morning take | Auditor: "A Lack of Action" found on fraud in state agencies
10.21.25
Wild win.
This morning Attorney General Keith Ellison announces he’s running for a third term. Expect Secy. State Steve Simon to announce the same soon.
Louie Varland #localkid helps take the Blue Jays to the World Series.
A to Z Creamery is opening a store – I’m a big fan. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3IVjmGf
Watch where you park in Minneapolis this week — street sweeping begins today. STRIB: http://fluence-media.co/3Wg9euM
Some moderate Democrats privately want to end the federal shutdown, but they fear backlash from their voters. HILL: http://fluence-media.co/46ZJ9Gq
If the federal shutdown does not end today, it will be the 2nd longest in U.S. history. GUARDIAN: http://fluence-media.co/42Q7ig8
Happy National Apple Day!
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ACTION: Legislative auditor Judy Randall said in an interview with KSTP that many audits have shown state agencies were vulnerable to fraud, but her main concern is a lack of action in response. RANDALL: “We would issue a report, we would have these findings, and then we would come back [in] a year or two and have the same findings over and over again. What we saw was that [the] regulatory role wasn’t necessarily being prioritized within the culture of state agencies. … I have seen a shift in the last six months, [but] I think it’s a reasonable expectation to expect a significant decrease in repeat findings.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/43wCH7t
MORE: KSTP has published a new series of reports on fraud in Minnesota, including an interview with a whistleblower who claims he warned the state about potential fraud 12 years ago. VERBATIM: “A former Ramsey County forensic auditor and whistleblower says he found dozens of suspected fraud cases involving Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) more than a decade ago. … The whistleblower spent more than two years investigating suspected fraud in the CCAP program and said there were felony fraud charges brought against four separate day care centers. As a contracted Ramsey County forensic investigator, the whistleblower told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he found evidence of dozens of fraud cases and brought the information to the inspector general in the Minnesota Department of Human Services.” QUOTE: “There were more than 60 cases of suspected fraud in CCAP in 2013. … I have been in shock that nothing has been happening, except for the past couple of years.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/47yxrTc
2026: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The words ‘waste, fraud and abuse’ are primed to headline political ads and flyers in Minnesota next year, as Republicans and Democrats gear up to make it a central issue in the fight for control of state government. Republicans are already highlighting fraud cases that have stacked up during DFL Gov. Tim Walz’s administration, as they seek to win back the office for the first time since 2006. The issue is also cropping up in races for attorney general, state auditor and the Legislature. Some Democrats in those races have made fraud prevention a key part of their campaign platforms, recognizing the issue has become a liability for their party.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/48AYRcf
MORE: via KTTC, VERBATIM: “Representative Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) is one of a handful of Republican candidates for Minnesota’s 2026 gubernatorial race, [and] on Monday, the fourth term representative announced a fraud prevention platform that will be a ‘top priority’ in her run for governor. … Robbins’ platform will, among other things, look to change the state government’s culture around fraud, establish a statewide Office of Inspector General, require use of key oversight practices and more.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/470OXzp
TAKE: The issue of fraud, and other challenges in Minnesota from crime to education will continue to be the conversation for another year. As Gov. Tim Walz runs for re-election and 201 legislative seats are on the ballot the conversations about the issues of the day will undoubtedly remain a talker and a statewide conversation. If Minnesota is as civic minded as we claim, the dialog should be deeper than social media posts. The “roll up your sleeves” and fix it attitude of previous legislatures and executives would be a welcome change in mindset.
What is becoming very clear is that the frustration about a lack of progress on big issues could be the biggest hurdle for Walz’s third term. The election should be about who has the best future vision for the state – relitigating the past will bore and divide voters and not help us move past our challenges. Such a theme, and action will require the one thing that is missing from legislators to the Governor – URGENCY. Minnesota’s “let’s see” style doesn’t fit the very timely needs of the state and for each year we are passive – our competitive states will be aggressive to compete. A bias for action would be well received and is needed for the state.
CD5: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis mayoral candidate Jazz Hampton [said] he has no plans to run against Rep. Ilhan Omar if he isn’t able to win the Minneapolis mayoral race. … Hampton [responded] to rumors that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) may have tried to recruit him to run against Omar. … Hampton confirmed that when he was looking for a campaign manager, he met with a prospective candidate for the position with ties to AIPAC who asked him if he had an interest in ‘something bigger’ than the mayoral race.” HAMPTON: “I will not run against Ilhan, period. … I would not run against Ilhan on my own. I would not run against Ilhan with AIPAC support. … She does a great job.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4qlRj3m
MISSING: Sen. Omar Fateh stood up the One Minute Tours host John O’Sullivan. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hpPn5Y
AUDITOR RACE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The state auditor’s race has attracted another candidate. … Former Duluth City Council member Zack Filipovich opened a campaign committee to run for the seat. He has worked in the finance industry in addition to his stints in public service. He joins a DFL field that already includes: state Rep. Dan Wolgamott, former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer and Tonka Bay City Mayor Adam Jennings. For Republicans, Braham Mayor Nate George announced a campaign this fall, and others are taking a hard look at the race.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4784a0c
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POT: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The latest agreement signed with the Prairie Island Indian Community contains provisions that create opportunities to partner with state-licensed businesses to sell tribally grown cannabis products wholesale into the state market. That product can then in turn be sold to recreational cannabis customers. … Minnesota’s marijuana law says retailers can only buy cannabis grown in Minnesota, [which was] leaving newly licensed dispensary owners at a loss on where to get their product.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/48FBuhK
MORE: Here’s a copy of the Prairie Island Compact. COMPACT: http://fluence-media.co/3Wgjx1L
CLIMATE: via an MPCA press release, VERBATIM: “State government is inviting Minnesotans to share feedback on a draft of the 2026 Climate Action Framework – an updated summary of actions that will reduce climate pollution and prepare communities for the impacts of climate change. The original framework, published in 2022, laid the foundation for more than 40 climate laws and programs passed during the 2023 legislative session. The 2026 framework will include a more comprehensive set of actions with a stronger focus on collaboration, community benefits, and workforce needs. Increased state and federal investments in climate action over the last three years have resulted in new opportunities that will be defined in the updated framework.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nXQCeV DRAFT: http://fluence-media.co/49dPaRc
FOOD BANKS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Federal cuts to the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) slashed more than a million pounds of food headed to Minnesota food shelves this summer, forcing [food banks] to winnow staff, hours and the amount of food they provide. That’s left more people going hungry, and officials say at this rate, things are likely to get worse. … Minnesota is home to one of the nation’s largest food networks, [but] federal funds from TEFAP support much of that network. … In greater Minnesota, food shelves have had to cut down on how often shoppers can visit.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/43lzTdk
MN SENATE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “State Senate control is on the line in about two weeks. Well-known Democrats descended on Woodbury yesterday to help campaign for Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, a state representative who is vying for the open state Senate seat in the area. Among them were Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and first lady Gwen Walz. The Republican nominee is Dwight Dorau. … The winner will fill the seat left open by DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s resignation. Another Nov. 4 special election in Wright County will fill the seat of the late Sen. Bruce Anderson. Republicans are heavily favored in that district.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4784a0c
DESPITE THE CHALLENGES OF RURAL HEALTH CARE, ESSENTIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING TOP CLINICAL CARE: According to the latest report from Minnesota Community Measurement, a statewide resource on health care quality, costs and equity, Essentia ranked as a high performer with 19 of 20 clinical quality metrics scoring above statewide averages. According to Dr. Maria Beaver, chief quality and patient safety officer at Essentia: “This is a testament to the amazing care provided by all our clinical care teams and all our colleagues who support them.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dCxy1D (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
FERTILITY: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “A wave of new state laws is making fertility preservation procedures a covered benefit for cancer patients. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause reproductive problems, but procedures like egg freezing and emerging technology such as ovarian tissue freezing are costly and can be left out of cancer treatment conversations. … 21 states and Washington, D.C., now require insurers to cover fertility preservation for medical reasons. … Some coverage mandates for private insurers have faced resistance at Minnesota’s Legislature in the past, since such requirements also carry costs for the state. … We’re watching whether any Minnesota lawmakers introduce measures of their own when the Legislature returns in February.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3L0AJpB
PLANNED PARENTHOOD: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison today joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit against the Trump Administration. … The [Big Beautiful Bill] blocks federal Medicaid funding for essential medical services like cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and wellness exams that are provided at ‘prohibited entities,’ [which] applies almost exclusively to Planned Parenthood. … Planned Parenthood operates 10 health centers in Minnesota, and these health centers rely on more than $9 million in annual Medicaid reimbursements.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4qjKMpV
SPECIAL ED: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig called on the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to execute mass layoffs in the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). … Craig and 116 of her House colleagues condemned the decision and demanded that the Education Department immediately rescind the termination notices that were sent to OSERS workers.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3WM2S6j
BUCKET TRUCK: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “On a crisp autumn morning in Waconia, Minnesota, Laketown Elementary buzzed with excitement as fifth grader Grant Scotting kept his eyes trained on the parking lot. A birthday surprise for Scotting was in the works — and soon it rolled up: a shiny Xcel Energy bucket truck. Scotting, who has special needs and is nonverbal, is known for his love of Xcel Energy. His enthusiasm for the local energy company ranges from reporting outages on his family’s iPad to eagerly opening each monthly bill.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oq7uei (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
GOV RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Scott Jensen was in his element as he addressed a crowd at a ‘health freedom summit’ in Alexandria, Minn., earlier this month, where some of the world’s most prominent vaccine skeptics gathered to preach their beliefs. The Chaska physician and GOP candidate for governor [praised] U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. … Jensen won the GOP nomination for Minnesota governor three years ago with a campaign built around skepticism of COVID-19 vaccines, death counts and mask mandates. Now, Jensen is embracing Kennedy’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) message on vaccines, fluoride and autism as he tries to rally conservatives behind his second attempt to defeat DFL Gov. Tim Walz. … [But] GOP strategist Amy MINING: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “An iron mining and steel production company said it is eyeing the potential for mining rare earth elements in northern Minnesota. In a call with investors Monday morning, Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves said his company had identified two sites — one in Minnesota and the other in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — already controlled by the company ‘where geological surveys show evidence of rare earth mineralization.’ … Goncalves said the focus first would be on the site in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He said Minnesota was ‘not very friendly to us’ but would still study the site.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4hiENxs
LAYOFFS: Via a DEED press release, OMG Midwest, Inc. — doing business as Minnesota Paving & Materials — sent a WARN letter announcing permanent layoffs and closures affecting 297 employees in nearly a dozen Minnesota cities. VERBATIM: “Due to the closure of all Minnesota Paving & Materials facilities, employees will be permanently laid off beginning December 19, 2025. All facilities are scheduled to close on that same date. According to the WARN, 206 employees being affected by this layoff and closure are represented by: Minnesota Operators Local 49; Minnesota Laborers Local 563; Teamsters Local #120. Bumping rights do not exist.” WARN: http://fluence-media.co/4o36RYp
OCT 30: via AgriGrowth, VERBATIM: “Economic data from the first quarter of 2025 showed that Minnesota’s GDP decreased by 2.42% from the previous year, driven by mounting challenges in the agriculture industry. Minnesota’s agriculture and food sector has been a cornerstone of the state’s economic growth, often mitigating or cushioning recessions. To strengthen our agriculture and food economy, change is required. Minnesota AgriGrowth’s fall summit will continue the hard questions being asked at kitchen tables and board rooms: ‘How do we build a robust agriculture and food economy in Minnesota by 2040?’” AGENDA: https://fluence-media.co/3L2utxu (SPONSORED: AgriGrowth)
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Domestic violence is at a breaking point as resources to fight it are being cut. At least 24 victims were killed by intimate partners in Minnesota last year, according to a report from Violence Free Minnesota. One county is hoping to change that by connecting survivors with lifesaving support. Members of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office & the Domestic Abuse Service Center [gathered] Monday at a summit. … Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says the event isn’t just about awareness — it’s about access. … But as services expand, federal funding is shrinking.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3WiUo6D
HOMELESS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Recent data shows that nearly half of Minnesota’s homeless adults have jobs, highlighting the severity of the state’s housing crisis. … Many people who struggle with homelessness hide their situation, perhaps living in their cars or with friends — often making them invisible to the systems designed to help. … In Minnesota, a full-time worker needs to earn an average of $23 an hour to be able to afford a one bedroom rental at a fair market rate without being [cost] burdened.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4hlC4n7
BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)
BONDING: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Members of the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee [are] in central and southwestern Minnesota this week to hear from communities about their infrastructure needs. It’s the third of five regional tours ahead of next year’s Legislative session, which is a capital budget year. … Co-chair Fue Lee (D-Minneapolis) says so far, they’ve received more than $6 billion worth of requests. … Lee says projects range from water and sewer needs to community centers and parks.” LEE: “I would hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle would support having a robust bill over $1 billion. … We were able to do that in 2023, and I believe we can do that again this year.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4nY2D41
GREATER MN: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Small towns all across Minnesota are receiving grants to improve their communities. The state is awarding more than $20 million dollars through the Small City Development Program to support economic development. … The grants are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The state is giving out the money to 33 cities and counties across Greater Minnesota. The money will serve families with low or moderate incomes.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3KXNW2t
MPLS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “After nearly two years of orange cones, barriers, and detours, the long-awaited reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis is finally nearing its end, and residents and businesses can hardly wait. … The project, initiated by the City of Minneapolis in 2024, was designed to make Hennepin Avenue safer and more accessible for all modes of transportation. Once fully reopened, the roadway will include new bus shelters, protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and upgraded utilities, including new sewer and water lines. It will also accommodate future METRO E Line rapid transit stops.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4hgypGY
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “In an effort to fast-track a proposed five-mile bike trail along Summit Avenue, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s office allegedly altered the scoring criteria considered by St. Paul Public Works, which helped get the avenue’s $100 million rebuild added to the department’s five-year plan and the city’s short-list of construction priorities for 2028. That’s the primary accusation fueling the latest legal filing from SOS, or Save Our Street. … The 21-page civil complaint filed Monday in Ramsey County District Court includes a preliminary injunctive demand for data. The city has yet to file an official legal response, but a spokesperson for the mayor said Monday she would look into the matter.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4ndqjjO
TAKE: Each of the two projects above illustrate poorly executed urban projects that distract from the true needs of each city.
MAPLE GROVE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “It was a big day for one of Minnesota’s biggest med tech companies. Boston Scientific held a ribbon cutting for a new biotech facility in Maple Grove on Monday. … The new campus is large enough to host 1,600 employees and house research and development labs focused on cardiovascular health advancements…Maple Grove leaders say they hope this is the start of more development in the science and technology sector within the city.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/47czFX3
40 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP: Flint Hills Resources and Ducks Unlimited (DU) are celebrating 40 years of partnership, a longevity landmark that makes Flint Hills one of DU’s longest-standing corporate partners. Working together over the past four decades, Flint Hills and DU have contributed to conserving more than 250,000 acres of wildlife habitat and natural areas in Minnesota and over 900,000 acres across North America. LEARN MORE: Flint Hills Resources and Ducks Unlimited Celebrate 40 Years of Partnership (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
ST CLOUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “After a few tumultuous years that saw the elimination of nearly 100 programs and dozens of faculty at St. Cloud State University, school leaders say they have found a bright spot with their newly implemented seven-week courses. The courses — which drew controversy when first rolled out — are part of new online accelerated programs that allow students more flexibility than typical semesterlong, in-person classes. SCSU leaders hoped to use the online accelerated programs to scoop up some of the 1.2 million Minnesotans with college credits but no bachelor’s degree — and also lure back some of the thousands of Minnesota students taking classes with out-of-state online colleges.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nTVamG
OWATONNA: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Beginning Nov. 17, Mayo Clinic Health System will no longer provide labor and delivery coverage at Owatonna Hospital. … Allina Health, which owns and operates the hospital, said its goal is to ‘preserve these vital services in the community’ [and] ‘we are in active discussions with Mayo Clinic Health Services to establish sustainable labor and delivery coverage at Owatonna Hospital.’ … Pregnant and postpartum patients can still receive care from Mayo Clinic Health System providers in Owatonna, MCHS said. Around 400 babies are born in the Owatonna Hospital Birth Center each year. … The change comes amid a trend of labor and delivery unit closures across southern Minnesota.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47012F0
WAYZATA: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Rental owners have filed a lawsuit against the City of Wayzata after the city council approved a ban on short-term rentals, like Airbnb and Vrbo stays. … The ordinance takes effect starting next April. Rental owners do have the option to convert the rentals to longer-term rentals, but rentals must be at least 30 days. The council cited concerns with the short-term rentals becoming nuisances for the city. … The lawsuit argues that the city did not go through the property process to pass the ordinance, like holding a public hearing. They also argue the ordinance itself does not comply with city and state laws.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3WcNfor
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
DOWNTOWNS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The concept of a ‘suburban downtown’ may seem oxymoronic, but it’s gaining traction across the Twin Cities area. Blaine is pouring $750 million into a new sports and entertainment hub. Brooklyn Center hopes to transform an 80-acre parcel into a ‘gathering place’ packed with housing. And Chanhassen is working hard to attract new development to an established downtown. … While the pandemic halted some long-planned projects, the concept appears to be experiencing a revival, with city leaders saying suburbanites are craving neighborhoods that foster connection.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47xAaMG
BIZ GRANTS: via a DEED press release, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $69 million from the Minnesota Forward Fund (MFF) to four business expansion and job training projects. The projects are expected to directly create 215 new jobs, provide job training to more than 800 Minnesotans and leverage more than $353 million in outside investment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o1G4M4
TODAY: Governor Governor Tim Walz will chair meetings of the Executive Council, State Board of Investment, and Land Exchange Board, and will later visit Donaldson Company.
TODAY: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2025 Workplace Compliance Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 21 in Coon Rapids. The conference will primarily focus on how to “help employers, business leaders, and compliance professionals understand the full scope of [paid leave] requirements,” per a release. The event is at 9:30 a.m.
TODAY: via MN Senate, VERBATIM: “Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) is re-engaging his Northland Strong initiative to help guide his work in delivering for Northeastern Minnesota through a series of roundtables [to] inform his 2026 legislative agenda. … Initially launched in the fall of 2023, Sen. Hauschild’s Northland Strong Initiative encompasses five key priority areas: Strong Families, Safe Communities, Outdoor Heritage, Innovative Economy, and A State That Works. … His next roundtable will be on Tuesday, October 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Backus Community Center in International Falls…with others to come in the coming weeks.”
TODAY: via MN House, VERBATIM: “The House Capital Investment Committee will begin their third regional tour of the fall, visiting communities in Central and Southwest Minnesota. This bipartisan tour will consist of state infrastructure project proposals, which will be considered for inclusion in a 2026 Capital Investment Bill. This week’s tours will bring the committee to the communities of Albertville, Big Lake, Buffalo, Howard Lake, Hutchinson, Lake Lillian, Kandiyohi, Marshall, Morton, Winthrop, New Ulm, Revere, Tracy, Fulda, Worthington, Fairmont, Mankato, Eagle Lake, North Mankato, St. Peter, Henderson, Cologne, Waconia, Carver, Chaska, Shakopee, and Burnsville.”
TODAY-TMRW: via a TZD advisory, VERBATIM: “More than 800 traffic safety professionals will gather to share the latest information and ideas to help stop these heartbreaking fatalities and life-changing injuries during the State Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) Conference in Prior Lake. The Minnesota Departments of Health, Public Safety and Transportation offer the conference [as] a forum for sharing information on best practices [and] identifying new approaches to reducing the number of traffic fatalities.” The event is at 8:30 a.m. both days.
TOMORROW: via MN Senate, VERBATIM: “Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton) and Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham will host a town hall discussion in Cottage Grove. The town hall will primarily focus on the impact of federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, the effects on our counties, and what Minnesotans might experience as a result.” The event is at 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY: via WIAOFC, VERBATIM: “The family of Stephen Washington…is demanding transparency and accountability from the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), and the Chisago County Sheriff’s Department following his death at Rush City Prison on October 9, 2025. … The Washington family is calling for a full, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Stephen’s death and for immediate transparency from state officials. Community members, advocates, and media are invited to attend the press conference.” The event is at 2:00 p.m.
SATURDAY: Protect Minnesota will host its “all coalition meeting” in St. Paul to discuss the future of gun violence prevention efforts in the state. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
BDAYS: Mayo’s leader Erin Sexton, Telecom leader Brent Christensen, Sen. Jason Rarick, Pro Democratic troller Aaron Rupar, attorney Peder Larson
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