Days to the November Election: 201
2020 Election
We’ve never backed a Democrat for president. But Trump must be defeated., Washington Post
What South Carolina’s Absentee Voting System Shows the U.S., The American Prospect
Kelly expands lead over McSally in Arizona, The Hill
The Pandemic Could Exacerbate a Major Trump-Campaign Vulnerability, The Atlantic
Agriculture
USDA TO BUY AS MUCH EXCESS MILK AND MEAT AS POSSIBLE, SAYS PERDUE, Successful Farming
Attorney General Keith Ellison
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison’s mother dies from coronavirus complications, KARE11
Trump Administration Officials Warned Against Halting Funding to WHO, Leaked Memo Shows, ProPublica
Trump threatens to adjourn both chambers of Congress, The Hill
Biggest Trump super PAC test drives #BeijingBiden campaign, Axios
Trump’s call with Wall Street didn’t go as planned, Politico
Economy
5.2 million more file for unemployment, The Hill
Mnuchin Knew Two Weeks Ago That Financial Predators Could Grab Emergency Coronavirus Checks, The American Prospect
USAA Grabs Coronavirus Checks From Military Families, The American Prospect
Despite Federal Ban, Landlords Are Still Moving to Evict People During the Pandemic, ProPublica
New unemployment filings are so high only the Great Depression compares, Vox
Environment
Scientists confirm dramatic melting of Greenland ice sheet, The Guardian
Scientists spotted what might be the biggest hole ever recorded in the Arctic’s ozone layer, CNN
Governor Tim Walz
Walz Cuts Own Salary, Staff Salaries, KTOE
Walz order keeps farm goods flowing,Fairmont Sentinel
Governor Walz signs insulin affordablity bill into law, KARE11
Beyond testing: Minnesota needs 750 contact tracers for normalcy. There are 110 now. Here’s the plan., Pioneer Press
Health
The newly uninsured can turn to a stable ACA market, Axios
U.S. races to stock up on dialysis supplies as kidney failure ravages virus patients, Politico
More on Excess Mortality and COVID19’s Hidden Toll, Talking Points Memo
Immigration
California launches nations first disaster relief fund for undocumented immigrants, The Guardian
How Immigrant Medical Professionals Are Helping To Fight The Coronavirus, NPR
Labor
McDonald’s Workers Charge Grotesque Sexual Harassment in New $500 Million Lawsuit,Workday MN
Minnesota Legislature
MN Lawmakers Reach Agreement On Allowing Purchase Of Beer And Wine To-Go, WCCO
Minn. legislators strike deal on takeout beer and wine sales at restaurants, Star Tribune
Minnesota Legislature Passes Bill Extending Farm Loan Mediation Time, WNAX
Minnesota News
Coronavirus in Minnesota: When Will unemployment funds run out?, Pioneer Press
FDA approves production of device designed at University of Minnesota to help COVID-19 patients breathe, Star Tribune
Land O’Lakes quietly gets rid of iconic Indian maiden mascot, MN Reformer
Representative Collin Peterson (CD7)
Farmers, Congress ask for federal purchase of excess food during the coronavirus pandemic,The Hill
Chairman Peterson: USDA Should Up Commodity Purchases, KIWA
Representative Angie Craig (CD2)
Banks and businesses in uncharted waters with millions depending on small business loans, SW News Media
Republicans
Kentucky just made it harder to vote during a pandemic, Vox
Sen. Kennedy Admits COVID-19 Will Spread Faster If Economy Reopens, Says It Should Reopen Anyway, Talking Points Memo
Florida Gov. DeSantis declared WWE an “essential service.” His explanation doesn’t make much sense., Vox
White House aides, outside groups launch effort to reopen economy, but Mnuchin says decision poses risks, Washington Post
Republicans in Minnesota
‘Liberate Minnesota’ rally to protest coronavirus order, ‘anti-American governor,’ science, reason, City Pages
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Exclusive: Amy Klobuchar’s plan to ensure rural areas aren’t devastated by coronavirus, Vox
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar: Trump votes by mail. Why can’t everyone?, Star Tribune
Pandemic puts domestic violence victims, survivors ‘in dire straits’, MN Reformer
Senator Tina Smith
Sen. Tina Smith: Halting WHO funding a “tragic and terrible mistake”, WDIO
Sen. Tina Smith Works To Help People Who Didn’t Get Stimulus Checks, KVRR
FULL INTERVIEW: Sen. Tina Smith reacts to small businesses Paycheck Protection Program concerns, KEYC
Sen. Tina Smith outlines her priorities for the next COVID-19 relief package, Fox 9
U.S. News
The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped the war in Afghanistan, Vox
E.P.A., Tweaking Its Math, to Weaken Controls on Mercury, New York Times
Chanting ‘lock her up,’ Michigan protesters waving Trump flags mass against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus restrictions, Washington Post
After Anonymous Tip, 17 Bodies Are Found at Nursing Home Hit by Virus, New York Times
World News
How coronavirus hitched a ride through China, Reuters
I Can’t Stop Thinking About Patient One, The Atlantic
In Vietnam, There Have Been Fewer Than 300 COVID-19 Cases And No Deaths. Here’s Why, NPR
Israel’s factions fail again to form government, raising possibility of fourth election, Washington Post
Upcoming DFL Events
With the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, we suggest you check with the hosting organization to see if meetings, etc. are being held.
All DFL conventions will now be held virtually. If you were elected as a Delegate or Alternate at Caucuses, you will be hearing from your district with specifics. If you don’t, please check with the hosting organization.
- Today – Passover
- Today through May 4 — Minnesota Stay at Home Order
- April 17, 5:00 PM — Deadline for DFL local units to provide a roster to delegates/alternates and ballot content
- April 18
- April 20, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — Anoka County DFL Meeting, contact them for more information on how the meeting will be held
- April 22 — Earth Day
- April 23 through May 23 — Ramadan
- April 23 — Deadline for DFL local units to certify their ballot in writing to DFL Staff
- April 24 — Arbor Day
- April 25 – May 4 — DFL Virtual Convention Balloting Window
- May 5 — Cinco de Mayo
- 7:00 to 8:30 PM — SD40 DFL Central Committee Meeting, location to be determined
- May 6
- 6:30 to 8:30 PM — SD50 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Kennedy High School, Room C102, 9701 Nicollet Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD33 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Ridgedale Library, Room 172, 12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305
- May 7, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD46 DFL Central Committee Meeting, St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
- May 9, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM — CD3 DFL Convention, Park Center High School, Performing Arts Center, 7300 Brooklyn Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55344.
- May 10 — Mother’s Day
- May 11 — deadline for certification of DFL local unit balloting results
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD44 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Council Chamber, Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD49 DFL Central Committee Meeting, 7001 Cahill Rd, Suite 21, Edina, MN
- May 14
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD36 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Riverwind Community Center, 2701 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
- 7:oo to 9:00 PM — SD48 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Glen Lake Community Center, 14350 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
- May 30 -30 — State DFL Convention, Rochester, MN, more information as it becomes available.