In the Know: January 21, 2020

2020 Election
Planned Parenthood endorses challenger to Sen. Susan Collins, Star Tribune
NPR Poll: Majority Of Americans Believe Trump Encourages Election Interference, NPR

Agriculture
Reading, writing, and agriculture: Minnesota teacher honored for efforts to educate students about farming, MPR
MORE MFP COMING SOON TO A FARM NEAR YOU, Successful Agriculture

Attorney General Keith Ellison
‘… it’s our responsibility’: AG Ellison speaks at Rural Racial Equity Summit at M State Fergus Falls, Fergus Falls Journal
Minnesota will get restitution, documents from bankrupt opioid maker, Bemidji Pioneer

Corruption Watch
Lev is talking. So where is Igor?, Washington Post
Dershowitz calls CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Jeffrey Toobin ‘bullies’ as they question him on impeachment flip-flop, Washington Post

Donald Trump
How Trump fused his business empire to the presidency, Politico
The Disintegration of the American Presidency, The Atlantic
How Trump Twisted Iran Intel to Manufacture the ‘Four Embassies’ Threat, Daily Beast
CNN poll: 51% say Senate should remove Trump from office, CNN
Trump’s staffing struggle: After 3 years, unfilled jobs across the administration, Politico

Donald Trump’s Impeachment
Democrats decry McConnell’s impeachment rules as ‘cover-up’, Star Tribune
Schumer Rips McConnell’s Plan To Fast-Track Impeachment Trial: ‘A National Disgrace’, TPM
Trump Lawyers Argue No President Can Be Impeached for Any Abuse of Power, New York Magazine

Donald Trump’s Trade War
US Treasury’s Mnuchin says phase two trade deal with China may not remove all tariffs: WSJ, CNBC
What US farmers make of Trump’s trade deal, BBC
‘He could have had it all. And he doesn’t have it all.’, Politico
Trump threatens to tariff European autos if EU trade talks fail, The Hill

Economy
A ‘pre-election speech’: Attendees react to Trump’s Davos address, CNBC
Building the People’s Banks, The American Prospect

Education
4 education issues Minnesota lawmakers want to tackle in 2020, MPR

Environment
Conservative States Seek Billions to Brace for Disaster. (Just Don’t Call It Climate Change.), New York Times
Ozone-depleting gases might have driven extreme Arctic warming, Nature
Mexico butterfly conservationist’s disappearance sparks alarm, BBC
Davos: Trump decries climate ‘prophets of doom’ with Thunberg in audience, BBC

Governor Tim Walz
Walz, Flanagan join local leaders in bemoaning hateful rhetoric and divisive politics on MLK Day, Pioneer Press

Health
Trump Administration to Soon Issue Guidance on Medicaid Block Grants, Wall St. Journal
Newest phase in opioid epidemic: Mix of opioids and stimulants like coke and meth, Minnesota Reformer
The Worst Kind of Medical Debt, Mother Jones
Waiting game on the Affordable Care Act isn’t healthy, Star Tribune

Immigration
Travel ban expansion could include immigration restrictions on additional countries, sources say, CNN
$11 Billion And Counting: Trump’s Border Wall Would Be The World’s Most Costly, NPR

Labor
Trump’s China deal was pitched as boon for working class, but he celebrated with Wall Street titans, Washington Post

Drivers cited 9,700 times for breaking Minnesota hands-free law, Star Tribune
Minnesota lawmakers to weigh permitless carry, ‘stand your ground’ bills in Hibbing, Rochester Post Bulletin
How to pay for roads and bridges? Funding battle to continue at State Capitol, Star Tribune
Minnesota mother whose son died to push for grain bin safety, Southern Minn
Clash over Minnesota gun laws kicks off in Hibbing, Star Tribune
What climate change means for the future of ice fishing in Minnesota, MinnPost

Representative Dean Phillips (CD3, D)
Rep. Dean Phillips: Clean up our campaign finance system, Minnesota Reformer

Representative Ilhan Omar (CD5, D)
Behind recent Congressional Progressive Caucus wins, Rep. Ilhan Omar counts the votes, MinnPost

Republicans, Minnesota
Senate GOP leader Paul Gazelka reignites debate on conversion therapy, Star Tribune

Senator Tina Smith
Sen. Tina Smith Joins Esme Murphy In Studio, WCCO
Sen. Tina Smith on impeachment trial: “I swore an oath to provide impartial justice”, KARE11

Supreme Court of the US
The Supreme Court showdown over Obamacare will be delayed until after the election, Vox
Supreme Court won’t take case prompted by Flint water crisis, ABC News
Supreme Court Case Could Mandate Funding for Religious Schools, The American Prospect

U.S. News
Virginia: thousands of armed protesters rally against gun control bills, The Guardian
Chicago Tribune staff fear ‘avaricious destruction’ by hedge fund owners, The Guardian

World News
Iran confirms two Russian-made missiles hit Ukrainian airliner, Washington Post
6 people dead, 300 infected as China confirms Wuhan virus can be spread by humans, CNN
Iran Conflict Could Shift To Cyberspace, Experts Warn, NPR

Upcoming DFL Events:

• Today through March 2 — Super Tuesday Presidential Primary Early Voting, more information here.
• January 23, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — CD3 DFL Cocktails and Conversation: Changes in Precinct Caucuses and Presidential Primary, Unmapped Brewing Company, 14625 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
• January 25
  • 9:00 to 10:30 AM — CD3 DFL National Delegate Selection Training, Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Room, 12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305.
  • 9:30 to 10:30 AM — DFL Train to Win Call:  Caucus and Convention Training, contact us at info@dfl3cd.org for specifics.
• January 26, 5:00 to 7:00 PM — SD46 DFL Meet Up:  Our Environment-The Crisis and Constructive Actions, Davanni’s Pizza & Hot Hoagies, 663 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427
• January 28, 6:00 to 8:00 PM — SD33 DFL Caucus Convener Training, Maple Plain Library, 5184 Main St E, Maple Plain, MN 55359.
• February 1, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — SD33 DFL Caucus Convener Training, Ridgedale Library, Ladyslipper Room, 12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305.
• February 2 — Groundhog Day
• February 4
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM —  SD37 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Teamsters’ Local 120, 9422 Ulysses St NE, Blaine, MN 55434
  • 7:00 to 8:30 PM — SD40 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for meeting specifics.
• February 5
  • 6:30 to 8:30 PM — SD50 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Room C120, Kennedy  High School, 9701 Nicollet Ave, Bloomington, MN 55420
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM —SD33 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Room 172, Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305
• February 6, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD46 DFL Central Committee Meeting, St. Louis Park City  Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
• February 7, 8:00 to 10:00 PM — New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Debate, view on ABC’s platforms
• 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
  • 5:30 to 8:00 PM — SD37 DFL Caucus and Convener Training, Jonsville Library, 12461 Oak Park Blvd NE, Blaine, MN 55434
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — CD3 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
  • 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 Road, Blaine, MN 55434.
• 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 — Pruim and Holi
• 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 too 9:00 PM — SD48 DFL Central Committee Meeting, Glen Lake Activity, 14350 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
• 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
  • 9:00  to  12:00  PM — SD48 DFL Convention, Minnetonka Community Center, Minnetonka, MN 55345
  • 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