In the Know: February 7, 2020

Days to the 2020 Election:  270

2020 Election
Joe Walsh ends GOP primary challenge to Trump, The Hill

Agriculture
AMID GROWING INTEREST IN HEMP, USDA STANDS FIRM ON RULES, Successful Farming

Congress
Individual members of Congress barred from suing President Trump over business dealings, Washington Post

Donald Trump
The hidden worst part of Donald Trump’s unhinged impeachment victory speech, CNN
Mulvaney’s job in doubt now that impeachment dust has settled, CNN
The Triumph of Fiscal Hypocrisy, New York Times

Donald Trump’s Trade War
Who Won America’s Trade War With China? Vietnam, Slate
‘A reform-or-die moment’: Why world powers want to change the WTO, CNBC

Economy
China’s Dominance of 5G Networks Puts U.S. Economic Future at Stake, Barr Warns, New York  Times
What the economy tells us about Trump’s reelection odds, Vox

Education
Facial Recognition Moves Into a New Front: Schools, New York Times

Environment
Bumblebees are dying across North America and Europe as the climate warms, scientists say, Washington Post
Trump Rescued a Nasty Pesticide from an EPA Ban. Now Corteva Will Stop Making It, Mother Jones

Governor Tim Walz
Yellow Medicine is one of seven Minnesota counties designated for ag disaster assistance, West Central Tribune
Minnesota leaders gather in Woodbury to welcome affordable senior housing, RiverTowns

Health
In rural Minnesota, doctors swap knowledge on how best to treat opioid addiction, MPR
In Twin Cities, HIV infections on the rise among people who inject drugs, MPR

Immigration
ICE Officer Shoots Man in Face During Immigration Arrest in New York City, Time
Federal Agencies Use Cellphone Data for Immigration Enforcement, The Wall Street Journal
Court Hands International Students Big Immigration Victory, Forbes
TRUMP IS BLOWING UP A NATIONAL MONUMENT IN ARIZONA TO MAKE WAY FOR THE BORDER WALL, The Intercept<

Labor
8,000 Twin Cities janitors and security guards schedule strike vote, MN Reformer
House approves pro-union labor bill, The Hill
The economy added 225,000 jobs in January, showing continued strength, Washington Post
Hundreds of healthcare workers voting on possible strike, KARE11

Minnesota Legislature
MN House Democrats seek more early childhood funding, MPR
Minnesota Democratic lawmakers to push for legal marijuana, Associated Press
Legislative leaders open to extending ‘ban the box’ to state boards and commissions, MinnPost
MN House Democrats Unveil Priorities For 2020, WCCO
Alumni and supporters form group to advocate for U ahead of legislative session, MN Daily

Minnesota News
High water wreaks havoc on Great Lakes, swamping communities, MPR
Some big shots want to amend the Minnesota constitution to prioritize schools. Can it work?, MN Reformer
‘Vampire’ hedge fund snatches 11 suburban Minnesota newspapers, City Pages

Representative Angie Craig (CD2)
Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig’s bill on payment reforms lands on Trump’s desk, Star Tribune

Representative Dean Phillips (CD3)
Dean Phillips Reacts To State Of The Union, WCCO

Senator Tina Smith
Duluth mayor shares her State of the Union observations from behind the podium, Duluth News Tribune

Supreme Court of the US
Ginsburg to present award named for her to philanthropist, Associated Press

U.S. News
Don’t drink bleach: 4 myths about coronavirus and how to spot them, MPR
Freeze on Global Entry Enrollment for New Yorkers: What We Know, New York Times
These southern Utah sites were once off-limits to development. Now, Trump will auction the right to drill and graze there., Washington Post
Passengers on cruise ship docked near New York City will be assessed for coronavirus, CDC official says, CNN

World News
Wuhan hospital announces death of whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang, CNN
Yemen al-Qaeda leader al-Rimi killed in US operation, says Trump, Al Jazeera
Russia says plane ‘almost hit’ by anti-aircraft fire in Syria, BBC News
In the U.S. embargo on Venezuelan oil, Russia is a clear winner, Washington Post

Upcoming DFL Events:

  • Today through March 2 — Super Tuesday Presidential Primary Early Voting, more information here.
  • February 7, 8:00 to 10:00 PM — New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Debate, view on ABC’s platforms
  • February 9, 4:00 to 6:00 PM — SD37 DFL Pre-Caucus Planning Event, Blaine Community Center, 12175 Aberdeen Street. Blaine, MN 55449
  • February 10
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD44 DFL Central Committee Meeting, 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
  • February 11 — Minnesota Legislative Session Starts
  • February 13
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD36 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Riverwind Community Center, 2701 Normal Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 5533
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD48 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Glen Lake Activity Center, 14350 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
  • February 14 — Valentine’s Day
  • February 15, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — SD33 DFL Caucus Convener Training Make Up, Chanhassen Library, 7711 Kerber Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317
  • February 17 — Presidents’ Day
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — Anoka County DFL Meeting, Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Dr, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
  • February 19
    • 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM — DFL Senior Day on the Hill, Minnesota State Capitol, Room 316, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN 5515.
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — CD3 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
    • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD40 DFL Caucus Training, 1512 Woodbine Ln, Brooklyn Center, MN
    • 8:00 to 10:00 PM — Democratic Presidential Debate in Las Vegas, NV, watch on the NBC and MSNBC platforms
  • 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.
  • 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 — SD33 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Ridgedale Library, Room 172, 12601 Ridgedale Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305
  • 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 — SD48 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Glen Lake Activity, 14350 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
  • 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 Meting, Council Chamber, Minnetonka Community Center, 14600  Minnetonka, Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
  • 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, more information as it becomes available.