RYAN BAKKEN: April was royally newsy

Hey, how about the royal couple?

No, not Will and Kate, although they are indeed royal. I'm referring to Al (Carlson) and Earl (Strinden), who were convinced the NCAA would blink if the state stuck to its Fighting Sioux guns.

Oops.

So, who knows what the next chapter of the nickname issue will bring?

What I do know is that April was especially newsy because of flooding, the never-ending nickname issue and our two states' legislatures being in session. The North Dakota Legislature approved $500 million in tax relief while Minnesota is searching for more revenue, reaffirming the belief that oil is more valuable than walleyes.

Minnesota has more national political figures than North Dakota, however. There's T-Paw. Or is it Tea-Paw? And there's Rep. Michelle Bachmann, who landed on Time magazine's list of the country's 100 most influential people and Mary Kay's list of its 100 best customers.

To test your memory of what else happened last month, proceed to the April News Quiz:

1. The best word to describe April's weather is:

A) Cold.

B) Rainy.

C) Windy

D) $@*&#

2. Why was Fargo voted "America's Toughest Weather City?"

A) Winter blizzards.

B) Spring flooding.

C) Summer humidity.

D) Grand Forks wasn't on the ballot

3. Who was most distressed by UND losing in the Frozen Four semifinals?

A) UND players.

B) UND fans.

C) UND alumni.

D) St. Paul bar owners.

4. Why did NCAA officials back out of meeting about Fighting Sioux nickname?

A) Meeting was open to the public.

B) They weren't going to change their minds.

C) They weren't going to negotiate.

D) They feared being high-sticked.

5. What was most surprising sports news of the month?

A) Charl Schwartzel wins The Masters.

B) Minnesota-Duluth wins Frozen Four.

C) Connecticut wins Final Four.

D) Minnesota Twins just barely win four.

6. What was the biggest flood inconvenience?

A) I-29 detours.

B) Rural properties becoming islands.

C) Clogged traffic in Grand Forks-East Grand Forks because of closed bridges.

D) Muddy Red River clogs up Jet Skis.

7. A poll of Americans ages 18-24 showed they believe it will be harder for them to:

A) Buy a house.

B) Save money for retirement.

C) Raise a family.

D) Put down their cellphone.

8. What is the biggest question still facing the Minnesota Legislature?

A) A new stadium for Minnesota Vikings

B) Bonding bill.

C) Gay rights.

D) If Gov. Mark Dayton will solve deficit by writing a personal check.

9. Professional wrestler Kurt Angle pled guilty in Grand Forks court to:

A) Reckless driving.

B) Being behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated.

C) Registering .08 blood-alcohol level.

D) Faking injury when thrown into the turnbuckle.

10. Biggest non-flooding news of the month?

A) Grand Forks debates new library vote.

B) Farmers still await planting.

C) Gas prices near $4.

D) Unlike Kirstie Alley, local columnist avoids falling on his dance partner.

Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com .