In the Know: July 1, 2020

Days to the November Election:  125

2020
The Reason Why Donald Trump Will Lose Is Important, The American Prospect
Hundreds of George W. Bush administration officials to back Biden, group says, Reuters
Democrats Are on Pace for a Down-Ballot Blowout, New York Magazine
Why Trump’s attempt to tag Biden as a tool of the radical left isn’t working, Politico

Agriculture
CORONAVIRUS ADDS STRESS TO AGRICULTURAL FINANCES, Successful Farming
FARMERS DIAL BACK CROP PLANTINGS AS COVID UNCERTAINTY ROCKS MARKETS, Successful Farming

CD1 DFL Candidate Dan Feehan
Dan Feehan represents values of southern Minnesota, Albert Lea Tribune

Congress
Fauci warns Congress that new US coronavirus cases could rise to 100,000 a day, CNN
Senate Approves Extending Small-Business Program, New York Times

Donald Trump
The Russian bounties on US troops in Afghanistan scandal, explained, Vox
Trump Vows To Veto Defense Bill If It Includes Provision To Remove Confederate Names From Military Bases, TPM
Trump Calls Bounty Report A ‘Hoax’ Despite Administration’s Briefing Of Congress, NPR

Economy
Republicans and Democrats Agree: GM Should Pay Back the Taxpayers of Ohio, ProPublica
U.S. Democrats push to extend $600 weekly coronavirus unemployment benefit, Reuters
The big divide over the next stimulus, Axios
Democrats Wants to Take the Fate of the Unemployed Out of Mitch McConnell’s Hands, Mother Jones

Education
What More Than 300 College Admissions Deans Are Looking For During The Pandemic, NPR
The Supreme Court’s Far-Ranging Ruling on School Choice, US News & World Report

Environment
With Much of the World’s Economy Slowed Down, Green Energy Powers On, New York Times

Governor Tim Walz
Governor Walz Announces Partnership to Help Support Technology Needs For Minnesota Students, Lakeland PBS
Governor Tim Walz to bars, customers: ‘Get this right or we’re not going to be able to stay open’, Bring Me The News
Walz Appoints Jeanine Brand as Ninth Judicial District Judge, Lakeland PBS

Health
Keep ACA protections against million-dollar medical bills, Star Tribune
Time to Seize Drug Patents, The American Prospect

Immigration
The U.S. immigration agency needs a $1.2 billion bailout, and negotiations have put Democrats in a bind, Washington Post
1st COVID-19 case in asylum seeker camp at US-Mexico border, Associated Press

Joe Biden
Public’s Mood Turns Grim; Trump Trails Biden on Most Personal Traits, Major Issues, Pew Research
Video: Vice President Biden delivers remarks on Trump’s failure to protect the American people, Joe Biden YouTube
JOE BIDEN’S PLAN TO BEAT COVID-19, Joebiden.com
Biden campaign makes key hires in Michigan, including veteran political consultant, Detroit Free Press
Exclusive USA TODAY poll: Biden widens his lead, but Trump keeps the edge on enthusiasm, USA Today
Poll finds Biden with narrow lead over Trump in Missouri, The Hill

Labor
Leaked Memo Reveals Amazon Misled the Public and Workers About COVID-19 Spread in Minnesota, Workday MN
Local unions defy AFL-CIO in push to oust police unions, Politico
When You Are Paid 13 Hours for a 24-Hour Shift, New York Times

Minnesota Legislature
Minneapolis had progressive policies, but its economy still left black families behind, Washington Post
Senate GOP, Dems Set To Clash In Hearing About Rioting, Looting After George Floyd’s Death, WCCO
Top business group urging governor, legislature to agree on police reforms, KTOE
Housing agreement in danger at Capitol, Mankato Free Press

Minnesota News
Federal judge lets lawsuit go forward against Rochester cop, citing potentially ‘racist’ remarks he allegedly made, Star Tribune
Pharmaceutical industry group sues to stop Minnesota’s new insulin aid program, Star Tribune
Group in Minneapolis rallies to protest evictions during COVID-19 pandemic, KSTP
Top planning official in Minneapolis expects to be fired for improper payments, Star Tribune
Seven Gophers athletes have tested positive for COVID-19, Star Tribune

Representative Angie Craig (CD2)
Second Chance at Covid-19 Aid for Small Businesses Draws Support, Wall Street Journal

Representative Collin Peterson (CD7)
Rep. Collin Peterson Celebrates Beginning of USMCA, KVRR
Peterson praises USMCA, but emphasizes problems with Canada, The Fence Post

Representative Ilhan Omar (CD5)
Ilhan Omar, Joaquin Castro demand removal of USAID religious freedom adviser for social media posts, USA Today

Republicans
A QAnon Supporter Just Beat A Republican Congressman in Colorado, Huff Post
Trumpism, not polarization, drives America’s disastrous coronavirus politics, Vox
Social conservatives feel betrayed by the Supreme Court — and the GOP that appointed it, Vox
Mark Cuban Mocks Sean Hannity To His Face For Asking Trump Softball Questions, Huff Post
Michael Flynn Finally Embraces His Q Cult Following, Daily Beast

Senator Amy Klobuchar
Sen. Klobuchar Helms Senate Version of Clyburn Broadband Bill, Multichannel News
Senators and governors urge EPA to not grant ‘gap’ biofuel mandate waivers, Agri-pulse

Senator Tina Smith
Sen. Smith to feds: Will COVID-19 vaccine have an October surprise?, MN Reformer

U.S. News
Amazon’s Coronavirus Problem Is Worse Than It Let On, New York Mag
Florida Hospitals Are Flooded With Partying Younger People, Daily Beast
Why the Descendants of Confederate Generals Are Happy to See Their Names Go, Politico
The US Government Has Always Undercounted Native Americans. But COVID-19 Could Make the 2020 Census a Disaster., Mother Jones
US buys up world stock of key Covid-19 drug remdesivir, The Guardian

Voter Protection
If you or someone you know has trouble registering to vote or casting a ballot, we encourage you to reach out to the DFL’s new Voter Protection Hotline at 833-DFL-VOTE (833-335-8683).

World News
In Iraq, Rising Virus Cases And Oxygen Shortages Stoke Outrage, Fears Of ‘Chaos’, NPR
Hong Kong’s security laws usher in new era of Chinese control, The Guardian
How China’s national security law could change Hong Kong forever, CNBC
Putin’s ploy to extend rule backed by Russians, CNN

Upcoming DFL Events

With the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, we suggest you check with the hosting organization to see if meetings, etc. are being held.

• Today through July 17, 5:00 PM — Deadline to apply to screen for CD3 DFL Director. Complete the application here.
• Today through August 10 — Primary Election Early Voting Window, more information here.
• July 1 — Somali Independence Day
  • 4:00 to 7:00 PM — DNC National Convention Virtual Platform Drafting Committee Hearing. Additional information on how interested parties, allied groups and members of the public can give input on the platform will be announced in the coming days. For more information, please email platform@demconvention.com.
  • 5:00 to 6:00 PM — Minnesota DFL POCCI Town Hall, Band Shell, public forum on the PROMISE Act
  • 6:30 to 8:30 PM — SD50 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for specifics.
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD33 DFL Central Committee Virtual Meeting, contact them for specifics.
• July 2, 4:00 to 7:00 PM — DNC National Convention Virtual Platform Drafting Committee Hearing. Additional information on how interested parties, allied groups and members of the public can give input on the platform will be announced in the coming days. For more information, please email platform@demconvention.com.
• July 3 — Independence Day (observed)
• July 4 — Independence Day (actual)
• July 7, 5:00 to 7:00 PM — DFL Virtual Grassroots Fundraiser:  Where We Go From Here, more information and RSVP here.
• July 8, 6:15 to 7:45 PM — SD40 Nominations Screening Sessions, contact them for specifics
• July 9
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD36 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for specifics.
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD46 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for specifics.
  • 7:00 t0 9:00 PM — SD48 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for specifics.
• July 13
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD44 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for specifics
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD49 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for specifics.
• July 15 — Last Day to File 2019 Taxes
  • 4:00 to 7:00 PM — DNC National Convention Virtual Platform Drafting Committee Hearing. Additional information on how interested parties, allied groups and members of the public can give input on the platform will be announced in the coming days. For more information, please email platform@demconvention.com.
• July 18, 1:30 to 4:00 PM — SD40 DFL Central Committee Virtual Business Meting, contact them for more information.
• July 20, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — Anoka County DFL Meeting, contact them for specifics.
• July 21, 5:00 PM — DFL LGBTQ Leadership Event, more information and RSVP here.
• July 28 through August 11 — Window for Candidates to Register with State for City Offices with No Primaries to Register
• July 29, 7:00 PM — CD3 Virtual Central Committee Meeting and Election of Directors, more information as it becomes available.
• August 4, 7:00 to 8:30 PM — SD40 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for specifics.
• August 5
  • 6:30 to 8:30 PM — SD50 DFL Central Committee Meeting, contact them for meeting specifics
  • 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD33 DFL Central Committee Meetings, contact them for specifics.
• August 6, 7:00 to 9:00 PM — SD46 DFL Central Virtual Central Committee Meeting, contact them for specifics.