OF TWIN CITIES PBS FOR THE STATIONS OF MINNESOTA PUBLIC TELEVISION ASSOCIATION.

>> CATHY: COMING UP ON "ALMANAC" TONIGHT, WE'LL TALK WITH THE ST. PAUL POLICE CHIEF ABOUT HIS FIRST YEAR ON THE JOB.

CRUNCH SOME RECORDS MINNESOTA JOBS NUMBERS WITH LOUIS JOHNSTON.

ECONOMIST.

IT WOULDN'T BE THE FRIDAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING WITHOUT A BIT OF COOKING HERE IN STUDIO B.

AND MARY LAHAMMER HAS BEEN CHECKING OUT LOONS AND STARS.

>> Mary: MINNESOTA'S FLAG REDESIGN PROCESS SET OFF A NATIONAL FRENZY.

WE'LL CHAT WITH THE CHAIR OF THE OMMISSION AS HE NARROWS HIS FINAL CHOICES FOR OUR NEXT STATE FLAG AND SEAL.

>> DOES IT FEEL MINNESOTA?

DOES IT HAVE THE DNA OF WHAT MINNESOTA COULD BE?

>> 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 27 MINNESOTA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES.

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

DELTADENTALMN.ORG/TPT.

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

MORE AT EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG.

>> CATHY: WE HAVE GOT A FULL SHOW FOR YOU TONIGHT.

IN ADDITION TO OUR THANKSGIVING COOKING FUN, WE'LL TALK WITH "PIONEER PRESS" REPORTER FRED MELO ABOUT THE HISTORIC ST. PAUL CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS.

POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR KATHRYN PEARSON IS HERE WITH AN UPDATE ON CONGRESS.

AND MARY LAHAMMER WILL SHOW US SOME POSSIBLE STATE FLAG DESIGNS.

>> ERIC: WE START TONIGHT WITH MINNESOTA'S RECORD JOB GROWTH IN OCTOBER.

MORE THAN THREE MILLION MINNESOTANS WORKED LAST MONTH, CONTINUING A TREND OF OUTPACING NATIONAL JOB GROWTH AS UNEMPLOYMENT TICKED UP SLIGHTLY AND THE LABOR FORCE SHRUNK.

LOUIS JOHNSTON TEACHES ECONOMICS AT THE COLLEGE OF ST. BEN'S AND ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY.

PROFESSOR, RECORD NUMBER OF JOBS, BUT STILL A LOT OF "HELP WANTED" SIGNS.

WHAT GIVES?

>> WE'VE GOT BOTH GOING ON AT THE SAME TIME.

PEOPLE ARE GETTING INTO THE LABOR MARKET, THEY'RE LOOKING FOR JOBS, BUT BUSINESSES ARE DOING WELL AND THEY JUST CAN'T FIND THE HELP SO YOU'VE GOT BOTH THINGS GOING ON AT THE SAME TIME.

>> Cathy: DOESN'T IT DEPEND ON WHAT BUSINESSES WE'RE TALKING ABOUT?

>> DEFINITELY.

SO IF YOU TAKE A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, WE HAD A LOT F GROWTH IN AREAS LIKE HOSPITALITY, CONSTRUCTION WAS A SURPRISE, A LOT OF THINGS IN THERE, BUT, FOR EXAMPLE, MANUFACTURING ACTUALLY FELL.

AND SOME OF THE OTHER AREAS LIKE THAT FELL.

SO IT'S VERY MUCH ALL OVER THE BOARD.

>> Cathy: WHO'S NOT BEING ABLE TO FIND WORKERS?

I MEAN, IS IT ONE SPECIFIC -- SEVERAL SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE ECONOMY OR IS IT JUST ACROSS THE BOARD?

>> IT'S ACROSS THE BOARD, BUT ESPECIALLY, FOR EXAMPLE, IN AREAS LIKE CHILD CARE, HEALTHCARE AIDES, THOSE KINDS OF AREAS WHERE IT'S KIND OF ABOVE THE MINIMUM WAGE BUT NOT REAL HIGH ABOVE, THAT SEEMS TO BE A REALLY TIGHT AREA.

>> Eric: WAGES KEEPING UP WITH INFLATION?

>> MOSTLY.

SO, AGAIN, THAT'S KIND F ACROSS THE BOARD.

WHAT'S INTERESTING THIS YEAR, ESPECIALLY, IS THAT PEOPLE AT THE LOWER END ARE ABLE TO KEEP UP BETTER THAN PEOPLE AT THE UPPER END.

SO THAT'S ACTUALLY COMPRESSING THE WAGE DISTRIBUTION A LITTLE BIT.

>> Cathy: INTERESTING.

SAY, I WAS NOTICING THAT EVIDENTLY WE ARE ON A GLIDE PATH TO A SOFT LANDING IN THE ECONOMY.

I THINK YOU SAID THAT.

EVERY TIME YOU'VE BEEN HERE.

>> I DON'T WANT TO -- >> Eric: DON'T JINX IT.

>> THANK YOU.

I COULD NOT THINK OF THE WORD.

YES, BUT THAT'S NOT HAT WE DON'T WANT TO DO BUT WE ARE.

AS THE INFLATION RATE CONTINUES TO COME DOWN, GRADUALLY, WE SEEM TO BE KEEPING UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN AROUND 4% OR BELOW, FINGERS CROSSED, WE SEEM TO BE DOING IT.

>> Eric: HOLIDAY SHOPPER, LOOKS LIKE A DOWNER FROM WHAT I READ.

>> NOT A DOWNER, BUT I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE PRETTY SLOW COMPARED TO LAST YEAR.

IT WILL GROW 3 OR 4% FROM WHAT WE CAN TELL.

>> Eric: IT'S A CONSUMER-DRIVEN ECONOMY, AND WHEN HOLIDAY SALES ARE LOW, HOW DOES THAT AFFECT THINGS?

>> WELL, IT'S CONSUMER DRIVEN, BUT IT'S VERY OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR.

SO IF YOU DON'T HAVE A REAT CHRISTMASTIME, THAT'S NOT GOING TO KILL THE ENTIRE YEAR.

PEOPLE SPREAD OUT THEIR PURCHASES MUCH MORE THAN THEY USED TO.

>> Cathy: BUSINESSES SAME -- I'M ASSUMING ARE OKAY WITH THAT?

>> THEY ARE.

BUT ONE OF THE THINGS THAW BROUGHT UP AT THE BEGINNING WAS THE LABOR SHORTAGE.

SO A LOT OF BUSINESSES, OR EXAMPLE, TARGET, THEY START HIRING EARLY, THEY STARTED GOING OUT THIS SUMMER AND EARLY FALL, GETTING THE LABOR FORCE THAT THEY NEEDED SO THAT THEY WOULDN'T HAVE TO GO OUT AT THE LAST MINUTE AND HIRE TEMPORARY PEOPLE.

SO, AT THIS TIME, THEY SEEM TO BE MUCH MORE READY THAN USUAL.

>> Eric: THE STORY IN THE PAPER ABOUT THE OFFICE SPACE.

ARE WE GOING TO SEE A BIG RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE?

>> WELL, THEY'VE GOT TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO PAY FOR CITY SERVICES, GOT TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO PAY FOR THESE THINGS, AND RIGHT NOW THE OFFICE REAL ESTATE, TAX ON OFFICE REAL ESTATE, IS THE ONE THAT BRINGS IN THE MOST MONEY AND WITH THAT GOING DOWN, WE'VE GOT TO FIGURE OUT ANOTHER WAY TO DO IT.

RESIDENTIAL MIGHT BE A WAY.

St. PAUL PASSED A SALES TAX TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FUND ROADS AND THINGS.

MAYBE SOME KIND OF CITY SALES TAX MIGHT BE THE WAY TO GO IN MINNEAPOLIS, TOO.

>> Cathy: HEY, GETTING BACK TO THE WORKER SITUATION HERE, WITH MORE BUSINESSES LOOKING AT HAVING WORKERS COME BACK, THERE'S THAT -- STILL THAT QUESTION ABOUT, YOU KNOW, ARE WE HYBRID?

HOW ARE WE GOING TO BE FLEXIBLE TO EVERYONE'S NEEDS?

WHAT DO YOU HEAR ABOUT THAT?

>> I HEAR THAT BUSINESSES ARE REALLY TRYING TO BE PERSONAL ABOUT THAT.

SO, THEY'RE LOOKING AT THEIR WORKFORCE AND SAYING, WHAT'S GOING O WORK BEST, BOTH FOR US AS A BUSINESS AND FOR THEM AS PEOPLE.

SO, IN SOME SITUATIONS, IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO BE TOGETHER, TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO ONE ANOTHER AND RUN INTO EACH OTHER AND DO THINGS LIKE THAT, AND, SO, IF THOSE BUSINESSES ARE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE BACK.

ON THE OTHER HAND, IF YOU'VE GOT PEOPLE WHO ARE KIND OF SITTING IN THEIR CUBICLES AND THEY DON'T REALLY NEED TO TALK TO ONE ANOTHER, WHY NOT LET THEM WORK FROM HOME A DAY OR TWO OR THREE A WEEK.

THAT WORKS OUT FINE.

>> Eric: THE TEMPORARY BUDGET DEAL IN WASHINGTON DOES WHAT TO THE ECONOMY, IF ANYTHING?

>> WELL, AT LEAST IT ALLOWS US TO EXHALE.

BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT EITHER A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN OR SOMETHING WORSE LIKE A DEFAULT OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

WE'VE GOT SOME BREATHING ROOM UNTIL JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.

>> Eric: AND YOU'RE CONFIDENT SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN THEN?

>> I HAVE A FEELING THEY'RE GOING TO KICK THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD YET AGAIN.

>> Eric: THANKS FOR COMING OVER, PROFESSOR.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

>> Cathy: GOOD TO SEE YOU.

THANK YOU.

>> CAHTY: LAST WEEK WE VISITED WITH MINNEAPOLIS POLICE CHIEF BRIAN O'HARA AS HE HIT THE ONE-YEAR MARK ON THE JOB.

JOINING US THIS WEEK, ST. PAUL POLICE CHIEF AXEL HENRY, WHO HIT ONE YEAR ON THE JOB THIS WEEK.

WELCOME BACK, CHIEF.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I APPRECIATE IT.

>> Cathy: WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME TALKING TO YOUR COLLEAGUE OVER ACROSS THE RIVER ABOUT THE RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES THAT THEY'RE HAVING IN THE MPD.

IS St. PAUL HAVING THE SAME KIND OF RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES?

>> WELL, TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, THAT'S A NATIONAL PROBLEM.

SO THAT'S NOT UNIQUE TO MINNESOTA OR CERTAINLY MINNEAPOLIS OR St. PAUL.

WE AREN'T IN THE SAME SITUATION THAT THEY ARE.

I THINK I HEARD BRIAN SAY THAT THEY WERE DOWN MAYBE AS MUCH AS 40%.

WE'RE DOWN ABOUT 10%.

I GIVE A LOT OF CREDIT FOR THE RETENTION, RESILIENCE THAT WE'VE HAD IN OUR DEPARTMENT TO THE BRAND OF THE ST. PAUL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ALL THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND CHIEFS.

A LOT OF PEOPLE WANT TO WORK HERE, AND THE FOLKS THAT ARE HERE WANT TO STAY HERE.

SO, I MEAN, THAT'S VERY VERY GOOD.

AND WE'RE VERY HAPPY ABOUT THAT PIECE.

BUT WE'RE WORKING VERY HARD AT IT AS WELL BECAUSE WE ARE SHORT OFFICERS.

>> Eric: GOVERNOR WALZ SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT DROPPED COLLEGE DEGREE AS A PREREQUISITE FOR A LOT OF THE STATE JOBS.

I WONDER IF YOU'VE GIVEN ANY THOUGHT TO WHAT LEVEL OF EDUCATION WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO SPUR SOME MORE HIRING AND GET SOME MORE PEOPLE IN THE POOL.

>> SO, THE NEAT THING ABOUT THAT IN MINNESOTA IS THAT MINNESOTA, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A LICENSE TO BE PEACE OFFICER, AND THE P.O.S.T.

BOARD DICTATES THOSE THINGS.

INDIVIDUAL AGENCIES AREN'T ABLE TO FLUCTUATE THOSE PIECES.

WE ARE CERTAINLY NOT LOOKING TO LOWER ANY STANDARDS AROUND THAT.

WE HAVE A LOT OF PROGRAMS IN St. PAUL THAT HELP YOUNG PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO MAY BE THE FIRST PERSON IN THEIR FAMILY TO EVER EVEN GO TO COLLEGE, MAKE THAT TRANSITION, SO WE HIRE THEM AND THEN HELP THEM THROUGH THAT PROCESS, GIVE THEM EMPLOYMENT WHILE THEY'RE ATTENDING SCHOOL, AND THEN AFTER THAT, THEY GET HIRED BY US.

>> Cathy: INTERESTING.

SAY, WHEN YOU FIRST GOT ON THE JOB, THERE WAS SOME CRITICISM AT FIRST ABOUT THE LACK OF DIVERSITY IN THE UPPER LEVELS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

PRETTY MALE, PRETTY WHITE.

I KNOW YOU DID HIRE A LATINA, HIGHER-LEVEL OFFICER.

HOW ARE YOU DOING IN TERMS OF DIVERSITY IN THE UPPER LEVELS OF THE DEPARTMENT?

>> WELL, IT'S SOMETHING WE'RE ALWAYS WORKING AT, WE ALWAYS WANT TO BE REFLECTIVE OF THE COMMUNITY THAT WE'RE IN.

WE'VE ESTABLISHED A LOT OF PROGRAMS NOW TO BUILD THAT LEADERSHIP.

SO THAT THE FOLKS THAT ARE THERE UNDERSTAND HOW THEY AN ASCEND WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT, GETTING THOSE KINDS OF EXPERIENCES, MAKING SURE THAT ALL OF OUR COMMAND STAFF AND EVEN THE SERGEANTS COMING UP ARE ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT COMMAND SCHOOLS AND BETTER TRAINING.

AND, SO, THOSE THINGS ARE GOING REALLY WELL.

>> Eric: SKYWAYS AND LIGHT RAIL PLATFORMS.

I HEAR THAT A LOT FROM St. PAUL FOLKS WHO ARE DOWNTOWN.

WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH WITH THOSE TWO THINGS?

AND DO YOU COORDINATE WITH THE TRANSIT POLICE?

>> WE DO.

CHIEF MORALES AND I TALK ALL THE TIME, I JUST SAW HIM THIS AFTERNOON.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE'RE WORKING ON AS A JOINT THING.

IT'S NOT UNUSUAL TO SEE A St. PAUL OFFICER AND A METRO TRANSIT OFFICER IN THE SAME SQUAD SO THAT THEY'RE WORKING TOGETHER.

MAY BE WALKING A FOOT BEAT DOWNTOWN.

WE TRY TO PARTNER AS MUCH AS WE CAN IN THAT AREA.

THE SKYWAY SYSTEM IS A CHALLENGE, SOMETHING WE'RE LOOKING AT.

I KNOW OUR CITY COUNCIL'S LOOKING AT POTENTIALLY CHANGING SOME OF THE ORDINANCES.

WE ALSO HAVE SOME ORDINANCES HERE IN St. PAUL THAT ARE EXTREMELY OUTDATED, AND, SO, WE NEED TO GET THOSE EITHER REVAMPED OR GET THEM TAKEN OFF THE BOOKS BUT MAKE SURE THAT THE RULES AND THE LAWS THAT WE WANT TO ENFORCE DOWNTOWN ARE THE ONES THAT OUR COMMUNITY WANTS US TO.

>> Cathy: WHEN YOU LOOK AT DOWNTOWN CRIME RATES, I MEAN, WE'RE SITTING IN A BUILDING HERE, WE'RE IN THE LOWERTOWN AREA OF St. PAUL, WE HAVE TO LOCK OUR FRONT DOOR, JUST BECAUSE OF WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENING DOWNTOWN St. PAUL, WHAT DO YOU SAY AS A POLICE CHIEF?

>> WELL, I THINK WHAT'S HAPPENED DOWN HERE IS IT GOT A LITTLE DISORGANIZED.

I THINK THAT OVER TIME, THE LINES GOT A LITTLE BLURRY, AND I THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE DOING VERY COMPASSIONATE WORK AROUND SOME OF THE UNSHELTERED ISSUES AND ALSO AROUND THE DRUG ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH THINGS, AND YOU KNOW, WE DON'T WANT TO ARREST OUR WAY OUT OF THOSE PROBLEMS.

BUT, UNFORTUNATELY, AS THAT GREW OUT, THAT CREATED KIND OF AN APPEARANCE OF INATTENTION AND, SO, IT'S A BIG FOCUS FOR OUR DEPARTMENT RIGHT NOW IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE BRINGING BACK THAT ATTENTION AND MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE NOT MAKING OUR COMPASSIONATE EFFORTS THAT NEED TO BE THERE AT THE EXPENSE OF EVERYBODY ELSE THAT'S IN THAT AREA.

>> Eric: HOW DO YOU EXPECT TO BE WORKING WITH THE NEW CITY COUNCIL, YOUNG WOMEN, WOMEN OF COLOR, PROGRESSIVE?

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR RELATIONSHIP'S GOING TO BE?

>> WELL, I'M REALLY OPTIMISTIC AND XCITED ABOUT IT.

BRAND-NEW FACES COMING IN.

WE LOST A NUMBER OF COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO HAVE EEN AROUND FOR A LONG TIME.

AND THAT'S GREAT BECAUSE THEY'RE VERY EXPERIENCED, THERE'S SOME CONSISTENCY THERE.

BUT NEW FOLKS BRING IN FRESH EYES.

AND WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

WE HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE AS WELL, SO I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING WITH THEM, HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT HOW WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE A BETTER AND SAFER CITY.

>> Cathy: SAY, SPEAKING OF SAFE, LET'S TALK ABOUT SCHOOLS.

YOU'RE A PROUD GRADUATE OF THE St. PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

>> I AM.

>> Cathy: YEAH.

BUT WE HAD SOME HIGH-PROFILE SHOOTINGS IN HIGH SCHOOLS AND IT'S TOUGH.

WHAT'S THE St. PAUL POLICE DOING ABOUT THAT?

>> SO, WE HAVE A UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SCHOOLS IN THAT WE DON'T HAVE SROs.

SO A LOT OF THE ATTENTION THAT WAS DRAWN TO THAT ISSUE EARLIER IN THE YEAR REALLY DIDN'T IMPACT US IN A DIRECTLY WAY IN THE SENSE THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE OFFICERS ASSIGNED SPECIFICALLY IN THE SCHOOLS.

WE HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH St. PAUL SCHOOLS, WE'RE COMMUNICATING LITERALLY DAILY WITH THEM.

THE SUPERINTENDENT AND I TALK PROBABLY ONCE EVERY COUPLE, THREE WEEKS, NOT JUST AROUND BIG ISSUES, JUST CHECKING IN, THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.

ALTHOUGH WE DON'T HAVE THE FORMAL RELATIONSHIP LIKE MANY CITIES DO, WE HAVE A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP AND WE ARE RESPONDING.

WE ALL SHARE THE COMMON GOAL THAT WE WANT OUR KIDS TO BE SAFE AND WE DON'T WANT CRIMES IN THE SCHOOLS.

>> Eric: YOUR DEEP ROOTS IN St. PAUL OVER MANY DECADES, DOES THAT INFORM THE DECISION MAKING YOU HAVE SINCE YOU KNOW THE COMMUNITY SO WELL?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I MEAN, I CAN'T NOT DRIVE THROUGH THIS CITY AND NOT REMEMBER CERTAIN HINGS OR HOW THINGS HAVE GONE.

I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF THAT IS THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND YOU KNOW THE NEIGHBORHOODS, YOU KNOW A LOT OF THE PEOPLE.

AND, SO, YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THAT -- HOW SPECIAL AND UNIQUE EVERY PART OF OUR CITY IS.

AND THAT'S REALLY WHAT WE WANT TO LEVERAGE WHEN WE'RE TRYING TO CREATE SAFETY BECAUSE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DOESN'T MAKE A CITY SAFE BY ITSELF.

WE MAKE IT SAFE BY WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY.

>> Cathy: I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN IN THE DEPARTMENT A LONG TIME.

BUT WHAT'S IT LIKE -- WHAT'S THE BIGGEST SURPRISE TO YOU NOW BEING CHIEF?

THAT YOU WERE NOT EXPECTING.

>> BOY, THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS THAT SURPRISED ME.

I MEAN, I THINK A LOT OF YOU KIND OF KNOW GOING IN THAT IT'S GOING TO BE A CERTAIN KIND OF WAY.

THE SCHEDULE IS REALLY BUSY.

THAT'S KIND OF SURPRISING T. HAS TAKEN ME AWAY FROM THE NUMBER OF THINGS THAT THOUGHT FOR SURE I'D BE DOING WEEKLY.

WHETHER IT'S ROLL CALL VISITS OR THINGS LIKE THAT.

I REALLY WANT TO BE FOCUSED INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT.

SO THAT'S BEEN A LITTLE BIT OF A BUMMER.

BUT IT'S NOT SOMETHING I WOULD CERTAINLY COMPLAIN BOUT.

MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT WORK ON THE STREET, INVESTIGATING THE CRIMES.

SO I CERTAINLY CAN'T COMPLAIN.

>> Eric: GLAD YOU ERE ON THE SCHEDULE FOR S TONIGHT.

THANKS VERY MUCH.

>> APPRECIATE IT.

>> Cathy: THANKS.

GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> MARY: IT'S A TRADITION THAT DATES BACK MORE THAN 25 YEARS.

THE FRIDAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING WE INVITE A LOCAL CHEF, CELEBRITY OR POLITICIAN ON THE SHOW TO SHARE SOME HOLIDAY RECIPES WITH US.

JOINING ME TONIGHT IS KRIS KOCH, EXECUTIVE CHEF OF FARMERS KITCHEN AND BAR.

AND HAVE TO CONFESS, LIFE-LONG FRIEND.

WE GREW UP AND WENT TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOGETHER.

>> WE DID, WE DID, THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> Mary: WHAT ARE YOU MAKING FOR US?

>> SO I'M GOING MAKE MY WILD RICE PILAF, GREAT SIDE DISH FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

START WITH BUTTER, RUDE BEG A, FAVORITE ROOT VEGETABLE FROM PRAIRIE HOLLOW.

CELERY, OTHER GREAT PRODUCE FROM THE FARMERS.

>> Mary: FARMERS ARE IN THE FAME OF THE RESTAURANT, THAT'S KEY, FARMERS UNION CREATED THIS RESTAURANT.

>> YUP.

>> Mary: IT'S YOUR BRAIN CHILD AS WELL.

>> YEAH, IT'S MY BABY.

>> Mary: LOCAL INGREDIENTS ARE KEY, RIGHT?

>> LOCAL INGREDIENTS.

WE GET THE GREAT RELATIONSHIPS.

WE ARE CONNECTED WITH WHERE OUR FOOD IS COMING FROM AND THAT IS OUR MISSION.

SO WE GET A NICE SAUTEE ON THE VEGETABLES.

I ALWAYS, GOOD HACK, I KEEP ALL THE SCRAP FROM THE VEGETABLES, I AKE A LITTLE VEGETABLE STOCK ON THE SIDE SO YOU DON'T NEED O BUY THE VEGETABLE STOCK.

>> Mary: GREAT TIP, REUSE EVERYTHING.

>> REUSE EVERYTHING.

FRESH "TIME."

THIEM.

AS THAT COOKS, GET THE CARAMELIZATION ON THE VEGETABLES, CIDER VINEGAR, KIND OF LIKE IF YOU ADDED A WHITE WINE BUT IT ADDS A LITTLE MORE BALANCE, A LITTLE MORE SWEETNESS.

SO WE'LL LET THAT COOK.

>> Mary: AND YOU WERE SAYING, TOO, RUTABAGA, MAY BE AN OVERLOOKED VEGETABLE.

>> IT IS.

>> Mary: IT IS SWEET.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, THE RUTABAGA SWEETENS IT, TOO, RIGHT?

>> IT ADDS A NICE BODY TO THE PILL AFTER.

>> Mary: THE RICE.

>> IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART.

NICE AMBER PLEND.

MINNESOTA HARVESTED RICE.

PROCESSED IN WISCONSIN.

>> Mary: AND YOU CAN PURCHASE IT WHERE?

>> YOU CAN GET SOME AT THE RESTAURANT, ACTUALLY, I'LL HAVE IT FOR SAIL THERE.

>> Mary: AND THERE'S JUST NO REASON NOT TO HAVE LOCAL WILD RICE IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

>> WE'RE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE SO MANY GREAT OUTSOURCES FOR RICE.

SO YES.

>> Mary: THERE WE GO.

AND THAT WAS RAW RICE YOU STARTED WITH THERE.

>> THAT WAS RAW RICE.

I HAVE SOME COOKED, ABSOLUTELY.

>> Mary: IT DOES TAKE A WHILE TO SOFTEN.

ABOUT HOW LONG, WOULD YOU SAY?

GH DEPENDING ON THE RICE, 45 MINUTES, UP TO AN HOUR.

IT'S A LITTLE FORGIVING.

YOU CAN ADD A LITTLE MORE STOCK TO IT, DEPENDING ON WHAT TYPE OF CHEW YOU WANT.

SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO CHECK THE RICE, HAVE A LITTLE EXTRA STOCK AS YOU COOK IT.

>> Mary: MAKE AHEAD, IS THAT ONE YOU WANT TO MAYBE MAKE AHEAD?

>> MAKE AHEAD THE BIG DAY.

OBVIOUSLY YOU CAN ROAST YOUR SQUASH, THEN STUFF IT.

PUT A LITTLE MORE STOCK IN THE PAN.

GET THOSE READY TO GO IN THE OVEN BEFORE YOUR GUESTS ARRIVE.

>> Mary: AWESOME.

WE DO HAVE THESE RECIPES FOR YOU.

WE CAN TELL YOU, MAYBE IN OUR NEXT SEGMENT, SO PEOPLE STICK AROUND.

WE'LL TELL YOU WHERE TO GET THOSE RECIPES.

AND YOU'RE MAKING SOMETHING ELSE FROM SCRAPS.

REUSING.

>> REUSING APPLE SCRAPS.

IF YOU'RE MAKING AN APPLE PIE, DON'T THROW THE CORES AND PEELS AWAY.

>> Mary: EXCELLENT TEASE.

STICK AROUND FOR THAT.

CHEF CHRIS WILL BE AROUND LATER IN THE SHOW.

>> THAT GOES INTO DRESSING.

LET'S SEE WHAT ELSE.

WE'VE GOT GROUND THYME.

IT ISN'T GROUND.

>> HELLO.

>> OKAY.

>> ONE AND A ALF TEASPOONS OF GROUND SAGE, ONE AND A HALF TEASPOONS OF THYME.

>> WE'VE GOT TO PUT THE CELERY IN, TOO.

MIX IT ALL AROUND.

YOU CAN USE YOUR HANDS.

BUT, ANYWAY, IT WILL BE FULL BECAUSE WE HAVE ALL OF THE WHITE CASTLE HAMBURGERS IN THERE.

BAKE IT WITH THE TURKEY.

>> WHITE CASTLE STUFFING.

COMING UP, BETTY ESKOLA RECIPE.

STAY WITH US.

WE HAVE ANOTHER RECIPE COMING UP ON "ALMANAC."

CAN WE EAT THIS YET?

>> NOT YET.

>> WE HAVE TO BAKE IT YET.

♪♪ >> ERIC: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH.

IT'S A DATE MANY POLITICAL OBSERVERS HAD CIRCLED ON THEIR CALENDAR.

WOULD CONGRESS, SPECIFICALLY THE DEEPLY DIVIDED REPUBLICAN-LED HOUSE, MANAGE TO PASS A CONTINUING RESOLUTION OR WOULD THREAT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN BECOME REALITY?

SPECULATION ENDED QUITE EARLY IN THE WEEK AS HOUSE DEMOCRATS ONCE AGAIN HELPED PASS A BILL TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT RUNNING.

AFTER PASSING THE SENATE, PRESIDENT BIDEN SIGNED THE SPENDING BILL YESTERDAY.

KATHRYN PEARSON IS A POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR FROM THE U OF M, SPECIALIZES IN CONGRESS.

THAT POOR CAN THAT CONGRESS IS KICKING DOWN THE ROAD HAS GOT A LOT OF DENTS IN IT.

IS THIS JUST TEMPORARY OR WHAT GOES -- WHAT HAPPENS GOING FORWARD?

>> WELL, THIS IS TEMPORARY.

THIS IS A UNIQUE SITUATION WHERE FOUR OF THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS BILLS EXPIRE ON JANUARY 19th, AND THE REMAINING EIGHT EXPIRE ON FEBRUARY 2nd.

SO THAT'S NOT A LOT OF TIME.

SO WE ONCE AGAIN HAVE KICKED THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD.

THE HOPE IS THAT CONGRESS WILL PASS THESE AS INDIVIDUAL APPROPRIATIONS ILLS BETWEEN NOW AND THEN, BUT GIVEN THE POLITICAL DYNAMICS THAT WE'RE OBSERVING, THAT SEEMS TO BE -- THAT WOULD BE VERY CHALLENGING FOR HOUSE REPUBLICANS AND SENATE DEMOCRATS O AGREE ON THESE INDIVIDUAL BILLS.

IT DID PASS WITH AN OVERWHELMING 87-11 IN THE SENATE AND THEN WITH BIG MAJORITIES IN THE HOUSE AS WELL, BUT ONLY 57% OF REPUBLICANS SUPPORTED THE CONTINUING RESOLUTION.

IT DID NOT CUT SPENDING.

IT WAS THE AGREEMENT LAID OUT THIS SUMMER.

AND IT DID NOT INCLUDE POLICY PROVISIONS.

AND, SO, THIS WAS ESSENTIALLY THE SAME BILL THAT LOST -- THAT KEVIN McCARTHY LOST HIS SPEAKERSHIP OVER, BUT JOHNSON, OF COURSE, IS GIVING A LITTLE BIT OF BREATHING ROOM.

TELLINGLY, REPUBLICANS COULDN'T PASS A RULE.

SO THIS IS VERY INSIDE BASEBALL, BUT THEY HAD TO USE A PROCEDURE CALLED SUSPENSION OF THE RULES, WHICH REQUIRES 2/3 OF THE HOUSE TO AGREE, WHICH IS NORMALLY RESERVED FOR UNCONTROVERSIAL BILLS, AND THIS BILL, OF COURSE, WAS QUITE CONTROVERSIAL AMONG REPUBLICANS.

>> Cathy: WHAT A MESS.

>> IT'S A MESS.

>> Cathy: LET'S TALK ABOUT REPRESENTATIVE SANTOS IS FACING EXPULSION.

AND HOW -- WHAT'S -- I MEAN, HOW MANY TIMES HAS THAT EVER HAPPENED?

>> TWICE BEFORE.

>> Cathy: OKAY.

>> AND JIM TRAFICANT IN THE EARLY 2000s, A DEMOCRAT, HE, AFTER BEING CONVICTED OF BRIBERY, HE WAS EXPELLED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

SO, SANTOS, OF COURSE, HAS NOT BEEN CONVICTED, BUT THE ETHICS REPORT WAS QUITE DAMNING, IN TERMS OF ALL OF THE WAYS IN WHICH W -- -- IN WHICH HE USED CAMPAIGN FUNDS PERSONALLY AND IT HAD A VERY LONG LIST OF ALLEGATIONS.

SO IT IS LOOKING LIKELY, NOW THAT THE REPUBLICAN CHAIR OF THE ETHICS COMMITTEE WANTS TO BRING THIS TO THE HOUSE FLOOR THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN.

EVEN THOUGH HE HAS NOT BEEN CONVICTED AS OF NOW.

>> Eric: YOU WORKED ON CAPITOL HILL, YOU STUDIED CONGRESS CLOSELY.

WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE ELBOWING OF THE MEMBER BY KEVIN McCARTHY AND THE THREAT OF A FISTFIGHT?

WHAT'S GOING ON?

>> WELL, IT'S NOT NEW.

BUT IT IS STILL, NONETHELESS, TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE AND UNUSUAL.

I MEAN, THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE.

IT HAPPENED IN THE 1990s WHEN TENSIONS WERE HIGH.

BUT I THINK IT REALLY ILLUSTRATES HOW HIGH TENSIONS ARE AMONG REPUBLICANS.

I MEAN, THIS WAS TIM BURCHET, ELBOWED BY FORMER SPEAKER McCARTHY.

>> Eric: TWO REPUBLICANS.

>> RIGHT.

AND BURCHET WAS ONE OF THOSE WHO VOTED AGAINST McCARTHY, THE GROUP OF EIGHT, THAT'S KEY IN UNDERSTANDING HIS.

BUT IT REALLY UNDERSCORES THE TENSION, THE ANIMOSITY, AND SORT OF THE DYSFUNCTION.

AND THEN, OF COURSE, THE SENATE HEARING WHERE SENATOR SANDERS HAD TO STEP INTO A HEARING AND SAY, YOU KNOW, LET'S ACT LIKE SENATORS.

>> Cathy: YEAH, THIS LACK OF DECORUM, THOUGH, ISN'T THAT JUST AMAZING?

>> IT'S JUST SO DISAPPOINTING, AND UNPROFESSIONAL.

BUT THIS HAS BEEN THE LEAST PRODUCTIVE CONGRESS WE'VE HAD IN A VERY LONG TIME.

>> ric: LOOKING AHEAD TO THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF '24.

IS THERE ANY CHANCE FOR BROKERED CONVENTIONS WHERE TRUMP AND BIDEN MAY BE IN SUCH STRAITS THAT THEY HAVE TO TURN TO THE CONVENTION AND ACTUALLY NOMINATE OTHER PEOPLE?

>> WELL, GIVEN THAT NOW THE DELEGATES ARE CHOSEN IN PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES ALONG THE WAY, AND, SO, THERE ARE NO SMOKE-FILLED ROOMS, YOU KNOW, WE KNOW WHAT'S GOING IN BEFORE THE CONVENTIONS SINCE THE 1968 REFORMS, THAT SEEMS UNLIKELY.

BUT, YOU KNOW, NEVER SAY NEVER.

CERTAINLY IT IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL TO HAVE A REMATCH, BUT WITH TRUMP'S BIG LEAD THUS FAR IN THE NOMINATING CONTEST POLLING, IT LOOKS LIKE THAT'S A POSSIBILITY, BUT, REALLY, YOU KNOW, NYTHING COULD HAPPEN.

>> Eric: DOES CONGRESSMAN PHILLIPS HAVE ANY TRACTION AGAINST BIDEN AND WILL BIDEN MOUNT ANY KIND OF WRITE-IN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE OR LEAVE IT ALONE?

>> I THINK IT'S LIKELY THEY WILL WRITE IN BIDEN, THE EXTENT TO WHICH THAT'S A BIG CAMPAIGN IS NOT YET CLEAR BECAUSE, OF COURSE, BIDEN IS NOT ACTUALLY ON THE BALLOT BECAUSE NEW HAMPSHIRE IS VIOLATING DEMOCRATIC PARTY RULES BY GOING FIRST.

AS STATE LAW STIPULATES SO IT'S A LITTLE BIT CONFUSING THERE.

I THINK PHILLIPS IS PICKING UP A LITTLE BIT OF TRACTION, BUT, REALLY AMONG PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR EARN ACTIVE TO -- ALTERNATIVE TO BIDE YEP, NOT SO MUCH FOR PHILLIPS.

>> Cathy: JILL STEIN ENTERED THE RACE FOR THE GREEN PARTY.

WHAT DOES HISTORY TELL US ABOUT THIRD-PARTY CANDIDATES IN TERMS OF JUST WHO THEY HURT?

>> RIGHT.

WELL, I THINK IT REALLY DEPENDS ON WHO THE CANDIDATE IS.

BUT, OF COURSE, JILL STEIN IN 2016 HURT CLINTON IN MICHIGAN.

WITH SUCH THAT 10,000-VOTE NARROW MARGIN IN MICHIGAN IN 2016.

NOW, WOULD THOSE VOTERS HAVE STAYED HOME, WOULD THEY HAVE VOTED FOR CLINTON?

IT'S A LITTLE BIT HARD TO KNOW EVEN WITH GOOD EXIT POLLS, BUT IT SEEMS UNLIKELY THAT THEY WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR TRUMP.

BUT WOULD THAT HAVE MADE THE DIFFERENCE IN MICHIGAN?

UNCLEAR.

>> Eric: EALLY APPRECIATE YOUR EXPERTISE TONIGHT, AS USUAL, THANKS FOR COMING OVER.

>> MY PLEASURE.

>> Eric: YOU BET.

>> Cathy: SEE YOU LATER.

>> Eric: THANKS.

>> I HAVE A BIG BIRTHDAY COMING UP IN A COUPLE WEEKS.

WELL, ACTUALLY, IT'’S THE BIRTHDAY BEFORE A BIG BIRTHDAY.

BUT I LIKE TO GET AHEAD OF THINGS, AND AS I PREPARE FOR THIS ADMITTEDLY ARBITRARY NEXT PHASE IN MY LIFE, I'’M EAGER TO DO THINGS RIGHT.

AND I'’M NOT ALONE.

GOOGLE THE PHRASE,"“HOW TO AGE GRACEFULLY,"” AND YOU'’LL GET 102 MILLION HITS.

THE ADVICE IS GENERALLY COMMONPLACE AND BROMIDIC.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT.

STAY CURIOUS.

BE FLEXIBLE IN BODY AND MIND.

THAT'’S FINE.

BUT IF YOU'RE LIKE ME AND YOU NEED MORE PRACTICAL, GRANULAR ADVICE, HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS.

ONE, DON'’T MAKE OLD-PERSON NOISES.

I KNOW YOUR BACK HURTS AND THAT YOU GET LIGHT-HEADED WHEN YOU STAND UP TOO QUICKLY.

YOU KNOW THIS.

NO ONE ELSE WANTS TO KNOW.

SO GO EASY ON THE "“OOFS"” AND "“OYS.

"” TWO, GENTLEMEN: BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR HAIR.

I USED TO JOKE WITH MY STYLIST ABOUT THE SAD DAY WHEN MY RECEDING HAIRLINE WOULD MEET UP WITH MY BALD SPOT.

IT'’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD.

LEARN TO LIKE HATS.

THREE: DO NOT CO-OPT GEN Z LINGO.

FOR INSTANCE, IT'’S OKAY TO LIKE A SONG.

PLEASE DO NOT SAY IT "”SLAPS.

"” YOU WILL LOOK AND SOUND STUPID.

NO MATTER HOW MUCH "”RIZZ"” - THAT'’S CHARM AND CHARISMA - YOU HAVE.

FINALLY: WHILE I CAST NO SHADE ON LESLIE FHIMA AND THE REST OF THE PEOPLE LOOKING FOR LOVE ON "“THE GOLDEN BACHELOR,"” I WOULD SUBMIT THAT THERE'’S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AGING GRACEFULLY AND AGGRESSIVELY AGING GRACEFULLY.

IT'’S A THIN LINE.

FOR ME, I HOPE TO LIVE BY AN APHORISM GIVEN TO ME BY MY FATHER-IN-LAW WHO MADE IT TO AGE 90.

HIS CREDO?

"“ALL THINGS IN MODERATION.

INCLUDING MODERATION.

"” ♪♪ >> CATHY: WHEN ALL THE VOTES IN ST. PAUL'S CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS WERE FINALLY TALLIED LATE LAST WEEK, HISTORY WAS MADE.

AN ALL-FEMALE COUNCIL WILL LEAD THE CITY COME JANUARY.

FRED MELO FOLLOWS ALL THINGS ST. PAUL FOR THE ST. PAUL "PIONEER PRESS."

WELCOME BACK.

>> THANKS.

>> Cathy: WE WERE JUST TALKING OFF AIR THERE BRIEFLY ABOUT, GOSH, IT WAS ONLY TEN YEARS AGO WHEN THE COUNCIL WAS MOSTLY ALL WHITE AND MEN AND MALE.

>> WHEN I STARTED, THERE WAS ONE WOMAN, KATHY LANTREY WHO BECAME THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT, THERE WAS ONE PERSON OF COLOR AND HIS NAME WAS MELVIN CARTER AND HE WENT ON TO BECOME THE MAYOR.

OTHERWISE, YOU KNOW, SEVEN-MEMBER COUNCIL, EVERYONE ELSE WAS WHITE MALE.

AND NOW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE ALL FEMALE AND ONE CAUCASIAN AND SIX PEOPLE OF COLOR.

>> Eric: WHAT MESSAGE WERE St. PAUL VOTERS SENDING WITH ELECTING THIS BUNCH?

>> I THINK IT WAS PRETTY PROGRESSIVE MESSAGE.

THERE WERE PEOPLE, YOU KNOW, THERE WERE 30 CANDIDATES FOR THE SEVEN SEATS, THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO RAN AGAINST A BIKEWAY ON SUMMIT AVENUE, NONE OF THEM MADE ANY TRACTION.

THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO WANTED TO REPEAL RENT CONTROL, NONE OF THEM MADE ANY TRACTION.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WERE DEAD SET AGAINST SALES TAX FOR ROADS, WHICH PASSED WITH, LIKE, OVER 60% OF THE VOTE.

SO NONE OF THEM MADE ANY TRACTION.

SO, IT WAS PRETTY PROGRESSIVE CHOICES, I'D SAY, OVERALL, VERY MUCH THE DFL SLATE.

BUT EVEN IN WARD 1, WHERE THERE HAD NOT BEEN A CANDIDATE WITH A DFL SPONSORSHIP, THEY STILL KIND OF WENT FOR THE MAYOR'S CHOICE, ANIKA.

>> Cathy: WOULD YOU SAY THAT St. PAUL S AS AGGRESSIVE AS MINNEAPOLIS IS IN TERMS OF ITS POLITICS?

>> IT'S DEFINITELY DIFFERENT.

I THINK THE FEEL IS DIFFERENT, SMALLER CITY COUNCIL, SMALLER CITY.

WE HAVE RENT CONTROL.

MINNEAPOLIS IS STILL KIND OF DEBATING THAT, THAT'S STILL GOING TO BE A QUESTION OUT THERE.

SO, IN SOME WAYS, WE'VE BEEN MORE PROGRESSIVE, YOU COULD ARGUE, AND IN SOME WAYS WE'RE STILL CATCHING UP ON THINGS LIKE BIKE LANES.

>> Eric: HOW IS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT GOING TO FARE WITH THIS NEW COUNCIL?

>> I THINK IT WILL BE INTERESTING.

I TALKED TO JALALI, WHO'S THE MIDWAY, WARD 4, SHE SAID ONE OF HER PRIORITIES NEXT YEAR IS TO GO UPSTREAM OF CRIME, LOOK AT THINGS THAT ARE NONPOLICING APPROACHES TOWARDS PUBLIC SAFETY.

MITRA JALALI.

WE'VE SEEN A LITTLE BIT OF A DECLINE IN VIOLENT CRIME, BACK TO PREPANDEMIC LEVELS, BUT THOSE WERE ELEVATED LEVELS COMPARED TO 20 YEARS, PEOPLE ARE STILL WORRIED ABOUT, WHO DO I CALL WHEN MY GARAGE GETS BROKEN INTO, EVEN IF IT'S NOT A VIOLENT CRIME.

THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME QUESTIONS THERE.

THE POLICE DON'T REALLY COME BY THOSE KINDS OF THINGS TO CHECK ON YOUR STOLEN BIKE.

YOU JUST FILE SOMETHING ONLINE.

SO THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME TENSION THERE.

>> Cathy: YOU MENTIONED COUNCIL MEMBER JALALI, DO YOU THINK SHE'LL BECOME COUNCIL MEMBER PRESIDENT.

SHE'S INTERESTED.

>> SHE'S DEFINITELY INTERESTED.

I THINK SHE MIGHT HAVE THE VOTES.

REBECCA NOECKER HAS BEEN THERE A LITTLE BIT LONGER, REPRESENTS DOWNTOWN, THE WEST SIDE, KIND OF THESE ROBUST AREAS THAT HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES.

SHE'S -- HE EB BECK -- REBECCA NOECKER IS KIND OF THE CO-COUNCIL PRESIDENT, DEPUTY PRESIDENT.

SHE'S ALSO INTERESTED.

THERE'S A LITTLE BIT OF A COMPETITION THERE, BUT I THINK MITRA MIGHT HAVE THE EDGE.

>> Eric: ONE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS-ELECT SAID SHE WANTS TO BRING A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE TO THE CITY COUNCIL, DOES THAT MEAN BLOCKING AND TACKLING CITY STUFF IS GOING TO BE A LOWER PRIORITY?

>> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.

YOU HAVE SEVEN DWIFNT PEOPLE.

THEY -- DIFFERENT PEOPLE.

THEY MAY BE ALL WOMEN, PEOPLE OF COLOR, THEY'RE STILL GOING TO BRING DIFFERENT PRIORITIES.

SURE, THE IDEA OF KIND OF LOCAL CITY ISSUES AND CITY POLITICS IMPACTING SOCIAL ISSUES AND QUESTIONS ABOUT EQUITY AND QUESTIONS ABOUT WHO HAS ACCESS TO EVERYTHING FROM CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES TO BETTER ROADS AND SCHOOLS.

YEAH, THERE'S GOING TO BE THAT DISCUSSION.

BUT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOUR CONSTITUENTS ARE CALLING YOU ABOUT A PARTICULAR POTHOLE, A PARTICULAR CITY INTERSECTION.

SO I THINK THIS COUNCIL'S GOING TO DISCOVER VERY QUICKLY, IF THEY DON'T KNOW ALREADY, THAT ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL AND IN St. PAUL IT'S HYPERLOCAL, WHERE CITY AND NEIGHBORHOODS, PEOPLE ARE REALLY GOING TO WANT WHAT'S BEST FOR THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD.

>> Cathy: ERIC ASKED ABOUT THE COUNCIL'S RELATIONSHIP WITH MAYBE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

HOW ABOUT THE ELATIONSHIP WITH MAYOR CARTER, DO YOU THINK?

>> WELL, THAT'S GOING TO BE VERY INTERESTING.

I MEAN, MAYOR CARTER SAID HE SUPPORTED RENT CONTROL, HE KIND OF CAME IN LATE IN THAT DISCUSSION, BUT HE SAID HE SUPPORTED IT.

BUT THEN HE ALSO SUPPORTED THE EXEMPTIONS THAT GOT PASSED A YEAR AGO, HEY, IF YOU'RE BUILDING A NEW BUILDING, YOU'RE EXEMPT FROM RENT CONTROL FOR 20 YEARS.

THAT'S A PRETTY BIG EXEMPTION.

THIS CITY COUNCIL MAY NOT BE FEELING THAT.

I THINK THERE'S GOING TO BE A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT OPINIONS THERE.

BUT I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF VERY SOON THAT GETS REVISITED.

E EMIND US, St. PAUL HAS HAY STRONG MAYOR SYSTEM.

HOW DOES THE COUNCIL FIT INTO LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNING?

>> THE COUNCIL SETS THE BUDGET.

THE MAYOR HAS SOME VETO POWER OVER THAT BUDGET.

BUT EVEN THINGS LIKE APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE PARKS AND REC COMMISSION, THAT'S SOMETHING THE MAYOR DOES, APPOINTING TO THE ADVISORY BOARDS, THAT'S WHAT THE MAYOR DOES.

DIFFERENT THAN MINNEAPOLIS, WHERE YOU RUN FOR PARKS AND REC COMMISSION.

HERE YOU GO TO THE MAYOR'S OFFICE AND SAY, CAN I PLEASE BE ON THIS BOARD?

THERE'S A LOT ORE VOICE, I THINK, BUILT IN IN St. PAUL.

SO IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE SOME OF THAT PUSHBACK.

RENT CONTROL'S A BIG ONE.

CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES, RAISING PROPERTY TAXES TO PAY FOR CHILD CARE, THAT'S GOING TO BE ON THE 2024 BALLOT.

EXPECT A BIG DISCUSSION THERE.

>> Cathy: WHAT BIG ISSUE COMES OUT OF THE GATE FIRST WITH THIS NEW COUNCIL, DO YOU THINK?

>> YOU KNOW, THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.

I MEAN, THE BUDGET WILL BE SET IN DISEASE.

SO THE NEW COUNCIL WILL KIND OF INHERIT A BUDGET.

THE SALES TAX GOT APPROVED, THERE'S ABOUT $2 BILLION -- $1 BILLION OVER 20 YEARS, THAT'S $30 MILLION A YEAR.

THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO REALLY MAKE SURE THAT THAT GETS SPENT AS IT WAS PROMISED TO BE SPENT ON ROADS, BUT ALSO ON BIG PARKS PROJECTS.

AND MULTITOURNAMENT SPORT FACILITY MAYBE ON THE NORTH END, THAT KIND OF THING IS UP IN THE AIR.

>> Cathy: ALL RIGHT.

>> Eric: THANKS FOR COMING OVER.

>> Cathy: YOU'RE THE BEST.

>> Eric: GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> MARY: WE'RE BACK WITH CHEF KOCH.

AND WHO MADE THIS GORGEOUS RICE DISH EARLIER.

NOW WE'RE DOING SOMETHING SWEET.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

>> PROPS TO MY BAKER, BECAUSE SHE'S FANTASTIC.

SHE MADE THESE BEAUTIFUL MERINGUES, WE'LL HAVE THEM FOR SALE.

APPLE, SIMPLE SYRUP.

WE HAD THE APPLES STEEPING FOR A LITTLE BIT.

>> Mary: CAN WE GO BACK TO SCRAPS?

THIS IS LITERALLY SCRAPS, LIKE YOU AID EARLIER.

YOU MAKE YOUR PIE.

YOU KEEP THE CORE.

>> YUP.

>> Mary: RIGHT?

THE SKIN.

>> YUP.

>> Mary: AND ANYTHING ELSE.

>> AND WE HAVE JUST -- ADD JUST TWO CLOVES, DON'T WANT TOO MANY CLOVES, A COUPLE PIECES OF GINGER, HOUSE CANDY GINGER THAT THE BAKER MADE, SHE'S FAN FACT.

THE SYRUP WILL COOK DOWN FOR AN HOUR.

NICE SIMMER.

AMBER, ALMOST LOOKS LIKE HONEY.

THE SPICES COME OUT OF IT.

SPRITZ COCKTAIL FOR THE KIDS, MOCKTAIL, YOU KNOW, IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A BRANDY MANHATTAN, SOMETHING FANCIER WITH IT, YOU CAN GO RIGHT AHEAD WITH IT.

A LITTLE -- SOME BUBBLES.

>> Mary: BUBBLES.

ALWAYS MAKE THINGS FEEL FESTIVE, DON'T THEY?

>> YES.

ABSOLUTELY.

THEN WE GOT THE LITTLE TOPPER WITH THE MERINGUE.

>> Mary: LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL THE MERINGUES ARE.

>> APPLE SLICE.

THERE WE GO.

>> Mary: THAT'S GORGEOUS.

>> WE'RE RIGHT BY THE GUTHRIE THEATER, COME DOWN AFTER THE SHOWS AND ENJOY A COCKTAIL OR ENJOY A NICE BEAUTIFUL MEAL WITH US.

>> Mary: AND YOU CAN FIND THESE RECIPES, HIS WILL BE ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

IF YOU'RE NOT ON FACEBOOK, YOU CAN FIND IT ON OUR WEBSITE.

WE'LL PUT THAT EXACT ADDRESS ON OUR SCREEN.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE ETHIC OF WHAT YOU DO AT FARMERS KITCHEN AND BAR.

WHILE I TAKE A SIP.

>> WE REALLY TRY TO SOURCE AS MUCH AS WE CAN FROM OUR GREAT STATE, FROM OUR WONDERFUL FARMERS AND KEEP ALL THOSE CONNECTION THAT IS WE MAKE, YOU KNOW, I REALLY CHERISH THE RELATIONSHIPS I HAVE WITH ALL OUR FARMERS SO IT'S REALLY FANTASTIC THAT YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD'S COMING FROM.

>> Mary: IT'S THE SPOT TO GO.

IT'S THE OLD SPOON RIVER.

YOU'RE IN A NEW LOCATION THERE.

RIGHT IN THAT MILL CITY AREA, RIGHT?

>> CALL IT THE COURTYARD, BEAUTIFUL FARMERS MARKET THERE IN THE SUMMER.

AND IT'S A ANTASTIC SPACE TO COME DOWN, I ALWAYS CALL IT THE DOG PARADE, COME DOWN TO WATCH THE DOGS, THERE'S A LOT OF CUTE DOGS THERE.

>> Mary: AND THE SPOT, IF YOU'RE GOING TO THE GUTHRIE, CHRISTMAS CAROL, EFORE OR AFTER, RIGHT?

>> BEFORE OR AFTER.

MAYBE AFTER IS NOT AS BUSY.

WE DEFINITELY FILL UP FOR THAT LUNCH CROWD.

BUT AFTER THE HOW CROWD IS NOT AS BUSY.

>> Mary: GREAT COFFEES AND PASTRIES.

8:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M. >> YES.

EVERYTHING'S MADE IN HOUSE.

IT'S REALLY GREAT.

>> Mary: CHRIS, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYBODY.

>> CHEERS.

>> Mary: CHEERS, YEAH.

♪♪ >> ERIC: BY JANUARY 1ST THE STATE WILL HAVE A NEW FLAG AND SEAL.

THE RELEASE OF THE ENTRIES CREATED AN ON-LINE FRENZY FOR FOLKS TO SELECT THEIR FAVORITES.

POLITICAL REPORTER MARY LAHAMMER HAS AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE PROCESS WITH THE PERSON LEADING THE CHARGE.

>> Mary: THE CURRENT MINNESOTA STATE FLAG AND SEAL ARE SEEN AS OUTDATED, AT BEST, AND CULTURALLY INAPPROPRIATE.

SO STATE LAW SAYS BOTH MUST BE REDESIGNED.

TELL ME ABOUT HOW OVERWHELMING THE PUBLIC'S INTEREST IN THIS PROCESS HAS BEEN.

>> IT'S BEEN GREAT.

WE'VE BEEN GETTING NATIONAL NEWS AND OBVIOUSLY LOCAL NEWS AND NOT JUST IN THE TWIN CITIES BUT ALL OVER THE STATE.

>> Mary: THE REDESIGN WEBSITE HAS HAD 300,000 PAGE VIEWS AND 3,000 COMMENTS FOR THE MORE THAN 2,000 FLAG DESIGNS SUBMITTED BY THE PUBLIC.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE A WINNER IN THERE?

>> DOES IT FEEL MINNESOTA?

DOES IT HAVE THE DNA OF WHAT MINNESOTA COULD BE?

DOES IT BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER?

ALL THESE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS.

IS IT SIMPLE?

CAN I JUDGE IT FROM FAR AWAY, VERY SMALL?

HOW DOES IT LOOK WHEN IT'S FLAT?

HOW DOES IT LOOK WHEN IT'S FLYING, HOW DOES IT LOOK WHEN IT'S RELAXED, VERTICAL, HORIZONTAL, YOU NAME IT.

>> Mary: THE CHAIR IS DOWN TO HIS TOP 20.

COMMISSION MEMBERS HAVE TO SUBMIT 25 OF THEIR FAVORITES NEXT WEEK AND CLEAR THEMES ARE EMERGING.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF GREEN, A LOT OF BLUE.

THAT'S OBVIOUSLY MINNESOTA.

IT REPRESENTS THE GREENERY AND THE PINES AND THE NORTHERN WOODS AND OBVIOUSLY THE LAKES.

>> Mary: A SLEUTH STAFFER AT TPT HAS AN UNOFFICIAL TALLY SHOWING STARS ARE THE MOST PROMINENT FOR OUR NORTH STAR STATE.

IN THAT 20 WERE ANY OF THE THEMES, YOU KNOW, LOONS, STARS, LAKES, TREES, ANY OF THOSE MAKE IT N YOUR LIST?

>> YES.

ALL OF THEM IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.

SOMETIMES NOT DIRECT WAYS.

LIKE THE LOON MADE IT IN THE SEAL, BUT NOT IN THE FLAG.

I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS APPROPRIATE.

>> Mary: BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE THE SAME.

THAT WAS FASCINATING FOR US TO LEARN TODAY THAT THOSE CAN AND A LOT OF STATES DO FOLLOW A DIFFERENT TRACK FOR THE FLAG AND THE SEAL.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

I THINK WE CAME TO AN AGREEMENT THAT IT COULD BE THE SAME AND IT DOESN'T HAVE TO.

>> Mary: THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ARE STILL WORKING ON THEIR FINAL LIST.

>> I'M INTERESTED IN HEARING WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY BECAUSE SOME OF YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT, WE MUST HAVE A LOON, OR WE MUST HAVE A NORTH STAR.

I'M INTERESTED IN THAT.

>> I JUST FEEL LIKE INNESOTA IS REALLY INVESTED IN THIS PROCESS AND WE CAN SEE THAT FROM THE COMMENTS AS WELL, NOT EVERYBODY LOVES TO HAVE THIS NEW FLAG COMING SOON, BUT I THINK THE MORE WE TALK ABOUT IT AND ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SHARE THEIR REACTIONS OR THEIR THOUGHTS, THE CLEARER I GOT.

>> Mary: I KNOW YOU HAVE NATIVE MEMBERS ON THE BOARD.

>> YES.

>> Mary: AND THE OLD FLAG AND SYMBOL -- >> 100%.

>> Mary: WAS SEEN AS VERY PROBLEMATIC TO THE PEOPLE WHO WERE HERE FIRST.

>> YES.

>> Mary: BUT YOU BRING MULTICULTURALISM, THE BOARD DOES.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THAT ASPECT?

>> I THINK, TO ME, IT'S THE NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT THING.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SEE IT, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S NOT JUST REPRESENTING ONE CULTURE.

>> Mary: CHAIR FITCH'S CULTURE STARTS IN MEXICO.

>> NOT IN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT VOTERS IN THE WHOLE WORLD, TIJUANA, SAN DIEGO OWE, I EXPERIENCED A LOT OF MULTICULTURALISM.

>> Mary: HE WENT ON TO BECOME AN INCREDIBLY SUCCESSFUL ARTIST, DESIGNING A STAFF FOR THE U.S.

POSTAL SERVICE AND FOR TARGET FOR A QUARTER OF A CENTURY.

STAMP.

GOOD CHUNK OF YOUR LIFE NOW?

>> ACTUALLY IT'S THE MOST I'VE LIVED IN ANY PLACE.

SO YES, I'M A MINNESOTAN.

>> Mary: AND THIS MINNESOTAN IS TAKING HIS RESPONSIBILITY SERIOUSLY TO SELECT A NEW FLAG IN ALL ITS DETAIL.

>> THIS WAS CARE BOX, IF YOU WANT TO, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN SEE.

IT COMES WITH A LITTLE BOOK COMPILED BY TED KAY ABOUT HOW TO DESIGN GOOD FLAGS.

AND HE MAKES T VERY VISUAL, LIKE, ES, NO, YES, NO.

FIRST THING IS KEEP IT SIMPLE, RIGHT?

THEN THE MATCHING COLORS, VERY SPECIFICALLY FOR FLAGS.

AND WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO TOUCH THE MATERIALS AND UNDERSTAND COLORS.

THE OTHER THING, TOO, IT'S MATERIAL, RIGHT?

THERE'S DIFFERENT MATERIALS, YOU CAN SEE THAT THIS IS MORE SHINY.

AND A LOT OF THESE ARE EASY TO PRINT.

ANOTHER THING THE GRAPHIC DESIGNERS USE IS CALLED PANTELL, THERE WE MATCH THAT BLUE TO A COLOR NUMBER, AS YOU CAN SEE HERE.

AND THIS IS FOR PRINTING.

>> Mary: WHAT I FOUND FASCINATING IS HOW MANY OTHER STATES NOW SAY, HEY, WE NEED TO DO THIS.

HAVE YOU HEARD THAT AND SEEN THAT, THAT THIS IS REALLY CREATING A NATIONAL WAVE AND CONVERSATION?

>> I THINK MORE AND MORE WE'RE GOING TO START SEEING THAT.

YOU SAW WITH THE SCULPTURES, WE SAW WITH THE NAMES OF PARKS BEING CHANGED AND SO ON AND SO ON.

AND, SO, FLAGS AND SEALS, WE'RE GOING TO START SEEING A LOT.

>> Mary: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF BEING PART OF THIS REALLY ESSENTIAL MOMENT IN HISTORY IN TIME?

YOU'RE MAKING HISTORY HERE.

>> IT'S BEEN SUCH A FAST RIDE THAT I HAVEN'T FELT IT YET.

I THINK ASK ME JANUARY 1st.

♪♪ >> ERIC: GOVERNOR WALZ IS FINISHING UP A TRADE MISSION TO AUSTRALIA.

BACK HERE IN MINNESOTA, THE WEBSITE WITH POTENTIAL STATE FLAG DESIGNS HAS BEEN SEEING HEAVY TRAFFIC.

AND MORE THAN ONE MEMBER OF MINNESOTA'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION MAY HAVE A PRIMARY RACE AHEAD.

PLENTY OF FODDER FOR OUR COUCH FULL OF POLITICOS.

REPUBLICANS FIRST UP.

FRITZ KNAAK IS A FORMER STATE SENATOR NOW PRACTICING ATTORNEY.

ANNETTE MEEKS, FORMER CONGRESSIONAL STAFFER AND HEAD OF THE FREEDOM FOUNDATION OF MINNESOTA.

DFLERS ON THE COUCH TONIGHT.

JEFF HAYDEN, FORMER STATE SENATOR NOW LOBBYIST.

AND WE WELCOME BACK WINTANA MELEKIN, DFL ACTIVIST WHO LOGGED MANY HOURS AT THE LEGISLATURE THIS PAST SESSION.

IS THIS SOMETHING THAT YOUR PEER GROUP, THE FLAG, IS INTERESTED IN OR IS THIS FOR OLD PEOPLE?

>> YOU KNOW, I RESPECT MY ELDERS.

[ Laughter ] BUT, YEAH, WE WERE DISCUSSING IT IN THE BACK ROOM.

I DON'T HAVE A DOG IN THE FIGHT.

I THINK AS LONG AS IT'S A FLAG THAT MOST PEOPLE LOVE AND RESPECT, I THINK THAT'S WHAT THE PRIORITY IS.

I DO THINK THAT THERE ARE SOME ISSUES WITH THE LAST FLAG BEING TOO BUSY AND NOT PAYING ENOUGH HOMAGE TO INDIGENOUS FOLKS THAT WERE HERE BEFORE ME AND ANY OF US AT THIS TABLE.

AND, SO, EXCITED FOR THAT SHIFT.

BUT NOT A TOP PRIORITY.

I THINK PUBLIC HOUSING IS MORE OF A PRIORITY FOR FOLKS.

>> Eric: YEAH.

LEGISLATURE, IF THE LEGISLATURE DOES ENACT, IT BECOMES THE FLAG, BUT THEY CAN REJECT IT?

>> I THINK THAT'S HOW IT IS.

I THINK THEY'VE REALLY GIVEN IT TO THE PEOPLE.

SENATOR KUNESH IS REALLY LEADING THAT PROCESS.

SO I SUSPECT THAT WHAT THE PEOPLE COME UP WITH, OR WHAT THE COMMISSION COMES UP, THE LEGISLATURE WILL AFFIRM.

>> Eric: CAN I GIVE ED A SOFTBALL.

EXPENSIVE -- CAN I GIVE ANNETTE A SOFTBALL.

EXPENSIVE STATE OFFICE BUILDING.

WASN'T THE SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, AND DOES THIS SERVE THE SAME PURPOSE?

>> I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS DESIRE TO SPEND MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.

YOU TALK ABOUT PUBLIC HOUSING, THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING THROUGHOUT THE STATE IS SUCH A GREAT PROBLEM AND WE HAVE A LEGISLATURE THAT SEEMS HELL BENT EVERY TWO YEARS TO SPEND GOBS AND GOBS.

THIS IS GOING TO BE CLOSE TO A BILLION DOLLARS BY THE TIME THEY'RE DONE.

>> Eric: WITH THE INTEREST.

>> RIGHT, WITH THE INTEREST.

>> Eric: THE BONDS.

>> AND WHATNOT ON A STATE OFFICE BUILDING, OBODY MOWS WHERE IT IS AND NOBODY WANTS TO SPEND THAT KIND OF MONEY.

>> STUNNING.

LOW-HANGING FRUIT AGAIN.

ONLY FAR FAR WORSE THAN BEFORE.

IT'S LIKE 5 MILLION BUCKS FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE HOUSE.

I MEAN, JUST GIVE THEM A $2 MILLION HOUSE, LET THEM DO IT REMOTELY, RIGHT?

YOU'D SAVE HALF THE MONEY.

>> Eric: YOU WERE THERE DURING THE SENATE OFFICE BUILDING.

>> YES, I WAS THERE.

AND WE WENT THROUGH THOSE WARS AND SOME REASONS WHY PEOPLE FELT LIKE WE LOST AN ELECTION WAS BECAUSE OF THIS.

AND THAT WAS ONLY $96 MILLION.

BUT IT WAS RELATED TO THE $350 MILLION CAPITOL RENOVATION, WHICH WE THOUGHT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

I'LL BE CAREFUL HERE, BECAUSE THE SPEAKER'S A REALLY GOOD FRIEND OF MINE, I'VE GOT A LOT OF GOOD FRIENDS IN THE HOUSE, I'M JUST WONDERING IF THAT NUMBER MIGHT NOT BE A LITTLE LARGE.

IF YOU GO TO THE STATE OFFICE BUILDING, THOUGH, IT IS A BUILDING THAT IS IN NEED OF RENOVATION, IT'S NOT SAFE, IT'S NOT TECHNOLOGICALLY SOUND.

WHEN I WAS IN THE MINORITY, THE SENATE USED TO SIT IN THE BASEMENT, IT WASN'T REALLY A GOOD PLACE TO BRING YOUR CONSTITUENTS.

SO THEY REALLY NEED TO DO THE.

BUILDING.

IF THAT'S THE RIGHT NUMBER, I THINK SOME OF US ARE SHAKING THEIR HEADS.

>> I THINK IT'S A FINE PLACE TO BRING YOUR CONSTITUENTS.

>> THEY COMPLETELY REDID IT.

>> Eric: YOU WERE IN THE BASEMENT, YEAH.

>> BUT THE BOTTOM LINE THERE WAS THERE, THEY DID A $50 MILLION RENOVATION, WHAT WAS IT, 30 YEARS AGO, TO TURN IT INTO BASICALLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BUILDING.

AND, YOU KNOW, 50 MILLION THEN, NOW WE'RE AT TEN TIMES THAT.

IT'S GOING TO BE INTERESTING TO SEE.

>> WHEN WE HAVE SO MANY GREAT NEEDS THAT AREN'T BEING ADDRESSED, TO SPEND THIS KIND OF MONEY, THERE'S A REASON WHY THEY CALL IT THE S.O.B., I THINK THAT'S EVEN MORE ACCURATE TODAY.

>> Eric: HOW DO YOU THINK ILHAN OMAR, AND DON SAMUELS, APPARENTLY THERE'S A REMATCH, I DON'T KNOW IF MORE PEOPLE ARE GETTING IN, HOW DO YOU HANDICAP THAT FOR THE PRIMARY NEXT FALL?

>> I THINK ILHAN WILL DO PHENOMENAL.

LAST CYCLE SHE HAD A SMALLER CAMPAIGN, WANTED TO PRIERLTIZE THE GENERAL -- PRIORITIZE THE GENERAL AND STILL WAS ABLE TO BEAT DON.

I THINK THIS TIME WITH HER RAISING RECORD-LEVEL AMOUNTS OF MONEY, HAVING A REALLY PHENOMENAL CAMPAIGN TEAM, DON'S POPULARITY GOING DOWN, HER POPULARITY GOING UP, I THINK SHE'S GOING TO SAIL SMOOTHLY RIGHT THROUGH IT ALL, YEAH.

>> Eric: DOES THE GAZA VERSUS -- HAMAS VERSUS ISRAEL PLAY IN?

>> I THINK IT WILL PLAY.

IN I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL BE SMOOTH, I THINK IT WILL BE BUMPY, BUT I THINK THAT THE CONGRESSWOMAN HAS SHOWN THAT SHE'S A HARD CAMPAIGNER AND SHE'S READY.

SHE WASN'T REALLY QUITE READY FOR THAT RESURGE SENSE.

DEFUND THE BALANCE WAS ON THE BALLOT.

THAT'S NOT ON THE BALLOT ANYMORE.

SO I DO THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, IT WILL BE A TOUGH FIGHT, BUT I'M NOT SURE THAT SHE'S GOING TO CATCH HE CONGRESSWOMAN OFF GUARD THIS TIME.

>> I DON'T THINK SHE'S GOING TO BE OFF GUARD.

BUT CERTAINLY HE ISN'T EITHER.

HE HAD KIND OF WHAT I'D CALL A SPONTANEOUS CAMPAIGN.

HE'S GETTING STARTED EARLY.

AND, OF COURSE, THIS IS STARTLING NEWS, BUT HE'S GOING TO GET ALL KINDS OF NONDEMOCRATIC MONEY, I SUSPECT.

IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY EXPENSIVE RACE.

GOOD TIME NUMBER THE PUBLIC MEDIA BUSINESS BECAUSE THEY'RE GOING TO BE SELLING A LOT OF ADS.

>> I THINK THE OTHER THING IS, WE'RE IN SERIOUS TIMES NOW THAT WE WERE NOT IN TWO YEARS AGO.

WE HAVE A VERY SERIOUS WAR GOING ON WITH OUR AMERICA'S GREATEST ALLY, AND TO SEE HER AND HER WILDLY OFFENSIVE POSITIONS OFTENTIMES HAS REALLY ALIENATED A LOT OF VOTERS AND I THINK HE'S GOING TO -- I THINK HE'S GOING TO PREVAIL THIS TIME.

>> YEAH.

HE HAS ALREADY SAID HE'S NOT IN TOO FAR ALIGNMENT WITH WHAT SHE'S BEEN SAYING ON WHAT'S CURRENTLY HAPPENING.

SO I DON'T THINK THAT IS GOING TO BE THE ISSUE.

I THINK THE OTHER THING TO NOTE IS THAT TURNOUT WAS VERY MUCH DOWN.

DON RECEIVED THE SAME AMOUNT OF VOTES AS ILHAN'S LAST CHALLENGER.

I THINK THE CONSERVATIVE CHALLENGER IN THAT ACE HAS KIND OF HIT THE CEILING ON THE PROGRESSIVE BASIS -- AND THE PROGRESSIVE BASE S GROWING, ESPECIALLY WITH PRESIDENTIAL AND HOW WILDLY CONGRESSWOMAN OMAR IS IN THE DISTRICT.

I'M ACTUALLY NOT WORRIED ABOUT IT THIS CYCLE.

AND I HINK THE CONSTITUENTS OF THE C.D.

WILL ACTUALLY -- ARE ACTUALLY ON HER SIDE WITH THIS ISSUE.

>> IF YOU LOOK AT THE LAST ELECTION, WHICH I KNOW WE'LL GET INTO, THE ELECTORATE IS VERY PROGRESSIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, THAT'S WHERE A LOT OF THE VOTES COME FROM, I THINK WE'RE GOING TO GET INTO THAT, SHE IS THE LEADER OF THAT.

SO I THINK IF YOU LOOK AT KIND OF WHERE WE'RE TRENDING, IN MINNEAPOLIS AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS, I THINK ILHAN WILL BE OKAY.

>> Cathy: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT C.D.

3 WHEN IT COMES TO DEAN PHILLIPS' SEAT?

A, WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF WHAT REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIPS IS DOING N TERMS OF RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT?

AND WHAT HAPPENS -- HE ALREADY HAS A COUPLE OF PRIMARY CHALLENGERS.

>> I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE WHAT DEAN PHILLIPS IS DOING.

I HAVE ISSUES, YOU KNOW, WITH OUR PRESIDENT AND WISH HE WAS TAKING BETTER POSITIONS.

BUT DEAN PHILLIPS IS NOT THE CANDIDATE THAT IS FULFILLING THAT GAP.

AND -- I THINK HE'LL PICK UP SOME OLKS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, THINGS LIKE THAT, BUT I DON'T THINK HE'S GOING TO COME CLOSE TO TAKING OUT THE PRESIDENT.

>> Eric: KELLY MORRISON, RESPECTED MEMBER OF THE STATE SENATE, IF SHE HAPPENS TO BECOME A NEW CONGRESS PERSON, YOU'D HAVE A 33-33 TIE IN THE SENATE, PENDING A SPECIAL ELECTION, RIGHT?

>> YEAH, YOU WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A SPECIAL LEGACY, I KNOW THE MAJORITY LEADER, I'VE TALKED TO HER, IS THINKING ABOUT THAT.

YOU KNOW, SENATOR MORRISON IS A PRETTY -- IS A REALLY GOOD LEGISLATOR WITH A REALLY REALLY LONG KIND OF TRACK RECORD OF BEING PROGRESSIVE, ESPECIALLY ON THE ISSUES AROUND REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE RIGHTS.

I WILL GIVE A SHOUT-OUT TO MY FRIEND, OUR FRIEND, RON HARRIS, WHO, YOU KNOW -- >> Eric: DNC.

>> DNC EXECUTIVE WHO WAS SMART IN HIS RUNNING FOR THE FIRST TIME.

I'M NOT SURE HOW THAT'S GOING TO LINE UP.

BUT, YES, THERE WILL BE A 33-33.

>> Eric: LAST TIME YOU WERE ON -- >> Cathy: I WAS ACTUALLY GOING TO ASK ANNETTE WHAT SHE THINKS.

>> I THINK DEAN PHILLIPS IS PLAYING WITH FIRE, TO BE VERY HONEST.

I THINK KELLY MORRISON IS A VERY VERY STRONG CHALLENGER, SHE'S RACKING UP ENDORSEMENTS, RIGHT AND LEFT, AND I THINK HE THINKS HE CAN COME BACK HERE AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO ENDORSEMENT AND GET HIS SEAT BACK.

I DON'T THINK THAT'S GOING TO BE THE CASE.

I THINK SHE SHOULD EASILY BECOME ENDORSED BY THE PROGRESSIVE LEFT AND I THINK SHE COULD ALSO LOSE THE SEAT IN A GENERAL ELECTION.

>> Eric: WOW.

>> I AGREE.

>> Eric: LAST TIME YOU WERE ON SENATOR KNAAK, LOOKING TO SCHOOL BOARD RACES.

>> YES.

>> Eric: WHAT DID YOU DETERMINE?

>> IT'S INTERESTING.

WHEN WE TALKED ABOUT, JUST GAVE IT A LITTLE LAST SHOT, BUT THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF MONEY THAT WAS COMING FROM ALL KINDS OF DIFFERENT PLACES.

PRIMARILY IT WOULD -- I WOULD SAY EDUCATION MINNESOTA PROBABLY CAME OUT AHEAD OF THIS GAME, BUT THEY WERE ONE OF THE PLAYERS THAT WAS SPENDING.

THERE ARE OTHER GROUPS THAT ARE SPENDING.

AND ALL I WOULD SAY, ALL SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS ARE NOW IN PLAY.

I MEAN, THE BUSINESS WHERE THEY WERE SLEEPY LITTLE THINGS THAT NO ONE PAID A LOT OF ATTENTION TO ARE WAY BEHIND US.

AND YOU'VE GOT ACTIVISTS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE SPENDING MONEY ON THOSE SCHOOLS, IT'S GOING TO BE VERY VERY IMPORTANT.

WE KNOW THAT FROM WHAT HAPPENED IN VIRGINIA A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.

IT'S GOING TO BE IMPORTANT HERE TOO.

>> Cathy: WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> I AGREE.

AND I ALSO THINK IT'S REALLY A GOOD THING FOR OUR SCHOOLS.

IT'S ONE OF THE GOOD THINGS THAT CAME OUT OF COVID.

PEOPLE ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO THEIR LOCAL SCHOOLS, WHAT'S HAPPENING, AND, FRANKLY, GETTING INVOLVED.

>> YEAH, WELL, I THINK THAT DEMOCRATS ARE WINNING THOSE RACES AND LARGELY BECAUSE THE FOLKS THAT ARE RUNNING AGAINST THEM WANT TO BAN BOOKS AND THEY WANT TO RESTRICT, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF THE CURRICULUM, AND I THINK PARENTS ARE PAYING ATTENTION, THEY WANT THEIR KIDS TO HAVE A REALLY GOOD EDUCATION.

>> Eric: PROGRESSIVES HAD SUCH A GOOD SESSION LAST TIME.

WHAT MORE IS NEEDED IN THE 2024 SESSION OR DO PROGRESSIVES HAVE ENOUGH ON THE TABLE WHERE THEY ARE RE-ELECTION HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF?

>> YEAH.

AS SOMEONE WHO RAN A SLATE OF WOMEN IN THE CITY OF St. PAUL, THEN RAAB A P.A.C.

IN THE CITY -- RAN A P.A.C.

IN THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS, I WAS ECSTATIC ABOUT THE RESULT THAT IS WE HAD, THE REASON WE HAD THAT SUCCESS, FOLKS WERE TAKING THE TIME TO BUILD RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMUNITY, HEAR ABOUT THE TOP HONEST CONCERNS, I THINK WE'RE JUST GOING TO CONTINUE TO SEE THAT SUCCESS.

I THINK WE'RE GOING TO SEE NOT ONLY A RE-ELECTION OF FOLKS, BUT WE'RE GOING TO SEE AN EXPANSION OF THE MEMBER EBBS OF THE LEGISLATURE.

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE.

>> Eric: ONE ISSUE THAT YOU WANT TO HIT HERE AGAIN IN THE '24 SESSION?

>> I THINK THE ONE MISH IS THE SAME MESSAGING THAT IT'S ALWAYS BEEN, WORRY ABOUT THE PEOPLE, WORRY ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT THEY TALK ABOUT AT THEIR DINNER TABLE, CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION, YOU'LL CONTINUE TO WIN MAJORITIES.

>> Eric: REPUBLICANS ABOUT DO WHAT?

>> CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE RADICALISM OF WHAT WE'VE SEEN.

I THINK THE MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL IS A VERY GOOD VANGUARD OF HOW FAR TO THE LEFT THEY REALLY ARE.

I'M GLAD WE SOLD OUR HOUSE.

WE CLOSED OCTOBER 2nd.

I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER THAN TO NOT BE A MINNEAPOLIS RESIDENT.

I THINK THERE'S GOING TO BE GRIDLOCK BETWEEN THE PROGRESSIVE LEFT AND THE MAYOR, WHICH I NEVER THOUGHT I'D THINK JACOB FREY WAS A MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD COMPARED TO THESE PEOPLE.

HE IS.

>> Cathy: I'M GOING TO HAVE TO LET YOU ALL TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES WHILE I GO OVER HERE.

>> IT WAS JUST GETTING GOOD, TOO.

HIS.

>> Cathy: THANK YOU.

>> I'VE GONE FROM AN INSANE SCHEDULE TO JUST A BUSY SCHEDULE.

AND IT'S ACTUALLY QUITE -- IT'S REALLY GREAT.

BUT IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE FOR ME NOT TO START TO PUT TOGETHER AN OFFICE SO THAT I CAN AT LEAST HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

>> CATHY: AND OF COURSE AS WE REMINDED ALL OF YOU RECENTLY, THAT U.S. SENATE RECOUNT WASN'T FINALIZED UNTIL JULY, EIGHT MONTHS AFTER THE ELECTION.

TIME NOW TO RE-VISIT LAST WEEK'S INDEX FILE QUESTION.

ERIC ASKED YOU ABOUT A MYSTERY MINNESOTAN, DECIDEDLY NOT SEEN HERE.

EARLY IN THE LAST CENTURY HE OR SHE TRAVELED FROM THE MIDWEST AND SET DOWN ROOTS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CALIFORNIA DESERT.

THIS ENTREPRENEUR MADE A "DISCOVERY" THAT WOULD BE CREDITED WITH LITERALLY PUTTING A TOWN ON THE CALIFORNIA MAP.

HIS OR HER FAME WOULD ALSO GARNER AN INVITATION TO THE 1957 INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER.

OUR TASK FOR YOU SEEMED SIMPLE.

TELL US WHAT MINNESOTA-RAISED ENTREPRENEUR WAS HONORED BY A 1957 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION INVITE.

ERIC THREW IN A COUPLE OF HINTS THAT WERE RELATED TO HOT AND COLD SPRINGS, BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP THESE CALLERS.

>> Cathy: THAT'S NOT A BAD GUESS, ACTUALLY, BUT I'M PRETTY SURE THAT SOME OF THOSE GUESSES WERE NOT MINNESOTANS.

AND IT WAS A CALIFORNIA DESERT TOWN THAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR, NOT NEVADA.

NOW IS THE TIME WE USUALLY HEAR FROM THE VIEWER WITH THIS WEEK'S RIGHT ANSWER, BUT NO ONE GOT IT RIGHT.

SO WE'RE GOING TO GIVE IT A TRY ONE MORE TIME.

FORMER MINNESOTAN WHO RELOCATED TO THE CALIFORNIA DESERT LITERALLY PUT A TOWN ON THE MAP WITH A BIG DISCOVERY AND GARNERED AN INVITE TO THE 1957 INAUGURATION CEREMONY.

HERE'S A COUPLE MORE DETAILS FOR YOU.

THE DISCOVERY IN QUESTION, HOT AND COLD MINERAL SPRINGS NEAR PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, IN A PLACE THAT WOULD BECOME THE CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS, WHERE A MUSEUM PAYS TRIBUTE TO OUR MYSTERY PERSON.

TELL US WHO THIS FORMER MINNESOTAN IS.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU WHETHER YOU ARE CALLING FROM TURKEY LAKE, WILD RICE RIVER OR CRANBERRY BAY.

651-229-1430 IS THE NUMBER TO CALL.

YOU CAN ALWAYS DROP US A NOTE AT ALMANAC@TPT.ORG.

COUPLE OF QUICK HOUSEKEEPING NOTES FOR YOU.

IF YOU WANT TO TRY OUT CHEF COACH'S RECIPES FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST, YOU CAN FIND THEM EITHER ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR ON THE STORYBOARD PORTION OF TPT.ORG.

BOTH ADDRESSES ARE RIGHT THERE ON THE SCREEN.

QUICK PROGRAMMING NOTE FOR YOU.

WE ARE TAKING NEXT FRIDAY OFF TO SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AFTER THE BIG HOLIDAY FEAST ON THANKSGIVING.

SO WE'LL BE BACK HERE IN TWO WEEKS, ON DECEMBER 1ST.

WE HAVE JUST ENOUGH TIME FOR SOME SHOW-ENDING MUSIC.

IT WAS THIS WEEK BACK IN 2009 THAT JOHN GORKA JOINED US HERE IN STUDIO B.

TAKE A LISTEN.

AND WE'LL SEE YOU IN TWO WEEKS.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

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