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

>> Cathy: IN THE NEXT HOUR, WE'LL HEAR ABOUT ANOTHER POTENTIAL HOSPITAL NURSES STRIKE, ASSESS THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY AS 2022 HEADS TO A CLOSE.

WE'LL HAVE SOME LIVE HOLIDAY MUSIC TO GO WITH OUR SPARKLY TREES.

AND MARY LAHAMMER CAUGHT UP WITH OUR STATE'S TOP ELECTION OFFICIAL.

>> Mary: THE LECTION RESULTS ARE IN AND MINNESOTA MAY STILL LEAD THE NATION IN VOTER TURNOUT.

>> I WOULD SAY IN SPORTS TERMS, WE'RE FOR SURE GOING TO BE ON THE MEDAL STAND.

>> Mary: FIND OUT WHAT ELSE I LEARN WHEN I TALK WITH OUR SECRETARY OF STATE.

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: A LITTLE LATER IN THE HOUR, WE WILL HEAR ABOUT A PROGRAM THAT HELPS MINNESOTA FAMILIES SPONSOR UKRAINIANS DISPLACED BY WAR IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY, AND WE'LL GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH SOME LIVE MUSIC RIGHT HERE IN STUDIO "B."

>> Eric: BUT FIRST, A LOOK AT WHAT A SECOND HOSPITAL NURSES STRIKE COULD MEAN FOR A SYSTEM THAT IS ALREADY STRETCHED THIN.

NURSES AT 16 HOSPITALS IN THE TWIN CITIES AND DULUTH VOTED TO AUTHORIZE A STRIKE EARLIER THIS WEEK AND IMMEDIATELY NAMED DECEMBER 11TH AS THE FIRST DAY OF A POSSIBLE WALKOUT.

JEREMY OLSON WRITES ABOUT HEALTH CARE FOR THE "STAR TRIBUNE."

HE COVERED THE HOSPITAL NURSES STRIKE EARLIER THIS FALL AND HAS CONTINUED FOLLOWING THIS LABOR DISPUTE.

WELCOME BACK TO THE PROGRAM.

>> THANK YOU.

>> Eric: SECOND STRIKE IN FOUR MONTHS POSSIBLE.

NINE MONTHS OF NEGOTIATING SO FAR.

HOW DID THIS SITUATION COME TO THIS?

>> WELL, THEY HAVE ADE PROGRESS ON SALARIES.

THEY'RE ABOUT FIVE PERCENTAGE POINTS ABOUT APART.

I THINK THE NURSES WANT ABOUT 20%, THE HOSPITAL WANT 15.

SO THAT'S CLOSE.

HOW TO STAFF THE HOSPITALS, IT'S ACCENTUATED THE SHORTAGE IN HOSPITALS.

NOW, TO ADD STAFFING, ADDS MONEY, AND SO THEY'RE ASKING THE HOSPITALS TO DO JUST THAT AND THAT'S A LOT OF TENSION.

>> Cathy: HOW CAN THIS WORK INTO ACTUALLY A CONTRACT WITH WHEN IT COMES TO STAFFING?

WHAT ARE THEY ASKING FOR SPECIFICALLY?

>> WELL, AT FIRST THEY WERE ASKING PERMISSION IF, ABOUT 51% OF NURSES THAT A SHIFT WAS UNSAFE, THAT THEY'D BE ABLE TO REJECT AND CLOSE DOWN THE UNIT.

HOSPITALS DID NOT WANT TO RELINQUISH THAT KIND OF CONTROL.

IF FALLS ARE INCREASING, IF PRESSURE SORES ARE INCREASING, THAT WILL TRIGGER A CHANGE IN STAFFING.

THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE LOOKING TO DO RIGHT NOW.

>> Eric: THE MINNESOTA NURSES ASSOCIATION IS A POWERFUL PLAYER AT THE LEGISLATURE.

DEMOCRATSARE IN CHARGE AND THERE IS A BILL CIRCULATING THAT WOULD MANDATE RATIO NURSES TO PATIENTS.

IS THAT -- COULD THAT ENTER INTO THE SITUATION HERE?

>> WELL, I MEAN, LET'S BE CLEAR.

THEY'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT NURSE STAFFING AND CONTRACTS SINCE 2010.

THERE WAS A ONE-DAY STRIKE IN 2010 OVER THAT VERY ISSUE.

AND SOMETIMES THOSE THINGS GET BARTERED AWAY OVER CONTRACT TALKS.

SO IT'S REALLY HARD TO KNOW IF THERE'S GOING TO BE LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS ON THAT.

BUT I KNOW HOSPITALS WILL FIGHT ANYTHING THAT TAKES ANYTHING AWAY FROM THEIR CLOAL.

CONTROL.

>> Eric: MOOSE LAKE DID SETTLE.

DO WE KNOW WHAT KIND OF DETAIL?

>> I'M TOLD HAT IT INCREASED THEIR PAY, IT PUT THEM ON FOOTING FOR A SMALL HOSPITAL WITH LARGE HOSPITALS, BECAUSE SMALL HOSPITALS ARE HAVING THE SAME STAFFING AND RECRUITING ISSUES.

AND IT'S REALLY HARD THESE DAYS.

YOUNGS NURSES ARE HARD TO RECRUIT.

THEY TAKE TIME TO TRAIN AND THEY'RE THE MOST LIKELY ONES TO BURN OUT AND LEAVE WITHIN A YEAR, SO FINDING A WAY TO KEEP THAT NURSE IF THE FIRST YEAR, OFFERING LITTLE BONUSES, THAT'S A KEY.

>> Cathy: SO HELP US OUT HERE.

ST. LUKE'S AND THE TWO HARBORS HOSPITAL HAVE STRIKE DATES.

BUT -- WELL, THEY HAVE HAVEN'T SET AN END DATED FOR THE STRIKE, RIGHT?

THE METRO AREA HOSPITALS HAVE SET AN END DATE FOR THE STRIKE.

HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?

>> WELL, IF YOU WANT TO SET A DEFINED STATE -- THERE'S A POPULAR GROWING OPTION FOR UNIONS TO SET ENDS DATES TO THEIR STRIKES BECAUSE IT ALLOWS THEM TO TELL THEIR NURSES, LOOK, THIS IS ALL THE PAIN YOU HAVE TO BEAR.

AND IT'S FAIR TO THE HOSPITALS TOO.

IT SAYS LOOK, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A BITE OUT OF YOU PAY-WISE, BUT IT'S GOING TO TAKE THIS AMOUNT OF TIME.

OTHER NURSES ARE FED UP.

THAT'S KIND OF AN OLD SCHOOL UNION TACTIC, BUT THE ST. LUKE'S NURSES DECIDED THEY WERE GOING TO GO THAT EXTRA STEP.

>> Cathy: AND BY THE WAY, HOSPITALS ARE PRESUMABLY PREPARING FOR A STRIKE.

THE TRAVEL NURSES THAT ARE AVAILABLE, THEY'RE EXPENSIVE.

AND WHAT'S THE NUMBER FOR THEM?

ARE THEIR RANKS DWINDLING TOO?

>> THEY'RE NEEDED IN A LOT OF PLACES RIGHT NOW AND HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN BORROWING TEMP NURSES ALREADY TO COVER THEIR EXISTING STAFFING.

SO THAT'S SHRINKING THE SUPPLY THAT'S AVAILABLE SITTING ON THE SIDE LINE JUST FOR STRIKES.

CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ARE GOING TO HAVE TO CUT THEIR INTENSIVE CARE BEDS IN HALF DURING A STRIKE, WHICH MEANS THEY WOULD TALK ABOUT SECONDING CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS TO OTHER STATES BECAUSE THERE REALLY ISN'T THAT MUCH CAPACITY IN MINNESOTA.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE 144I.C.U.

BEDS, LAST I CHECKED, WE HAVE ABOUT THREE OR FOUR OPEN.

>> Eric: SO NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS HERE.

WHAT HAPPENS GOING FORWARD?

>> JUST FOR YOU, I CHECKED WITH THE SOURCES AND LITERALLY THERE ARE TALKS ONGOING.

NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEEN ADD ED.

THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

AND SO SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED THAT THE UNION WANTED, HICH WAS DOING THE UNION VOTE, SAYING WE'RE GOING TO STRIKE.

IT MOTIVATED SOME ACTION.

IT GOT EVERYONE TO KIND F CRANK UP THEIR TALKS A LITTLE BIT AND THE FACT THAT THEY ALSO CALLED A STRIKE KIND OF ADDED SOME INTENSITY TO IT.

AND SO THEY'RE TALKING RITE NOW AND THEY'RE HOPEFUL THEY CAN CUT A DEAL.

>> Cathy: IF SOMEBODY NEEDS TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL THOUGH, THEY HAVE A PROCEDURE SCHEDULED FOR THE 12TH, SHOULD THEY WORRY ABOUT THIS?

>> THE DOCTORS WILL BE NOTIFYING THEM.

DEVELOPMENT IS A POPULAR TIME BECAUSE THEY'VE EXHAUSTED THEIR DEDUCTIBLES AND SO A LOT OF THOSE ELECTIVE PROCEDURES, I WOULD EXPECT A LOT OF THOSE ARE GOING TO GET RESCHEDULED.

EMERGENCY ROOMS WAITS ARE LONG.

THEY'RE GETTING TREATED IN WAITING ROOMS.

IT'S ALMOST IN-LAWIVE TABL IN THIS KIND OF SITUATION.

>> Eric: WELL, THANKS FOR DOING SOME EXTRA REPORTING FOR US.

♪♪ >> Cathy: AS WE JUST DISCUSSED, HOSPITALS ARE AT CRITICAL STAFFING LEVELS AROUND THE STATE, AND FLU SEASON HAS ARRIVED EARLY.

AS MORE PEOPLE GATHER TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON, THE INCREASE IN RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES, INCLUDING FLU AND COVID, COULD STRAIN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM EVEN FARTHER.

MIKE OSTERHOLM HEADS UP THE CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH AND POLICY AT THE U OF M. HE JOINS US FOR HIS MONTHLY VISIT.

WELCOME BACK.

>> THANK OU.

>> Cathy: YOU KNOW, WITH ALL THE ATTENTION ON R.S.V.

AND FLU, WHERE'S COVID IN THIS RESPIRATORY SUPPORT?

SUPPORT?

>> WELL, ACTUALLY, IRONICALLY, IT IS THE WORST RIGHT NOW.

ABOUT 175 BEDS WERE FILLED IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WITH COVID PATIENTS, WHERE ABOUT 350 BEDS ARE FILLED WITH FLU PARENTPATIENTS.

THE LARGE NUMBER OF I.C.U.

BEDS FOR KIDS ARE LARGELY FILLED WITH KIDS WITH R.S.V.

WE HAVE THIS TRIPLE HOUR OCCURRING WHICH IS REALLY STRESSING THE SYSTEM.

BUT COVID STILL IS LEADING THE CHALLENGE.

>> Eric: DO WE NEED, AS A NATION, DO WE NEED TO REEXAMINE A WHOLE VARIETY OF THINGS IN OUR MEDICAL -- IF IT'S A SYSTEM OR NOT, I GUESS YOU'D BE DEBATING, BUT SHIEFA GOING TO CAUSE SOME WHOLESALE REVIEW OF WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE?

>> YOU KNOW, ERIC, I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT WOULD BE THE CASE.

YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A BASICALLY 1960S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM SET UP FOR FUNDING THROUGH THE OLD MEDICARE APPROACH, FOR WHICH WE HAVE NOT ACCOUNTED FOR THE FACT THAT TODAY WE HAVE UP TO 30% OF ALL THE HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE STATE ARE OCCUPIED BY PEOPLE WHO COULD BE DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL, BUT IN FACT, THERE'S NO NURSING HOME BEDS OR STEP-DOWN UNITS TO SEND THEM TO.

THAT CROWDS IT.

OUR EMERGENCY ROOMS HAVE BECOME THE WAITING ROOMS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

AND SO WHEN YOU ADD ON AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE CHALLENGE LIKE THIS, THIS IS LIKE ADDING TWO-TON ROCKS TO THE BACK OF THE CAMEL, NOT A STRAW.

AND I THINK WE HAVE TO COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT, YOU KNOW, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH NURSES, AND NURSES ARE DOING INCREDIBLE THINGS RIGHT NOW JUST TO KEEP WORKING DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

AT THE SAME TIME, MOST HEALTHCARE FACILITIES ARE BASICALLY BLEEDING FINANCIALLY.

AND SO THEY DON'T HAVE THE LUXURY OF JUST SAYING, OKAY, WE'RE GOING TO GIVE YOU WHATEVER YOU NEED OR WANT.

AND SO IT IS A TIME TO TEP BACK.

BUT RIGHT NOW, I THINK THE IMMEDIATE ISSUE IS, I THINK THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS COULD BE A HELL OF A CHALLENGE.

OUR NUMBERS FOR THE WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE IN THE DEVISE SHOWS COVIDS ARE LIKELY TO GO UP SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE WEEKS.

WE DON'T KNOW WHERE FLU'S GOING TO TAKE US.

WE'RE VERY EARLY INTO THE FLU SEASON AND WE'RE NOW LIKE AN AVERAGE EARLY FLU SEASON, JUST A FEW WEEKS EARLIER, BUT WILL IT GO MUCH HIGHER?

AND OF COURSE WITH RSV, WE SEEM TO SEE SOME RETREAT THIS WEEK, BUT IT IS STILL GOING TO BE A REAL CHALLENGE.

SO I THINK, YES, WE DO HAVE TO RELOOK AT HOW DO WE FINANCE AND PROVIDE HEALTHCARE.

AND WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO, THOUGH, IN THE NEXT THREE TO FOUR WEEKS TO DEAL WITH THIS CRISIS THAT'S RIGHT HERE IN OUR LAP?

>> Cathy: WHAT COULD VARIANTS DO TO THIS SITUATION?

I MEAN, I KNOW YOU AND I HAVE TALKED ABOUT OTHER VARIANTS IN THE OTHER ARTS THE WORLD.

ARE YOU SEEING SOMETHING ON THE RADAR THAT LOOKS LIKE IT COULD BE PROBLEMATIC?

>> EVERYTHING CATHY, I USED TO SLEEP WITH ONE EYE OPEN.

THEN I FOUND MYSELF SLEEPING WITH BOTH EYES OPEN AND I'VE FOUND THAT'S NOT EVEN ENOUGH ANYMORE.

THE BQ-1 VARIANT WHICH WE'RE NOW BEGINNING TO SEE HERE IN MINNESOTA RISE, HAS REALLY TAKEN OFF IN FRANCE, AND CASE NUMBERS ARE GOING UP SUBSTANTIALLY.

MEANWHILE, BA-5, A DIFFERENT VARIABLE HAS REALLY STARTED TO SAIL IN TERMS OF KOREA AND JAPAN.

AND OTHER COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD.

SO WE NOW HAVE ENOUGH DIFFERENT VARIANTS AND SUB-VARIANTS THAT HAVE CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAKE THEM MUCH MORE DANGEROUS.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE GW-1 I JUST MENTIONED IS SURELY ABLE TO EVADE IMMUNE PROTECTION MUCH EASIER THAN THE OLD VARIANTS.

AND DEVELOPED IMHUMANTY FROM THAT, WE MAY NOT HAVE NEARLY THE PROTECTION THAT WE ONCE WOULD HAVE HAD BECAUSE OF THESE VARIANTS.

SO THIS IS THE ONGOING CHALLENGE THAT WE SEE WITH COVID.

AND IT'S WE'VE DISCUSSED MANY TIMES ON THIS SHOW, EVERY TIME YOU THINK THAT YOU'VE SEEN THE LAST 2100-MILE AN HOUR CURVE BALL FROM THIS VIRUS, IT JUST THROWS ANOTHER ONE FASTER.

>> Cathy: AND IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE PEOPLE ARE PAYING ATTENTION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO COVID.

>> I NOT ONLY AGREE, BUT JUST IN THE LAST 72 HOURS, I'VE HAD SEVERAL FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES WHO HAVE BECOME INFECTED, WHO FOR MOST OF THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD WERE VERY DILIGENT ABOUT MASKING, WITH N-95S, GETTING VACCINATED ET CETERA, WITHIN THE LAST TEN DAYS, HAVE SIDE DISOO IDED, I GUESS THIS IS OVER WITH.

AND SO YES, WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO SEE THIS.

NOW, THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT FORTUNATELY WE'RE NOT SEEING THE SAME NUMBER OF DEATHS, BUT WE'RE STILL SEEING 350 DEATHS A DAY IN THIS COUNTRY WITH THIS VIRUS, WHICH IS EXACTLY THE SAME NUMBER, THE BEFORE OF PEOPLE THAT DIE EVERY DAY IN THIS COUNTRY FROM LUNG CANCER.

AND SO IT'S STILL A VERY SIGNIFICANT ISSUE.

AND WE'VE GOT TO CONTINUE TO REMIND PEOPLE OF THAT.

>> Eric: SHOULD THE REST.

WORLD BE CONCERNED THAT CHINA HAS ENDED ITS COVID-ZERO PROGRAM AND ALL THAT GOES WITH THAT?

>> WELL, I THINK E'RE STILL WAITING TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT THAT MEANS, ERIC.

YOU KNOW, WE ARE GETTING WORD OUT THAT HAD THEY'RE SURELY ALTERING THE PROGRAM.

AS YOU KNOW, I WROTE AN OP-ED PIECE IN THE "NEW YORK TIMES" LAST JANUARY SAYING THE ZERO COVID POLICY WAS FOOLISH.

THAT THEY DID CONTROL WITH THIS TYPE OF APPROACH, THEY COULDN'T DO IT WITH OMICRON, AND NOW THEY'VE FINALLY COME TO THAT REALIZATION.

THEY ARE STILL IN SOME AREAS ENFORCING THE STRAIGHT LOCK-DOWNS, WE'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE, BUT THE BIG CHALLENGE NOW IS, WE HAVE MANY CHINESE RESIDENTS WHO ARE NOT PROTECTED WITH VACCINATION, WHO HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN INFECTED, 1.4 BILLION PEOPLE WAITING TO START ANOTHER NATURAL VIRUS FOREST FIRE, AND SO I THINK THAT THAT'S ANOTHER CHALLENGE WE HAVE.

AND THEIR VACCINES ARE NOT ADEQUATE.

, YOU KNOW, IF THEY WERE TO PURCHASE AND APPLY THE VACCINES FROM THE UNITED STATES OR EUROPE, THAT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL.

>> Cathy: SAY, BEFORE YOU GO, YOU MENTIONED THAT IN THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS, IT'S GOING TO BE PRETTY TOUGH.

BUT YOU ALSO HAVE THE HOLIDAYS, ARE YOU THINKING THAT THEY COULD BE EVEN TOUGHEVER HEADING INTO JANUARY AFTER EVERYONE GETS DONE MIXING AND HAVING A GREAT TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

>> WELL, I HINK WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WITH THE VIRUS IS YET UP IN THE AIR.

EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW INDICATES THAT WE SURELY COULD SEE INCREASING ACTIVITY QT VIRUS.

AND SO FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE, IT REALLY WOULD LIKELY PRESENT A VERY SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE.

THE OVERLAY THAT ON A POTENTIAL NURSING STRIKE HERE IN MINNESOTA, AND ALL I CAN SAY IS GOD HELP US.

>> Cathy: ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> Eric: THANKS, DOCTOR.

♪♪ >> I SPENT THE WHOLE SUMMER CURSING THE HEAT.

WHICH KEPT ME FROM KEEPING MY WARDROBE COMPLETE.

IN LAMB'S WOOL OR CHASH MERE OR PLAIDS OR BRIELGT COLORS, I GET THEM FROM GIFTS FROM MY SISTER OR BROTHERS.

WHEN I WORRY THE LAST ONE IN APRIL JUST PEAS, THE RELIEF WAS APPARENT FROM THE "ALMANAC" STAFF, BECAUSE THE PHONES THEN STOPPED RINGS.

COMPLAINING DID CEASE, NOT ABOUT ME, BUT MY NECK WEAR AT LEAST.

THE SUMMER PASSED SLOWLY, 'TIL I COULD WEAR MY TRADEMARK, MY GIMMICK, SOME SAY.

THE COLD WINDS ARE BLOWING AND I'VE GOT A WHOLE LINE OF NEW ONES I WANT TO E SHOWING.

OA TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT.

IT'S TIME.

WHAT THE HECK.

THE FIRST SCARF OF THE SEASON IS GOING ROUND MY NECK.

♪♪ >> Eric: AS WE HEAD IN TO THE FINAL MONTH OF 2022, THE LONG-FEARED RECESSION STILL HAS NOT ARRIVED.

THE LABOR MARKET REMAINS STRONG, BUT PLENTY OF ECONOMIC CONCERNS REMAIN.

THE FEDERAL RESERVE INDICATED THIS WEEK THE HISTORIC RATE INCREASES DESIGNED TO SLOW INFLATION WILL CONTINUE, AND PRESIDENT BIDEN AND CONGRESS ARE INTERVENING IN THE LOOMING NATIONWIDE RAILROAD STRIKE.

LOUIS JOHNSTON IS AN ECONOMIST WHO TEACHES AT THE COLLEGE OF ST. BENEDICT AND ST. JOHNS UNIVERSITY.

PROFESSOR, HOW BIG AN ECONOMIC BULLET DID WE DWOJ ODGE WITH A APPARENT SETTLEMENT OF THE RAILROAD STRIKE?

>> A BIG BULLET.

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN REALLY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH JUST THE STANDARD ECONOMY WITH A RAILROAD STRIKE TO HAVE IT HAPPEN IN THE MILLED ALE OF CHRISTMAS SEASON AND RECOVERING FROM ALL OF THE SUPPLY SHOCKS THAT WE'VE HAD.

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN JUST NASTY.

SO I KNOW THAT PRESIDENT BIDEN DIDN'T WANT TO GO THE WAY THAT HE DID.

HE WANTED TO WORK HIS OUT A LITTLE BIT MORE.

BUT BIT THE BULLET AND TOOK CARE OF IT.

>> Cathy: LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ROARING LABOR MARKET.

WHAT THE HECK?

>> WELL, YOU'D THINK AFTER THE FED KEEPS RAISING INTEREST RATES THAT SOMETHING WOULD HAPPEN.

HASN'T BUDGED A BIT.

WE BASICALLY HAVE THE SAME LABOR MARKET NOW THAT WE HAD BACK IN THE SPRING.

AND IF YOU'D HAVE ASKED ME TO PREDICT THAT, YOU WOULD -- AND YOU WOULD HAVE SAID, YOU'RE NUTS, NO WAY.

SO WE'VE GOT 260,000 NEW JOBS.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IS THE COMPOSITION OF THE LABOR FORCE IS CHANGING.

SO AS INTEREST RATES GO UP, CERTAIN SECTORS ARE GETTING HURT MORE THAN OTHERS.

SO, FOR EXAMPLE, CONSTRUCTION, ANYTHING TO DO WITH HOMES, WITH HOME BUILDING, PARAMETER BUILDING, THINGS LIKE THAT.

THOSE ARE GETTING HURT.

BUT OTHER SECTORS ARE FILLING IN THE GAP.

>> Cathy: LIKE WHAT?

>> SO BUSINESS SERVICES, FOR EXAMPLE.

SO WE HAVE A WHOLE SECTOR CALLED PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING FROM ACCOUNTANTS TO COMPUTIER PROGRAMMERS TO, YOU KNOW, YOU NAME IT, IF YOU DO A SERVICE, THOSE ARE GROWING.

RETAIL S ACTUALLY ADDING A LOT OF JOBS THESE DAY AS AS WELL, EVEN THOUGH SOME SALES ARE SOFT AND GOING DOWN, THEY'RE STILL HIRING PEOPLE NOT JUST FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON BUT OVER THE LONG RUN TREND.

>> Eric: WHAT CAN WE GLEAN FROM WHATEVER THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING NUMBERS ARE AT THE END OF THE SEASON HERE?

>> I THINK THINGS ARE LOOKING PRETTY STRONG.

THERE WAS A NEW REPORT YESTERDAY ABOUT HOW CONSUMERS ARE STILL DRAWING DOWN THEIR SAVINGS AND GOING AHEAD AND CONSUMING THAT INCOME.

AND I THINK THAT'S GOING TO CONTINUE THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

ONE THING THAT I THOUGHT WAS ESPECIALLY INTERESTING IN THE REPORT IS, PEOPLE ARE BUYING MORE STUFF RATHER THAN SERVICES.

THEY'RE CONTINUING TO GO OUT AND BUY THINGS AND A LOT OF US THOUGHT THEY WOULD START SWITCHING BACK TO OING PLACES, EATING OUT -- >> Eric: EXPERIENCES THE.

>> YEAH, AND THEY'RE NOT DOING.

THEY'RE STILL BUYING STUFF.

>> Cathy: AND THEY'RE BUYING STUFF ON CREDIT?

>> WELL, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THEY'RE PAYING OFF THEIR BALANCES PRETTY WELL.

I MEAN, THE AMOUNT THAT'S ON CREDIT, YEAH, IT'S PRETTY BIG, BUT IT'S NOT GROWING.

THEY'RE ROLLING IT OVER EVERY MONTH.

>> Cathy: SAY, LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SANFORD-FAIRVIEW POTENTIAL MERGER, RIGHT?

THOSE ARE TWO BIG PLAYERS IN THE HEALTH CAROL MARKET IN OUR -- HEALTHCARE MARKET IN OUR REGION.

SO WHAT DOES IT DO FOR COMPETITION, FOR THE ECONOMY?

>> WELL, THAT'S THE BIG QUESTION THAT THE HEALTH AIR SECTOR IN MINNESOTA IF YOU JUST LOOK AT HOSPITALS AND STRICT HEALTHCARE IS ABOUT 14% OF MINNESOTA'S ECONOMY, EITHER BY EMPLOYMENT OR BY THE INCOME.

IT'S THE BIGGEST SECTOR THERE IS.

THEORETICALLY, A MERGER LIKE THIS COULD REDUCE THE COSTS THAT PEOPLE -- THAT ARE -- THAT ARE INCURRED IN HEALTHCARE, BECAUSE YOU COULD HAVE ECONOMIES OF SCALE, AND NOT HAVE DUPE WILL I AITION.

DUPLICATION.

THE LITERATURE IS PRETTY CLEAR, THOUGH, THAT THAT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENS, OR IF IT DOES, THOSE SAVINGS DON'T GET PASSED ALONG TO CONSUMERS.

THEY END GOING INTO THE HOSPITAL ITSELF, EITHER IF IT'S A FOR-PROFIT TO THEIR SHAREHOLDERS OR TO THE INSTITUTION ITSELF IF IT'S A NON-PROFIT.

AND SO I THINK THIS IS GOING TO REDUCE COMPETITION.

WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO SEE IS A CONTINUATION OF THE TREND THAT YOU'VE SEEN IN MINNESOTA OF THESE BIG SYSTEMS, YOU'VE GOT SENT AREA CARE WHERE I LIVE GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER.

YOU'VE GOT SANFORD AND FAIRVIEW MAYBE HOOKING UP.

YOU'VE GOT MAYO COMING.

IT'S ALMOST A GEOGRAPHIC THING.

THEY'RE ALL BASICALLY TAKING OVER THE STATE.

>> Eric: YOU'RE BEST MINUTE ON WHAT THE FED MIGHT BE UP TO HERE?

>> I THINK THE FETED'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO RAISE INTEREST RATES, BUT THEY'RE PROBABLY GOING TO BACK OFF IN THE SENSE OF INSTEAD OF DOING 3/4 OF A PERCENT, THEY'RE PROBABLY NOW JUST GOING TO DO A HALF.

THAT'LL SLOW US DOWN, BUT NOT AS MUCH.

BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT SO WORRIED AFTER ALL.

>> Eric: ALL RIGHT, PROFESSOR, WE ALWAYS LEARN A LOT.

>> Cathy: WE DO, FROM YOU.

>> Eric: I HEAR THE BELLS.

♪♪ >> Aron: IT'S DECEMBER, THE FINAL MONTH OF THE YEAR, WHERE MANY OF US CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF A SPECIAL LITTLE GUY.

SOMEONE WHO'S CHANGED COUNTLESS LIVES AND DOESN'T GET ENOUGH RECOGNITION FOR IT.

THAT'S RIGHT.

I'M TALKING ABOUT MYSELF.

IN JUST A FEW WEEKS, I'LL BE TURNING 30.

AND IF YOU'RE HEARING THAT AND GOING, "YOU'RE TURNING 30?

YOU LOOK GREAT!"

TO THAT I SAY, "WHY DO YOU THINK THEY LET ME ON TV?"

I'VE GOT BIG HOPES FOR MY 30s BECAUSE I'M GONNA BE REAL HONEST, MY 20s WEREN'T SO HOT.

MY 20s WERE A TOPSY-TURVY MESS OF EMOTIONS AND RITES OF PASSAGE.

I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE, WHICH MEANT I HAD A BUNCH OF STUDENT LOANS.

THEN I PAID THOSE OFF, AND GUESS WHAT HAPPENED.

MY CREDIT TOOK A HIT.

THEY DON'T TELL YOU ABOUT THAT.

WHEN YOU PAY OFF YOUR STUDENT LOANS, YOUR CREDIT DROPS.

SPEAKING OF DEEP PAIN, I FELL IN LOVE IN MY 20s.

CLEARLY THERE ISN'T A RING ON MY FINGER, SO YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW THAT WENT.

WHAT ELSE HAPPENED?

I GOT HIT BY A BUS.

YEAH, YOU CAN ASK CATHY ABOUT THAT.

THE GLOBAL ECONOMY TANKED.

OH, AND MY GRANDFATHER DIED.

SO, YEAH, THE LAST DECADE HASN'T BEEN GREAT.

I GOT A LOT OF DREAMS FOR MY 30s.

I WANT TO PUBLISH ANOTHER BOOK.

I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL MORE.

I CAN OF I COULD, I'D LIKE TO RETURN THE FAVOR TO THAT BUS DRIVER.

I REALLY WANT TO GET INTO ROLLER SKATING.

IT'S A GREAT WAY TO LISTEN TO R&B.

MAYBE FALL IN LOVE.

THAT'S ALSO A GREAT WAY TO LISTEN TO R&B.

BUT MOSTLY, I JUST WANT TO EXIST WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK OF ME.

I'D LOVE TO SPEND MY 30s GOING PLACES WHERE THE ONLY THOUGHT GOING THROUGH MY HEAD IS, "HUH, ALL OF THESE PEOPLE THINK I'M 25."

BECAUSE I'LL FINALLY BE 30.

♪♪ >> Eric: IT'S A HOLIDAY TRADITION HERE AT "ALMANAC."

GET OUT THE OLD ALUMINUM TREES, LIGHT THEM UP TO LOOK PRETTY, AND INVITE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS TO COMPLETE THE HOLIDAY THEME.

CHARLES LAZARUS AND TOMMY BARBARELLA ARE HERE WITH SOME HOLIDAY CHEER FOR US.

DECEMBER 11TH, ORCHESTRA HALL.

MERRY AND BRIGHT.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

2:00 P.M. ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

>> Eric: OKAY, TICKETS AVAILABLE?

>> YES.

>> Eric: YOU'VE REALLY ASSEMBLED AN ALL-STAR CASK.

>> WELL, IT'S A REALLY FUN ENSEMBLE.

WE HAVE OUR JAZZ OM BOEH OF PIANO, DRUMS AND PERCUSSION, BACKED BY AN ALL-BRASS BIG BAND, FEATURING A LOT OF MY FRIENDS FROM THE MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA AND WE HAVE POWER HOUSE SINGSERS TANYA HENNED RICK AND BRUCE HENRY AND THIS YEAR WE ARE HEAR JOINS BY SINGERS FROM YOUTH CHOIRS.

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MICHELLE GERTZ.

>> Eric: NEW LIFE INTO SOME OF THESE CHRISTMAS STANDARDS.

>> WELL, THE ENSEMBLE IS VERY VERSE TILE, WE HAVE EVERYTHING FROM FUNKY R&B ORIGINALS FROM TOMMY BARBARELLA TO A CUBAN STYLE JINGLE BELLS TO A NEW ORLEANS FROSTY THE SNOW MAN SO SOME SYMPHONIC TREATMENTS OF SOME OLD IRISH CAROLS.

WE'RE GOING TO PLAY "I'LL BE HOME OR CHRISTMAS."

>> Eric: CHARLES AND TOM AME RIGHT HERE.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ [ Applause ] ♪♪ >> Cathy: IT'S BEEN MORE THAN NINE MONTHS SINCE RUSSIA INVADED UKRAINE.

"ALIGHT," A WORLDWIDE HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATION BASED IN MINNESOTA, HAS BEEN WORKING WITH SOME OF THE ESTIMATED 14 MILLION DISPLACED UKRAINIANS ACROSS THE GLOBE.

ONE OF THEIR MORE RECENT PROGRAMS PAIRS UP MINNESOTANS WITH UKRAINIAN FAMILIES DISPLACED BY THE WAR.

STEPH KOEHNE HEADS UP THAT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM FOR ALIGHT.

HERE TOO, SHARON NORLANDER, THE MOTHER OF THE FIRST SPONSOR FAMILY HERE IN MINNESOTA.

SO, SHARON, FAMILY OF FIVE MOVES INTO YOUR HOME, I UNDERSTAND.

>> THEY SURE DID.

>> Cathy: HOW'S IT GOING?

>> IT'S GOING GREAT.

IT'S JUST WONDERFUL TO HAVE OUR HOUSE FILLED WITH A FAMILY AND TO HAVE CHILDREN AROUND AGAIN.

>> Eric: IS THERE A LANGUAGE BARRIER?

>> A LITTLE BIT, BUT WE MANAGE JUST FINE.

>> Eric: HOW DO YOU DO THAT?

>> WELL, WE HAVE ROUTINES AND WE KNOW WHAT'S EXPECTED AND WHAT WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT WHEN THEY COME IN FROM SCHOOL.

WE SAY, HOW WAS SCHOOL TODAY?

AND WHEN WE GET STUCK, WE USE GOOGLE TRANSLATE.

>> Eric: OH, SURE, OF COURSE.

>> Cathy: THAT WORKS WELL.

STEPHANIE HOW DID THIS ALL MATERIALIZE?

I MEAN, HOW OULD A PERSON LIKE SHARON IN MINNESOTA GET A FAMILY OF FIVE FROM UKRAINE?

>> YEAH, SO THIS INCREDIBLE PROGRAM CALLED UNITING FOR UKRAINE IS SOMETHING THAT THE UNITED STATES DECIDED TO RAISE THEIR HAND AND SAY WE WANT TO BE PART OF CREATING SAFE HAVENS FOR UKRAINIANS, SO JOINING IN, SAYING THAT REALLY MEANS THAT THE FAMILY HAS TO HAVE A SPONSOR.

HERE IN THE UNITED STATES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

AND SO WHAT THAT DOES IS IT ALLOWS ANYBODY, PEOPLE LIKE SHARON, PEOPLE LIKE, YOU KNOW, ROTARY CLUBS, PEOPLE LIKE OTHER FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, FAITH GROUPS, TO ALSO RAISE THEIR HANDS AND SAY, WE WANT TO BE A SPONSOR.

AND WE WANT TO CREATE A PATHWAY FOR UKRAINIAN FAMILY TO COME HERE TO OUR COMMUNITY.

AND FIND A SAFE HAIIVEN.

HAVEN.

>> Cathy: AFTER WE TALKED ON MPR, A OLDER WOMAN GOT A HOLD OF ME, AND SAID, THIS IS NOT NEW.

I CAME FROM LATVIA AFTER WORLD WAR II.

SO IS THIS SOMETHING NEW FOR ALIGHT, BECAUSE SPONSORING A FAMILY FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY ISN'T NEW.

>> YEAH, IT IS NEW FOR ALIGHT.

SO ALIGHT IS A GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATION.

WE'VE ACTUALLY DONE WORK RIGHT HERE IN MINNESOTA.

AND WE HEARD FOR, YOU KNOW, DECADES THAT PEOPLE RIGHT HERE IN THE COMMUNITY REALLY WANTED TO RAISE THEIR HANDS AND FIND WAYS TO HELP OUT, TO BE PART OF IT.

AND THIS IS -- THIS IS THAT WAY.

PEOPLE CAN.

YOU KNOW, ANYBODY -- PEOPLE LIKE SHARON AND HER FAMILY REALLY CREATE THAT PATHWAY.

AND ARE ABLE TO WELCOME PEOPLE INTO THEIR OWN COMMUNITY IS AND HAVE A START THERE.

>> Eric: HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INVOLVED IN THIS, AND HAS IT MET YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

>> IT HAS MET OUR EXPECTATIONS.

WE'VE ALWAYS WORKED WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, AND ONCE WE RETIRED, WE DECIDED THAT WE WANTED TO CONTINUE, BUT COVID GOT IN THE WAY.

AND THEN WHEN WE HEARD WITH B THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR UKRAINIANS, THE TIME WAS RIGHT.

WE WERE FEELING EVASTATED THINKING ABOUT THE WAR AND HEARING THE STORIES FROM UKRAINE.

AND WE KNEW THAT IF WE INVITED ONE FAMILY, WE COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THE WORLD.

>> Eric: DO YOU GET A STIPEND?

>> NO, BUT IT'S SO RICH, THE EXCHANGE THAT WE HAVE.

>> Cathy: SO ARE THEY LIVING IN THE HOUSE?

>> YES.

>> Cathy: OKAY, SO WHERE ARE YOU LIVING?

>> SO WE MOVED DOWN TO THE BASEMENT.

>> Cathy: OKAY.

AND THEN YOU MENTIONED, THERE ARE TIMES, A LANGUAGE BARRIER, BUT YOU'RE TEACHING THEM ENGLISH, SO HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?

>> OH, WE PLAY GAMES.

WE COOK TOGETHER.

WE JUST HAVE TO MANAGE OUR LIVES.

AND IT JUST HAPPENS.

OUT OF NECESSITY.

BECAUSE WE LIVE TOGETHER.

>> Eric: WELL, FINISH UP, IF YOU WANT.

>> NO, THAT'S OKAY.

>> Eric: OKAY, UKRAINIANS, VERY PROUD OF THEIR HOMELAND AND HEIR HAIR THAJ AND SO FORTH.

DO YOU INSPECT ANY OF THEM TO STAY IN THE U.S.?

>> YEAH, IT'S A LITTLE TOO EARLY TO SAY.

JUST LIKE SHARON EXPERIENCES WITH THE FAMILY SHE SPONSORS, WE'VE HEARD FROM SEVERAL OTHER GROUPS THAT, YOU KNOW, THE FAMILIES REALLY CAN CHANGE THEIR MINDS HONESTLY ON THE DAILY, JUST BASED ON WHAT'S GOING, WHAT'S HAPPENING.

ALIGHT HAS DONE IS CREATED A PROGRAM TO SUPPORT THESE FAMILIES.

AS THEY CONTINUE LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES.

HELP THEM MAKE CONNECTIONS.

BUT OUR GOAL IS REALLY TO ALWAYS MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY'RE AT, TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR GOALS ARE.

AND THEN WALK WITH THEM ON THAT JOURNEY.

>> Cathy: SO WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY WANT TO DO?

DO THEY WANT TO GO BACK?

>> I THINK IT DEPENDSES UPON THE DAY.

AND THEY HAVE TO REALLY LET THEIR PLANS TAKE PLACE HERE IN MINNESOTA.

SO WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT WEEK.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT MONTH.

WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE DAD IS GOING TO FIND A JOB.

WE DON'T KNOW HOW SUCCESSFUL THE GIRLS ARE GOING TO BE IN SCHOOL.

BUT THEY HAVE DREAMS FOR A LIFE IN MINNESOTA.

>> Eric: ARE THE KIDS PART OF AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING PROGRAM?

>> THEY GO TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL, AND THEY'RE IN A SHELTERED PROGRAM WHICH MEANS HALF OF THEIR CLASSES ARE WITH OTHER PEOPLE FROM OTHER OTHER COUNTRIES AND THEY SPEAK VARIOUS LANGUAGES, AND HALF THEIR CLASSES, THEY'RE INTEGRATED WITH OTHER STUDENTS.

>> Cathy: OKAY.

SO YOU MENTIONED THE SUPPORT.

SO IF A BUSINESS WANTS TO SPONSOR A FAMILY, HOW DOES THAT WORK?

>> YEAH, SO THEY JUST REACH OUT TO US AT ALIGHT.

WE'LL TALK THEM THROUGH THE PROCESS.

WE HAVE DEDICATED ALIGHT GUIDES WHO WORK WITH PEOPLE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

SO FROM NOT ONLY MAKING THEIR DECISION, BUT THEN FILING PAPERWORK, YOU KNOW, NAVIGATING THE SYSTEM, UNDERSTANDING THE RESOURCES, UNDERSTANDING THE COMMUNITY HERE.

AND THEN REALLY MAKING SURE THAT NOT ONLY DOES THE FAMILY FEEL SUPPORTED, BUT WHOEVER IS SPONSORING ALSO FEELS THAT SUPPORT.

>> Eric: AND YOU'RE ON THE GROUND IN POLAND, RIGHT?

>> YEAH, AND ONE THING THAT I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IS THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO DEVELOP OUT THIS, YOU KNOW, END TO END PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE.

SO WHEN THE UKRAINIAN FAMILY DOES RECEIVE TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION, OUR GUIDES ON THE GROUND THERE REACH OUT TO THEM, YOU KNOW, HELP THEM GET FLIGHTS, HELP MAKE SURE THEY GET TO THE AIRPORT.

THEY KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN THEY COME AND LAND IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND THEN IT TURN IT OVER TOUR GUIDES HERE.

>> Cathy: IT'S A TWO-WAY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS FROM A DIFFERENT COUNTRY.

SO WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING, SHARON?

>> WELL, WE HAVE A LIST OF NEW WORDS THAT WE EACH LEARN EVERY DAY.

MY HUSBAND AND ARE LEARNING IN UKRAINIAN, AND THE FAMILY IS LEARNING IN ENGLISH.

WE'RE LEARNING A LOT OF JUST A LOT ABOUT OURSELVES AND OUR OWN CULTURE.

WE HAVE HAD TO LOOK INSIDE TO DISCOVER WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO OURSELVES.

>> Eric: IF PEOPLE WANT TO GET INVOLVED, WHAT CAN THEY DO?

>> THEY CAN REACH OUT TO US THE ALIGHT, EMAIL ME AT STEPH@WEAREALIGHT.ORG.

>> Cathy: AND A FINAL QUESTION HERE FOR SHARON.

WHAT'S YOUR PITCH TO PEOPLE WATCHING TONIGHT ABOUT WHY THEY SHOULD GET INVOLVED?

>> OH, IT'S JUST A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.

AND THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM IN YOUR HEART FOR MORE PEOPLE TO LOVE.

>> Cathy: ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU.

>> Eric: TRIFACHE TERRIFIC STUFF.

THANKS TO YOU BOTH.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

♪♪ >> Eric: STATES AND COUNTIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE CERTIFYING ELECTION RESULTS.

MINNESOTA'S BIPARTISAN CANVASSING BOARD MET THIS WEEK TO FINALIZE NOVEMBER'S VOTE.

MARY LAHAMMER SPOKE WITH THE STATE'S TOP ELECTION OFFICIAL ABOUT THE PROCESS HERE.

[ Gavel banging ] >> I CALL TO ORDER THIS MEETING OF THE MINNESOTA STATE CANVASSING BOARD.

>> Mary: SECRETARY OF STATE STEVE SIMON, A BIG WEEK, OFFICIALLY THE ELECTION IS OVER, IS THAT FAIR TO SAY?

>> YES, EXCEPT THAT IT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE THAT PENDING RECOUNTS COULD CHANGE ONE OR MORE OPTIONS.

BUT SHORT OF THAT, IT IS IN THE BOOKS AND IT IS OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED.

>> Mary: IMPORTANT THAT YOU SAID PENDING RECOUNTS, BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE TWO AUTOMATIC RECOUNTS FOR LEGISLATIVE RACES.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THAT?

>> THERE ARE TWO AUTOMATIC RECOUNTS AND THE RULE IN MINNESOTA FOR LEGISLATIVE RACES, IF THE MARGIN IS WITHIN 1/2 OF 1%, THERE IS A TAXPAYER-FINANCED RECOUNT.

THERE WERE TWO LEGISLATIVE RACES RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER IN DISTRICTS 3A AND 3B, IN NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA THAT QUALIFIED.

AND THEY WILL BE HAVING A RECOUNT NEXT EEK.

>> WILL YOU HELP GET US ACROSS THE FINISH LINE FIRST?

>> Mary: WHEN WE TALK STATEWIDE RACES, YOU HAVE TO HAVE LOOKED AT THE NUMBERS AND FELT PRETTY GOOD.

YOU WERE THE TOP VOTE GETTER IN THE ENTIRE STATE.

WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

>> WELL, I'M HUMBLED BY THAT.

AND I WOULD SAY DEMOCRACY REALLY WAS ON THE BALLOT AND I'D LIKE TO THINK THAT THE RESULT WAS A REFLECTION NOT JUST OF SUPPORT FOR ME, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, OF SUPPORT FOR OUR ELECTION SYSTEM AND OUR DEMOCRAT ASSESSMENT.

I SAID THROUGHOUT THE CAMPAIGN, THERE ARE REASONABLE, THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE THAT CAN HAVE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AND AMONG THEMSELVES ON ELECTIONS POLICY, BUT PEOPLE IN MINNESOTA ARE PRUDE OF OUR SEMDAY.

THEY MAY DIFFER ON THE DETAILS ON HOW TO GET THERE.

WE HAVE A GOOD THING GOING AND I'D LIKE TO THINK THAT THE ELECTION RESULT REFLECTED THAT.

>> Mary: NOW, WE DIDN'T LAND NUMBER ONE, DID WE, IN THIS MIDTERM.

>> WELL, WE'RE NOT SURE YET.

THE AUTHORITATIVE NATIONAL GROUP THAT TRACKS THIS STUFF THAT EVERYONE CONCEDED IS THE GO-TO SOURCE >> TENTATIVE NUMBERS AND HAS US CURRENTLY ITTING AT NUMBER TWO BEHIND THE STATE OF MAINE.

BUT MAINE'S NUMBERS ARE NOT ALL IN YET.

I WOULD SAY IN SPORTS TERMS, WE'RE FOR SURE GOING TO BE ON THE MEDAL STAND.

>> Mary: LET'S TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT THE CANVASSING BOARD DOES BECAUSE THERE ARE OTHER STATES ACROSS THE NATION THAT ARE GETTING ATTENTION RIGHT NOW FOR NOT CERTIFYING ELECTIONS, FOR STILL QUESTIONS THE INTEGRITY.

INTEGRITY IS REALLY BRIG PART OF WHAT'S DONE THERE.

CAN YOU TALK PARTICULARLY ABOUT THE RANDOM DRAWS THAT HAPPEN AND HOW YOU LOOK AT THE SYSTEM?

>> WELL, THAT'S REALLY A COOL FEATURE OF THESE.

NOW, THE CANVASSING BOARD CONSISTS OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WHO CHAIRS IT, TWO JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT, AND TWO DISTRICT COURT JUDGES.

AND WHAT HAPPENS, THE FEATURE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT, IS AT SOME POINT, WE HAVE THE JUDGES AND JUSTICES LITTLE LITERALLY REACH INTO A GLASS BOWL AND DRAW, RANKED QOMLY SELECTED PRECINCTS FROM ALL EIGHT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS.

SO FOUR PRECINCTS FROM EACH OF THE EIGHT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS, THAT'S 32 RANDOMLY SELECTEDSELECTED PRECINCTS OF PRECINCT 678S.

AND THOSE WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF A DEEPER DIVE IN THE COMING WEEKS, A HAND COUNT OF THOSE.

>> SPENCER BROOK TOWNSHIP, IASSISTANTI COUNTY, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 8.

>> I THINK IT REFLECTED AGAIN THAT ONCE AGAIN, TOP TO BOTTOM, WE HAVE AN HONEST AND CLEAN SYSTEM.

THERE ARE SO MANY STEPS BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE ELECTION.

WHETHER IT'S POST-ELECTION REVIEWS AND AUDITS BY THE COUNTIES, MANDATORY IN ALL 87 COUNTIES OR WHETHER IT'S WAS WE DO AT THE CANVASSING BIDER WHEN A TOTALLY BLIND RANDOM DRAW THAT PRESIRVEGHTSES THAT THEN AGAIN ARE UBJECT TO EVEN MORE EXTENDED EXTENDED SCRUTINY.

WE HAVE A GOOD THING GOING IN MINNESOTA.

NO SYSTEM IS PERFECT.

OURS ISN'T EITHER.

BUT IT'S ONE THAT ARE VERY HONEST AND VERY PLAIN.

>> YOU ARE VOTER TRAFFICKERS.

A CURSE UPON ALL OF YOU, YOU SMUG, SMUG PEOPLE.

>> Mary: IF YOU'RE SEEN WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ARIZONA WHERE THERE'S A COUNTY THAT'S REFUSING TO CERTIFY THE RESULTS, ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY >> >> IT'S TO BE EXPECTED IN MOST MINNESOTA.

WE DON'T HAVE THAT PROBLEM ABOUT COUNTIES GOING ROLL CALL BEING REQUESTED AND REFUSING TO CERTIFY ELECTIONS WHEN THE OUTCOME IS OBVIOUS.

MOREOVER, WE HAVE TOOLS IN THE TOOL BOX IF THAT WERE EVER TO HAPPEN, I THINK IT WOULD BE CLOSE TO A SLAM DUNK THAT THEY WOULD BE BROUGHT TO COURT AND MADE TO CERTIFY THE ELECTION.

THAT'S WHAT'S GOING ON IN ARIZONA I SUSPECT RIGHT NOW.

BUT TO HAVE ELECTED -- TO HOLD THINGS UP FOR POLITE ALE PURPOSES IS NOT SOMETHING WE WILL TOLERATED.

>> Mary: AND BIG PICTURE, YOUR RACE GOT NATIONAL ATTENTION.

I WAS ON NATIONAL PBS TALKING ABOUT THIS RACE BECAUSE IT WAS ONE OF MANY WITH A SO-CALLED ELECTION DENIER.

>> NATIONALLY, I'M HAPPY TO SAY THAT ALL THE ELECTION DENEAREST LOST IN THE MAJOR BATTLE GROUND STATES.

THEY LOST NOT JUST IN MINNESOTA.

THEY LOST IN MICHIGAN.

THEY LOST IN ARIZONA, IN NEVADA, IN NEW MEXICO AND OTHER PLACES AS WELL.

AND I THINK PEOPLE SPOKE WITH WOULD NOT VOICE IN STATE AFTER STATE SAYING, LOOK, WE CAN DISAGREE ON ELECTION POLICIES.

THAT'S FINE, THAT'S NORMAL, THAT'S NATURAL, THAT'S HEALTHY.

BUT WE'RE NOT GOING TO ENDULL AGBAJE CANDIDATES WHO VEER INTO CONSPIRACY THEORIES.

♪♪ >> Cathy: DEMOCRATS WERE DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN YESTERDAY THAT MINNESOTA WILL NOT BE AN EARLY PRIMARY STATE IN 2024.

THE LEGISLATURE STARTS UP JUST ABOUT A MONTH FROM NOW.

AND LATE YESTERDAY, A FEDERAL APPEALS COURT HALTED THE SPECIAL MASTER REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS SEIZED AT MAR-A-LAGO.

PLENTY TO TALK ABOUT WITH THIS WEEK'S POLITICAL PANEL.

REPUBLICANS ON THE COUCH TONIGHT: BRIAN MCCLUNG, FORMER PAWLENTY STAFFER, NOW IN PUBLIC RELATIONS; JEN DEJOURNETT, REPUBLICAN PARTY ACTIVIST WHO RAN THE RYAN WILSON CAMPAIGN FOR AUDITOR.

ABOU AMARA IS A DEMOCRAT, A LAWYER, AND FORMER LEGISLATIVE STAFFER.

WE WELCOME BACK RICHARD CARLBOM, LONGTIME D.F.L.

ACTIVIST WHO RAN CONGRESSMAN DEAN PHILLIPS' RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.

WHAT THE HECK, IT'S A FULL COUCH, LITERALLY.

HELLO, NICE O HAVE YOU ALL THE BACK.

ABOU, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MINNESOTA D.F.L.

BID TO GET AN EARLY PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY >> >> WELL, IDENTIFICATION WE HAD AN A APPLICATION, IT JUST HAPPENED THAT MICHIGAN HAD AN A-PLUS.

IT'S ALSO IN THE MIDWEST WHERE WE NEED TO KEEP SOME BATTLE GROUND STATES, WISCONSIN, MICHIGAN.

AND I THINK F JUST HAPPENED TO BE THAT SLIGHTLY MICHIGAN EDGED US OUT.

>> Eric: RICHARD DIAGNOSIS FOR US.

SOUTH CAROLINA GOES FIRST.

NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE ON THE SAME DAY.

GEORGIA, AND THEN MICHIGAN.

WHAT DOES THAT TELL US ABOUT THE STRATEGY FOR '24?

>> I THINK WHAT IT SAYS THAT PRESIDENT BIDEN WHO ENDORSED THIS EFFORT REALLY WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THOSE IN FAVOR AMERICA GETS TO WEIGH IN.

AND IT'S GOING TO GIVE I THINK PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES IN THE FUTURE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH POPULATIONS THAT AREN'T AS -- THAT ARE MUCH MORE DIVERSE THAN IOWA.

>> AND JEN, IS THE REPUBLICAN CALENDAR SET?

>> NOPE, THEY'RE STILL WORKING ON THAT.

AND, YOU KNOW, I ACTUALLY CAME FROM IOWA.

I WENT TO COLLEGE.

AND SOME OF THE CAUCUS PROCESSES THERE ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT AND THEY REALLY GIVE CANDIDATES A CHANCE TO LIKE GROW AND THRIVE AND LEARN, SO IT'LL BE INTERESTING TO SEE THOMP THAT ALL FLUSHES OUT.

>> Eric: THE G.O.P.

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW TO APPARENTLY REELECT DAVID HANN, SECOND TERM AS CHAIR.

IS THERE SOME REAPPRAISAL GOING, AUTOPSY AFTER ACTION REPORT ON THE REPUBLICAN FORTUNES HERE IN NOVEMBER?

>> WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS, BUT THERE SHOULD BE, RIGHT?

AND THE FACTS OF THE MATTER IS IS THAT REPUBLICANS IN MINNESOTA ARE IN THE WILDERNESS RIGHT OW.

RIGHT?

THIS IS THAT RARE MOMENT IN TIME WHERE WE DO NOT HAVE A, YOU KNOW, A SEAT AT THE TABLE, AT THE STATE CAPITOL.

NOW, AGAIN, KEEP IN MIND, THAT'S JUST BY ONE SEAT IN THE MINNESOTA SENATE.

THIS WAS ESSENTIALLY A STATUS QUO ELECTION.

THE STATE HOUSE IS EXACTLY THE SAME MAKEUP AS IT WAS BEFORE.

WE WENT FROM 34-33 TO 34-33 IN THE SENATE FLIPPING THAT ONE SEAT.

OA ALBEIT IS A VERY CLOSE ELECTION, IT IS A TIME FOR REPUBLICANS TO REEXAMINE WHY WE WEREN'T MORE SUCCESSFUL.

THIS WAS A YEAR WHERE WE EXPECTED TO DO WELL.

>> Eric: YOU WERE ON THE GROUND.

WHAT HAPPENED?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, I THINK WE NEED MORE CANDIDATES LIKE RYAN WILSON AND JIM SCHULTZ.

RYAN IS JUST THE FUTURE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, COMMON SENSE, THOUGHTFUL, SPOT ON POINT, ON MESSAGE, DISCIPLINE, ALL OF THE ABOVE.

AND, YOU KNOW, I THINK THAT THOUSAND REALLY TIME FOR THE REPUBLICANS TO STEP BACK, REASSESS, LOOK AT WHAT WORKED, WHAT DIDN'T, AND REALLY PEND THAT TIME REALLY REFOCUSING BECAUSE WE WANT TO GET CANDIDATES OF QUALITY, CANDIDATES THAT RESONATE WITH MINNESOTA, CANDIDATES THAT REALLY FIT THE MODEL.

I MEAN, IT CAME WITHIN .34%, OR .09% TO A RECOUNT.

I MEAN, THAT'S JUST A JUMP BALL.

THAT'S 47% EITHER SIDE.

THAT WAS A TIE.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CANDIDATE LIKE RYAN WILSON OR JIM SCHULTZ AND JULIE BLA HA AND KEITH ELLISON THEY JUST HAD THE OPERATION AND THE MACHINE TO GET THEM THERE AND HOPEHOPEFULLY THINGS WILL CHANGE IN THE FUTURE.

>> Eric: DEMOCRATS HAD $127 MILLION SPENT.

THE REPUBLICANS 30 MILLION.

>> YEAH, THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE.

BUT WE ALSO HAD THE ISSUES ON OUR SIDE.

FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY WERE ON THE BALLOT IN 2022.

AND I THINK VOTERS REALLY CAME TO THE POLLS.

I'M VERY PROUD OF MINNESOTANS FOR VOTING THE WAY THEY DID.

>> OH, I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT.

>> THERE'S A REASON THERE'S A SEASHCASH ADVANTAGE AND DONORS SAYING, DO I WANT TO INVEST IN A PARTY THAT WANTS TO CONTROL WOMEN'S BODIES.

THAT'S DENYING ELECTION RESULTS.

OBVIOUSLY YOU'RE GOING TO SEE A MASSIVE CASH ADVANTAGE AND I SUSPECT THAT'S GOING TO BE THE CASE.

I DON'T THINK REPUBLICANS HAVE LEARNED THEIR LESSON.

YOU STILL SEE THEM TALKING ABOUT ABORTION AS A CORE SSUE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, SAYING THAT WE SHOULD CONTROL WOMEN'S BODS.

>> Cathy: JEN.

>> HERE'S THE THING.

I MEAN, SOME OF THESE CANDIDATES WERE TALKING ABOUT, FOR EXAMPLE, ABORTION, WHEN THEIR FFICE HAD NOTHING WITH THAT RACE.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE STATE AUDITOR, JULIE BLAHA WAS LITERALLY SCREAMING FROM A LADDER.

SO THEY OBVIOUSLY DID POLLING.

THEY OBVIOUSLY REALIZED THAT WAS RESONATING, AND THEY DRAGGED IT INTO EVERY RACE.

I GET THAT THAT'S AN EFFECTIVE POLITICAL TACTIC.

BUT THAT'S NOT REALLY GOOD FOR MINNESOTA.

IT DOESN'T TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT REALLY MATTER.

>> IN OUR RESEARCH WE ACTUALLY SAW IT AS LIKE A DIFFERENTIATOR.

FOR VOTERS WHO WERE TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH CANDIDATES AND IN A RACE AS LOW PROCEED TILE AS AN AWFERRED, IT ACTUALLY IS A SLATE GRAIFER -- >> WHAT DOES AUDITING HAVE TO DO WITH ABORTION.

[Overlapping conversations] >> Cathy: THERE WAS THE CANDIDATE TALKING ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY, AND THAT WAS NOT ANY PART -- >> ACTUALLY, AUDIT PROCESS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE AT THE CITY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL RELATED TO THEIR CHARTER AMENDMENT.

BUT THE POINT IS THAT, YOU KNOW, WE'VE GOTTEN INTO JUST POLARIZING ISSUES AND NOT ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT VARIOUS -- >> ABORTION IS NOT POLARIZES.

MINNESOTANS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT WOMEN CONTROLLING THEIR BODIES.

THAT'S NOT CONTROVERSIAL.

>> Eric: LET'S LOOK AHEAD TO THE LEGISLATIVE '23 SESSION.

DEMOCRATIC TRIUMPH, HOUSE, SENATE, CAN THE DEMOCRATS SEA -- >> AGAIN, IT'S JUST A 33-34 MAJORITY IN THE MINNESOTA SENATE.

SO I THINK THAT'S THE PLACE WHERE A LOT OF THE ATTENTION IS GOING TO BE FOCUSTH.

AND ESSENTIALLY ANY D.F.L.

SENATOR CAN BE MINNESOTA'S JOE MANCHI FLSK.

N. SO -- BUT WHAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN S, IS THE PRESSURE GOING TO BE APPLIED IN THE SENATE FROM THE PROGRESSIVE SIDE OR FROM A MORE MODERATE SIDE?

AND I THINK THAT'S AN OPEN QUESTION AT THIS TIME.

SO MANY OF THESE MEMBERS ARE NEW, RIGHT?

35% OF THE LEGISLATURE IS BRAND-NEW.

AND SO I THINK IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHERE THAT PRESSURE'S GOING TO IN.

COME.

AND EVEN GOVERNOR WALZ THIS WEEK IN AN INTERVIEW WITH TOMMY BARBARELLABRIEEVERYONE, SAID, I WANT REPUBLICANS AT THE TABLE.

SO I THINK WE'LL SEE HOW THAT UNFOLDS.

>> Eric: FORMER HOUSE STAFFER, ABOU.

>> IN MAJORITY, I CAN TELL IT'S GOING TO COME DOWN TO LEADERSHIP.

AND THE TWO LEADERS YOU HAVE RIGHT NOW I THINK ARE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERS, BOTH WOMEN, ON THE SENATE SIDE, KARI DZIEDZIC, SOMEONE I KNOW PERSONALLY, EXTREMELY TALENTED, AND THEN MELISSA HORTMAN ON THE HOUSE SIDE.

IT'S NOT GOING TO BE IS THE CAUCUS GOING TO BE PUSHED TO THE FAR LEFT OR WHATEVER.

IT'S GOING TO SAY, METHODICALLY, WHAT DO WE AGREE ON AND WORK THROUGH IT TOGETHER AS A LEADERSHIP.

>> Eric: YOU USED TO WORK WITH SENATOR MULLBACK BACK IN THE DAY.

>> YOU KNOW, I THINK THIS SECTION IS GOING TO THE GREAT CATCHUP SESSION.

AFTER A DECADE OF BITTERLY PARTISAN GRIDLOCK, I THINK MINNESOTANS WANT TO SEE PROGRESS.

I THINK ONE IS, YOU'RE OING TO SEE THINGS, BREAD AND BUTTER ISSUES LIKE PAID FAMILY LEAVE, THAT THE GOVERNOR'S ALREADY TALKING ABOUT.

HE'S ALREADY TALKING ABOUT REPUBLICAN TAX CUTS LIKE THIS, SOCIAL SECURITY TAX.

SO YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THINGS I THINK THAT E CAN GET ACROSS THE FINISH LINE WITH GREAT ONCENSUS, AND I THINK YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THEM ON TIME.

LOBBYISTS CAN GO AHEAD AND MAKE THEIR SUMMER TRAVEL PLANS.

>> THE ONLY THING THAT CONCERNS ME, THE PUSH AND PULL DOESN'T HAPPEN WHEN THERE'S A TRIFECTA, BECAUSE BAD IDEAS START TO GET FLUSHED THROUGH THE SYSTEM.

SO THAT'S THE PART THAT'S REALLY SAD FOR MINNESOTA HERE IS THAT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO GET AS MUCH NEGOTIATION THAT YOU COULD O WORK OUT BIG IDEAS, TO GET THOSE BIG COMPROMISES.

AND THAT'S THE PART THAT IS REALLY UNFORTUNATE.

>> WELL, SOMEONE WHO WAS AT THE CAPITOL THE LAST TIME WE HAD A TRIFECTA, WE DID SOME BRIG THINGS.

WE PASSED THE WOMEN'S ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT.

WE LEGALIZED MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN MINNESOTA.

AFNLD I THINK IT'S ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT.

>> Eric: WHEN DOES JOE BIDEN HAVE TO ANNOUNCE HIS INTENTIONS AS WE HE DID TOWARDS THE '24 CYCLE?

>> NEXT SUMMER.

>> I AGREE.

I THINK IT'S JULY, SUNDAY OF NEXT YEAR.

REMEMBER, HE'S THE INCUMBENT PRESIDENT.

HE'S NOT FORCED TO MOVE BY ANYBODY.

HE'S GOING TO DECIDE WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.

HE'S NOT GOING TO BE FOLLOWING WHAT'S HAPPENING.

>> AND JEN, BECAUSE YOU'RE ON THE GROUND, WHO'S ORGANIZING ALREADY?

>> YOU'VE GOT DESANTIS, YOU'VE GOT MULTIPLE DIFFERENT CANDIDATES, LIKE A KRISTI NOME, LAST TIME, I MEAN, WE HAD, WHAT, LIKE 16, 18 CANDIDATES.

I SUSPECT THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.

AND THAT'S OKAY.

I THINK THAT PART OF THE PROCESS GETS PEOPLE ENERGIZED, GETS PEOPLE INVOLVED.

, YOU KNOW, SOME REALLY CANDIDATES COME FORWARD, AND I'VE WORKED ON SEVERAL OF THOSE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS.

I'M NOT GOING TO LIE.

THEY ARE THE FUNNEST THING TO BE ON AND REALLY MAKES ME LOVE DEMOCRACY AT SO MANY DIFFERENT LEVELS SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE WHO COMES FORWARD AND WHAT THEY'RE GOING TO BRING TO THE TABLE.

>> Eric: TELL US ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP POSITION THAT YOUR GUY, CONGRESSMAN PHILLIPS GOT.

>> HE HAS TALKED ABOUT BRINGING A EW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP TO CONGRESS, AND HE'S VERY EXCITED TO SERVE WITH IS A KEEP JEFFREYS -- >> Eric: ND TOM EMMER IS NUMBER THREE IN THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS.

>> NUMBER THREE, THIS IS I THINK THE HIGHEST LEADERSHIP POSITION THAT A MINNESOTAN HAS HAD IN CONGRESS IN DECK YES, I DECADES, SO IT'S GREAT TO SEE HIM THERE.

HE IS THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THAT JOB.

THE JOB OF WHICH IS TO BE THE GUY WHO CAN GO OFFENDER, BRING VOTES, I THINK HE'S REALLY GOING TO EXCEL IN THAT POSITION.

>> Cathy: WE'RE TALKING ABOUT MINNESOTA LAWMAKERS IN CONGRESS.

IS AMY KLOBUCHAR RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT, BY THE WAY?

>> I SUSPECT THAT SHE WILL BE ASKED TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT.

I THINK SHE DID A GOOD JOB.

AND THE MAP MIGHT ACTUALLY BE BENEFICIAL TO HER, AS YOU START TO THINK ABOUT THESE EARLIER STATES.

>> Eric: TIME HAS ESCAPED US, BUT WE LEARNED A LOT TONIGHT.

THANKS.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

♪♪ >> Cathy: WE'RE GOING TO END THE HOUR WITH A MINNESOTA HISTORY QUESTION.

HERE'S WHAT WE ASKED YOU LAST TIME.

WE TOLD YOU THAT ON THE FINAL TUESDAY OF AUGUST IN 1983, THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS DID SOMETHING HISTORIC.

THE TEAM DID SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY.

NOT ONLY THAT, BY DOING THIS CERTAIN SOMETHING, THE VIKINGS BECAME THE FINAL N.F.L.

TEAM TO ACHIEVE THIS ACCOMPLISHMENT.

WE WANTED YOU TO SAY WHAT THIS WAS.

WHAT DID THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS DO FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IN LATE AUGUST OF 1983?

VIEWERS STRUGGLED WITH THIS ONE, WHICH MAKES FOR MORE FUN FOR ALL OF US.

LISTEN UP.

>> Cathy: CAROL, THAT'S NOT BAD.

ALL GREAT GUESSES, ALL GREATLY WRONG.

ONLY ONE CALLER HAD THE QUESTION TOTALLY CORRECT.

SO TAKE IT AWAY, JEFF, FROM EXCELSIOR.

>> Cathy: OH, JEFF, THANK YOU.

YES, THAT WEEK IN 1983, THE VIKINGS BECAME THE LAST N.F.L.

TEAM TO HIRE A SOCCER STYLE KICKER.

BENCH RICARDO WHO WOULD GO ONTO FAME AS A RESPONSIBILITIES ANNOUNCER WAS SIGNED THAT PLACE TO TAKE THE PLACE -- AND THE REST AS THEY SAY IS HISTORY.

WE HAVE JUST ENOUGH TIME FOR ANOTHER HOLIDAY TUNE FROM CHARLES LAZARUS AND TOMMY BARBARELLA.

DON'T FORGET, YOU CAN CATCH THEM AND THE REST OF THE ALL-STAR BAND AT THE MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA'S ANNUAL MERRY AND BRIGHT CONCERT, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 15E9D.

11TH.

NEXT WEEK, THE CHORAL GROUP CANTUS WILL BE HERE WITH MORE HOLIDAY MUSIC FOR YOU.

TAKE IT AWAY.

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