Congress
Former Rep. Dingell, US’s longest-serving lawmaker, dies, AP
GOP Rep. Rob Woodall to retire at end of term, KPAX
Democrats Unite to Begin Push to Protect Pre-Existing Condition Coverage, New York Times
Climate
Northern lakes are losing their ice cover at an accelerating rate, MinnPost
Education
The U of M just got around to hiring its first female president; Minnesota State has been cultivating diverse leadership for years, MinnPost
Minnesota doesn’t have enough substitute teachers — and it’s hitting hard in local schools, St. Cloud Times
Governor Tim Walz
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz seeks nearly $16 million for MNLARS, driver and vehicle services, Star Tribune
Minnesota first lady, law enforcement leaders join push to restore felons’ voting rights, Star Tribune
Governor Tim Walz appoints special council to oversee issues with state information technology, CBS3
State, city leaders press Congress on U.S. infrastructure needs, KFGO
Walz to Congress: States need your money for roads and bridges, Pioneer Press
Guns
A year after Parkland, a mother and daughter remember, MPR
St. Paul man allegedly fired five times into Minneapolis school bus after minor accident, Pioneer Press
Matt Gaetz’s Pro-Wall Rant Shows How Republicans Will Avoid the Issue of Gun Violence, GQ
Only 1 in 20 U.S. teens meet sleep, exercise and screen-time recommendations, MinnPost
Justice
Court officers say Minnesota still struggles for equal justice, MPR
You’re more likely to get hurt in a traffic accident in Minneapolis if you’re walking, biking, or poor, CityPages
How did the police know you were near a crime scene? Google told them, MPR
With ‘pepper balls,’ St. Paul police explore another version of less lethal force, Star Tribune
Minnesota Legislature
‘Full-service’ community schools get a deeper look at the Capitol, MPR
Lawmakers again propose removing barriers to harassment cases, MPR
Experts: Yes, chronic wasting disease in deer is a public health issue — for people, Pioneer Press
The tax that pays for MinnesotaCare is set to expire at the end of the year. So far, legislators can’t agree on a plan to replace it, MinnPost
Viewpoint: 2019 legislative session moves forward by Karla Bigham, South Washington County Bulletin
Effort to restore voting rights to felons faces early obstacle at Minnesota Capitol, Brainerd Dispatch
Minnesota News
Minnesota really does have the worst winters in the nation, CityPages
Somali refugee wins right to stay, at least for now, MPR
Minnesota National Guard rescues stranded motorists under state of emergency declaration, Duluth News Tribune
Many Minnesotans can get free tax help and likely boost their incomes too, Pioneer Press
Minnesota’s Liberian community faces uncertainty as immigration program nears end, KSTP
Representative Angie Craig
Representative Collin Peterson
Peterson, Roberts concerned about farmers’ financial situation, Tri-State Livestock News
Peterson announces additions to House Ag Democratic staff, The Fence Post
Ag Chairmen See Low Prices and Trade War Pressuring Farm Income, Successful Farming
Senator Tina Smith
Exclusive one-on-one Washington interview with Senator Tina Smith, KBJR
So Close, Yet So Costly, In cities on the Great Lakes, water pipes are crumbling and poor people are paying the price, American Public Media
GOP Operative Who Dated Suspected Russian Agent Indicted, Hibbing Daily Tribune
Upcoming DFL Events
- February 8, 12:00 to 1:00 PM — Stand Against Trump, SD40 DFL Treasurer John Schaefer is holding a weekly hour of protest and resistance at the corner of Brookdale Blvd. and Xerxes Avenue in Brooklyn Park. Join him if you can.
- February 10, 1:00 to 2:00 PM — SD40 DFL Book Club Meeting, contact SD40 DFL for more information
- February 11
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD44 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Minnetonka Community Center, Council Chamber, 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 12, 7:00 to 8:30 PM — SD34 DFL Central Committee Meeting, more information as it becomes available
- February 13
- 6:30 to 8:30 PM — SD50 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Kennedy High School, Room C102, Kennedy High School, 9701 Nicollet Ave, Bloomington, MN 55420
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD45 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Crystal City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55422
- February 14 — Valentine’s Day
- 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD48 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Minnetonka Community Center, Minnetonka Mills Room, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345.
- February 15, 12:00 to 1:00 PM —Stand Against Trump, SD40 DFL Treasurer John Schaefer is holding a weekly hour of protest and resistance at the corner of Brookdale Blvd. and Xerxes Avenue in Brooklyn Park. Join him if you can.
- February 18 — Presidents’ Day
- 9:00 AM — DFL Senior Caucus Day on the Hill, AFL-CIO Capitol Office Building, 175 Aurora Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55103. Registration at 9:00 AM. Program at 9:30 AM. Light breakfast and lunch available for a $5.00 donation. The event will focus on elder health justice
- February 20, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — CD3 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Council Chamber, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
- February 22, 12:00 to 1:00 PM —Stand Against Trump, SD40 DFL Treasurer John Schaefer is holding a weekly hour of protest and resistance at the corner of Brookdale Blvd. and Xerxes Avenue in Brooklyn Park. Join him if you can.