>> "ALMANAC" IS A PRODUCTION OF TWIN CITIES PBS FOR THE STATIONS OF MINNESOTA PUBLIC TELEVISION ASSOCIATION.

>> CATHY: COMING UP ON "ALMANAC," WE'LL TALK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, A SOCIOLOGIST WHO STUDIES GUN VIOLENCE AND A CHILD PSYCHIATRIST ABOUT THE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS IN SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS.

A POLITICAL PANEL WILL FILL THE COUCH.

AND MARY LAHAMMER CONTINUES HER LOOK AT CAPITOL SECURITY.

>> Mary: A NEW EXAMINATION OF CAPITOL SECURITY HAS BEGUN WITH THE LONG-AWAITED EETING OF AN ADVISORY COMMISSION.

WE'LL DIVE IN.

>> THIS SUMMER HAS BEEN DEEPLY PAINFUL FOR MANY PEOPLE.

>> IT IS OUR JOB TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE PROTECTED WHILE THEY'RE HERE.

>> Mary: 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 1.7 MILLION PEOPLE THROUGH ITS MEMBER-OWNER COOPERATIVES AND CUSTOMERS.

DELTA DENTAL OF MINNESOTA FOUNDATION: IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH AND HELPING COMMUNITIES THRIVE.

DELTADENTALMN.ORG/TPT.

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

MORE AT EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG.

>> CATHY: COMING UP IN THE NEXT HOUR, WE'LL VISIT WITH "STAR TRIBUNE" PUBLISHER STEVE GROVE ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK.

KAOMI LEE TRAVELED TO COOK COUNTY TO LEARN ABOUT A PROGRAM THAT CONNECTS NATIVE YOUTH FROM PINE RIDGE RESERVATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA TO EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING.

AND WE'LL TALK WITH REPORTER KATELYN VUE ABOUT I.C.E.

AND HMONG DEPORTATIONS.

BUT WE START TONIGHT WITH THE WEEK'S BIGGEST STORY, THE TRAGIC SCHOOL SHOOTINGS AT ANNUNCIATION CHURCH DURING A MORNING MASS FULL OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

THE VIOLENT ATTACK LEFT TWO CHILDREN DEAD AND 18 OTHERS WITH INJURIES BEFORE THE SHOOTER SHOT THEMSELVES.

>> ERIC: SOME OF THE INJURED REMAIN HOSPITALIZED AS OF FRIDAY, INCLUDING ONE CHILD STILL IN CRITICAL CONDITION.

MOURNERS, SUPPORTERS, AND THOSE WHO WERE AT THE MASS HAVE FLOODED THE CHURCH AND SCHOOL WITH MEMORIALS THIS WEEK.

THE CHURCH AND SCHOOL GROUNDS HAS BEEN A PLACE FOR FAMILIES, THE COMMUNITY, AND SUPPORTERS TO GATHER.

WE'RE GOING TO SPEND ABOUT HALF OF TONIGHT'S SHOW TALKING WITH MULTIPLE PEOPLE ABOUT THIS TRAGEDY.

WE START WITH A PAIR OF KEY OFFICIALS FROM THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS.

MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER TODD BARNETTE IS HERE, HE OVERSEES THE CITY'S POLICE, FIRE, 911 SERVICES, NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENTS.

JOINING HIM IS RACHEL SAYRE, THE DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR MINNEAPOLIS.

THANKS, BOTH OF YOU, FOR BEING HERE.

HOW STRETCHED ARE RESOURCES?

YOU HAD A VERY VIOLENT WEEK IN MINNEAPOLIS WITH I THINK THERE WERE THREE SHOOTING INCIDENTS IN A 24 -HOUR PERIOD.

>> YES.

>> Eric: HOW OVERSTRETCHED ARE YOU, IF AT ALL?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, WE'RE LUCKY THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF HELP FROM SURROUNDING CITIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, A LOT OF HELP FROM OUR COUNTY PARTNERS, THE STATE AND SOME OF OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS AS WELL RIGHT NOW.

SO ALTHOUGH WE'RE UNDERSTAFFED WITH MPD IN THESE INVESTIGATIONS, BUT WE'RE GETTING A LOT OF SUPPORT AND HELP.

>> Cathy: SO, AS ERIC SAYS, RACHEL, YOU HAD THREE INCIDENTS BEFORE THIS BIG ONE.

AND I'M WONDERING, GIVE US A SENSE, BOTH OF YOU, ABOUT WHAT YOU BOTH HAD TO DO IN THE MINUTES AND THE HOURS AFTER THIS 911 CALL CAME IN ON WEDNESDAY MORNING.

>> YEAH.

SO, OUR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT WORKS HAND IN HAND WITH ALL OF OUR -- THE REST OF OUR SAFETY PARTNERS ACROSS THE CITY.

AND, SO, WE ARE READY WHEN THOSE CALLS COME IN, WE ARE ALL WATCHING, WE ARE MAKING CALLS IMMEDIATELY.

SO WITHIN MINUTES OF UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS HAPPENING, WE STOOD UP OUR ENTIRE EMERGENCY PLANS THAT WE PRACTICE CONSTANTLY.

SO WE'RE READY FOR ANY TYPE OF HAZARD, EVEN THE ABSOLUTE WORST KIND OF THINGS THAT HAPPEN LIKE THIS.

>> Eric: HOW DISAPPOINTED OR FRUSTRATED MUST YOU BE AFTER A WEEK LIKE THIS?

>> IT'S, YOU KNOW, ESPECIALLY THIS HORRIBLE TRAGEDY CAN GET YOU DOWN, BUT I THINK THAT THROUGH THIS WE SEE A LOT OF STRENGTH AND A LOT OF HOPE, A LOT OF GOODNESS IN PEOPLE, A LOT OF SUPPORT FROM A LOT OF DIFFERENT AGENCIES, BUT ALSO COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

SO DESPITE THE TRAGEDY, THERE'S HOPE WHEN ALL OF US ARE COMING TOGETHER LIKE THIS TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER.

>> Cathy: HOW ARE THE FIRST RESPONDERS DOING?

I MEAN, THIS IS A LOT.

>> YEAH, IT IS A LOT.

AND WE'RE ENSURING THAT THEY ARE PROVIDED RESOURCES AS WELL.

WE WERE EVEN JUST TALKING ABOUT ANIMAL THERAPY, THERE'S A LOT OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

WE'RE REALLY MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE TAKING CARE OF OUR PEOPLE.

>> Cathy: I'M WONDERING ABOUT ANY AFTER-ACTION REPORT, I'M SURE Y'ALL WILL DO SOMETHING LIKE HAT, BUT ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE RESPONSE?

DID EVERYTHING GO AS PLANNED?

>> I'M REALLY SATISFIED WITH THE RESPONSE.

WE WENT THROUGH SOME TRAINING OUT EAST WHERE IT WAS PART OF THE AFTER-ACTION FROM 2020 REPORT, THIS IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ABOUT 70 OF US CITY EMPLOYEES, WITH SOME FOLKS FROM THE STATE, AND I BELIEVE THE COUNTY, WENT OUT EAST FOR FEMA TRAINING WHERE WE STAYED FOR ABOUT A WEEK, AND THAT HAS REALLY PAID OFF TO WHERE WE ARE WITH DIRECTOR SAYRE DOING A LOT OF TABLE-TOP EXERCISES WITH US.

SO VERY PLEASED AT OUR RESPONSE.

>> Eric: WHERE DO E GO FROM HERE?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, ONE THING I LEARNED FROM DIRECTOR SAYRE, WHO THE GOT HERE EARLIER THIS YEAR, WAS THAT, YOU KNOW, WE PREPARE AND WE RESPOND AND THEN IT'S THE PROCESS OF RECOVERY.

AND, SO, THIS INITIAL RESPONSE IS OVER, ND NOW WE'RE -- YOU KNOW, WE HAVE THE FAMILY ASSISTANT FACILITY OR CENTER'S AROUND, SO THAT'S THERE, BUT WE'RE STILL IN THE RECOVERY PROCESS.

>> Cathy: AND RACHEL TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW YOU AW THE RESPONSE AND THEN HOW'S YOUR TEAM GOING TO GO FORWARD?

>> YEAH.

I'M INCREDIBLY PROUD TO WORK FOR THE CITY AND HAVE BEEN A PART OF THIS REALLY ROBUST RESPONSE.

WE'VE SPENT EVERY MINUTE THE LAST FEW DAYS FOCUSED ON THE AFFECTED PEOPLE IN THIS TRAGEDY, THE SCHOOL FAMILIES, THE PARISH, THE NEIGHBORHOODS, OUR FIRST RESPONDERS.

AND WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING ON EXACTLY HOW TO PROVIDE SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, ACCESS TO FUNDS MOVING FORWARD BECAUSE THAT IS HOW YOU RECOVER, AND IT'S NOT A QUICK PROCESS, BUT THAT IS OUR JOB AND WE'RE GOING TO BE HERE TO HELP THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY RECOVER.

>> Eric: WHEN YOU FORMULATE A PLAN LIKE THIS IN PREPARATION FOR, YOU NOW, GOD FORBID THIS HAPPENS, DO YOU JUST LOOK AT BEST PRACTICES AROUND THE COUNTRY OR WHAT GOES INTO MAKING THE TRAINING?

>> THERE'S A LOT OF PROTOCOLS THAT WE FOLLOW, BUT I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT WE'VE LEARNED FROM THE AFTER-ACTION REPORT IN 2020 WAS KNOWING WHAT OUR INDIVIDUAL ROLES ARE AND ALSO UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO DO.

AND, SO, WITH ALL THE PRACTICE, I JUST THINK, YOU KNOW, WHEN WE GOT THE ALERT THAT VERYONE JUST WENT INTO ACTION BECAUSE IT BECOMES MUSCLE MEMORY FOR US.

YOU KNOW, SO I JUST CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE RESPONSE ROM OUR STAFF AND ALL THE PARTNERS HAVE JUST BEEN PHENOMENAL.

>> Cathy: SO WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT GOING FORWARD.

>> YES.

>> Cathy: THE GOVERNOR IS SENDING, EVIDENTLY, SOME STATE TROOPERS AND DNR CONSERVATION OFFICERS, AND THEY'LL PATROL SCHOOLS AND -- >> WELL, WE HAVE -- YOU'RE ASKING ABOUT OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

SO, SOME OF OUR OFFICERS WHO RESPONDED, PART OF THEIR WELL-BEING AND THEIR MENTAL HEALTH IS TO ALLOW THEM SOME TIME OFF.

AND, SO, WE HAVE OTHER AGENCIES HELPING PATROL NEIGHBORHOODS, ALSO WE KNOW THAT COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY AROUND PLACES OF WORSHIP, AROUND SCHOOLS.

SO STATE PATROL IS HELPING US WITH PROVIDING THAT SAFETY NET FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

>> Cathy: ALL RIGHT.

WE WISH YOU ALL WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> Cathy: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> Eric: THANKS FOR COMING OVER.

>> Cathy: APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU.

[ SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING ] >> CATHY: THE ISSUE OF GUN VIOLENCE AND MASS SHOOTINGS IS NOT NEW TO THIS STATE OR THIS COUNTRY.

WE'RE GOING TO SPEND SOME TIME NOW TALKING WITH THE CO-FOUNDER OF THE VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROJECT.

A NONPROFIT RESEARCH CENTER BASED AT HAMLINE UNIVERSITY THAT COMPILES AND STUDIES DECADES OF DATA ON MASS SHOOTINGS.

JAMES DENSLEY IS A PROFESSOR AND HEAD OF THE CRIMINOLOGY AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AT METRO STATE.

I WISH IT WAS UNDER BETTER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT YOU'RE HERE.

IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> YES, THANK YOU.

IT'S GOOD TO BE HERE BUT I WISH WE DIDN'T HAVE TO HAVE THIS CONVERSATION.

>> Cathy: YOU HAVE THIS EXTENSIVE DATABASE, AND FROM WHAT WE UNDERSTAND OF THE SHOOTER, APPARENTLY THAT PERSON FITS THE PROFILE PRETTY WELL?

>> YES.

SADLY, THIS IS SOMETHING WE SEE TIME AND TIME AGAIN.

AND ONE OF THE KEY FACTORS IS THIS STUDYING OF THE PAST MASS SHOOTERS.

THIS PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL SEEMED TO BE OBSESSED WITH THE HISTORIES OF THOSE WHO PERPETRATED CRIMES SIMILAR TO THIS.

AND IT'S THE SENSE OF TRYING TO FIND THEMSELVES IN THEIR OWN STORIES AND THEN FOLLOWING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS.

THERE'S A KIND OF COPYCAT PHENOMONA HERE, THAT'S BOTH CHILLING BUT ALSO SOMETHING THAT WE UST SEE ROUTINE TIME AND TIME AGAIN.

AND I THINK WHEN IT COMES OWN -, WHEN SOMEBODY IS STRUGGLING IN LIFE, THEY'RE SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS OF WHY THEY FEEL THE WAY THEY FEEL, AND THEY'RE SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING TO RELATE TO AND CONNECT TO.

UNFORTUNATELY, THEY'RE FINDING THOSE ANSWERS ON THE DARKEST CORNERS OF THE INTERNET, AND THAT'S WHERE THEY BECOME SORT OF RADICALIZED TO THE VIOLENCE.

>> ONE OF YOUR EXPERTISE IS THE INTERNET AND THE SHOOTINGS.

AND I WAS INTERESTED TO TALK TO YOU BECAUSE THERE WAS LIKE A 20-MINUTE VIDEO THAT THE SHOOTER LAUNCHED ON YouTube BEFORE THE SHOOTING.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> Eric: AND, AGAIN, THAT FITS A PATTERN.

>> IT DOES.

AND IT SPEAKS A LITTLE BIT TO LEAVING BEHIND A LEGACY THAT OTHERS THEMSELVES MAY SEEK TO FOLLOW.

AND IT, AGAIN, FEEDS INTO THIS NARRATIVE THAT THIS KEEPS HAPPENING.

IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, THE POSTING OF THIS SPEAKS A LITTLE BIT TO THE SEARCH FOR NOTORIETY AND FAME, WHICH ALSO SEEMS TO BE A DRIVING FACTOR BEHIND SOME OF THESE MASS SHOOTERS.

THEY ARE SEEKING THIS TO E A FINAL ACT.

IT'S WHY SO MANY OF THEM IE ON THE SCENE.

AND, AGAIN, THIS HAPPENED THIS WEEK.

THIS FINAL ACT IS ITSELF A PERFORMANCE.

IT'S ABOUT GETTING YOUR GRIEVANCE OUT THERE TO THE WORLD.

AND PART OF THAT IS LEAVING BEHIND THAT LEGACY SUCH AS POSTING A VIDEO ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

>> Cathy: IS THAT WHY POLICE CHIEF BRIAN O'HARA REFUSES TO SAY THIS PERSON'S NAME?

>> IT IS.

THERE'S SOMETHING WE OFTEN CALL THE NO NOTORIETY PROTOCOL, AS MUCH AS WE CAN, TO TRY AND AVOID PROVIDING THE INFAMY AND FAME THAT THAT PERSON WAS SEEKING.

SO TO THAT EXTENT, IT'S ALSO WHY I'M NOT SAYING THEIR NAME NOW EITHER.

I WANT TO FOCUS MUCH MORE ON THE HEROISM AT THE TIME FROM THE FIRST RESPONDERS, THE SURVIVORS, AND, OF COURSE, THE VICTIMS WHO HAVE LOST, YOU KNOW, THEIR LOVED ONES AND SO ON.

SO THAT'S A BIG PIECE OF THIS, IS NOT GIVING THEM WHAT THEY'RE LOOKING FOR.

>> Eric: YOU TALK ABOUT SHOOTER DRILLS, BEEFED-UP SECURITY, POLICE IN THE SCHOOLS, ARMING TEACHERS.

YOU SAY NONE OF THAT IS EFFECTIVE.

>> THIS IS THE SAD THING ABOUT THIS.

NINE TIMES OUT OF TEN THESE ARE INDIVIDUALS, PARTICULARLY IN SCHOOL AND CHURCH SETTINGS, THAT HAVE A PRIOR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE TARGETS.

SO THEY'RE EITHER A CURRENT OR FORMER STUDENT OR A MEMBER OF THAT CONGREGATION, FOR INSTANCE.

THEY'RE VERY SAW -- THEY'RE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE SECURITY PROTOCOLS, THEY WALK IN AND OUT OF THEM ON A DAILY BASIS.

SO IF WE'RE ONLY RELYING ON THOSE THINGS, THAT'S PROBLEMATIC.

WE HAVE TO GET MUCH MORE UPSTREAM OF THE PROBLEM SO THAT WHEN SOMEBODY'S ON THAT PATHWAY TO VIOLENCE, WE'RE INTERVENING BEFORE THEY GET TO THE UILDING, BEFORE THIS HAPPENS.

THE OTHER THING ABOUT THE ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILLS, IF DONE CORRECTLY, AND IN MINNESOTA THEY'VE ACTUALLY PASSED LEGISLATION AROUND THIS, TO BE MORE TRAUMA-INFORMED, THEN I THINK THEY CAN BE BENEFICIAL.

BUT WE ALSO NEED TO REMEMBER THAT BECAUSE IT'S THE INSIDER WHO'S PERPETRATING THIS, THEY ARE BEING RUN THROUGH THOSE SAME DRILLS AS WELL.

AND I WORRY ABOUT NORMALIZING THIS FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

WE'RE PUTTING A LOT ON THE BACKS OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

IT'S THE FAILURE OF THE ADULTS THAT'S THE PROBLEM HERE.

IT BREAKS MY HEART THAT THEY'RE HAVING TO DEAL WITH THIS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS WHEN THEY SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON EVERYDAY LIFE IN SCHOOL.

>> Cathy: HOW IN THE ORLD THEN DO YOU MOVE UPSTREAM TO TRY TO OCUS ON SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE HEADING IN THIS DIRECTION?

I SAY THIS BECAUSE ONE OF HIS -- ONE OF THE SHOOTER'S FORMER TEACHERS WAS ONLINE TALKING ABOUT HOW THIS PERSON WAS CLEARLY VERY DISTURBED AT A VERY YOUNG AGE.

AND MAYBE DIDN'T GET THE HELP.

I MEAN, WHERE ARE THE POINTS IN SOMEONE'S LIFE WHERE INTERVENTION SHOULD BE?

>> I THINK, ACTUALLY, THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PIECE, IS AFTER THESE TERRIBLE TRAGEDIES, IT CAN OFTEN FEEL VERY HOPELESS AND WE CAN FEEL VERY HELPLESS IN THIS, BUT MY MESSAGE FOR EVERYONE IS REALLY, WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, AND IT REALLY RELIES ON US TO LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER, TO BE TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER.

IF YOU'VE GOT SOMEBODY IN YOUR LIFE, A LOVED ONE, THAT YOU'RE A LITTLE BIT CONCERNED ABOUT, KNOWING HOW TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT THAT, NOT IN A PUNITIVE WAY, WE'RE NOT TRYING TO PUNISH PEOPLE, WE'RE TRYING TO GET THEM CONNECTED TO THE HELP AND SUPPORT THAT THEY NEED.

>> Eric: RED FLAG LAWS?

>> THAT'S A GREAT EXAMPLE.

SO MINNESOTA PASSED LEGISLATION AROUND RED FLAG LAWS FOR THIS.

IF YOU KNOW A LOVED ONE WHO'S IN CRISIS, THAT'S NOT THE TIME WHEN THEY SHOULD BE HAVING ACCESS TO A FIREARM.

SO, IF WE CAN GET UPSTREAM OF THIS, WE CAN SEE PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES WHO ARE STRUGGLING, AND THEN GET THEM THE HELP AND SUPPORT THAT THEY EED.

THAT'S REALLY WHERE THE ACTION IS.

AND THAT RELIES ON ALL OF US.

WE NEED TO BUILD THOSE SYSTEMS THAT WE FEEL COMFORTABLE SPEAKING OUT, THAT YOU'RE NOT A SNITCH IF YOU DO SO.

IN FACT, ALL YOU'RE DOING IS COMING FROM A PLACE OF CARE AND COMPASSION TO HELP SOMEBODY.

>> Eric: REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR EXPERTISE IN THIS.

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR COMING OVER.

>> Cathy: THANKS FOR YOUR WORK.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

MY PLEASURE.

>> Cathy: WE APPRECIATE IT.

♪ SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ♪ >> ERIC: IN TIMES OF TRAUMA AND VIOLENCE, IT CAN BE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT FOR ADULTS TO KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO THE CHILDREN IN THEIR LIVES.

ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ADULTS ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING UNCERTAINTY AND FEAR AND GRIEF.

DR. PJ STRIKER IS A CHILD PSYCHIATRIST WHO WORKS AT CHILDREN'S MINNESOTA.

WHERE DO YOU START AFTER AN EVENT LIKE THIS?

I MEAN, WHAT ARE SOME INITIAL STEPS?

>> I THINK IT'S, FIRST, IMPORTANT TO REALIZE, WE ALL WILL HAVE EMOTIONS AROUND THIS.

THIS IS A REALLY SCARY, HARD THING THAT HAPPENED.

AND IT'S OKAY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AS A GROWN-UP AND THEN SAY TO YOUR CHILD, WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS?

WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM ME?

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE?

AND JUST REALLY TO MODEL THAT IT'S OKAY TO HAVE THE FEELINGS.

WE CAN TALK ABOUT THE FEELINGS TOGETHER, EXPERIENCE THE FEELINGS TOGETHER, THEN WE CAN WORK THROUGH IT TOGETHER.

>> Cathy: WHAT QUESTIONS DO KIDS MOSTLY HAVE ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS?

>> I THINK THE BIGGEST QUESTIONS WILL BE, AM I SAFE?

WHO'S GOING TO KEEP ME SAFE?

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO KEEP ME SAFE?

AND I THINK IT'S OKAY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU'RE SCARED, AND HERE'S HOW I CAN KEEP YOU SAFE.

ADULTS ARE HERE TO KEEP YOU SAFE.

AND LET'S IDENTIFY WHO THOSE PEOPLE WOULD BE.

IS IT A PARENT?

IS IT A TEACHER?

IS IT SOMEBODY ELSE IN THE SCHOOL?

IS IT A LOVED ONE, WHETHER IN THE COMMUNITY?

HELP THEM FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PLAN WILL BE.

>> Cathy: BECAUSE I'M BETTING THE FIRST TIME FOR MANY OF THESE KIDS, THE FIRST TIME THEY REALIZE THAT THE SWORLD A DANGEROUS PLACE.

IT'S GOING TO BE KIND OF A SHOCK.

>> I THINK IT IS A SHOCK.

[ THE WORLD IS A DANGEROUS PLACE ] AND THEY MAY HAVE REACTIONS, THEY MAY CRY, THEY MAY SHUT DOWN, THEY MAY HAVE BEHAVIORS.

LUCKILY, WITH MOST OF THESE KIDS WITH REASSURANCE, LOVE, HUGS, TIME, SPACE, THEY WILL GET BETTER.

AND I THINK IT'S UP TO US AS ADULTS TO JUST KIND OF HELP CONTAIN THEM AND TO HELP THEM START FEELING SAFE AGAIN.

>> Eric: SURVIVOR GUILT, DOES THAT COME INTO PLAY AT ALL?

>> I THINK SO.

YOU KNOW, I THINK AS KIDS START THINKING ABOUT GOING T TO -- GOING BACK TO SCHOOL, IT'S LABOR DAY WEEKEND, A LOT OF KIDS ARE GOING TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THERE MAY BE GUILT, RIGHT?

WHAT IS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL GOING TO LOOK LIKE FOR ME?

AND I THINK IT'S OKAY TO TILL EXPERIENCE AN EXCITEMENT ABOUT THAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL THING, KEEP OUR ROUTINES, KEEP THE NORMAL THINGS THAT HELP US CONTINUE TO FUNCTION ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.

>> Cathy: THE KIDS WHO WERE ACTUALLY IN THOSE PEWS, I WONDER, HOW LONG WILL T TAKE THEM TO RECOVER?

ANY IDEA?

>> THE GOOD THING ABOUT KIDS IS THAT THEY'RE SO RESILIENT, RIGHT?

AND IT MAY BE HARD, THERE MAY BE EBBS AND FLOWS, AND, YOU KNOW, THE FIRST TIME THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL OR BACK O MASS MAY BE HARDER AND IT WILL BE UP TO THE ADULTS TO REALLY HELP THEM GET THROUGH THAT, RIGHT, PREPARE THEM BEFORE THEY GO BACK, HELP THEM SETTLE AFTERWARDS.

AND THEN THERE MAY BE WAVES, RIGHT?

COMING BACK FROM CHRISTMAS BREAK, COME BACK -- COMING BACK THE NEXT YEAR, RIGHT, THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR STARTS, REALLY I THINK IT WILL COME AND GO.

>> Eric: IS IT DANGEROUS FOR A CHILD TO BURY THE EVENT AND NOT REFER TO IT?

DO YOU HAVE NEED TO HAVE SOME TALKING THERAPY HERE?

>> WELL, I THINK EVERYBODY WILL DEAL WITH IT DIFFERENTLY, RIGHT?

AND SOME KIDS WILL BE OKAY WITH REASSURANCE AND THE LOVE AND SUPPORT AND THINGS WILL BE FINE.

AND THERE'S KIDS WHO MAY CONTINUE TO REALLY STRUGGLE.

AND I THINK THAT'S WHEN IT'S IMPORTANT TO REACH OUT TO A THERAPIST.

I'M SO PROUD OF OUR COMMUNITY FOR COMING TOGETHER.

THERE'S SO MANY THERAPISTS THROUGHOUT THAT ARE WILLING TO SEE KIDS, FAMILIES, REALLY, ANYBODY AFFECTED, PRO BONO, I KNOW THERE'S LISTS AND LISTS OUT THERE OF THERAPISTS WHO WILL HAVE IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY.

IT'S REALLY AMAZING TO SEE OUR COMMUNITY STEP FORWARD.

>> Cathy: IT'S A LOT OF WORK FOR THERAPISTS, TOO, BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THERE'S RESIDUE FOR EVERYONE ON THIS, RIGHT TO DEAL WITH LISTENING TO ALL THIS TRAUMA.

>> YEAH.

WELL, I THINK WE TRY TO BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER.

I SPOKE TO ONE OF THE E.D.

SOCIAL WORKERS WHO WAS THERE IN MINNEAPOLIS, AND JUST, YOU KNOW, TRY TO LISTEN TO HER EXPRESS HER FEELINGS AND HER FEARS AROUND IT.

IT'S REALLY GOOD FOR EVEN THE ADULTS TO HAVE GOOD SUPPORT NETWORKS AND SUPERVISION AND MENTORSHIP AND JUST TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES TOO.

>> Cathy: WHERE IS A GOOD RESOURCE THAT YOU'D LIKE TO POINT PEOPLE TOWARD IN TERMS OF HAVING THESE CONVERSATIONS?

>> SO, OUR COUNTY CRISIS TEAMS ARE PRETTY AMAZING.

THEY WILL COME TO PEOPLE'S HOUSES, THEY WILL DIRECT YOU TO RESOURCES.

CHILDREN'S MINNESOTA WILL HAVE THE AVAILABILITY TO SEE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT IN THE IMMEDIATE AND THE UPCOMING FEW WEEKS.

AND REACH OUT, REACH OUT TO US, EVEN IF WE DON'T HAVE AVAILABILITY AT CHILDREN'S MINNESOTA, WE WILL CONNECT YOU WITH SOMEBODY.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT.

>> Cathy: APPRECIATE IT.

>> Eric: THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERTISE.

WE APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> Cathy: APPRECIATE IT.

♪ >> CATHY: A NEW MEMOIR ENTITLED "HOW I FOUND MYSELF IN THE MIDWEST" FOLLOWS THE JOURNEY OF A MINNESOTAN FROM HIS LIFE BEGINNINGS IN NORTHFIELD TO GOOGLE EXECUTIVE IN SILICON VALLEY AND BACK TO MINNESOTA WITH A STOP IN STATE GOVERNMENT BEFORE BECOMING THE PUBLISHER OF THE "STAR TRIBUNE."

STEVE GROVE AND HIS FAMILY RETURNED HOME TO THE NORTH STAR STATE IN 2019, AND HE CHRONICLES THAT JOURNEY IN HIS NEW BOOK.

WELCOME BACK TO "ALMANAC."

>> THANKS, CATHY.

GOOD TO SEE YOU.

HI, ERIC.

>> Cathy: YOU KNOW, YOU COULD HAVE STAYED IN CALIFORNIA, FOR GOODNESS SAKES.

>> I KNOW.

>> Cathy: PROBABLY HAD A HECK OF A LIFE THERE BUT YOU CAME BACK.

>> I DID.

WE REMEMBER THAT EVERY JANUARY.

YOU KNOW, WE DID COME BACK.

AND I GREW UP HERE AS YOU MENTIONED THE MY WIFE, MARY, LIKES TO JOKE THAT EVERY MINNESOTAN HAS A HOMING BEACON INSIDE OF THEM THAT GOES OFF AFTER A CERTAIN POINT IN TIME.

FOR ME IT WAS LATER LIFE.

I DIDN'T KNOW WE WOULD COME BACK.

FOR THE TWO OF US, WE HAD YOUNG TWINS, LIVING IN THE VALLEY THERE, ENJOYING IT.

BOY, WHAT ABOUT A CHAPTER HERE?

FOR RAISING KIDS IN MINNESOTA.

PEOPLE HERE KNOW, IT'S A GOOD PLACE TO DO THAT.

WE DECIDED TO TAKE A SWING.

>> Cathy: IS YOUR FAMILY STILL CONVINCED THAT THIS IS A GOOD MOVE?

>> NO, WE'RE ALL IN.

THE BOOK DOESN'T MINCE ANY WORDS ON THAT.

BECAUSE EVERYONE WHO COMES BACK AS HAS A JOURNEY AND THERE'S UPS AND DOWNS, INTEGRATING BACK TO A TOWN IS HARDER.

FOR ME, LEAVING GOOGLE, GOING TO STATE GOVERNMENT, CAME WITH ITS OWN JOYS AND CHALLENGES.

WAS PROUD TO SHARE SOME OF THOSE IN THE BOOK.

HOPEFULLY WE CAN LEARN FROM THAT.

>> Eric: YOU WENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

YOU HAD ROCK 'EM SOCK 'EM ACTION.

>> WE DID.

>> Eric: YOU DID COVID.

TAKE US BEHIND THE SCENES, THOSE DELIBERATIONS, AS YOU WERE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE EPIDEMIC?

>> SUCH A UNIQUE TIME IN THE STATE, AND I AS HIRED BY OUR GOVERNOR TO BE THE JOBS COMMISSIONER AND THE WHOLE POINT WAS TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES, START-UPS, GROW JOBS, OF COURSE, ON THE FIRST WEEK OF COVID, WE OST 417,000 JOBS IN ONE WEEK.

IT WAS SORT OF THE OPPOSITE JOBS IN A LOT OF WAYS.

EVERY STATE WAS FIGURING THIS OUT WITHOUT A NATIONAL PLAYBOOK TO GUIDE US.

AND WE AD TO NAVIGATE IT TOGETHER.

WE HAD LOTS OF INTERNAL MEETINGS, WHICH I CHRONICLE IN THE BOOK, HEALTH OFFICIALS WERE BRINGING HEALTH DATA FORWARD, MY TEAM AND I WERE BRINGING ECONOMIC DATA FORWARD, THE GOVERNOR IS LISTENING TO THAT, MAKING THE BEST DECISIONS HE COULD WITH WHAT WE HAD, TRYING TO MITIGATE THE DAMAGE ON A WHOLE HOST OF FRONTS.

DID WE GET IT PERFECTLY RIGHT?

NO.

AS I SHARE IN THE BOOK, WE GOT IT AS BEST WE COULD, AND I THINK MINNESOTA FARED BETTER THAN MOST.

FOR ME, THOUGH, I THINK, FOR A PERSONAL LEVEL, IT WAS REALLY PURPOSEFUL TO BE INSIDE OF STATE GOVERNMENT.

I ENJOYED BEING AT GOOGLE, THERE'S GLOBAL SCALE, FOR SURE.

BUT TAKING A TURN INSIDE THE PUBLIC SECTOR, I THINK, IS SOMETHING I RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY, THE CHANCE TO SERVE IN THAT WAY, ESPECIALLY IN A CRISIS, I WOULD ARGUE, IS REALLY AN ONOR.

AND IT'S A CHANCE TO GIVE BACK IN WAYS THAT I FOUND REALLY MEANINGFUL.

>> Cathy: WHAT SKILLS DOES A TECH EXEC BRING TO NEWSPAPERING?

>> YEAH, WELL, I CERTAINLY PROBABLY WASN'T THE NATURAL CHOICE TO LEAD THE STRIB BECAUSE I HAVEN'T LED OR WORKED AT A NEWSPAPER BEFORE.

GLEN TAYLOR, OUR OWNER, OUR BOARD, WERE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

AS EVERYONE KNOWS WHO'S WATCHING, MEDIA TODAY FACES ALL KINDS OF CHALLENGES, IN MINNESOTA, IN PARTICULAR.

IN MINNESOTA, WE'VE OST 2/3 OF THE JOURNALISTS IN THE STATE, OVER THE DECADE, NATIONWIDE, 75% OF THE FOLKS IN THE POSSESSION WE'VE LOST.

IT'S A CIVIC DUTY.

GLEN AND THE TEAM SAID THEY WANTED TO REINVEST IN THE PAPER, THAT'S A BIG DEAL, NOT MANY OWNERS -- OWNERS ARE DOING THAT, THEY WANTED AN OUTSIDER TO COME IN AND DO THAT.

IT'S A PLEASURE TO GET TO DO.

WE HAVE SOME OF THE BEST PULITZER PRIZE WINNING JOURNALISTS IN THE COUNTRY.

SUBSCRIBERS GOING DOWN 15, 20% EVERY YEAR.

IF WE DON'T PUT DIGITAL AT THE CENTER OF OUR WORK, THIS THING ISN'T GOING INEVITABLY BE AROUND, SO THAT'S THE TASK WE HAVE.

>> Eric: WHAT'S THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, RIGHT NOW, AS FAR AS LIKE A STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS?

YOU WERE PART OF THE GEORGE FLOYD RECOVERY.

>> YEAH.

>> Eric: EFFORT.

AND BRING SOME VITALITY BACK TO LAKE STREET, SO FORTH.

AND I WONDER, AFTER THIS WEEK, I WONDER HOW YOU SENSE WE'RE DOING.

>> YEAH.

WELL, IT'S SUCH A DEVASTATING WEEK, I'M SO LAD YOUR PROGRAM DEMAND WITH SOME RESOURCES FOR FOLKS TO CONSIDER.

IT'S A CHALLENGING TIME FOR OUR JOURNALISTS, TOO, WHO ARE ON THE FRONT LINES OF THIS, TELLING THE STORIES THAT ARE IMPORTANT.

I THINK WE'RE ALL SCRATCHING OUR EADS AND WONDERING WHY HERE, HOW HERE.

I DO THINK THIS IS A STATE THAT MOST DATA WILL TELL YOU, PUNCHES ABOVE ITS WEIGHT IN SO MANY PLACES.

JUST LAST MONTH, A NATIONAL POLL RELEASED SAID THIS IS THE STATE WITH THE MOST STATE PRIDE OF ANY STATE, OF ALL 50.

SO I DO THINK HAT MINNESOTA EXCEPTIONALISM MIGHT SERVE US WELL TO STRIVE FOR BETTER.

BUT I WOULD SAY THERE'S LOTS OF THINGS WE NEED TO TACKLE, THE ECONOMY, IN PARTICULAR, WE'VE GOT TO GROW OUR TALENT BASE.

YOU KNOW, WE HAVE TO HAVE MORE PEOPLE MOVING HERE, WE HAVE TO HAVE AN EASIER HOUSING MARKET.

>> Cathy: HATE THAT.

>> I KNOW, WELL, YOU CAN'T GROW AN ECONOMY ONLY ON PRODUCTIVITY.

YOU GOT TO HAVE MORE PEOPLE HERE, TOO.

I THINK THERE'S SOME ECONOMIC CHALLENGES THAT ARE PRETTY SERIOUS.

AND I THINK WE NEED A NEW VERSION OF THE MINNESOTA MIRACLE, IF YOU WILL, FROM THE '70ss TODAY IF WE'RE GOING TO REVAMP OUR ECONOMY.

>> Eric: AUTOBIOGRAPHY, STATEWIDE LISTENING TOUR, GATHERING A BUNCH OF EXPERTS NEXT MONTH, NORTH STAR SUMMIT.

>> WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

>> Eric: I WANT TO REMIND YOU THAT THE FILING FOR OFFICE FOR 2026 ENDS MAY 19th, NEXT YEAR.

>> I ENJOYED PUBLIC SERVICE, I CAN SEE DOING IT AGAIN IN SOME FUTURE CHAPTER.

I'LL SAY, THE SERVICE OF THE "STAR TRIBUNE" FEELS REALLY MEANINGFUL.

I THINK WHAT JOURNALISM DOES A PUBLIC SERVICE, AS WELL KNOW.

WE'RE EXCITED TO BE DOING IT.

IT'S A REALLY IMPORTANT TYPE FOR THE STRIB.

>> Cathy: I WANT TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE STRIB HERE FOR JUST A QUICK SECOND.

Y'ALL ARE DOING PODCASTS.

I JUST WATCHED RANDY SHAVER OR ATTEMPTED TO WATCH HIM ONLINE STREAMING LAST NIGHT.

DIDN'T EXACTLY WORK TOO WELL IN -- >> WE'RE WORKING THE KINKS OUT.

>> Cathy: I UNDERSTAND.

YOU'RE EXPANDING INTO AREAS THAT TRADITIONAL PAPERS HAVEN'T.

IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO THE DIGITAL PRODUCT THAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT NOW?

>> YEAH, WE'RE TRYING SOME REALLY NEW THINGS.

WE'RE MAKING A MAJOR PUSH IN THE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS, CALLED STRIB VARSITY, MANY LIKE MYSELF, I REMEMBER GROWING UP WATCHING RANDY SHAVER ON PREP SPORTS EXTRA EVERY NIGHT AFTER THE FOOTBALL GAME, RUSH BACK TO THE HOUSES OF OUR FRIENDS TO WATCH THE COVERAGE.

WE BROUGHT HIM PACK IN A NEW ON-AIR ITERATION.

OUR GOAL, IF WE CAN GET EVERY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IN MINNESOTA N OUR PAGES, ONCE A SEASON, THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD SUBSCRIBER DRIVER, YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN THE PAPER AND A PRETTY GOOD VALUE PROPOSITION FOR PEOPLEMENT WE'RE TRYING TO FOCUS ON WHERE OUR BAILIWICK, HYPER OCAL.

SPORTS IS A GOOD WAY TO DO IT.

>> Eric: AVAILABLE AT ALL YOUR LOCAL OUTLETS.

>> INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES, IF YOU CAN, YEAH.

AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE, AMAZON, TOO.

>> Eric: GOOD LUCK WITH IT, THANKS FOR COMING OVER.

>> THANKS.

>> Cathy: GOOD TO SEE YA.

♪ >> ERIC: NEARLY A DOZEN YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE OGLALA LAKOTA TRIBE FROM THE PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA ARE WORKING IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

THEY'RE LEARNING VALUABLE JOB AND LIFE SKILLS THAT THEY PLAN TO TAKE BACK WITH THEM TO HELP THEIR COMMUNITY.

REPORTER KAOMI LEE WENT UP TO COOK COUNTY TO MEET THEM.

♪ BIG BAG IG BAG ♪ ♪ BUT, MY BAG IS LOADED P WITH SNACKS AND DIFFERENT FOODS ♪ >> Kaomi: HOW IT'S GOING.

>> IT STARTED OFF AS A SOCIAL TREND, SOCIAL MEDIA, BASICALLY T A FOOD I IS?

WHEN YOU'RE A FOOD I, THAT'S WHAT IT IS BASICALLY, IF YOU CAN EAT THAT MUCH, THEN YOU KNOW YOUR BACK GROWS.

>> THE NAME BIG BACK EATS STUCK.

THE FOOD STAND QUIETLY OPENED THIS SUMMER.

IT'S LOCATED HALFWAY UP THE GUNFLINT TRAIL IN GRAND MARAIS.

IT'S ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE TRAIL CENTER LODGE AND IS OPEN ON DAYS THE RESTAURANT IS CLOSED.

>> I DIDN'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING LIKE WE DO IN TRAIL CENTER BECAUSE I'VE BEEN DOING IT FOR 30 YEARS.

>> Kaomi: SARAH HAMILTON IS THE OWNER AND OPERATOR.

THE MENU JUST CAME TO HER.

>> I THINK IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE OF RECIPES ON TIKTOK.

>> Kaomi: IT MAY BE THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE STATE FAIR, BUT FOLKS IN COOK COUNTY DON'T HAVE TO GO TO St. PAUL FOR AMAZING GLOBAL STREET FOOD.

>> WE HAVE A SMASH BURGER FROM THE UNITED STATES.

THEN WE HAVE A KOREAN CORN DOG, WHICH WE'VE HAD A LOT OF FUN WITH HIS.

YOU CAN PUT ANYTHING INSIDE THAT BATTER.

>> Kaomi: LIKE A MILKY WAY BAR, THERE'S ALSO JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN, FRY-BREAD STRAWBERRY SHORT CAKE.

THE REAL STORY ISN'T THE FOOD.

FOR A FEW YEARS, HAMILTON HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING WITH A NONPROFIT CALLED ONE SPIRIT.

SHE BRINGS LAKOTA YOUNG PEOPLE UP FROM THE PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

HOME F THE OWING LALALAKOTA.

THE YOUNG PEOPLE WORK AT TRAIL CENTER AND LEARN JOB SKILLS.

OGLALA.

IN TURN, HAMILTON HAS SUMMER STAFF IN A TIGHT LABOR MARKET.

PINE RIDGE IS ONE OF THE POOREST NATIVE RESERVATIONS IN THE COUNTRY.

>> I BELIEVE T'S 85% IS UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN THERE DUE TO THE LACK OF A LOT OF THINGS.

YOU KNOW, WE DON'T HAVE TRANSPORTATION.

ALSO, LIKE, NO EXTRA JOBS AROUND THE RESERVATION.

>> WE BRING KIDS OVER IN THE SUMMER, HAVE THEM WORK ALL SUMMER, THEN HEAD BACK HOME IN THE FALL.

AND WE FOUND THAT IT WAS GREAT, THEY WERE COMING HERE FOR THE SUMMER, GOING HOME, BUT THEY WERE GOING HOME TO NO JOBS.

SO, WE'VE BEEN WORKING TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO CREATE JOBS FOR THEM TO TAKE HOME WITH THEM.

>> Kaomi: HAMILTON RAISED $20,000 IN DONATIONS TO BUY THE FOOD STAND AND TRAILER.

SHE AND THE LAKOTA YOUNG PEOPLE WORKED ON THE RECIPES TOGETHER.

THEY'RE LEARNING HANDS-ON ABOUT RUNNING A FOOD BUSINESS AND ABOUT LIFE.

>> SHE'S MORE OF A MOTHER THAN A BOSS TO PIECE, PERSONALLY.

AND I CAN SHARE THINGS WITH HER THAT I CAN'T SHARE WITH MOST PEOPLE.

>> Kaomi: FOUNDER JERRY BAKER SAYS ONE SPIRIT MEANS LAKOTA AND NONLAKOTA WORKING TOGETHER.

SHE SAYS THE WORK TRAINING IN GRAND MARAIS IS ABOUT BREAKING A CYCLE OF DESPAIR.

>> ONE OF OUR GOALS FROM THE BEGINNING AS TO PROVIDE WAYS FOR THE PEOPLE THERE TO BE EMPLOYED, AS WELL AS TO MAINTAIN THEIR CULTURE AND HELP THEM ON THE ROAD TO SELF-SUFFIENCY, WHICH S WHAT THEY WANT.

>> THE CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE.

WE CALLED -- IN OUR LANGUAGE WE CALL OUR CHILDREN [ SPEAKING NATIVE LANGUAGE ] AND THAT TRANSLATES TO SACRED BEING.

>> Kaomi: WARREN, GOT, YELLOWHAIR IS A LAKOTA LEADER ON THE RESERVATION.

HE SAYS IT'S ABOUT A HAND-UP NOT A HAND-OUT.

>> BECAUSE OF COLONIZATION IN THE BOARDING SCHOOL ERA, A LOT OF THAT FAMILY VALUES WERE, YOU KNOW, BROKEN DOWN.

TODAY WE'RE DEALING WITH A LOT OF FAMILY DYSFUNCTION BECAUSE OF THAT.

AND, SO, TRYING TO REBUILD OUR NATION.

>> Kaomi: ONE SPIRIT HAS FUNDED A BUFFALO-PROCESSING FACILITY, A YOUTH CENTER, AND IS WORKING TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS ON THE RESERVATION.

HAVING LAKOTA YOUNG PEOPLE RETURN WITH JOB SKILLS AND A FOOD STAND COULD IMPACT GENERATIONS.

ANOLA RUNNING HAWK SAYS SHE'S GOT PLANS TO GO BACK TO COLLEGE AND BECOME A TEACHER.

>> SOMETHING I WANT TO BE IS ACTUALLY BE IN A COMMUNITY WITH KIDS AND TEACHING THEM THINGS HAT I WISHED I COULD LEARN WHEN I WAS THEIR AGE.

♪ >> CATHY: HMONG MINNESOTANS AND OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN GROUPS ARE FACING RENEWED DEPORTATION EFFORTS UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S IMMIGRATION POLICIES.

MINNESOTA IS HOME TO ONE OF THE LARGEST HMONG POPULATIONS IN THE U.S., IN PART DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF THE SECRET WAR IN LAOS SEEING RESETTLEMENTS OF REFUGEES HERE IN THE STATE.

EARLIER THIS MONTH, DFL LAWMAKERS FROM THE ASIAN PACIFIC CAUCUS JOINED ADVOCACY GROUPS TO CALL FOR PARDONS AND CLEMENCY FOR THOSE WITH PAST CONVICTIONS NOW FACING REMOVAL.

KATELYN VUE IS AN IMMIGRATION REPORTER FOR THE "SAHAN JOURNAL" AND HAS BEEN TRACKING THE LATEST.

THERE'S A LOT GOING ON HERE.

SO, FOR PEOPLE NOT AT ALL FAMILIAR WITH THIS, WHAT'S GOING ON?

>> YEAH, SO IN EARLY JUNE, WE KNOW OF ABOUT AT LEAST 15 HMONG PEOPLE IN MINNESOTA THAT WERE ARRESTED BY I.C.E.

AND THEN NOW THEY'RE HELD IN I.C.E.

DETENTION FACILITIES THROUGHOUT INNESOTA, KANDIYOHI, SHERBURNE AND FREEBORN COUNTY.

SO THEY'VE BEEN IN DETENTION SINCE THEN.

I KNOW THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST FIVE WHO WERE TRANSFERRED FROM THE DETENTION FACILITY IN FREEBORN TO LOUISIANA, WHICH IS USUALLY THE FINAL STAGE BEFORE DEPORTATION.

>> Eric: YOU TALKED TO ONE OF THE DETAINEES.

>> I DID, YEAH.

>> Eric: TELL US ABOUT THAT CONVERSATION.

>> YEAH.

WHEN THEY REACHED TOUT ME, YOU KNOW, THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN REALLY GET IN CONTACT WITH THEM IS IF THEY REACH OUT TO YOU FIRST.

BECAUSE THEY ARE IN A DETENTION FACILITY.

[ THEY REACHED OUT TO ME ] BROOKLYN CENTER A LOT OF TIMES THEY'RE IN A REALLY STRAIGHT SITUATION, THEY TELL ME WHAT THEY'RE GOING THROUGH, WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THEIR FAMILIES.

AND THEY SHARE ABOUT THE PAST CONVICTION THAT LED TO THEIR FINAL ORDER OF DEPORTATION.

THEY TALK ABOUT THAT.

AND OFTENTIMES THOSE CRIMES HAVE HAPPENED, YOU KNOW, DECADES AGO, AND IT'S STILL -- IT STILL IMPACTS THEIR LIFE AND, YEAH, I MEAN, I JUST TRY MY BEST TO LISTEN TO WHAT'S HAPPENING BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, I KNOW A LOT OF FOLKS IN THE COMMUNITY ARE CONCERNED.

>> Eric: SURE.

>> Cathy: SO THESE FOLKS ARE BEING DETAINED.

HAVE THERE BEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPORTED?

AND IF SO, WHERE, WHERE TO?

>> YEAH, SO IN MINNESOTA, WE KNOW AT LEAST FIVE -- WE KNOW AT LEAST FIVE WHO ARE IN LOUISIANA AS OF HIS MORNING WHEN I CHECKED.

THERE'S A WEBSITE CALLED I.C.E.

DETAINEE LOCATOR WEBSITE WHERE YOU CAN USE TO LOOK UP THE NAMES OF AN INDIVIDUAL TO FIND OUT WHERE THEY ARE IN THE I.C.E.

DETENTION SYSTEM.

SO THEY'RE IN LOUISIANA.

AND THAT'S USUALLY THE FINAL STAGE BEFORE THEY GET ON A CHARTERED FLIGHT TO GO TO THEIR FINAL DESTINATION, WHICH WOULD BE LAOS FOR THE HMONG PEOPLE.

>> Eric: SO GETTING PARDONS FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT WOULD SEEM LIKE A LONG SHOT, IS THAT FAIR TO SAY?

>> YEAH.

I MEAN, IT'S NOT EVEN LIKE -- YEAH, YOU KNOW, THEY WOULD STILL HAVE TO FOLLOW THE SAME RULES, LIKE IT WOULD STILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PARDONING BOARD, THE GOVERNOR, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THEY STILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH, YOU KNOW, WHY THEY SHOULD BE PARDONED.

SO IT'S NOT LIKE THEY CAN GET FIRST IN LINE OR SPECIAL TREATMENT.

THEY KIND OF DO HAVE TO STILL FOLLOW THE SAME RULES.

>> Cathy: WERE THESE PEOPLE BORN IN LAOS ORIGINALLY OR WERE THEY IN EFUGEE CAMPS WHEN THEY WERE BORN?

I EAN, WHAT IS THEIR BACKGROUND, JUSTE OCCUR YOURSELF.

>> SO A LOT OF THEM WERE BORN IN A REFUGEE CAMP IN THAILAND BEFORE THEY CAME TO THE U.S.

BUT JUST BEFORE YOU CAME -- YOU WERE BORN IN A REFUGEE CAMP DOESN'T MAKE YOU A REFUGEE.

THE U.S. GOVERNMENT DESIGNATES THEM AS LAOS AS THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, WHICH IS WHY THEY'RE SENT TO LAOS WHEN THEY'RE DEPORTED.

BUT A LOT OF THEM CAME TO THE U.S.

WHEN THEY WERE CHILDREN AS REFUGEES.

BUT AS A REFUGEE, YOU'RE NOT ELIMINATED FROM BEING DEPORTED.

YOU'RE ONLY GIVEN A FEW YEARS OF BEING ABLE TO RESETTLE IN THE U.S. BEFORE YOU HAVE TO LATER ON APPLY TO BE A CITIZEN.

>> Cathy: WHAT ARE THE FAMILIES SAYING ABOUT THIS?

>> YEAH, I'VE TALKED TO A LOT OF THE WIVES OF THE MEN WHO WERE GOING THROUGH DEPORTATION.

AND IT'S DIFFICULT TO KIND OF BECOME A SINGLE PARENT ALL OF A SUDDEN.

YOU KNOW, THEY HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN KIDS AND THEY HAVE TO REALLY RELY ON THE OTHER RELATIVES TO HELP SUPPORT, YOU KNOW, THE FINANCIAL AND ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT COMES WITH BEING A PARENT.

>> Eric: HOW SERIOUS WERE THESE CRIMES THAT LED TO CONVICTION?

>> THEY WERE PRETTY SERIOUS CRIMES.

I WILL SAY.

I THINK THAT MOST OF THE ONES IN JUNE WHEN I MENTIONED EARLIER, THE 15, THEY WERE MOSTLY CRIMINAL SEXUAL CRIMES THAT HAPPENED.

>> Eric: OKAY.

>> Cathy: SO I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO KEEP FOLLOWING THIS STORY.

>> EAH.

>> Cathy: YEAH.

>> YEAH.

>> Cathy: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> OF COURSE, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> Cathy: GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, TOO.

THANKS.

>> CATHY: AFTER MONTHS OF DELAY, THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CAPITOL SECURITY MET FOLLOWING A BUILDING BREAK-IN AND SHOOTINGS OF LAWMAKERS.

MARY LAHAMMER HAS BEEN DIGGING INTO THE ISSUE FOR SOME TIME AND BRINGS US SOME BROADER CONTEXT.

>> I CALL THIS MEETING OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CAPITOL AREA SECURITY TO ORDER.

>> Mary: THIS LONG-AWAITED COMMITTEE MEETING COMES AFTER HEARTBREAK IN THE STATE.

>> THIS SUMMER HAS BEEN DEEPLY PAINFUL FOR MANY PEOPLE.

PEOPLE WHO WORK IN THIS CAPITOL, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND STAFF ALIKE.

>> Mary: DESPITE DELAYING DATES FOR EARLIER MEETINGS, THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SAYS CONVENING REGULARLY NOW IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER.

THE MURDER OF REPRESENTATIVE MELISSA HORTMAN AND SHOOTING OF SENATOR JOHN HOFFMAN, ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER DEMOCRATS TARGETED INFORM THE DISCUSSIONS AHEAD.

>> WE CONTINUE TO GRIEVE THEIR LOSS, AND WE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.

OUR HEARTS ESPECIALLY BREAK FOR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.

I AM HONORED THAT MELISSA APPOINTED E TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE.

>> THE ATTACKS N JUNE 14th WERE PARTISAN.

DEMOCRATS WERE TARGETED.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH WORKERS WERE TARGETED.

I DON'T WANT THAT TO BE LOST IN THE CONVERSATION.

>> Mary: LAWMAKERS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE.

>> TONING DOWN THE POLITICAL RHETORIC, THAT ALONE CAN LOWER THE THREAT LEVEL AND IMPROVE PERSONAL SAFETY WHEN WE BEGIN TO TREAT EACH OTHER WITH A GREATER DEGREE OF RESPECT.

>> I'VE BEEN ON THIS COMMISSION NOW FOR 11 YEARS.

AND I WILL SAY THAT SECURITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN VERY MUCH TOP OF MIND FOR ME, AND WE'VE GOT PEOPLE FROM THE PRESS, YOU'VE GOT PEOPLE FROM PARTISAN STAFF, YOU'VE GOT OUR SERGEANT AT ARMS, YOU'VE GOT OUR FRONT DESK STAFF, YOU'VE GOT PEOPLE WHO ARE HERE EVERY SINGLE DAY, AND IT IS OUR JOB TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE PROTECTED WHILE THEY'RE HERE.

>> Mary: THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WORK IN AND VISIT THE ENTIRE CAPITOL COMPLEX.

THE SUPREME COURT CHAMBER IN THE CAPITOL IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BUT EXT DOOR IS NOT.

>> THE TIME HAS COME IN 2025 TO RETHINK HOW THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE OPERATES.

THE MINNESOTA JUDICIAL CENTER IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY BUILDING ON THE CAPITOL COMPLEX WITH FULL-TIME WEAPONS CREENING.

>> Mary: METAL DETECTORS MAY BE THE MOST POLITICALLY DIFFICULT DECISION AHEAD WITH TWO CLOSELY DIVIDED CHAMBERS AND MORE MEMBERS CLEARLY CARRYING WEAPONS AT THE CAPITOL.

WE DOCUMENTED THIS PAST SESSION AS TEMPERS FLARED.

>> YOU WORK FOR US!

>> TO BE ABLE TO MOVE TO A WEAPONS SCREENING SORT OF A PROCESS, WE'RE GOING TO NEED TO WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS WITH THE LEGISLATURE, WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE ABLE TO MOVE THAT THROUGH.

BUT WITHOUT FUNDING, SIGNIFICANT EXPENDITURES CAN'T HAPPEN.

>> Mary: A RECENT TEST OF THE CAPITOL SECURITY ALERT SYSTEM CAME THROUGH EMAIL, NOT EXACTLY THE MOST URGENT WAY TO COMMUNICATE, AND IT DIDN'T REACH MANY PEOPLE WHO WORK OR VISIT HERE.

>> AS YOU'RE WELL AWARE, 201 MEMBERS MILL ABOUT AND HOLD MEETINGS DAY IN AND DAY OUT, AND HEARINGS START EARLY AND HEARINGS GO LATE INTO THE EVENING.

>> THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PRIMARILY ON SITE.

OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE CONCERNS THAT REPRESENTATIVES BRING TO US FOR THEIR TOWN HALLS, MAYBE SOME EVENTS THAT THEY PARTICIPATE IN, MAYBE IT EVEN HAS THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND THEIR HOMES.

AND WE WILL CERTAINLY LIAISON WITH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES.

>> Mary: WE FOLLOWED THE CONCERNS OF THE RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF WHO'S CALLING FOR BAGS AND WEAPONS SCREENINGS BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENED.

>> WE APPRECIATE, ABSOLUTELY 100% APPRECIATE THE NEW-FOUND INTEREST IN CAPITOL SECURITY.

WE WELCOME THOSE DISCUSSIONS.

WE WELCOME HAVING THAT COLLABORATION.

>> Mary: MONTHS AGO, AHEAD OF THE WORST ACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN STATE HISTORY, THE SHERIFF STOOD INSIDE THE CAPITOL WITH US CALLING FOR ACTION.

>> YOU HAVE SOME COMPETING VISIONS OF WHAT ACCESS IS, BUT I HAVE TO TELL YOU, EVERY TIME I HEAR THAT ARGUMENT ABOUT FREE ACCESS, THE PUBLIC WOULD RATHER KNOW THAT THEY'RE IN A SAFE SPACE.

>> Mary: WHAT'S THE PROBLEM ON THE LEFT, WHAT'S THE PROBLEM ON THE RIGHT ON GETTING THIS DONE?

>> WELL, I TRIED TO ALLUDE THAT IN MY LETTER, THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE DISAGREEMENTS OVER PERMITS TO CARRY, AND THEN ON THE OTHER END WE'LL HAVE DISAGREEMENTS OVER CREATING A LAW AND ORDER IMAGE OF OUR CAPITOL.

REALLY, THE MIDDLE GROUND RIGHT NOW IS THE LARGE BAGS, THE LARGE BAGS, FOR ME, ARE THE MOST TROUBLING.

BECAUSE WE ARE RIGHT NOW ALLOWING PEOPLE TO BRING LARGE AUTOMATIC WEAPONS IN THEIR DUFFEL BAGS.

THEY CAN WALK RIGHT IN TO ANY ENTRANCE AND EASILY TAKE OUT A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

>> Mary: SO FAR THIS YEAR, THERE HAVE BEEN 175 REPORTS OF SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, 157 SUSPICIOUS PEOPLE, AND 46 INSTANCES OF DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AT THE CAPITOL, NOT TO MENTION THE ARREST OF AN INTRUDER WHO SNUCK IN, DISROBED AND SAT NAKED IN THE SENATE PRESIDENT'S CHAIR.

>> THIS IS A FOUNDATIONAL MEETING.

AND PART OF WHAT WE ARE GOING TO BE DISCUSSING OVER THE COMING MONTHS IS THE DIFFERENT LEVELS, RIGHT, OF SECURITY, THE DIFFERENT -- FRANKLY, THE LEVEL OF RISK.

>> ERIC: LOTS TO TALK ABOUT THIS SOMBER WEEK, SO LET'S GET RIGHT TO TONIGHT'S POLITICAL PANEL.

REPUBLICANS UP FIRST.

KURT DAUDT IS A FORMER MINNESOTA HOUSE SPEAKER, NOW A POLITICAL CONSULTANT.

FRITZ KNAAK IS A FORMER STATE SENATOR, NOW AN ATTORNEY.

DEMOCRATS WITH THEM, KARLA BIGHAM IS A FORMER STATE LAWMAKER WHO SERVED IN BOTH LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS, SHE'S NOW A WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER.

AND ALYSEN NESSE IS A DFL LOYALIST AND LOBBYIST UP AT THE STATE CAPITOL.

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.

AT THE END OF A TOUGH WEEK.

THE INK ISN'T DRY ON THE POLICE REPORT, AND BOTH PARTIES ARE OUT WITH POLITICAL POINTS ON GUNS, MENTAL ILLNESS.

TOO SOON?

>> I THINK, ACTUALLY, MINNESOTANS WANT ACTION.

AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT HARPER AND FLETCHER DESERVE IS ACTION.

AND, YOU KNOW, I THINK THE DISCUSSIONS OF WHAT THOSE DETAILS ARE WILL, YOU KNOW, COME IN THE COMING WEEKS.

I DO BELIEVE THE INVESTIGATION IS IMPORTANT.

BUT, YOU KNOW, THIS HAS TO STOP!

WE CANNOT HAVE WHERE SCHOOLS ARE HAVING THIS VIOLENCE WHERE YOU CAN'T GO TO A MALL, A GRADUATION CEREMONY AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

WE CAN'T NORMALIZE THIS.

WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING.

THEY HAVE TO COME TOGETHER AND DO SOMETHING.

>> Cathy: WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> YEAH, WE'VE HAD A TOUGH SUMMER, HAVEN'T WE?

IT DOES HAVE TO STOP.

I THINK ONE THING THAT HASN'T BEEN TALKED ABOUT IS THE POLITICAL RHETORIC.

YOU KNOW, I DON'T -- THERE'S GOING TO BE A LOT OF ANALYSIS AS TO WHAT HAPPENED OR WHY THIS HAPPENED.

BUT DEFINITELY WE KNOW THAT THERE WAS A YOUNG MAN WHO WAS NOT WELL, WHO DID THIS OUT OF ANGER AND HATE.

AND, FRANKLY, I THINK WAS RADICALIZED.

I THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE ON THAT.

AND I THINK OT RADICALIZED BY SOME FOREIGN NATION OR SOME OVERSEAS TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.

RADICALIZED BY POLITICAL SPEECH RIGHT HERE IN OUR COUNTRY.

BY POLITICAL SPEECH THAT COMES FROM SOME LEADERS RIGHT HERE IN OUR STATE.

AND AFTER WHAT HAPPENED EARLIER IN THE SUMMER WITH OUR FORMER SPEAKER, AND THE OTHER -- YOU KNOW, HER HUSBAND AND THE OTHER FAMILY, I THINK PEOPLE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION, THAT WHEN WE SAY SOMEONE'S A FASCIST OR A MURDERER, OR THIS OR THAT, PEOPLE AT HOME DOESN'T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND THAT THAT'S AN EXAGGERATION OR THAT IT'S RHETORIC.

>> Eric: THE GOVERNOR IS TALKING TO LEGISLATORS ABOUT A SPECIAL SESSION ON GUNS.

>> YEAH.

THAT DID COME OUT TODAY.

OF COURSE, THERE IS A CHALLENGE WITH A TIED HOUSE AND, FRANKLY, THE SENATE BEING 33-32 FOR THE MOMENT, WITH TWO VACANCIES.

SO, ANYTHING THAT PASSES WOULD NEED TO BE A BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE.

I THINK MINNESOTANS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THE RHETORIC, AS KURT JUST SAID, AND THEY ARE REALLY LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS.

AND THERE ARE COMMON-SENSE SOLUTIONS.

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, TO GET BACK TO YOUR ORIGINAL QUESTION, YEAH, I DO THINK IT'S A LITTLE SOON.

I THINK THAT SOME DEFERENCE NEEDS TO BE GIVEN TO THAT WHOLE COMMUNITY.

THAT'S ABOUT AS TIGHT A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY AS THERE IS.

IT'S RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE TWIN CITIES.

I MEAN, YOU PUT IT ON A MAP, AND IT'S RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.

IT'S ONE OF THE BETTER KNOWN, AND THAT SCHOOL IS ONE OF THE BETTER ELEMENTARY -- CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

AND I JUST -- IT'S BEYOND IMAGINING FOR ME HOW YOU WOULD RECOVER FROM SOMETHING LIKE THIS BECAUSE THERE'S SOMETHING VERY PARTICULAR ABOUT THE TARGETING THAT HAPPENED HERE.

THIS WASN'T JUST, YOU KNOW, PRAYER, WHICH IS, YOU KNOW, A PRAYER SERVICE, SOMETHING LIKE THAT, THIS WAS A CATHOLIC MASS, WHICH IF YOU'RE CATHOLIC, IS THE ABSOLUTE CENTRAL PART F YOUR RELIGION AND YOUR PRACTICE, AND IT'S SACRED AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT, YOU KNOW, IS UNTOUCHABLE AND INVIABLE.

AND YOU PUT THE KIDS IN THERE, THE MOST INNOCENT GROUP IN THERE, AND IT JUST STRIKES RIGHT EXACTLY AT THE HEART OF A COMMUNITY LIKE THAT.

AND I JUST -- YOU KNOW, I PRAY FOR THEM.

I KNOW THAT'S NOT APPARENTLY FASHIONABLE IN SOME CIRCLES.

BUT I PRAY OR THEM.

YOU KNOW, I CERTAINLY HOPE AND BELIEVE THAT THEY'LL BE ABLE TO RECOVER, BUT I JUST CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT THAT WOULD BE LIKE.

>> I PRAY FOR THEM, TOO.

AND IT ALSO HAS TO COME WITH SOME CTIONMENT AND I THINK THE LEGISLATURE NEEDS TO COME TOGETHER TO HAVE ACTION.

AND I THINK -- >> Eric: BUT WHAT ACTION?

ASSAULT WEAPON BAN?

>> I DON'T THINK ANYBODY SHOULD BE WALKING AROUND BEING ABLE TO POP OFF 116 ROUNDS, ERIC.

>> Eric: OKAY.

>> AND THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN A HANDGUN OR A SHOTGUN.

BUT I ALSO THINK THAT THERE ARE, YOU KNOW, WHETHER IT IS, YOU KNOW, THREAT ASSESSMENTS, WHETHER IT IS MENTAL HEALTH, I MEAN, WHY -- WE ARE CUTTING -- MEDICAID IS BEING CUT THAT REALLY GIVES, YOU KNOW, MENTAL HEALTH HEALTHCARE TO FOLKS, SERVICES ARE GOING TO BE CUT AS A RESULT OF THAT.

YOU KNOW, WE CAN'T TAKE AWAY SERVICES THAT PEOPLE THAT CLEARLY ARE IN CRISIS, YOU KNOW, AS HAS BEEN STATED, NEED.

LIKE WE HAVE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT THAT TOO.

>> Cathy: YOU KNOW, REPUBLICANS SAY THAT IF THERE WAS GOING TO BE DECENT GUN CONTROL, DEMOCRATS COULD HAVE DONE IT IN 2023, WHEN THEY CONTROLLED ALL LEVELS OF POWER AT THE LEGISLATURE.

>> YUP.

AND THEY DID.

>> EVERYTHING BUT THE ASSAULT WEAPONS.

>> NO.

THERE'S A LOT OF -- THERE ARE OTHER THINGS THAT WE CAN COVER, BUT THE DFL TRIFECTA DID PASS A RED FLAG LAW, AS WELL AS MORE EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND CHECKS.

A RED FLAG LAW ONLY WORK AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT NEED TO ENFORCE THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE AND, FRANKLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THEM.

SO THEY CAN'T STOP EVERYTHING, BUT IT'S A STEP.

BUT THERE'S OTHER THINGS, LIKE SAFE STORAGE, AND THE SEPARATION OF AMMUNITION AND GUNS.

GUNS ARE THE NUMBER ONE KILLER OF CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES.

IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO GET SO PARTISAN ABOUT IT.

>> ONE OF -- WELL, BUT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THINK MIGHT BE VISITED IN A CONVERSATION ON THE TOPIC OVERALL IS AID THAT WAS DENIED, ESSENTIALLY, WHEN REQUESTED.

SIX ARCHDIOCESES IN MINNESOTA ALL TOGETHER REQUESTED TO BE COVERED THE SAME WAY WHEN THEY WERE PASSING LEGISLATION THAT WAS, YOU KNOW, MAKING SCHOOLS SAFER.

THERE WAS LEGISLATION, A FAIR AMOUNT OF MONEY, THEY WERE SAYING, COUNT US IN, TOO, OUR KIDS NEED TO BE PROTECTED, TOO.

AND THERE WAS A SUBSEQUENT ONE WHERE THEY DID GRANT AIDS AND SO FORTH.

AND, AGAIN, THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, I BELIEVE ALSO OTHERS, WERE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

AND, SO, YOU KNOW, I'D LIKE TO THINK THAT NONE OF THAT WOULD HAVE IMPACTED THIS SITUATION, BUT YOU ONDER.

AND I THINK THAT THAT WOULD BE A VERY NICE THING, A NICE FOOT FORWARD IF THE DFL AND THE GOVERNOR, IN PARTICULAR, WANTED TO HAVE A DIALOGUE ABOUT THIS OVERALL, THAT WOULD BE ONE THING THAT THEY COULD COME UP WITH AND SAY, OKAY, WE'RE GOING TO GIVE YOU THIS, LET'S HAVE A CONVERSATION ON TOP OF THAT ABOUT GUNS.

>> ERIC, I'LL SAY, TOO, ON THE ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN, I'LL JUST REMIND FOLKS THAT, YOU KNOW, WE HAD A FEDERAL ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN FROM 1994 TO 2004.

AND THERE WERE MORE ASSAULT WEAPONS SOLD DURING THAT BAN THAN BEFORE OR AFTER THAT BAN.

THE REALITY IS, THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES AN ASSAULT WEAPON AN ASSAULT WEAPON IS THE WAY THAT IT LOOKS.

IT STILL ONLY FIRES ONE BULLET WHEN YOU PULL THE TRIGGER ONE TIME, WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME AS THE SHOTGUN AND THE PISTOL THAT WERE ALSO FOUND AT THE SCENE.

AND I THINK FOLKS GET NERVOUS IF YOU SAY, WE'RE GOING TO BAN ALL SEMIAUTOMATIC WEAPONS, THAT'S ALMOST ALL GUNS THAT ARE SOLD FOR SPORTING, FOR HUNTING, FOR, YOU KNOW, THE FASTEST-GROWING SPORT IN HIGH SCHOOL IS TRAP SHOOTING.

AND I HAVE BEEN AN ADVOCATE FOR A LONG TIME THAT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THESE KIDS ALMOST HAVE A MANDATORY GUN SAFETY TRAINING IN SCHOOL SO THEY UNDERSTAND -- I REMEMBER WATCHING VIDEOS HEN I WENT THROUGH GUN SAFETY BEFORE I COULD GET A HUNTING LICENSE.

>> Cathy: WHAT ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH PIECE OF THIS?

THAT IS SO IMPORTANT.

>> I THINK THAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE.

AND THAT'S THE THING THAT EVERY SINGLE HOOTER OR EVEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE USED KNIVES OR OTHER WEAPONS IN MASS KILLINGS, THEY ALL HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS.

AND I USED TO SAY WHEN I WAS IN THE LEGISLATURE, IT'S THE PROBLEM THAT WE'VE BEGUN TO ADMIRE.

AND WE HAVEN'T TAKEN REAL STEPS TO SOLVE IT.

I REMEMBER FOLKS GETTING -- THERE'S NO BEDS FOR SOMEBODY WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

AND WE WERE CHECKING PEOPLE INTO EMERGENCY ROOMS OR 100 DAYS, AND THAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE AND THE LEAST EFFECTIVE PLACE TO TREAT SOMEBODY WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS.

>> YOU KNOW, ONE THING WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT, AND THIS REALLY IMPACTS THE COMMUNITY, AND THE COMMUNITY IS HURTING RIGHT NOW, AND THEY'RE WANTING ACTION, BUT LET'S TALK ABOUT THE TRAUMA THAT THESE EVENTS PUT ON OUR POLICE, OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, THE DOCTORS, TOO, THAT IMPACTS OUR COMMUNITIES AS WELL.

THE FAMILIES.

I MEAN, ACTION IS NEEDED ON THIS, AND I JUST THINK THAT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMPONENT, I THINK THERE ARE GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION THAT CAN HAPPEN AND I JUST THINK THAT MINNESOTANS ARE WANTING THEM TO COME TOGETHER TO FIGURE IT OUT.

>> Cathy: IF I'M HEARING YOU ALL CORRECTLY, ARE YOU THINKING THAT A SPECIAL SESSION ON GUNS WOULD JUST BE A BIG MESS ULTIMATELY?

>> I THINK IF DEMOCRATS WERE SERIOUS, AND IF THEY THOUGHT THEY COULD DO IT, AND WHEN THEY DIG INTO HOW YOU WOULD DO IT, THEY REALIZE IT REALLY CAN'T BE DONE.

THEY TRIED IT IN THE PAST AND IT DIDN'T WORK.

SO THERE'S NOT A REAL WAY TO DO IT.

AND I THINK A DEMOCRAT RUSHING TO A MICROPHONE RIGHT NOW TO SAY, WE HAVE TO DO THIS, WE HAVE TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION, WHY HAVEN'T THEY DONE IT ALREADY?

IT COULD HAVE BEEN.

IN MY POLITICAL CAREER, TWO TIMES, AND I WAS ONLY IN FOR 13 YEARS, TWO TIMES DEMOCRATS HAD COMPLETE CONTROL OF STATE GOVERNMENT AND THEY DIDN'T DO IT BECAUSE THEY KNOW -- BILL CLINTON TRIED IT BACK IN THE '70s -- BACK IN THE '90s AND IT DIDN'T WORK.

IT'S VERY INCREDIBLY HARD TO DO.

>> Eric: REAL QUICK, RUMOR, HELP US WITH THE RUMOR.

GOVERNOR WALZ -- >> WHICH ONE?

>> Eric: GOVERNOR WALZ DOESN'T RUN FOR A THIRD TERM.

AMY KLOBUCHAR WINS FOR GOVERNOR.

>> THAT'S THE RUMOR.

>> Eric: IF KLOBUCHAR WINS, SHE APPOINTS WALZ TO HER UNEXPIRED SENATE SEAT.

>> I MEAN, IN A YEAR FULL OF POLITICAL DRAMA, THAT WOULD JUST ADD TO IT.

A RUMOR IT REMAINS.

>> THERE HAVE BEEN ENOUGH NIGHTMARES.

>> Eric: HAS ANYBODY HEARD THAT?

>> THAT'S WHAT WE'RE HEARING.

>> WE'VE HEARD MANY VERSIONS, MANY SCENARIOS.

>> I THINK WALZ -- >> Eric: IF HE DIDN'T RUN, WOULDN'T THE DOMINOES BE FALLING ALL OVER THE PLACE?

>> YES, ABSOLUTELY.

>> I THINK SO.

BUT I HEAR THAT HE BEHIND THE SCENES IS TRYING TO LINE UP AMY KLOBUCHAR TO RUN.

>> Cathy: ALTHOUGH HE LAUGHED AT US WHEN ERIC BROUGHT IT UP AT THE STATE FAIR.

>> WELL -- >> Eric: HE DID -- YEAH, HE SAID -- >> HE LIKES TO LAUGH.

>> Eric: HE SAID THE FIRST HE'D HEARD OF IT WAS FROM ME.

>> I DO THINK HE DOES NOT RUN.

I THINK HE'S DAMAGED ENOUGH AFTER HIS VICE PRESIDENTIAL RUN.

HE'S TAKEN ON A LOT OF WATER.

AND I DON'T THINK HE CAN RUN FOR RE-ELECTION.

AND I DON'T THINK HE WILL.

>> REALLY EMOTIONALLY TAXING FOR HIM.

THE LOSS OF SPEAKER HORTMAN, HIS GOVERNING PART YER.

>> Cathy: I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

>> Eric: THANKS SO MUCH FOR COMING OVER.

>> Cathy: WE APPRECIATE IT, TOO.

WE HAD A FULL SHOW FOR YOU TONIGHT SO WE'LL HAVE A NEW MINNESOTA HISTORY QUESTION FOR YOU NEXT WEEK.

BUT WE DO HAVE TIME FOR SHOW-ENDING MUSIC FROM THE ARCHIVES.

IT WAS THIS WEEK BACK IN 2006 THAT FAMED GUITAR PLAYERS TIM SPARKS AND MICHAEL YOUNG JOINED US IN STUDIO.

TAKE A LISTEN.

WE'LL BE BACK NEXT WEEK.

♪ CAPTIONED BY: VERITEXT/PARADIGM CAPTIONING WWW.VERITEXT.COM >> "ALMANAC" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY MEMBERS OF THIS PUBLIC TELEVISION STATION.

SUPPORT IS ALSO PROVIDED BY... GREAT RIVER ENERGY: PROVIDING WHOLESALE POWER TO 1.7 MILLION PEOPLE THROUGH ITS MEMBER-OWNER COOPERATIVES AND CUSTOMERS.

DELTA DENTAL OF MINNESOTA FOUNDATION: IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH AND HELPING COMMUNITIES THRIVE.

DELTADENTALMN.ORG/TPT.

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

MORE AT EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG.

"ALMANAC" IS A PRODUCTION OF TWIN CITIES PBS FOR THE STATIONS OF MINNESOTA PUBLIC TELEVISION ASSOCIATION.