In the Know: February 28, 2020

Days to the November Election:  249

2020 Election
Nearly 37,000 Minnesotans have already voted in the presidential primary, MN Reformer
Labor union unveils $150M campaign to help defeat Trump, Associated Press

Agriculture
SOYBEAN COMPLEX GIVES BACK GAINS FRIDAY, Successful Farming

Congress
House passes bill to make lynching a federal crime in historic vote, CNN

Donald Trump
When a Pandemic Meets a Personality Cult, New York Times
The 31 wildest lines from Donald Trump’s self-congratulatory coronavirus press conference, CNN
How doctor tried to improve President Trump’s diet, CNN
Trump just pushed one of his worst conspiracy theories yet, Washington Post

Economy
Stock Market Continues to Plummet in Worst Week Since 2008: Live Updates, New York Times
US consumer spending growth slowed in January while incomes jumped, CNBC
How Wealth Has Changed, NPR
Exclusive: Aluminum smelter resurrected on Trump tariffs may close as losses mount, Reuters

Education
Education Dept. to cut off federal funding for some rural schools, The New York Times
Education Dept. creates coronavirus task force, Inside Higher Ed
St. Paul teachers union resets strike date to March 10, MPR
Trump Administration May Get Its Wish to Eliminate Charter School Funds, US News & World Report

Environment
House Democrats unveil environmental justice bill, The Hill
US considers more water recycling – including from oilfields, Associated Press
Wind has become the ‘most-used’ source of renewable electricity generation in the US, CNBC

Governor Tim Walz
Minnesota’s projected surplus rises to $1.5 billion, setting up spending battle, Star Tribune
Walz, health officials: Minnesota ready to fight virus but people should brace for outbreak, MPR
DFLers push for money to help address gun violence in Minneapolis, St. Paul, MinnPost

Health
CDC considering expansion of airport health screenings for novel coronavirus, CNN
The Health 202: President Trump made it harder to fight coronavirus by actions he took two years ago, Washington Post
Trump Put Mike Pence In Charge Of The Coronavirus Response. Public Health Experts Aren’t Having It, BuzzFeed
The Affordable Care Act is more popular now than when Obama was president, MarketWatch

Immigration
Trump administration looks to triple fees for some immigration court filings, CNN
Justice Dept. establishes office office to denaturalize immigrants, The New York Times
The Trump Administration Is Gagging America’s Immigration Judges, The Atlantic
Venezuelans seeking asylum present unique challenge to Trump administration, Washington Post

Labor
Twin Cities janitors to strike for 24 hours starting Thursday afternoon, MPR
HealthPartners clinic workers vote to accept tentative three-year agreement, Pioneer Press
Labor and faith groups tie low wages to the housing crisis, MPR
Unions Push F.T.C. to Study if Amazon Warps the Economy, New York Times

Minnesota Legislature
Voter ID bill clears Minnesota Senate panel, MPR
DFL-backed gun control bills clear Minnesota House, Star Tribune
People of Color and Indigenous Caucus posts top priorities for Minnesota Legislature, Brainerd Dispatch
Legislators, there’s still time to protect voter privacy in Minnesota’s presidential primary, Star Tribune
Minnesota politicians, businesses hopeful for new firework bill, Duluth News Tribune

Minnesota News
Minnesota officials urge public to prepare for arrival of new coronavirus, Star Tribune
MN task force on violence against Native American women seeks personal stories, MPR
Months after boy’s death, community meeting weighs changes to dangerous stretch in Eagan, Minn., Fox 9

Senator Tina Smith
Smith backs bipartisan legislation to improve credit union operations, Brainerd Dispatch

Republicans
Republicans growing nervous about 2020 economy, The Hill

Supreme Court of the US
The Supreme Court Could Place an Impossible Burden on Women Fighting for Abortion Rights, Mother Jones

U.S. News
Years later, Weinstein is off to prison, but the Legislature still has not acted on sexual harassment law, MN Reformer
Dow tumbles 1,000 points for third time this week as Friday’s sell-off worsens, CNBC
Grandfather, Navy vet among 5 victims of Wisconsin shooting, MPR

World News
Turkey, Pressing E.U. for Help in Syria, Threatens to Open Borders to Refugees, News York Times
Indian police detain hundreds after Hindu-Muslim clashes in New Delhi, Reuters
Chinese warship fired laser at American surveillance plane, U.S. Navy says, CBS
European lawmaker ‘skeptical’ on future of U.S.-EU trade talks, Politico

Upcoming DFL Events:

• Today through March 2 — Super Tuesday Presidential Primary Early Voting, more information here.
• 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 11, 6:30 PM — SD49 DFL Information Program:  What Every Person Needs to Know About the Census, Edina Library, 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN 55436
• 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 15 — Democratic Presidential Debate moderated by CNN and Univision view on their channels and streams, more information as it becomes available
• 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 23, 7:00 PM —  Gov. Tim Walz State of the State Address, more information as it become available.
• 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 23 through May 23 — Ramadan
• 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 55344.
• May 10 — Mother’s Day
• May 11
  • 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