Days to the November Election: 257
2020 Election
Minnesota pastor leads campaign to try to shift evangelical vote, Star Tribune
Trump, RNC announce $10 million plan to battle Dems on voting lawsuits, Politico
Exclusive: Ahead of 2020 election, a ‘Blue Wave’ is rising in the cities, polling analysis
shows, Reuters
Trump campaign hires alum of controversial data company, Politico
Agriculture
FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP CLOUDED BY ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES, Successful Farming
First, they invented a way to rescue people from grain bin accidents; Now they’re trying to prevent them, Austin Daily Herald
Trump signs order diverting water to California farmers against state wishes, The Hill
Attorney General Keith Ellison
Ellison, advisory group lay out ‘cure’ for ballooning drug prices in report, Rochester Post Bulletin
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison releases sweeping report on drug prices, Star Tribune
Donald Trump
Trump picks pardon requests from wealthy pals and GOP donors, Associated Press
Trump’s bending of justice will have consequences, CNN
“Lock her up!” In Phoenix, the signature Trump rally chant was especially ironic, Vox
Trump names Grenell, U.S. ambassador to Germany, as acting head of intelligence, Grand Forks Herald
Economy
A top Trump adviser was contradicted on air during a CNN fact-check of the Obama economy. He still said it was ‘horrible.’, Business Insider
Trump’s budget will wreak havoc on the American economy, CNN
Trump’s Top Trade Adviser Peter Navarro Has a Side Project: Secretly Hunting for ‘Anonymous’, Daily Beast
Education
Minnesota teachers still overwhelmingly white as student population becomes more diverse, Northfield News
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos faces another lawsuit for overturning Obama-era rule, Yahoo
Environment
Congrats! You dump 100 plastic bottles in nature each year., Washington Post
Oil and gas firms ‘have had far worse climate impact than thought’, The Guardian
Governor Tim Walz
Gov. Tim Walz seeks $30 million to replenish Minnesota disaster aid fund, RFD TV
Health
Minn. AG Ellison Unveils Task Force That Takes Aim At Prescription Drug Prices, WCCO
Veterans’ Use of Long-Term Care Is Increasing, and VA Faces Challenges in Meeting the Demand, GAO
Immigration
Mexican man sues ICE agent who shot him in the face, NBC News
Latest immigration appointment signals shakeup pushed by White House, CNN
Labor
Why Are Workers Struggling? Because Labor Law Is Broken, New York Times
HuffPost reporter: Kickstarter union a ‘shot in the arm for labor’, The Hill
Minnesota Legislature
MN HOUSE, SENATE PREPARE FOR VOTES ON VERY DIFFERENT INSULIN ASSISTANCE BILLS, KDUZ
Lead-free program for MN loons gets green light, MPR
Advocates, lawmakers call for ‘second chances’ for formerly incarcerated Minnesotans, Rochester Post-Bulletin
Minn. spending $500 million for affordable housing? How lawmakers want to use the money, Pioneer Press
Minnesota News
First lady Gwen Walz, groups push for changes in Minnesota criminal justice system, MPR
U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn announces he has stage 4 kidney cancer, Star Tribune
Bill would make extreme poaching a felony in Minnesota, KSTP
Committee green lights lead-free program for Minnesota loons, Bemidji Pioneer
‘Here we go again’: Chaska High School students involved in another racist incident, MPR
Representative Angie Craig (CD2)
HRC Endorses U.S. Rep. Angie Craig for Reelection, Human Rights Campaign
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig presents American flag to Apple Valley American Legion, SunThisWeek
Representative Betty McCollum (CD4)
McCollum to introduce legislation to stop deportation of Hmong, Lao residents, Star Tribune
Representative Collin Peterson (CD7)
As hemp production booms, Rep. Collin Peterson works to expand the CBD market, Crow River Media
Representative Dean Phillips (CD3)
REP. DEAN PHILLIPS VISITS ZACHARY LANE ELEMENTARY, CCX Media
Representative Tom Emmer (CD6)
GOP lawmaker denies ‘snooping’ on Dems after Republicans glean ‘valuable intel’ on flipping House, Fox News
Republicans
Mulvaney Admits GOP Doesn’t Care About Bloated Deficit Under Millionaire-Friendly Trump, TPM
The GOP Doesn’t Need Trump—It’s Already Rigged the System, Daily Beast
Trump adviser Roger Stone faces judge who will sentence him, Reuters
Republicans, Minnesota
Republican says Minnesota should change same-day voting registration rules, Grand Forks Herald
Supreme Court
Justices return for season of big decisions, amid campaign, Star Tribune
U.S. Supreme Court to hear arguments on Louisiana abortion law on March 4th, KNOE
207 lawmakers urge the Supreme Court to overrule a half century of abortion law, Quartz
Trade
The U.S.’s Next Trade War? As China Clash Cools, Conflict With India Looms, Wall Street Journal
Coronavirus outbreak in China spurs supply chain shifts that began during trade war, CNBC
U.S. News
Trump just granted clemency to 11 people. Here’s a look at each., CNN
Stocks wobble in early trading as investors turn cautious, Star Tribune
Coronavirus live updates: US hospitals prepare for possible pandemic, Air France tallies ‘brutal’ impact from outbreak, CNBC
Roger Stone to be sentenced, CNN
Family of Texas man Trump pardoned dished out donations to his reelection campaign, ABC
World News
Coronavirus updates: 2 passengers die after leaving ‘chaotic’ quarantined cruise ship, NBC News
Far-Right Mass Shooting Targeting Immigrants in Germany Kills Nine, Slate
Israel Is Eager To Annex West Bank Lands, But U.S. Says To Wait, NPR
Upcoming DFL Events:
- Today through March 2 — Super Tuesday Presidential Primary Early Voting, more information here.
- February 22
- 1:00 to 3:00 PM — SD37 DFL Caucus Convener Training, Northtown Library, 707 County Hwy. 10 Frontage Rd, Blaine, MN 55434
- 3:00 to 5:00 PM — SD40 DFL Caucus Convener Training, Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- February 25 — Mardi Gras
- 7:00 t0 9:00 PM — Minnesota DFL Precinct Caucuses, more information here.
- 8:00 to 10:00 PM — Democratic Presidential Debate, South Carolina, view on CBS channels, apps and streams
- February 26 — Ash Wednesday
- March 3
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM — Minnesota Super Tuesday Primary, more information here.
- March 4
- 6:30 to 8:30 PM — SD50 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Kennedy High School, Room C102, 9701 Nicollet Avenue S, Bloomington, MN 55402
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — LOCATION CHANGE: SD33 DFL Central Committee Meeting, The Olson Home, 3415 Warner Ln, Minnetrista, MN
- March 5
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD37 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Teamsters’ Local 120, 9422 Ulysses St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD40 DFL Pre-Convention Committee Meetings (Tentative), Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD46 DFL Central Committee Meeting, St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
- March 7
- 1:00 to 3:00 PM — SD33 DFL Pre-Convention Committee Meetings, Plymouth Library, 15700 36th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446
- 1:00 to 4:00 PM — SD37 DFL Pre-Convention Committee Meetings, Northtown Library, 707 County Hwy. 10 Frontage Rd, Blaine, MN 55434
- March 8 — Daylight Saving Time Begins
- March 9
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD44 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Minnetonka Community Center, Council Chambers, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD49 DFL Central Committee Meeting, 7001 Cahill Rd, Suite 21, Edina, MN
- March 10 — Purim and Holy
- 6:00 to 8:30 PM — SD44 DFL Chili Cook Off and Silent Auction, Under Pressure Brewing, 8806 7th Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427. Suggested donation of $15. Tickets available at the door or here.
- March 12
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD36 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Riverwind Community Center, 2701 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN55433.
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — UPDATED: SD48 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN
- March 14, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM — SD46 DFL Convention, St. Louis Park High School, 6425 W 33rd St, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
- March 16, 7:oo to 9:00 PM — Anoka County DFL Meeting, Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Dr, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
- March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day
- March 18, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — CD3 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Council Chamber, Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka, Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
- March 18, 7:00 PM — Minnesota National Presidential Nominating Delegate Candidate Training, Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka, Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345. This will be a breakout from the CD3 DFL Central Committee Meeting.
- March 19 — Spring Equinox
- March 21
- 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM — SD34 DFL Convention, Maple Grove Senior High School, 9800 Fernbrook Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
- 8:30 to 1:00 PM — SD48 DFL Convention, Minnetonka High School, 18301 Highway 7, Minnetonka, MN 55391
- 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM — SD33 Precinct Chairs Welcome Brunch, 3415 Warner Ln, Mound, MN 55364
- March 28
- 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM — SD40 DFL Convention, North View Middle School, 5889 69th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55429
- 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM — SD50 DFL Convention, Oak Grove Middle School, 1300 W 106th St, Bloomington, MN 55431
- April 1 — April Fools’ Day
- 6:30 to 8:30 PM — SD50 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Kennedy High School, Room C102, 9701 Nicollet Avenue S, Bloomington, MN 55402
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD33 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Ridgedale Library, Room 172, 12601 Ridgedale Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305
- April 2, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD46 DFL Central Committee Meeting, St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
- April 4— SD37 DFL Convention, Teamsters Local 120, 9422 Ulysses St NE, Blaine, MN 55434. Contact them for specifics and timing at petersengm@gmail.com.
- 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM — SD45 DFL Convention, Cooper High School, 47th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55428
- 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM — SD36 DFL Convention, Coon Rapids High School, 2340 Normal Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
- 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM — SD44 DFL Convention, Minnetonka High School, 18301 Highway 7, Minnetonka, MN 55391
- April 7, 7:00 to 8:30 PM – SD40 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- April 9 through 13 — Passover
- April 9
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD36 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Riverwind Community Center, 2701 Normal Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD48 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Glen Lake Activity Center, 14350 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345.
- April 10 — Good Friday
- April 11, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM — Brooklyn Center DFL Endorsing Convention, Brookdale Library 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
- April 12 — Easter
- April 13
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD44 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Council Chambers, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD49 DFL Central Committee Meeting, 7001 Cahill Rd, Suite 21, Edina, MN
- April 15 — Tax Day
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — CD3 DFL Central Committee Meting, Council Chamber, Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka, Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
- April 18
- 8:15 AM to 2:00 PM — SD49 DFL Convention, Valley View Middle School, Auditorium, 6750 Valley View Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55439.
- 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM — SD33 DFL Convention, Orono High School, 795 Old Crystal Bay Rd N, Long Lake, Mn 55346.
- 12:00 to 5:00 PM — Hennepin County DFL Convention, Hopkins North Junior High School, Cafeteria, 10700 Cedar Lake Rd, Hopkins, MN 55305.
- April 20, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — Anoka County DFL Meeting, Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Dr, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
- April 22 — Earth Day
- April 24 — Arbor Day
- April 25, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Brooklyn Park DFL Convention, North View Middle School, 5869 69th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55429.
- 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 55443.
- May 10 — Mother’s Day