>> ALMANAC IS A PRODUCTION OF PBS STATIONS F MINNESOTA PUBLIC TELEVISION ASSOCIATION.

>> Cathy: ATTORNEY GENERAL KEITH ELLISON WILL BE HERE LIVE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT HIS OFFICE PLANS TO DO ABOUT THE BIG SPIKE IN STOLEN CARS IN OUR REGION, WHAT DO WE ALL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROOF DEPOT CONTROVERSY IN THE PHILLIPS NEIGHBORHOOD OF SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS.

AND MARY LAHAMMER HAS A BIG STORY THAT'S A BIT UNDER THE RADAR AT THE CAPITOL.

>> A BIG PRICE TAG PLANNED TO RENOVATE THE STATE OFFICE BUILDING RIGHT NEXT TO THE STATE CAPITOL IS MOVING AHEAD.

WE'LL EXPLORE THE PROS AND CONS.

>> IS THERE A NEED FOR REPAIR?

ABSOLUTELY.

>> THAT'S COMING UP ON "ALMANAC."

♪♪ >> "ALMANAC" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY MEMBERS OF THIS PUBLIC TELEVISION STATION.

SUPPORT IS ALSO PROVIDED BY... GREAT RIVER ENERGY: PROVIDING WHOLESALE POWER TO 28 MINNESOTA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES.

DELTA DENTAL OF MINNESOTA FOUNDATION: IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH WHILE ADVANCING SOCIAL EQUITIES.

DELTADENTALMN.ORG/TPT.

THE SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY: A TRIBAL NATION FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION, ESPECIALLY IN TIMES LIKE TODAY.

AND EDUCATION MINNESOTA, THE VOICE FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

MORE AT EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG.

>> Cathy: LATER IN THE HOUR WE'LL LEARN ABOUT THAT POTENTIAL RENOVATION PROJECT ON THE CAPITOL MALL.

WE'LL HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF THE CONTROVERSIAL ROOF DEPOT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN THE PHILLIPS FOOD OF SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS.

FIRST UP IN THE HOUR THE DRAMATIC RISE IN AUTO THEFTS AND A PLAN TO DEAL WITH THEM.

>> AUTO THEFTS ARE ON THE RISE BUT NOT RANDOMLY.

TWO TYPES OF CARS, KIAS AND HYUNDAIS ARE AMONG THE FAVORITES FOR AUTO THIEVES.

THAT'S BECAUSE SOME MODELS USE TRADITIONAL KEYS WITHOUT SOFTWARE CHIPS THAT MAKE THEM EASY TO STEAL.

MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL KEITH ELLISON HAS LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER THE TWO AUTOMAKERS HAVE VIOLATED THE STATE'S CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL JOINS US TO TALK ABOUT THE NEXT STEPS.

GREAT TO HAVE YOU.

YOU'RE CALLING FIRE CIVIL INVESTIGATION OF THESE TWO CAR COMPANIES.

>> YEAH, WE HAVE BEGUN A CIVIL INVESTIGATION.

>> Eric: WHAT'S THE WORK PRODUCT THERE?

WHAT DO YOU DO?

>> WELL, WE WILL DO, WE WILL SERVE INTERROGATORIES, DON'T HAVE TO GIVE WRITTEN RESPONSES, WE MIGHT DO DEPOSITIONS AND TAKE STATEMENTS UNDER OATH.

WE'LL DEMAND DOCUMENTS AND THEN IF WE FIND THAT THERE'S BEEN A VIOLATION OF OUR CONSUMER STATUTES WE WILL FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT OR IF WE ENTER INTO A SETTLEMENT WE'LL HOLD THEM TO THAT AND WHAT WE REALLY WANT AND ME AND MAYOR CARTER AND MAYOR FREY WE ALL JOINED TOGETHER IN A LETTER AND SAID TO THEM YOU NEED TO HAVE A RECALL AND FIX THESE CARS.

>> THE REPUBLICANS ARE SAYING YOU GUYS ARE DUCKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR CAR THEFTS BY PUTTING THE ONUS ON A COUPLE CAR COMPANIES.

>> YOU KNOW, I WISH THEY WOULD GIVE CREDIT TO BRIAN O'HARA AND CHIEF AXEL HENRY IN ST. PAUL AND COMMISSIONER CEDRICK ALEXANDER.

THEY ARE REPORTING THEY'RE HAVING SOME SUCCESS, THEY'RE PUSHING THE NUMBERS DOWN, BUT WHAT THEY'RE ASKING US TO DO, POLICE LEADERS ARE ASKING US TO DO IS TO PREVENT THESE THEFTS, NOT JUST GO AFTER FOLKS AFTER THEY'VE BEEN STOLEN.

WE NEED TO DO BOTH.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE REPUBLICAN ARGUMENT IS THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND YOU CAN HAVE BOTH/AND.

WE HAVE TO GO AFTER THE CRIMINALS AND WE GOT TO MAKE IT HARDER FOR THEM TO TEAL PEOPLE'S CARS, BOTH WHAT WE NEED.

>> THIS IS MORE THAN JUST STOLEN CARS, RIGHT?

>> OH, MY GOD.

THANK YOU FOR ASKING THAT.

THESE PEOPLE THAT HAVE HIGH SPEED CHASES THAT RESULT IN 265 ACCIDENTS, THERE HAVE BEEN SHOOTINGS, ABOUT 13 OF THEM.

THERE'S BEEN FIVE DEATHS INCLUDING A HMONG ELDER, A WOMAN NAMED FOUA HANG, A BELOVED ELDER LOST HER LIFE BECAUSE OF THIS.

THERE WAS A 16 KID WHO LOST HIS LIFE IN A SINGLE CAR INCIDENT.

IT'S MUCH MORE THAN JUST THE VICTIMS OF THESE THEFTS.

YOU TALK TO THESE FOLKS AND SAY THEY, LOOK, I FEEL VERY VICTIMIZED, BROKEN GLASS, ON I FEEL VIOLATED SO THAT'S BAD ENOUGH AND THE OTHER STUFF IS REALLY HORRIFIC.

WE CAN USE CONSUMER PROTECTION TO ADDRESS STRAW PURCHASERS OF GUNS, WE CAN USE IT TO PROBLEM PROPERTIES, WE FILED A NUISANCE ACTION AT THE CORNER OF LYNDALE AND BROADWAY IN NORTH MINNEAPOLIS AND AFTER WE FILED THAT NOTICE OF A NUISANCE ACTION THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANOTHER INCIDENT SINCE THEN.

A LOT OF CREDIT GOES TO THE MINNEAPOLIS POLICE AND NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS BUT THERE'S A LOT OF WAYS TO ROMOTE SAFETY USING CIVIL TOOLS AS WELL AS OF COURSE THE CRIMINAL TOOLS AS WELL.

>> Cathy: I ASSUME TOO IF YOU OWN ONE OF THESE CARS, IGHT, YOU PROBABLY CAN'T SELL IT.

>> OH, THE MARKET IS GETTING BAD.

AND, YOU KNOW, KIA AND HYUNDAI OUGHT TO LISTEN TO US BECAUSE THE REPUTATIONAL HARM TO THEIR PRODUCT IS DEVASTATING.

AND IF THEY FIXED IT AND THEY DID THE RECALL THAT WE'VE ASKED FOR HEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO TURN THINGS AROUND BUT THEIR REPUTATION IS BAD.

NOW, LET ME TELL YOU, ABOUT 25% OF KIAS AND HYUNDAIS HAVE THESE IMMOBILIZERS.

BUT 98% OF ALL OTHER CARS DO, WHICH IS WHY THEY'RE SO EASILY STOLEN.

AND ON TIK TOK ADVERTISING HOW TO STEAL THESE KIND OF CARS.

I WILL SAY HYUNDAI AND KIA HAVE MADE SOME MEASURES TO GIVE PEOPLE CLUBS AND THEY'VE EVEN GOT THESE SORT OF ELECTRONIC FIX BUT IT'S STILL WEAK SAUCE.

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE, WE NEED A RECALL.

>> Eric: DID I READ SOMEWHERE ON SOCIAL MEDIA THERE'S CLUBS TO TARGET THESE CARS AND KIND OF A TALLY OF HOW MANY YOU'VE GOTTEN >> >> YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THE KIA BOYS.

>> Eric: YEAH.

>> NOW, THIS IS AN ORGANIZED GANG WHO STEALS THESE KIND OF CARS BECAUSE THEY FIGURED OUT HOW TO, YOU KNOW, HOTWIRE THESE RIDES.

AND SO SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT HELPING, AND I'LL TELL YOU THIS, WE HAVE NOT BEGUN A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AGAINST TIK TOK FOR THIS KIA MESS, BUT IT HAS OCCURRED TO ME.

AND WE THINK THAT THEY HAVE RESPONSIBILITY AS WELL.

THERE'S SOME FIRST AMENDMENT ISSUES WHICH WE OF COURSE RESPECT, BUT IF YOU'RE INSTRUCTING PEOPLE ON HOW TO STEAL A CAR, THAT'S BEYOND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, I THINK.

>> Cathy: SO I'M CURIOUS AS TO WHAT THE DEALERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS.

I MEAN, ONE GUY WAS TESTIFYING SAYING THE STATES ARE NOT THE PLACE TO SET, TO WEIGH IN ON VEHICLE DESIGN IN A SENSE, YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING?

>> WELL, THAT'S ABSOLUTELY WRONG.

IN FACT, YOU KNOW, THE STATES ARE THE LABORATORIES WHERE SO MANY THESE KIND OF CONSUMER CASES GET STARTED.

THE OPIOID CASES GOT STARTED IN THE STATES, SO DID THE TOBACCO CASES GET STARTED IN THE STATES.

THE FIRST PEOPLE STARTED SUING WITH THE FORECLOSURE CRISIS WAS STATES.

ONE OF THE REASONS I LEFT CONGRESS TO BE ATTORNEY GENERAL BECAUSE YOU CAN DO A LOT IN THE STATES.

WE ARE NOW IN COMMUNICATION WITH FOLKS IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, SEATTLE THAT HAVE SUED THE SAME DEFENDANTS.

WE HAVEN'T EVEN FILED OUR LAWSUIT, THEY'RE AHEAD OF US IN THAT REGARD.

NO STATES HAVE SUED BUT I'VE TALKED TO COLLEAGUES AND THEY ARE VERY INTERESTED IN WHAT WE'RE DOING.

>> Eric: MINUTE LEFT.

HIRING YOUR NEW CRIMINAL PROSECUTORS YET?

>> WE ARE ON THE MOVE.

>> Eric: WHAT'S GOING ON THERE?

>> WELL, SO HIRING HAS CLOSED.

WE HUT PUT IT OUT THERE, WE ADVERTISED, WE GOT A BUNCH OF RESUMES IN.

THAT DEADLINE HAS COME AND GONE AND NOW WE'RE INTERVIEWING PEOPLE AND I'M VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE GROUP WE HAVE.

I MEAN, I AM SO GRATEFUL TO OUR COUNTY ATTORNEYS WHO'VE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF US, AND WE WILL HAVE A FULL COMPLIMENT IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.

SOME OF THEM KIND OF NEW, ON OTHER ONES VERY EXPERIENCED.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE APPELLATE AND TRIAL EXPERIENCE.

BUT I MEAN THE LEGISLATURE HAS JUST RESTORED THE CRIMINAL DIVISION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE.

THIS IS REMARKABLE.

WE HAVEN'T BEEN HERE SINCE SKIP HUMPHREY.

I'M SO PROUD OF THIS WORK.

>> Eric: WE'LL BE WATCHING HOW YOU DO WITH THE HYUNDAIS AND KIAS.

>> YOU BET.

>> Eric: WE ALL REMEMBER THE MASSIVE $300 MILLION RESTORATION TO THE STATE CAPITOL.

NOW THE STATE OFFICE BUILDING IS IN NEED OF EXPANSION THAT COULD RUN AS MUCH AS $500 MILLION.

IT'S A BIG DEAL, CONTROVERSIAL AND AGAIN WE HAVE COMPREHENSIVE CONTEXT AND COVERAGE FROM MARY LAHAMMER.

>> A DECADE-LONG PLANNING PROCESS LED TO THE EVENTUALLY RESTORATION OF THE MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL.

NOW THE STATE OFFICE BUILDING NEXT DOOR IS IN NEED OF A SIMILAR RESTORATION WITH AN EVEN LARGER PRICETAG.

>> SO I NOW CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER.

>> THE CAPITOL AREA ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING BOARD CHAIRED BY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IS WHERE THE WORK IS DONE.

AGAIN, WE'RE UNIQUELY PAYING ATTENTION.

>> MARY LAHAMMER, WE USUALLY HAVE FUN INTOE THROES SO I'M GLAD THAT YOU'RE HERE BUT YOU HAVE TO COME TO ANOTHER ONE.

>> A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF LAWMAKERS SIT ON THE BOARD.

ONE OF THEM IS A FRESHMAN.

>> I'M EXCITED TO BE ON THE CAP BOARD ESPECIALLY GIVEN MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

>> YOU GET THE NEED, YOU VOTED YES TODAY.

>> I DID.

I KNOW THE BUILDING INSIDE AND OUT.

IS THERE A NEED FOR REPAIR?

ABSOLUTELY, A MASSIVE PRICE TAG EVEN COMPARED TO THE STATE CAPITOL AND THAT IS A BIG CONCERN AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PUBLIC IS VERY INVOLVED IN A DECISION THIS LARGE.

>> AND I SEEM TO REMEMBER HEN TOM BAKK AND DEM ACCURATELIES THEY WERE BUILDING A NEW SENATE BUILDING.

IT WAS A REAL POLITICAL ISSUE AND IT MAYBE EVEN MADE DEMOCRATS LOSE THE CHAMBER.

COULD THAT HAPPEN IN THE HOUSE?

>> I THINK SO, IF THEY DON'T ENGAGE IN THE RIGHT WAY I THINK THIS COULD BE A BIG POLITICAL PROBLEM.

>> .

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT FAMILY BUDGETS RIGHT NOW WHY IS GOVERNMENT SPENDING TO THE TUNE OF $450 MILLION.

>> SAFETY AND SECURITY ISSUES POSE A SERIOUS THREAT.

WALLS, CEILINGS, OOFS, HEATING, COOLING, AIR QUALITY ARE ALL IN POOR CONDITION CONDITION AND AT RISK OF A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE SUCH AS THE FLOOD THAT HIT IN 2016, RESULTING IN ADDITIONAL LEAKS, CRACKS, AND MOLD INVADING THE BUILDING.

>> WE WENT THROUGH A WORKSHOP PROCESS VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT WE DID AT THE CAPITOL.

>> MORE THAN HALF A DOZEN WORKSHOPS REVEALED THE NEEDS IS AND HELPED FORM A PLAN FOR MORE FUNCTIONAL ACCESSIBLE SPACES.

>> IT SHOULD BE EXTINGUISHED, IT SHOULD BE DIGNIFIED, HOWEVER IT SHOULD NOT BE OSTENTATIOUS, IT SHOULD NOT TURN AWAY OR BE UNINVITING TO THE PUBLIC WHO IS COMING TO THE BUILDING.

RIGHT NOW THE COMMITTEE ROOMS AND MEETING ROOMS ARE NOT MEETING ADA.

>> A CONSULTANT FROM NEW YORK CITY SAID THE MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN THE COUNTRY AND ADJACENT BUILDINGS LIKE THE STATE OFFICE BUILDING ARE ARCHITECTURALLY IMPORTANT.

>> I CARE SO GREATLY ABOUT THIS CAPITOL COMPLEX.

IT'S A BRIGHT SHINING STAR FOR OUR STATE AND FOR THE WHOLE NATION.

AND SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE THIS AN AWESOME ACCESSIBLE PLACE, SAFE PLACE FOR THE MINNESOTA PUBLIC TO ENGAGE MORE IN THEIR GOVERNMENT.

>> FINAL DECISIONS AND APPROVAL ARE STILL AHEAD, BUT QUESTIONS REMAIN.

>> I FOR ONE HAVE A TON OF QUESTIONS.

AND I WORRY THAT OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE A VOTE YEA OR NAY.

>> WHILE THE LARGE CAPITOL MALL REMAINS INTACT ONE HISTORIC BUILDING SPECIALIST CALLED THE EXPANSION PLAN PRETENTIOUS AND EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE USE OF PUBLIC SUPPLY AND DEMAND GREEN SPACE.

>> FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN ELEMENT OF CASS GILBERT.

HE WAS PASSIONATE AND PERSISTENT ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF KEY VISTAS TO AND FROM THE STATE CAPITOL.

THE ELIMINATION OF PUBLIC LAND HAS BEEN USED BY MANY TO ENJOY VIEWS AND PUBLIC ATMOSPHERE.

IT FEELS LIKE LAND GRABBING.

THE OSS OF THIS GATHERING PLACE ALSO LIMITS VISIBILITY OF STATE LAWMAKERS AND PROCESS THAT AFFECTS THEM.

IT'S THE ONLY PUBLIC SPACE ON THE MALL VISIBLE BY ALL THREE BRANCHES OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

>> MAKING SURE THE PUBLIC IS FRONT OF MIND IN HOW THEY INTERACT WITH THE NEW BUILDING AND HOW THEY INTERACT WITH THE CAPITOL SPACE AND THE ENTIRE MALL.

>> AND THE NEARBY BUT SEPARATE PROPOSAL FOR NEW GREEN SPACE OVER I-94 COULD RELATE TO THIS PROJECT.

>> RECONNECT RONDO FOR ITS RE-ENVISIONING AND INTERSECTION A LITTLE WAYS FROM HERE.

IF YOU THINK ABOUT RICE AND UNIVERSITY NOW, I THINK THERE ARE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES TO CHANGE THE FEEL AND DESIGN OF THAT SO THAT PEOPLE FEEL LIKE IT'S EASIER TO MOVE BETWEEN THE CAMPUS AND OUR COMMUNITY.

>> THIS MATTERS TREMENDOUSLY.

WE WILL ALL BE IN THESE ROLES FOR A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AS IT'S RELATED TO THE BEAUTY AND THE PROMISE OF THE CAPITOL AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.

SO WE CAN DO THIS WITH GREAT HUMILITY, GREAT CARE, AND FOLKS SHOULD FEEL SEEN AND HEARD AND VALUED AS PART OF THIS PROCESS.

♪♪ >> Cathy: LATE LAST YEAR A NEW NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINE WAS LAUNCHED.

ALL AMERICANS CAN NOW CALL OR TEXT 988 WHEN THEY'RE IN CRISIS OR NEED MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT.

THE SYSTEM IS ORGANIZED AND FUNDED DIFFERENTLY FROM STATE TO STATE.

A RECENT STORY IN THE STAR TRIBUNE LOOKED AT HOW THE 988 ROLLOUT AS GONE IN MINNESOTA AND HOW LAWMAKERS ARE ALREADY LOOKING TO STRENGTHEN THE SYSTEM.

CHRIS SERRES IS A REPORTER FOR THE STAR TRIBUNE.

MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM IS ONE OF HIS AREAS OF EXPERTISE.

GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU.

>> Cathy: I UNDERSTAND THAT 11% OF THOSE WHO HAVE CALLED THIS HOTLINE HAVE BEEN CALLING BECAUSE THEY ARE THINKING OF SUICIDE AND ABOUT 80% JUST NEED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.

DID THAT SURPRISE THE ORGANIZERS?

>> YOU KNOW, I THINK IT KIND OF DID.

YOU KNOW, LAST SUMMER WHEN THEY LAUNCHED THIS, THERE WAS QUITE A BIT OF TREPIDATION ABOUT HOW 988 WAS GOING TO WORK, WOULD IT WORK.

AND I THINK WHAT WE'VE SEEN WITHIN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS IS IT'S DEFINITELY WORKING.

IT IS WITHOUT A DOUBT SAVING LIVES.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS, THOUGH, THAT WE'RE LEARNING IS THAT 988 IS ALSO REVEALING SOME OF THE GAPS IN OUR SYSTEM OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

AND SO THERE IS A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE THAT ARE CALLING AND TEXTING 988, NOT BECAUSE THEY'RE CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE, BUT BECAUSE THEY NEED THIS KIND OF ONGOING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.

YOU KNOW, THEY'RE CALLING MAYBE EVERY DAY, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.

AND, YOU KNOW, WHAT I'M HEARING FROM THESE CRISIS CALL CENTERS IS THAT JUST REFLECTS THE FACT THAT THEY'RE NOT GETTING ENOUGH MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.

YOU KNOW, IT TAKES MONTHS SOMETIMES TO GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST.

AND SO THESE CALLS AND THESE TEXTS THAT ARE POURING INTO THE CALL CENTERS, I THINK IT'S WONDERFUL OBVIOUSLY THAT PEOPLE ARE USING 988, THAT'S WHAT IT WAS THERE FOR, BUT IT'S STARTING TO EXPOSE SOME OF THESE CRACKS IN OUR SYSTEM.

>> Cathy: ARE THESE FOLKS GETTING THE HELP THEY NEED THEN?

I MEAN, BECAUSE I'M SURE THESE CALLS ARE PROBABLY LENGTHY CALLS, RIGHT?

I MEAN, THEY NEED -- I WOULD SUPPOSE BETTER SUPPORT THAN THAT.

RIGHT?

>> I MEAN, WHAT I'M HEARING FROM THE CALL CENTERS IS THEY'RE ABSOLUTELY GETTING CONNECTED TO RESOURCES, RIGHT, SO THERE'S NO QUESTION THAT THEY'RE BEING CONNECTED TO RESOURCES.

AND ONE OF THE GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS NEW NUMBER, 988, IS THAT WHEN THEY LAUNCHED IT, THERE WAS ALL KINDS OF NEW FEDERAL MONEY THAT FLOWED TO THE CALL CENTERS SO THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO RAMP UP.

THEY WERE ABLE TO HIRE MORE COUNSELORS AND SO NOW THE PERCENTAGE OF CALLS THAT ARE ANSWERED IN MINNESOTA IS NEARLY 90%.

BEFORE 988, A LOT OF THOSE CALLS WERE REDIRECTED TO CALL CENTERS IN OTHER STATES.

YOU HAD SOMEBODY IN PENNSYLVANIA THAT WAS ANSWERING A CALL FROM SOMEONE WHO WAS STRUGGLEING WITH THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE.

WHICH IF YOU TALK TO PEOPLE WHO WORK IN CALL CENTERS IN CRISIS COUNSELORS, IT'S ABSOLUTELY VITAL THAT THOSE CALLS BE ANSWERED IN MINNESOTA.

BECAUSE PEOPLE IN MINNESOTA, THE CRISIS COUNSELORS KNOW THE RESOURCES THAT ARE HERE.

>> Eric: OH, SURE.

>> RIGHT?

THEY KNOW THAT ESSENTIAL EVERY COUNTY IN OUR STATE HAS A MOBILE CRISIS TEAM THAT CAN GO TO YOUR HOME, THAT CAN O INTO YOUR COMMUNITY AND HELP YOU IN A TIME OF MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.

AND SOMEBODY THAT'S ANSWERING THAT CALL IN, YOU KNOW, PHILADELPHIA ISN'T NECESSARILY GOING TO KNOW THAT.

>> Cathy: MAKES SENSE.

>> Eric: TEXTS AND CHAT MESSAGES ARE THEY INCLUDED IN THE 988 TECHNOLOGY?

>> THEY ARE, THEY ARE.

AND THAT'S A HUGE ADVANTAGE, I MEAN OBVIOUSLY, YOU KNOW, YOUNG PEOPLE, THEY'RE GOING TO TEXT.

>> Eric: SURE.

>> I HAVE TWO TEENAGE KIDS KIDS.

THEY RARELY MAKE PHONE CALLS.

THEY USE TEXT.

AND TEXTS HAVE GONE UP THROUGH 988 OVER 500% SINCE THEY LAUNCHED THE NUMBER.

>> Cathy: AND DO YOU THINK THAT IS, ARE THOSE TEENAGERS THAT ARE ASKING FOR HELP?

I WONDER.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> Cathy: THAT REFLECTS WHAT WE'RE HEARING IN TERMS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AMONG OUR YOUNGEST PEOPLE.

>> ABSOLUTELY, THEY'RE USING THE 988.

>> Eric: FEDERAL MONEY'S GOING TO RUN OUT.

THE LEGISLATURE, ADVOCATES SAY IS LOOKING AT LIKE A RECORD AMOUNT OF SPENDING FOR A MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS IN GENERAL.

WILL THE LEGISLATURE STEP UP AND PROVIDE SOME FOR THIS OR WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN FINANCIAL-WISE HERE?

>> WELL, WHAT I'M HEARING FROM, YOU KNOW, THE CRISIS CALL CENTERS AND FROM MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES IS IT'S ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT THIS BE, THAT THIS BE FULLY FUNDED.

I MEAN, WE WOULD NEVER CONSIDER UNDERFUNDING 911.

WE WOULD NEVER IMAGINE, YOU KNOW, SOMEONE ANSWERING A 911 CALL IN PENNSYLVANIA.

AND THE VIEW IS WE SHOULD BE FUNDING 988 AS FULLY AS WE FUND 911.

SO WHAT WE NEED, WHAT CALL CENTERS SAY THEY NEED IS MORE STABLE STATE FUNDING SO THAT THEY CAN MAINTAIN THE STAFFING THAT THEY'VE BROUGHT IN SINCE THE LAUNCH OF 988 AND MAINTAIN IT SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO ANSWER THOSE CALLS IN MINNESOTA WHERE WE KNOW WHERE THE RESOURCES ARE, WHERE WE KNOW WHO CAN GO AND HELP THOSE FOLKS IN THEIR IME OF DISTRESS.

>> Eric: WE'LL WATCH THAT HUMAN SERVICES BILL AS THEY PUT IT TOGETHER IN MAY.

IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE IF THAT'S THERE.

THANKS CHRIS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THANK YOU.

>> Eric: GREAT STUFF AS ALWAYS.

>> APPRECIATE IT.

♪♪ >> Eric: IT'S A COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTAL STORY THAT GOES BACK ANY YEARS IN THE EAST PHILLIPS NEIGHBORHOOD OF MINNEAPOLIS.

THE STORY CENTEREDS AROUND THE LONG VACANT ROOF DEPOT PROPERTY THAT HAS BEEN A SOURCE OF DEADLY INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION.

NOW, THE CITY WANTS TO REDEVELOP THE SITE FOR A PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD HAS ADVOCATED FOR AN URBAN FARM PROJECT ON THE SITE.

THE FIGHT HAS LANDED IN COURT AND LAST MONTH THERE WAS A HEATED CITY COUNCIL MEETING WHERE COMMUNITY ADVOCATES TRIED AND FAILED TO RESCIND THE CITY'S DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH PLANS FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT.

>> THERE HAS BEEN TENSION AROUND THIS PROJECT FOR YEARS AND IT'S CLEARLY STATED THAT MY COMMUNITY IS IN FEAR AND IS RIGHTFULLY FRUSTRATED.

I AM USING THE LAST TWO LEGISLATIVE TOOLS AT MY DISPOSAL TO PROTECT MY COMMUNITY.

THE COMMUNITY I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN AS A CHILD OF EAST FILL AILIPS TWO BLOCKS AWAY FROM LITTLE EARTH.

>> I STAND WITH YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER CHAVEZ AND I STAND WITH YOU IN THE COMMUNITY.

AND IT'S OKAY.

YOU CAN LEARN.

YOU CAN LEARN.

YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR VOTE.

IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

>> THERE ARE SIX AYES AND SIX NAYS.

>> THAT ITEM FAILS.

>> THIS WAS IN YOUR BACKYARD, WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS, ANDREA?

>> YES, MA'AM.

YES, MA'AM, I WOULD.

I WOULD IMPROVE MY COMMUNITY.

>> THIS IS IN YOUR BACKYARD!

[ SHOUTING ] [ Banging Gavel ] >> PLEASE.

[ CROWD CHANTING ] >> COLLEAGUES, WE WILL RECESS UNTIL E CLEAR THIS MEETING SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE OUR MEETING.

>> Eric: NOW, AFTER THE MEETING THREE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER FILING POLICE COMPLAINTS SAYING THEY WERE HARASSED BY PROTESTERS.

ANDREW HAZZARD HAS BEEN COVERING THIS FOR AHAN JOURNAL AND WE'VE ASKED HIM TO HELP US COVER THIS COMPLEX STORY.

>> SO THE EAST PHILLIPS NEIGHBORHOOD IN SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS IS HISTORICALLY AN INDUSTRIAL PART OF THE CITY THAT DEVELOPED IN THE EARLY YEARS OF MINNEAPOLIS.

AND SINCE THEN IT BECAME AN AREA THAT IS POLLUTED, THAT HAD INDUSTRIAL SOURCES, HIGHWAYS CUTTING THROUGH IT.

94 CUTS ACROSS THIS AREA, 55/HIAWATHA CUTS ACROSS THIS AREA.

AND NOT COINCIDENTALLY IT BECAME AN AREA INHABITED BY RECENT IMMIGRANTS, IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES, THE LITTLE EARTH TRIBE HOUSING COMMUNITY IS THERE.

IT'S A WORKING CLASS AREA AND AREA WITH HEAVY POLLUTION.

THERE WAS A SUPERFUND SITE THERE.

THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF TONS OF CONTAMINATED SOIL HAS BEEN BROUGHT OUT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

IN 2008 THE STATE PASSED LAW SAYING THIS IS A POLLUTED NEIGHBORHOOD, IT'S A PROTECTED NEIGHBORHOOD.

MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL PUT IN THE SOUTH SIDE GREEN ZONE WHICH MEANS WE KNOW WHAT THE HISTORY IS HERE AND WE WANT TO GIVE THE COMMUNITY A CHANCE TO IMPROVE ITSELF.

>> Cathy: AND OF COURSE WE SHOULD SAY THE POLLUTION IS ARSENIC AND THAT HAS CAUSED SERIOUS PROBLEMS FOR MANY MANY YEARS IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THEY CALL THE ARSENIC TRIANGLE.

THE ROOF DEPOT IS RIGHT NEXT TO AN OLD FACTORY THAT PRODUCED IT.

AND THEREFORE PEOPLE IN THIS AREA HAVE HIGHER LEVELS OF HYPERTENSION, HIGHER LEVELS OF ASTHMA AND TONS OF HEALTH RELATED ISSUES THAT THE STATE HAS DOCUMENTED.

THESE ARE REAL FACTS THAT THE STATE HAS DOCUMENTS THAT EOPLE IN THIS AREA FACE MORE HEALTH ISSUES.

>> Eric: ADVOCATES WANTED AN URBAN FARM?

>> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> Eric: TELL BUS THAT PROJECT.

>> WHAT THIS GROUP, THE EAST PHILLIPS NEIGHBORHOOD INSTITUTE IS A NON-PROFIT THAT EMERGED.

THIS HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE BEFORE THE NON-PROFIT.

BASICALLY THE IDEA IS WE HAVE THIS OLD SEERS WAREHOUSE HERE, 260,000 SQUARE FEET, THEY WANT TO TAKE THAT FACILITY, RENOVATE IT AND PUT IN AN INDOOR URBAN FARM AND THAT HAS HYDROPONIC FARM.

THEY COULD FARM WALLEYE THERE, PLANTS THERE, THEY WANT TO PUT A BIG COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDEN ON THE ROOF, THEY COULD PUT HOUSING THERE.

THIS HAS REAL ARCHITECTURAL PLANS, IN FACT THEY HAVE ARCHITECTURAL PLANS PAID FOR BY THE STATE IN 2016.

SO THIS IS, THEY HAVE AN ACTUAL PLAN.

>> WHY CAN'T THE TWO SIDES GET TOGETHER?

>> BASICALLY -- THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

BASICALLY THE CITY HAS BEEN SEEKING THIS FACILITY FOR A LONG IME.

THERE ARE DOCUMENTS BACK TO THE '90S THAT SAY WE WANT TO EXPAND OUR PUBLIC WORKS SITE HERE.

THERE IS A BIG PUBLIC WORKS SITE DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THIS.

IF YOU'VE EVER BEEN ON THE SABO BRIDGE OVERLOOKING THE GREENWAY YOU'VE SEEN THIS.

THEY HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO CONSOLIDATE THE CITY SERVICES THERE, THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY VALUABLE SERVICES PROVIDED OUT OF THERE.

THERE'S A 1 WATERYARD ON THE EAST SIDE OF TOWN AND THEY WANT TO MOVE THAT OVER HERE AND THEY SAY IT'S BETTER TO PROVIDE SERVICES IN THE MODERN AREA.

>> Cathy: DO THEY WORRY ABOUT ONCE YOU START DIGGING UP BUILDINGS AND TEARING THEM DOWN THERE'S PROBABLY ASBESTOS IN THESE BUILDINGS AND I'M SURE THE GROUNDWATER IS POLLUTED.

THAT'S GOING TO COST A LOT TO MITIGATE THAT, RIGHT?

>> THAT IS TRUE.

THERE IS ASBESTOS IN THE BUILDING THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN REMEDIATED.

THERE'S ALSO A LARGE TOXIC ARSENIC PLUME IN THE GROUNDWATER UNDERNEATH THERE.

THEY SAY THEY HAVE A PLAN AND THEY DO HAVE A PLAN APPROVED BY ENGINEERING FIRMS TO DO THIS SAFELY.

AND THAT THEY BELIEVE HAT THEY CAN REMEDIATE THE GROUND SOIL IN THE AREA AS PART OF THIS DEMOLITION.

THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE A BIG BOOM-STYLE DEMOLITION, IT'S GOING TO BE A SLOW BREAKDOWN OF THE BUILDING THAT IS HAULED OFF INTO TRUCKS THAT ARE GOING TO REMOVE SOIL.

THEY THEY CAN DO THIS SAFELY AND THEY MAY VERY WELL BE ABLE TO DO THAT SAFELY.

BUT UNDERSTANDABLY PEOPLE ARE HESITANT TO BELIEVE REGULARITIES AND CONTRACTORS THAT SAY THEY CAN DO PROJECTS SAFELY WHEN WE HAVE A HISTORY OF THAT NOT BEING THE CASE ESPECIALLY IN DIVERSE LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES.

>> Cathy: BUT THEY WOULD STILL HAVE TO EVEN IF THE URBAN FARM IS IN THAT AREA THEY'D STILL HAVE TO MITIGATE THIS POLLUTION, RIGHT?

THERE WOULD STILL BE A DANGER.

>> SO, YES, IN THEORY THAT'S TRUE.

BUT RIGHT NOW THE BUILDING ITSELF IS ESSENTIALLY CAPPING WHAT IS UNDERNEATH THE GROUND SO THAT INCLUDES THAT GROUND AWATER PLUME WHICH IS NOT, YOU KNOW, GOING ANYWHERE.

IT JUST EXISTS AND HAT INCLUDED ARSENIC LADEN SOIL IN THE AREA.

IT IS ALL CURRENTLY CAPPED UNDERNEATH THIS BUILDING AND SO THE CONCERN IS IF THEY REMOVE THE BUILDING THAT THEY WILL OBVIOUSLY ALSO NEED TO REMOVE SOME OF THE SOIL AND, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON HOW SAFELY THAT WILL BE DONE.

THE CITY, TO BE FAIR, DOES HAVE A PLAN TO DO THAT.

>> Eric: AND NEXT STEPS, WHERE ARE WE IN THE PROCESS, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

>> WELL, AS WE'VE SEEN THIS IS A VERY CONTENTIOUS ISSUE.

THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT IS NOW IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF A LOT OF PEOPLE IN AND AROUND THE CITY IN DIFFERENT POLITICAL MOVEMENTS, IN DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONAL MOVEMENTS.

RIGHT NOW THIS IS TIED UP IN COURT, RIGHT?

SO THE CITY THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO BE DEMOLISHING THIS BUILDING TWO WEEKS AGO.

THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN BECAUSE A JUDGE ISSUED A TEMPORARY INJUNCTION TO ALLOW THE COURT OF APPEALS TO RULE ON WHETHER OR NOT DEMOLISHING THIS BUILDING WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE HARM TO THE COMMUNITY.

THERE IS A SEPARATE LAWSUIT THAT THE EAST PHILLIPS NEIGHBORHOOD INSTITUTE HAS THEY ARE PETITIONING TO THE SUPREME COURT BECAUSE THEY LOST IN THE COURT OF APPEALS EARLIER.

BUT THEY ARE SEEKING HIGHER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS THAN THAT THE STATE IS CURRENTLY GIVING BASED ON THIS 2008 LAW.

THEY SAY THAT THE STATE NEEDS TO DO MORE, THAT THE STATE NEEDS TO DEMONSTRATE THIS WILL BE SAFE AND THEY WANT TO SEE THE SUPREME COURT COME UP AND ESTABLISH STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR THESE KINDS OF COMMUNITIES.

>> Eric: REALLY HELPS US UNDERSTAND THIS, ANDREW.

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR COMING OVER.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

I APPRECIATE IT.

>> Eric: THANKS, THANKS.

♪♪ >> POLITICS HAS NEVER BEEN SOMETHING THAT I GREW UP THINKING, LIKE, OH, I WOULD LOVE TO DO THAT.

AT ALL, ACTUALLY.

I, WHEN WE STARTED OUR RESTAURANT I HAD GONE TO A FEW CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS HERE IN LAKESHORE AND JUST TO LEARN LIQUOR LICENSING AND ALL OF THAT KIND OF STUFF.

AND AS I WAS SITTING THERE I REALIZED, YOU KNOW WHAT?

THERE ARE NO WOMEN ON THIS COUNCIL.

THERE ARE NO MOTHERS ON THIS COUNCIL AND THERE WERE NO RESTAURANT OWNERS AND WE HAVE FIVE RESTAURANTS IN OUR LITTLE CITY HERE.

SO I JUST ELT THAT MAYBE THERE WAS A NEED FOR THAT PERSPECTIVE.

>> IN YOUR CAUCUS THERE'S A NUMBER OF WOMEN, YOU KNOW, THE MAJORITY OF THE NEW SENATE MAJORITY ARE WOMEN.

THERE ARE A LOT OF WOMEN COMING TO THE CAPITOL.

>> I THINK THAT THAT'S FANTASTIC.

WOMEN AND MEN, I THINK WE BOTH HAVE JUST DIFFERENT, UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES.

♪♪ >> ONLY TEN MORE DAYS UNTIL SPRING AND IF YOU LIVE IN MINNESOTA, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.

NOTHING.

IT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING.

WE'RE STILL GOING TO GET POUNDED BY WINTER.

ANYBODY WHO'S LIVED HERE FOR A WHILE KNOWS YOU DON'T PUT AWAY HEAVY COATS UNTIL JUNE.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, I AM ALREADY TIRED OF MARCH.

IT IS A CRUEL MONTH.

A BAIT AND SWITCH SEASON.

THE TEMPERATURE GOES UP, YOU SEE THE SUN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS, YOU MIGHT EVEN SEE SOME GRASS BETWEEN SNOW PILES AND BAM, THE NEXT BLIZZARD COMES.

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY, IN LIKE A LION, OUT LIKE A BIGGER MEANER LION.

FIRST BLIZZARD OF THE YEAR WE ALL REAK OUT.

18-INCHES TODAY, PROBABLY 20 TOMORROW, GO BUY BREAD, WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!

NOW IT'S JUST ANOTHER APOCALYPSE.

YOU CAN SEE WHY IT'S NAMED AFTER THE GOD OF WAR.

KIND OF LIKE HERE, ONLY IT'S STILL TOO COLD TO HOLD A SHOVEL.

MARK TWAIN SAID IN THE SPRING I HAVE COUNTED 136 DIFFERENT KINDS OF WEATHER INSIDE OF 24 HOURS.

AND HE LIVED IN MISSOURI, NOT EVEN MINNESOTA AND HE STILL MOVED TO BERMUDA BEFORE HE DIED.

I THINK PEOPLE IN OTHER STATES CHECK THE WEATHER LIKE WE DO BUT IT'S NOT LIFE OR DEATH LIKE IT IS FOR US.

WE DON'T CHECK THE WEATHER TO SEE IF WE NEED A SWEATER, WE CHECK THE WEATHER TO SEE IF WE'RE GONNA SURVIVE ANOTHER WEEK.

HOPEFULLY BY THE END OF THE MONTH WE FORGET, SUN COMES OUT, FLOWERS START TO BLOOM, BASEMENTS START TO FLOOD AND WE MOVE ON.

IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND YOU'RE ALWAYS THINKING I WONDER IF I CAN GET THE SNOWBLOWER STARTED AGAIN.

[ APPLAUSE ] ♪♪ >> Cathy: THE WILD ARE STREAKING.

THE T-WOLVES, EH, NOT SO MUCH.

BIG CHANGES COMING TO THE VIKINGS AND WOMEN'S HOOPS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.

HAVE WE EVEN MESSAGED SPRING TRAINING YET?

IT'S A FULL LINEUP FOR LARRY FITZGERALD SENIOR, HE TALKS SPORTS MONTHLY ON ALMANAC.

FITZY, OH, FOR GOODNESS SAKES, TODAY'S BIG NEWS.

WHAT HAPPENED TO ADAM THIELEN?

WHY DID THEY GET RID OF HIM?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, I TALKED TO HIM AT THE SUPER BOWL AND HE DIDN'T TIP MY HAND THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM THERE.

BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT, I WAS TALKING TO ERIC ABOUT THIS.

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ARE LIKE FANS.

FANS KNOW HAT THE VIKINGS' ISSUES ARE.

THEY GOT TO BUILD THE DEFENSE UP.

THEY WON 11 GAMES ON THE LAST POSSESSION, THAT TYPE OF THING.

DEFENSIVELY THEY COULDN'T STOP ANYBODY.

THE PLAYERS KNOW THAT THEY NEED THEIR MONEY TO KEEP T. AND THEY KNOW THAT THE TEAM IS COMING TO THE PLAYERS WHO HAVE THE BIG DEALS THAT THEY SIGNED LAST YEAR OR TWO YEARS AGO TO TAKE A CUT.

AND THE PLAYERS ARE NOT HAVING IT.

THEY SAID I'M NOT GIVING UP MY MONEY SO YOU CAN PAY JUSTIN JEFFERSON AND KIRK COUSINS.

AND SO THAT'S KIND OF A MINDSET AND IT CAME DOWN TO A BOIL TODAY WHERE THEY BASICALLY COULDN'T GET THIELEN TO MOVE AND THEY WANTED HIM TO.

>> Cathy: HE'S STILL A GOOD PLAYER, RIGHT?

HE IS STILL HAS SOME YEARS LEFT, RIGHT?

>> YEAH, IT'S NOT ABOUT HIS ABILITY, IT'S ABOUT THE MONEY.

AND THEY NEEDED HIM BECAUSE THEY'VE IDENTIFIED HIM AS A PLAYER WHO HAS A CONTRACT THAT THEY NEED TO, YOU KNOW, TRIM.

AND SO NOW WITH THEM CUTTING CAMERON DANZLER, THEY'RE IN A POSITION OF FINDING A WAY HOPEFULLY TO, YOU KNOW, CONTINUE TO MOVE TOWARDS GETTING THEMSELVES BACK TO 00 WHEN THE BUSINESS LEAGUE FOR 2023 STARTS AND THEY'RE ABOUT 5, $6 MILLION SHORT.

>> NOW, KIRILL THE THRILL WITH THE WILD IS OUT THREE TO FOUR WEEKS.

KAPRIZOV, WILD IS DOING WELL IN THE PLAYOFF STANDINGS.

IS THIS GOING TO ENDANGER THEM?

>> I WOULD SAY YES, KAPRIZOV IS A SUPERSTAR, HE'S GOING TO BE OUT THREE TO FOUR WEEKS AND IF YOU'VE SEEN THE WILD THE LAST THREE MONTHS OR SO HE'S SCORING APPROXIMATELY 50 TO 0% OF THEIR GOALS AND THEY'RE WINNING TIGHT OVERTIME GAMES.

AND THEY NEED TO FIND A WAY WITH A GUY WITH HIS LEADERSHIP TO LIGHT THE LAMP.

>> I FEEL BAD ABOUT LINDSAY WHALEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.

I MEAN, SHE TRIED AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT DIDN'T QUITE WORK FOR HER AS A HEAD COACH.

>> I DO TOO.

OBVIOUSLY I LIKE LINDSAY AND A HALL OF FAME PLAYER.

DIRECTOR DOYLE HIRED HER AS A HEAD COACH AND WITH ALL THE GREAT IDEAS AND EVERYTHING'S GOING TO WORK OUT BUT SHE HAD NO EXPERIENCE.

SO SHE RAN INTO SOME SITUATIONS, PROPOSITION, I MEAN, YOU LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENS IN BASKETBALL NOW WITH NIL'S AND TRANSFER PORTALS.

SHE RAN INTO REAL ISSUES WITH PLAYERS WHO WERE AT HE UNIVERSITY AND WANTED A BIGGER ROLE OR WHATEVER AND THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO DEAL WITH THEM AND SOME OF THOSE PLAYERS LEFT.

AND SO YOU LOSE ONE OR TWO PLAYERS AND YOU'RE PUTTING A GROUP TOGETHER IT CAN COST YOU, AND THAT'S WHAT WOUND UP COSTING HER.

I SAW HER FIRST, MY FIRST GAME WATCHING THE GOPHERS THIS YEAR IN THE BIG 10 TOURNAMENT AND THEY LOST, AND IT WAS 66-66 IN THE FINAL MINUTES AND THEY LOSE THAT GAME AND SAY, WOW, I FELT BAD, I FELT LIKE THEY FIRED HER BECAUSE I WAS AT THE GAME.

[ LAUGHTER ] >> NOW, KARL ANTHONY TOWNS HAS THE MOST MYSTERIOUS CALF INJURY IN THE HISTORY OF SPORTS.

WHAT'S THE DEAL?

>> NO QUESTION ABOUT IT.

AND IT'S INTERESTING TO ME THE WAY THE TIMBERWOLVES HAVE GONE ABOUT HANDLING IT.

IN TERMS OF JUST BEING HONEST WITH US HE'S BECOME DEFENSIVE BECAUSE HE SAYS IT WAS MISDIAGNOSED AND THEY SAID HE'S FINALLY BACK TO DOING BASKETBALL ACTIVITIES.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> I DON'T KNOW.

>> THEY PLAY TONIGHT AGAINST BROOKLYN, BROOKLYN MADE ALL THOSE DEALS GOD RID KYRIE IRVING.

THE TIMBERWOLVES ARE TRYING O MAKE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME.

AND THEY NEED TO FIND A WAY FOR KARL ANTHONY TOWNS TO GET BACK IN BEFORE THE SEASON.

I MEAN, COME ON, HE'S MISSED 47 GAMES.

>> Eric: OOH.

WELL, WE WILL KEEP YOU ON THAT STORY AND NEXT TIME WE'LL HAVE A DR. FITZGERALD REPORT.

>> MAYBE WE'LL WEIGH IN ON WHO GETS FIRST, HIM OR KAPRIZOV.

[ LAUGHTER ] >> THANKS, DOCTOR.

>> THANKS, FITZY.

♪♪ >> Cathy: WE'VE HAVE THE CEOS OF SANFORD AND FAIRVIEW HEALTH ON THE SHOW TO TALK ABOUT THEIR POTENTIAL MERGER.

THIS WEEK TWO FORMER GOVERNORS MADE HISTORY BY SPEAKING TOGETHER AT THE APITOL DURING A HEARING AS THE PROJECT RELATES TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.

MARY LAHAMMER PLANS.

>> THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA HAS HISTORICALLY HAD STRONG CONNECTIONS TO MINNESOTA GOVERNORS.

IT WAS GOVERNOR PILLSBURY WHO INTERVENED IN THE 1800S TO SAVE THE STATE'S LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY.

>> I'M DELIGHTED TO APPEAR TONIGHT WITH GOVERNOR PAWLENTY.

THIS IS THE IRST TIME HE AND I HAVE SPOKEN TOGETHER PUBLICLY.

WHICH UNDERSCORES THE GREAT IMPORTANCE WE ATTACH TO THESE CRITICAL MATTERS.

>> NOW TWO FORMER GOVERNORS FROM DIFFERENT POLITICAL PARTIES AND ALMA MATERS CAME TOGETHER ON A UNITED MISSION FOR THE U.

>> I ALSO WANT TO THANK GOVERNOR DAYTON FOR HIS PARTNERSHIP ON THIS TOPIC.

HE AND I HAVE WILDLY DIFFERENT POLITICAL BACKGROUNDS, BUT WE'VE ALWAYS GOTTEN ALONG PERSONALLY.

>> THE PROPOSED MERGER IS COMPLICATED WITH SOUTH DAKOTA'S SANFORD HEALTH AND FAIRVIEW UNIVERSITY.

>> THE PROSPECTS AND GOVERNANCE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA'S ACADEMIC HEALTH CENTER COULD SHIFT TO A SOUTH DAKOTA BASED ENTERPRISE IS ALARMING AND SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN.

>> THERE IS NO PRECEDENT.

THERE IS NO PRECEDENT FOR AN OUT OF STATE ENTITY OWNING OR CONTROLLING A STATE'S FLAGSHIP MEDICAL ACADEMIC HOSPITAL OR ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTER.

>> IT SEEMS TO BE SORT OF THE YEAR OF THE GOVERNOR RETURNING TO THE STATE CAPITOL, WITH FORMER GOVERNOR JESSE VENTURA TESTIFYING IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE ALSO ON HEALTH CARE AS IT RELATES TO THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA, WHICH HE SAYS STOPPED HIS WIFE'S SEIZURES.

>> MY WIFE TOOK THE IRST THREE DROPS UNDER THE TONGUE AND HAS NOT HAD A SEIZURE SINCE, NONE.

MARIJUANA CANNABIS STOPPED THE SEIZURES.

>> ALL THE GOVERNORS BROUGHT THEIR UNIQUE PERFORMANCE QUALITIES.

>> I AM A WALKING POSTERBOARD FOR THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.

[ LAUGHTER ] I'M LOOKING FOR WORK THESE DAYS.

[ LAUGHTER ] >> SKI-U-MAH AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR.

>> I WAS THERE 7 YEARS, I DID GET TWO DEGREES IN 7 YEARS SO I WASN'T JUST GOOFING OFF THE WHOLE TIME.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THE COMMITTEE CHAIR SAYS HAVING FORMER GOVERNORS APPEAR SHOWS JUST HOW MUCH MINNESOTANS CARE ABOUT ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE.

>> IT'S A LAND GRANT INSTITUTION THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA AND ALL OF ITS ASSETS ARE OBLIGATED BOTH LEGALLY AND MORALLY TO BE USED FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR STATE AND OUR CITIZENS.

>> OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND THE QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA IS UNDENIABLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STRATEGIC ASSET THAT'S WE HAVE AND IT HELPS MINNESOTANS GREATLY.

>> AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER THERE WILL NOT BE A CHANGE TO THAT CARE THAT'S DELIVERED TODAY.

♪♪ >> Eric: HOW FAST ARE THINGS GOING AT THE CAPITOL?

A BONDING BILL CTUALLY PASSED OUT OF THE HOUSE THIS WEEK.

BONDING, ALSO KNOWN AS THE PUBLIC WORKS BILL, IS OUCH DONE IN THE DYING HOURS OF THE SESSION LATE IN MAY.

WELL, LET'S TALK ABOUT POLITICS FOR THE NEXT TEN MINUTES OR SO.

HERE TO HELP US DO THAT REPUBLICANS ON THE COUCH, LEGISLATIVE LOBBYIST AND PODCAST HOST BRIAN MCDANIEL AND FORMER STATE SENATOR FRITZ FRITZ KNAAK.

DEMOCRATS WITH US KARLA BIGHAM AND JANAE BATES IS HERE, ORGANIZER WHO WORKS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC ISSUES.

SENATOR KNAK YOU WERE PART OF THE MINORITY IN THE STATE SENATE.

>> YES, I WAS.

>> Eric: WHEN YOU COULD FLEX YOUR MUSCLES WAS IN THE BONDING BILL.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> Eric: WHICH TAKES A 50% VOTE TO PASS.

NOW, CAN YOU KIND OF WEAVE THAT -- OUR EXPERIENCE OR WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW WITH THE SENATE 34-33?

>> WELL, IT'S A REAL INTERESTING QUESTION BECAUSE I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE HARD FOR REPUBLICANS AT SOME LEVEL TO DENY THAT THEY HAD A DEAL LAST YEAR.

I MEAN, THEY WENT IN, THEY HAD THEIR DEAL.

IT WAS SUPPOSEDLY ALL GOING TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.

BUT THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT THEY'VE GOTH GOT IT YOU'VE GOT ALL OF THAT MONEY, $17 BILLION, AND A REAL QUESTION HAS TO GET ASKED.

WHY ARE WE SPENDING MONEY ON INTEREST FOR PROJECTS WHEN WE HAVE CASH IN THE BANK, SO TO SPEAK, TO VOTE ON THOSE PROJECTS?

AND SO THERE'S A STRONG I THINK INCENTIVE FOR THE REPUBLICANS TO SAY, WAIT A MINUTE, WE NEED THOSE PROJECTS, WE NEED THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, WHAT WE DON'T NEED IS TO BE PAYING INTEREST ON THE MONEY THAT WE'RE SPENDING IN ORDER TO BUILD THEM SO IT'S GOING TO BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT THE DYNAMIC ENDS UP BEING IN THAT.

>> I TOO SPENT FIVE YEARS IN THE MINORITY SO I HEAR YOU, SENATOR KNAAK.

I WOULD SAY THAT RIGHT NOW IS THE TIME WHERE WE NEED THESE JOBS.

WE HAVE THE SPACE TO PASS A ROBUST BONDING BILL.

I THINK IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR THE REPUBLICANS IN THE SENATE WHEN THERE WAS SUCH BROAD REPUBLICAN SUPPORT IN THE HOUSE COMING OVER.

CHAIR PAPPAS DID A WONDERFUL JOB TODAY SENDING IT OUT OF FINANCE AND ONTO THE SENATE FLOOR.

SO YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE REASON TO STOP THE PROGRESS TO INVEST IN OUR ROADS, OUR BRIDGES, OUR COMMUNITIES.

THE JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALONE ARE WORTH IT.

AND I KNOW THE REPUBLICANS WANT A TAX BILL BUT THAT'S UP TO THE HOUSE.

THAT'S WHERE THAT STARTS, SO I HOPE THEY DO HAVE A VOTE ON IT VERY, VERY SOON.

>> WELL, BUT THE PROBLEM IS YOU LOSE YOUR LEVERAGE.

I MEAN, IF YOU WAIT ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES OF WAITING 'TIL THE END FOR A BONDING BILL ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE IN THE MINORITY IS YOU CAN KIND OF WAIT AND SEE AND SAY, WELL, WE'LL TALK ABOUT IT LATER, BUT RIGHT NOW WE'VE GOT A FEW OTHER THINGS WE WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT.

>> I MEAN, I THINK THOUGH WE'RE ALSO FINDING, MINNESOTANS ARE FINDING THE PACE OF WHAT'S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW A LITTLE WOBBLY BUT ALSO LIKE EXCITING BECAUSE FOR TOO LONG WE WERE FACING GRIDLOCK.

AND SO YOU'RE RIGHT, THERE WAS A DEAL AND I THINK MANY MINNESOTANS FELT WE GAVE TOO MUCH AWAY IN THAT DEAL THAT ENDED UP FALLING THROUGH ANYWAY.

SO I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING THAT BOTH D.F.L.ERS AND THE G.O.P.

ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GRAPPLE WITH.

>> Eric: THE FOLKS THAT YOU WORK WITH, GROUPS THAT YOU WORK WITH, ARE THEY SATISFIED WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THAT AGENDA?

>> ON THE BONDING BILL?

>> Eric: WELL, NO, JUST SORT OF ON THE GENERAL ISSUES.

IT'S BEEN ISSUES, NOT BUDGET YET.

>> YES, YES, WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT MOST CERTAINLY A LOT OF THESE GREAT AND AMAZING POLICIES THAT HAVE REALLY BEEN STUCK FOR SO LONG.

ACTUALLY MOVING.

>> WELL, I THINK ONE THING THAT THE ELECTORATE IS THIRSTY FOR IS BIPARTISANSHIP.

AND THAT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS IMPRESSIVE ABOUT, YOU KNOW, CHAIRMAN FUE LEE AND MINORITY LEAD DEAN URDAHL.

>> Eric: WAS T 21 REPUBLICANS?

>> 21 REPUBLICANS VOTED FOR THIS BILL.

IT WAS A BIPARTISAN BILL.

OF COURSE WHAT ELSE IS BIPARTISAN IS ELIMINATING THE SOCIAL SECURITY TAX.

THAT ALSO IS SOMETHING THAT IS BIPARTISAN.

AND IN THE SPIRIT F COMPROMISE, IF YOU'RE GOING TO GET SOMETHING THAT YOU WANT, YOU MIGHT HAVE TO GIVE UP SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T LIKE.

AND I THINK THAT WE'RE IN A POSITION NOW WHERE WE ACTUALLY HAVE -- A LOT OF TIMES I SAY IT'S HARD TO NEGOTIATE WITH REPUBLICANS BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT ANYTHING.

WELL YOU KNOW WHAT?

THERE'S SOMETHING THAT WE WANT RIGHT NOW AND THIS CAN COME TOGETHER AND I HOPE THAT IT DOES.

BECAUSE ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH, YOU KNOW, KIND OF HOLDING OUT FOR VOTES ON THE BONDING BILLS THAT WITH $17 BILLION THE DEMOCRATS CAN JUST DO A BILLION-DOLLAR CASH BILL THAT DOESN'T HAVE ANY REPUBLICAN PROJECTS IN IT.

THE BILL THAT PASSED OUT OF THE HOUSE HAS VERY IMPORTANT REPUBLICAN PROJECTS IN IT THAT WE SHOULD FIGHT FOR.

>> Cathy: LET'S TALK ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY.

THAT WAS HEARD IN HOUSE TAXES THIS WEEK.

BUT NO VOTE WAS TAKEN.

SO DOES THIS THING HAVE LEGS OR NOT?

>> I'D HAVE TO SAY FROM WHAT I'M SEEING IT DEFINITELY DOES.

AND I WOULD ANTICIPATE, IN FACT, THAT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER IT WILL PASS JUST BECAUSE LIKE YOU'RE SAYING, THERE'S NOT REALLY, WELL, THERE'S SUPPORT ON BOTH SIDES, THERE'S OPPOSITION ON BOTH SIDES TOO OF COURSE, BUT I THINK THERE'S A REASONABLE CHANCE THAT IT WILL PASS.

>> I VOTED FOR FULL REPEALS, I VOTED FOR RAISING THE CAP SO THAT MORE SENIORS AREN'T TAXED ON IT.

LOOK, I UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES ON BOTH SIDES OF IT, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY SOCIAL SECURITY WAS NOT MEANT TO FUND THE GOVERNMENT.

IT WAS MEANT TO GIVE MONEY TO OUR SENIORS.

AND SO THE DEMOCRATS NEED TO DO THIS AND ALL EYES ON THE SENATE ARE SHOWING.

THEY'RE GOING TO DO A FULL REPEAL BECAUSE DEMOCRATS RAN ON IT AND THEY SHOULD PASS THE FULL REPEAL TO MOVE ON AND GIVE THE SENIORS THE RELIEF.

AND IT'S A HUGE POLITICAL VICTORY, SO I WOULD HOPE THAT THEY DO, THEY DO THE FULL REPEAL.

>> SO I WANT TO PUSH BACK ON THAT A LITTLE BIT.

[ LAUGHTER ] >> YOU KNOW, THE REALITY IS THIS PARTICULAR LIKE JUST FULL DEMOLISHING OF THAT PARTICULAR TAX I THINK IS WE HAVE TO CALL IT WHAT IT IS, IT IS ACTUALLY JUST A -- IT'S A HUGE CUT FOR THE WEALTHIEST RETIREES IN MINNESOTA.

AND THE REALITY IS IS THAT THAT 1.7 -- I'M SORRY, $1.3 BILLION IS REALLY JUST GOING TO GO TO THE WEALTHIEST SENIORS.

70% OF THAT GOES TO HEM.

WE'RE TALKING $2,000, YOU KNOW, $2,000 A YEAR FOR FOLKS MAKING A QUARTER-MILLION.

>> WELL, IT'S THEIR ONEY.

I MEAN, THEY'VE EARNED THIS MONEY.

THE STATE -- I MEAN THE GOVERNMENT TOOK IT WITH THE PROMISE OF WE'RE GOING TO GIVE IT BACK TO YOU AT SOME POINT.

AND I UNDERSTAND, YOU KNOW, IF WE'RE GOING TO DO CUTS IT SHOULD BENEFIT THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT THE MOST, BUT THIS MORE THAN ALMOST ANYTHING ELSE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, THIS IS THE GOVERNMENT JUST SAYING, AH, WE'RE GONNA TAKE YOUR MONEY AND MAYBE WE'LL GIVE T BACK TO YOU IF WE LIKE YOU.

THAT'S JUST NOT WHAT THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT.

>> AND TAX YOU AGAIN ON IT.

SEE, THE SENIORS HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAXED ON IT.

SO I ALSO THINK THE ECONOMIC INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES THAT THIS MONEY WILL PROVIDE WILL, YOU KNOW, BE A STIMULUS TO OUR ECONOMY.

SO I, AGAIN, I THINK IT WILL HAPPEN JUST THE ABILITY TO GET A TAX BILL THROUGH I BELIEVE A FULL REPEAL.

>> I JUST WANT TO NAME THAT I'M SO GLAD THAT YOU'RE SUPPORTING THIS BUT IT'S A UNIVERSAL BENEFIT, RIGHT?

THAT MAYBE WE'RE ALL PAYING MAYBE 2 TO 5% IN, RIGHT?

SO WE ARE LARGELY GETTING A LOT BACK MORE THAN WE PUT INTO IT WHICH MEANS WE ACTUALLY AREN'T GETTING DOUBLE TAXED.

THE SYSTEM WAS CREATED IN A WAY IN WHICH DOUBLE TAXING DOESN'T HAPPEN AND WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THIS IS A UNIVERSAL BENEFIT AND MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T TURN INTO A REGRESSIVE ISSUE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE SENIORS WHO NEED IT THE MOST WHO ARE NOT BENEFITING FROM THIS TAX CUT AT ALL, 60% OF PEOPLE WHO RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY DON'T GET TAXED ALREADY.

>> Eric: MARIJUANA, PETER HAD A GOOD STORY IN MINNPOST.

THE BILL'S BEING REWRITTEN CAN CONCERNS WITH THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

>> YEAH, YOU CAN'T MESS WITH THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

YOU REALLY CAN'T.

IT IS SUCH A VERSATILE PRODUCT THAT IS SO SUSTAINABLE, WONDERFUL JOBS IN THAT.

LOOK, THERE'S A WAY TO DO THIS THAT'S A WIN-WIN FOR BOTH.

IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN.

IT'S A SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUE, IT'S AN ECONOMIC ISSUE.

IT'S A LIBERTY ISSUE IN GENERAL AND WE JUST NEED TO PASS THIS, IT'S BEEN DISCUSSED AND DISCUSSED AND DISCUSSED AND I THINK IT'S POSSIBLY GOING TO BE NEXT SESSION BY THE TIME THEY GET DONE WITH IT.

IT'S VERY COMPLICATED.

I THINK THERE'S CONCERNS FROM SOME PEOPLE BUT, OH, MY GOSH, SENATOR PORT AND REPRESENTATIVE STEPHENSON DONE SUCH A GREAT JOB OF SHEPHERDING THIS THROUGH, HAVING TRANSPARENT CONVERSATIONS WHICH IS WHAT MINNESOTANS ASKED FOR, SO KEEP IT UP.

>> Cathy: DO YOU THINK IT NEEDS TO BE PASSED?

>> NO.

IN A WORD.

I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF EOPLE THAT WANT IT PASSED AND THERE'S MONEY FOR THE STATE.

BUT THERE'S ALSO CONCERN ABOUT LARGE AMOUNT OF CANNABIS SUDDENLY FLOODING THE MARKETS.

AND A LOT OF ISSUES HAVE BEEN RAISED BY THE CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY INDUSTRY AND HE REST SAYING, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, SLOW DOWN A BIT.

LET'S SEE WHAT THE IMPACT IS.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT CONCENTRATIONS THAT WERE HIGHER THAN PERHAPS WOULD BE AVAILABLE ON THE STREETS.

>> Eric: YOU GOT A CLIENT ON THIS ONE?

>> THIS TOUCHES EVERYBODY ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.

LOT OF COMMITTEES, LOT OF CLIENTS.

THIS IS SOMETHING -- I MEAN, IT'S GONNA PASS.

WHAT I THINK IS IMPORTANT TO DO IS MAKE SURE IT'S PROPERLY REGULATED.

AND WHILE I THINK SLOWING IT DOWN IS IMPORTANT, WE HAVE LOOKED AT A LOT OF OTHER STATES TO SEE WHAT THEY'VE DONE RIGHT AND WHAT THEY'VE DONE WRONG BUT WE ALSO CAN'T REFER YET, THERE HAS TO BE SOME LOCAL CONTROL AS WELL.

>> Eric: JANAE, I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT THIS, I THINK THE WORRY IS THAT BIG MARIJUANA IS GOING TO COME IN.

>> MM-HMM.

>> Eric: AND I THINK THE INTENT IS TO HAVE LICENSES FOR LIKE YOUR COMMUNITY.

>> YEAH, SMALL COMMUNITIES, SMALL BUSINESS.

>> Eric: AND I WONDER IF THAT'S GOING TO GET SWAMPED BY BIG POT COMING IN.

>> I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME REAL INTENTIONALLY MOVING ALONG THIS PROCESS TO DO JUST THAT.

MOST CERTAINLY THIS IS GOING TO BE A RACIAL EQUITY ISSUE, SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUE AS KARLA NAMED.

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO CONTINUE WITH THAT INTENTIONALITY OF DOING THAT.

>> Cathy: SAY, WHAT HAPPENED TO SPORTS BETTING?

IS THAT AROUND ANYWAY?

[ LAUGHTER ] >> DID SOMEBODY SAY SPORTS BETTING?

>> Eric: YOU'RE THE GODMOTHER OF SPORTS BETTING.

>> SENATOR KLEIN AND AGAIN SENATOR STEPHENSON ARE DOING A TREMENDOUS JOB.

IT IS MOVING.

I THOUGHT THE HEARINGS THIS WEEK HAVE GONE REALLY WELL.

AGAIN, A VERY TRANSPARENT.

>> Cathy: BUT TALK ABOUT THE POWER OF THE TRIBAL NATIONS N THIS.

>> ABSOLUTELY, BUT I THINK IT'S BEEN CRYSTAL CLEAR THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TRACKS AS WELL BEFORE THIS PROCEEDS.

I THINK THE SENATE, AGAIN, ALL EYES ON SENATE WITH THIS, BUT I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF THE TRANSPARENCY THAT SENATOR KLEIN AND REPRESENTATIVE STEPHENSON HAVE DONE ON THIS ISSUE AS WELL, MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS, GETTING ALL THE INPUT N AND I THINK REPRESENTATIVE TABKE IS ANOTHER ONE THAT REALLY HAS DONE A GREAT JOB.

HE HAS CANTERBURY IN HIS DISTRICT, SO JUST KEEP THE DISCUSSIONS GOING.

THERE WILL BE AN AGREEMENT.

I THINK THAT HAPPENS THIS YEAR.

>> I'M CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED TO MENTION PAT GAROFALO RIGHT NOW.

[ LAUGHTER ] IN THE HOUSE.

>> Eric: OH, THE GODFATHER.

>> MY COLLEGE BUDDY.

BUT THIS IS ANOTHER THING THAT'S GONNA HAPPEN.

AND I HINK THE ELECTION MADE IT PROBABLY EASIER BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WE MIGHT LIKE DIVIDED GOVERNMENT BUT DIVIDED GOVERNMENT'S NOT ALWAYS GOOD FOR PASSING THINGS.

SO THIS IS ANOTHER THING THAT WE CAN LOOK AT OTHER STATES WE CAN SEE WHAT HAS WORKED WHAT HAS NOT WORKED BUT THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.

AND ALL WE'RE DOING IT MISSING OUT ON MONEY.

>> -- IN THE LIVING ROOM IS THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THE TRIBES CONTRIBUTEDED PRIMARILY TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND THIS DOES NOT LOOK GOOD AND WHICH IS AN ISSUE THAT HASN'T BEEN FULLY EXPLORED YET.

IF THIS BREEZES THROUGH LIKE SO MUCH HAS, THERE WAS BE A LOT OF QUESTIONS ASKED.

>> I DON'T THINK IT'S GONNA BREEZE.

>> Eric: NICE QUESTIONS FROM THE PANEL.

WE LEARNED A LOT.

SEE YA.

♪♪ >> DAWDLE, WE DO NOT DARE.

HERE IS LAST WEEK'S ENDEW FILE QUESTION ABOUT MINNESOTA HISTORY.

IT CONCERNS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS AMERICAN ATHLETES OF THE PAST HALF-CENTURY.

WE TOLD YOU THIS PERSON, ABSOLUTELY NOT SEEN HERE IS, A MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME.

THIS ATHLETE IS THE SUBJECT OF A RECENT DEFINITIVE BIOGRAPHY RELEASED LAST FALL TO GREAT FANFARE.

WE ADDED THE HINT THAT THIS BOOK FEATURES A PROMINENT QUOTE ON PAGE 394 FROM A PERSON WHO REGULARLY APPEARS ON "ALMANAC."

WE MADE IT YOUR JOB TO TELL US THE NAME OF THE FAMED ATHLETE AND THE "ALMANAC" GUEST.

ONE FURTHER HINT, THIS "ALMANAC" REGULAR GUEST APPEARED ON THE SHOW TONIGHT!

WHAT "ALMANAC" REGULAR IS QUOTED IN A RECENT BOOK ABOUT A COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMER?

AS USUAL WE START WITH THE FOLKS WHO STRUGGLED WITH THE QUESTION AND A THEME QUICKLY EMERGED.

LISTEN UP.

>> HI, THIS IS LEE IN ST. LOUIS PARK.

AND I'M GUESSING THAT THE ANSWER TO THE "ALMANAC" QUESTION THIS WEEK IS TOM BRADY AS HE ATHLETE AND LARRY FITZGERALD AS THE FREQUENT GUEST ON YOUR SHOW.

>> I BELIEVE THE LOCAL REGULAR COMMENTATOR ON "ALMANAC" IS LARRY FITZGERALD, AND I BELIEVE THE ATHLETE ABOUT WHOM HE WAS COMMENTING FOR THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME WAS BOBBY BELL.

THANKS.

>> HI, WE KNOW THAT THE ANSWER TO ONE PART OF THE QUESTION IS FITZY, WHO'S ON TALKING ABOUT SPORTS QUITE OFTEN.

WOULD IT BE HIS SON LARRY FITZGERALD THAT PLAYED FOR THE CARDINALS?

>> Cathy: THAT'S NOT BAD.

HERE'S A HINT.

THOSE CALLERS WERE WRONG BOTH ABOUT THE HALL OF FAMER AND ABOUT THE "ALMANAC" REGULAR.

YES, THE REGULAR WE ASKED ABOUT WAS NOT ALMANAC'S SPORTS COMMENTATOR LARRY FITZGERALD SENIOR, SO WHO WAS T?

>> Eric:.

>> YOU KNOW WHAT, CATHY, I GOT THIS.

I'M TAKING OVER.

YES, THE PERSON QUOTED WAS ME.

IN THE RECENT BIOGRAPHY OF BO JACKSON THE TITLE OF THE BOOK IS THE "LAST FOLK HERO" BO JACKSON WAS THE LAST PRO ATHLETE TO HAVE A HIP REPLACEMENT AND RETURN TO PLAY.

MARK DEPAOLIS, MINNESOTA BASED PHYSICIAN PUT IT BLUNTLY, THE CONSTANT ABUSE OF COMPETITIVE SPORTS, I WROTE, MIGHT TURN HIS NEW HIP INTO A ATTLING PEANUT IN A SHELL.

I DON'T REMEMBER WRITING THAT.

I DEFINITELY DON'T REMEMBER GETTING A CENT FOR BEING QUOTED.

PERHAPS YOU HAD A RECENT BOOK THAT QUOTES AN ALMANAC REGULAR.

IF SO, WE WANT TO HEAR YOU.

>> Cathy: YEAH, OKAY.

I'LL TAKE IT OVER FROM HERE.

YEAH, WE APPRECIATE THAT.

YES, I'M GOING TO TAKE BACK CONTROL RIGHT NOW.

THE WAY TO REACH US WITH COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS, SUPER EASY.

651-229-1430.

THAT'S OUR VOICEMAIL.

E-MAIL AND COMMENTS CAN BE SENT TO ALMANAC @TPT.ORG.

YOU CAN WATCH LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE ON THE MINNESOTA CHANNEL AND ON THAT SAME CHANNEL YOU CAN WATCH ALMANAC AT THE CAPITOL EACH WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 7:00.

FOR SHOW CLOSING MUSIC WE REACH AGAIN IN THE TPT VAULTS.

31 YEARS AGO TRIP SHAKESPEARE PERFORMED A CONCERT IN STUDIO A.

WE'RE GOING TO LISTEN AS WE ROLL THE CREDITS.

NOW, THIS GROUP HASN'T BEEN BROADCAST IN DECADES, SO ENJOY AND GOOD NIGHT.

♪♪ >> >> SINGING: YOU KNOW I TRAVEL OVER MOUNTAINS YOU KNOW I TRAVEL, MY LOVE THERE ABOVE THE PHONE LINES, SHE COOLS HIGH INTO THE TREETOPS, I CALL SHE HAS SLEPT ALONE FOR DAYS AND DAYS ... AND SHE KNOWS I TRAVEL FOR PAY ... SINGING: YOU KNOW I TRAVEL OVER MOUNTAINS ... >> "ALMANAC" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY MEMBERS OF THIS PUBLIC TELEVISION STATION.

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