In the Know: March 5, 2020

Days to the November Election:  243

2020 Election
Elizabeth Warren, Once a Front-Runner, Will Drop Out of Presidential Race, New York Times
Russian disinformation efforts targeting 2020 elections began last year: study, The Hill
Texas Officials Have Already Rigged The 2020 Election. Super Tuesday Is Proof, HuffPost
Voter turnout surged in Super Tuesday states that ditched caucuses, Vox

Agriculture
CHANCE OF TRADE WAR PAYMENTS ‘LESS THAN 10%’, Successful Farming
Farmers Fight John Deere Over Who Gets to Fix an $800,000 Tractor, Bloomberg

Attorney General Keith Ellison
Ellison, other AGs pushing for crackdown on chemical used to sterilize medical devices, Star Tribune

Donald Trump
Trump calls WHO’s global death rate from coronavirus ‘a false number’, The Guardian
Trump: Government will start withholding funds from sanctuary cities after court ruling, The Hill
Coronavirus death rate is 3.4%, World Health Organization says, Trump says ‘hunch’ tells him that’s wrong, USA Today
Trump Is at War With the Whole Idea of an Independent Judiciary, The Atlantic
Trump’s latest attack on Jeff Sessions inadvertently confirms one of Mueller’s key findings, Vox

Economy
What it’s like to support a family on $12.50 an hour, MPR
OPEC backs biggest oil cut since 2008 crisis, awaits Russia, Reuters
Waters blasts Wells Fargo leaders, failures by regulators in sweeping report, Politico
Trump wants to cut corporate rate again, Mulvaney says, Politico

Education

Environment
This winter in Europe was hottest on record by far, say scientists, The Guardian
Insurance companies and lenders are responding to climate change — by shifting risk to taxpayers, Grist
Rich countries could be asked to pay billions to protect biodiversity, The Guardian

Governor Tim Walz
STATE SELECTED FOR GOVERNOR’S CHALLENGE TO END VETERAN DEATH BY SUICIDE, KNSI
REAL ID office open at MSP Airport, KTOE

Health
Many young children are now going without health insurance, Washington Post
California declares state of emergency over coronavirus, Reuters

Housing
St. Paul proposes 5 new ordinances to protect renters, MN Reformer
Local Housing Authorities Give Themselves Perfect Scores. Renters Disagree., Pro Publica
Homeowners Embrace “Missing Middle” Housing, Remain Wary of Large Apartment Development, Yahoo Finance
In a city of mostly renters, St. Paul council considers changes to favor tenants, MPR

Immigration
A lawsuit against ICE reveals the dangers of government-by-algorithm, Washington Post
On immigration, Attorney General Barr is his own Supreme Court. Judges and lawyers say that’s a problem., Washington Post

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
Governments seek answers as crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women persists, The Circle

Minnesota Legislature
Legislators look to make getting REAL ID a little easier, MinnPost
Actually, there are must-dos this legislative session, MinnPost

Minnesota News
Nitrate levels on the rise in Minnesota drinking water, group says, Pioneer Press
Survey: Minnesota college students struggle with bills for food, housing, Duluth News Tribune
Super Tuesday results: Minnesota 2020 primary election turnout surpasses 2016 numbers, Saint Cloud Times
Minnesota’s polluted drinking water is getting a lot worse, City Pages

Representative Collin Peterson (CD7)
Perdue claims less than 10% chance of more MFP, AgriPulse
Peterson Opens US House Ag Committee Hearing on State of Farm Economy, KXRA

Representative Angie Craig (CD2)
Rep. Angie Craig – bipartisan bill “Payment Integrity Act” signed by Trump, KYMN

Republicans
How Alabama Tries to Suppress the Vote, The American Prospect
As Biden surges, GOP Ukraine probe moves to the forefront, The Hill
Long voting lines in Texas renew accusations of voter suppression, The Hill

Secretary of State Steve Simon
Secretary of State: Minnesota voter turnout up 177% over 2016 caucuses, KSTP

Senator Tina Smith
Klobuchar, Smith Urge Administration to Increase Access to Counseling Services for Veterans, KTOE
Sens. Klobuchar, Smith announce more USDA aid for producers, Crookston Times

Supreme Court of the US
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dominates in abortion case, CNN
Beginning Of The End For Roe? Supreme Court Weighs Louisiana Abortion Law, WBHM
Abortion rights had a surprisingly hopeful day in the Supreme Court, Vox

U.S. News
We Spoke to Six Americans With Coronavirus, New York Times
Tennessee tornadoes: Residents begin to pick up pieces after storms kill at least 24 people, Washington Post
Court blocks ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy on part of US border, Star Tribune
Coronavirus: Cruise Ship In Limbo Off California After Former Passenger Died, NPR

Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month: Local women making a difference in politics, ABC Newspapers
Why Women’s History Should Be Everyone’s History, Time

World News
Turkish police move to stop Greece pushing migrants back, BBC
Venezuela’s president urges all women to have 6 children, ABC News
I.C.C. Allows Afghanistan War Crimes Inquiry to Proceed, Angering U.S., New York Times

Upcoming DFL Events:

  • 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