Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday faced considerable pressure to boost coronavirus-stricken President Donald Trump’s flagging reelection hopes as he trails in national and battleground state polls.

California Sen. Kamala Harris stepped on stage having to balance her role as Joe Biden’s validator with her own historic presence as the first Black woman on a major party national ticket.

Pence embraced the opportunity to be magnanimous. “I also want to congratulate you … on the historic nature of your nomination,” Pence told Harris. “I never expected to be on that stage four years ago, so I know the feeling.”

To be sure, there were sharp moments, some modest interruptions and debate clock violations. But the dynamics represented a rare 2020 return to some semblance of normal presidential politics.

The debate discussed issues such as the Pandemic, Systemic Racism and more.

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, posted bail Wednesday and was released from jail.

Floyd’s aunt, Angela Harrelson, told FOX-9 that she was still trying to process the news.

“It’s something that I’m not happy with. I’m not pleased with it. But I know I have to accept it because this is what the judge allowed to happen. … I know our family is not happy with this decision,” Harrelson said.

Hundreds of people took to the streets in south Minneapolis where protests were centered in the days after George Floyd’s death. Gov. Tim Walz activated the National Guard to help local law enforcement due to public safety concerns.

St. Thomas men’s hockey coach Jeff Boeser will retire at the end of the 2020-21 season, St. Thomas Athletics announced Monday.

Boeser spent over 25 years as an assistant coach before being named head coach in 2010. In his 10 years as head coach, Boeser led the team to a winning record each season, while also winning six MIAC regular season championships and two MIAC tournament championships.

“I am so blessed to have been able to coach at a place that means so much to me for so many years,” Boeser said in a statement on Tommie Sports. “There are so many people who have been a part of this journey. I am proud of the players, coaches and all the other supporters who have helped sustain the program.”

Nate Schneiderhan can be reached at schn2899@stthomas.edu.