart won four NCAA championships at UConn and earned Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four all four years. Parker led Tennessee to back-to-back titles in 2007-08. Miller, one of the original NCAA greats, starred for USC and led the Trojans to consecutive championships in 1983-84.

“I grew up watching Cheryl Miller play,” Parker said. “She’d be No. 1. My dad was like, ‘This is who we wanted you to be.’ I’m honored to be on this list with her.”

The second team’s backcourt is UConn’s Sue Bird and Virginia’s Dawn Staley. The former Cavaliers guard and current South Carolina coach is the only women’s player to win the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four on a losing team when her Cavaliers fell to Tennessee. Bird helped UConn win championships in 2000 and 2002.

The Lady Vols’ Chamique Holdsclaw, UConn’s Maya Moore, and Lusia Harris of Delta State are on the second team frontcourt.

Holdsclaw was a three-time NCAA champion and twice earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player honor. Moore was part of the Huskies’ dynasty that won a then-record 89 consecutive games, helping UConn to consecutive titles in 2009-10. Harris led Delta State to three AIAW titles in the mid-1970s and was the tournament’s MVP each year.

“I’d watch these two teams play and I’m not sure who would win,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said of the first and second teams selected by the panel. Auriemma has four former players on the first two teams but would enjoy looking to the bench at a group of reserves that includes UCLA’s Ann Meyers Drysdale, Kansas’ Lynette Woodard, and Texas Tech’s Sheryl Swoopes in the backcourt. For the frontcourt, there is USC’s Lisa Leslie, Baylor’s Brittney Griner, and South Carolina’s A’ja Wilson.

“I am always asked if players today could play back in the ‘70s or ‘80s or vice versa. When you’re great in one generation, you’re going to be great in any generation,” said Meyers Drysdale, who was also a member of the voting panel. “I don’t think there’s any name that is wrong or there’s any name that is right. There are so many great players that are going to be left off.”
https://www.twincities.com/2025/10/18/who-are-the-greatest-womens-college-basketball-players/