Podcasts about Minnesota State Capitol

What do you get when you combine a tied state house, court challenges, political walkouts, and a looming budget crisis? A real-life political soap opera—and it's all happening in Minnesota. In this episode, host David From sits down with RaeAnna Lee, Legislative and Coalitions Director at Americans for Prosperity-Minnesota, to break down the chaos that's been unfolding at the Minnesota State Capitol. From a tied House and disputed elections to lawmakers refusing to show up—while still collecting their full salaries—this episode unpacks how political brinksmanship has cost taxpayers time, money, and trust. RaeAnna gives a behind-the-scenes look at how AFP is holding legislators accountable, what Minnesotans are saying about the dysfunction, and how a $6 billion deficit looms just months after a record $18 billion surplus was spent. If you care about transparency, responsible spending, and elected officials actually doing their jobs—this is a must-listen.

They want you to believe Lalibela was carved by hand, that Petra was simply forgotten, that the Minnesota State Capitol was just another construction project—but the truth is buried beneath layers of deception. Why is the same U.S. organization "restoring" sacred sites across the world? Why do history's most advanced structures mysteriously burn to the ground, over and over? These weren't discoveries—they were cover-ups. The same architectural fingerprints stretch across continents, hinting at a civilization wiped from history. And the deeper you dig, the more obvious it becomes—something massive was erasedSPONSOR LINK:Visit http://cbdistillery.com and enter code: RUMBLE - to save up to 40% on everything!Thank you all for your support of this channel!Every Subscriber, every Like, All Comments are huge in helping spread this research to new people every single week. Every Badge Member and every Patreon Member help keep this channel running. I appreciate all of the support and I can't wait for every Saturday to expose even more information to the world. And we are just getting started!---- TO BECOME A BADGE MEMBER & HELP GROW THIS CHANNEL ----HERE IS THE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Za5DiASIbqT8fuhiDBU6Q/joinJoin this channel to get access to perks!TOP EPISODES PLAYLIST:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsFQI9PYz0b27yHR3V7di34AoFxT5NXWcLINK TO RUMBLE CHANNEL:Rumble: https://rumble.com/v2q03po-his-story-not-ours-pt-5.htmlLINK TO TIKTOK CHANNEL: https://www.tiktok.com/@themylunchbreakLINKS:BECOME A SPONSOR OF MY LUNCH BREAK:Shout-Outs For the next Month's Episodes!Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyLunchBreakX: https://twitter.com/MYLUNCHBREAK_LINK TO RUMBLE CHANNEL:Rumble: https://rumble.com/v2q03po-his-story-not-ours-pt-5.htmlWe are also on TikTok, Spotify & InstagramT-shirts: https://my-lunch-break.myspreadshop.com/tartaria+my+lunch+break-A644da062cabffc5328538705?productType=111&sellable=yrpy4VgZADuvGXd0Gj02-111-22&appearance=2Flat Earth Sun, Moon & Zodiac App:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flat-earth-sun-moon-zodiac/id1440996640This is all in my own opinion. Entertaining as always, and of course, you are free to believe whatever you want. I do not claim to know any of this to be 100% true. It is all based on my personal research and simply sharing what I find with you all.Thank you for your support.My Lunch Break Disclaimer: The content on My Lunch Break is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in the videos are those of the creators and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or institution. I strive to present accurate and well-researched information, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content. Viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise critical thinking. Theories discussed on this channel may be speculative, controversial, or unverified. My Lunch Break is not a substitute for professional advice, and I do not provide legal, medical, financial, or any other type of advice. Consult with qualified experts for such matters. Viewers should be aware that information and opinions may change over time, and my content may become outdated. We are not responsible for any consequences resulting from reliance on our content. By using this channel, you agree to the terms and conditions of this disclaimer. We reserve the right to change, modify, or remove content at any time. My Lunch Break disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on our channel.

WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED?! You might be asking yourself the same thing after the unprecedented first day of session at the Minnesota State Capitol. With the Democratic caucus BOYCOTTING the Republican majority, Minnesota is faced with a Constitutional crisis. THANKFULLY, our very own Bill Walsh was in the gallery for it all and breaks it all down here on episode 55 of the American Experiment Podcast.

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Hidden Agenda, where we dive into the unexpected intersections of current events. Today, we tackle the controversial satanic holiday display at the Minnesota State Capitol, exploring the boundaries of religious freedom and public expression. We delve into groundbreaking research that positions ivermectin, traditionally an antiparasitic drug, as a potential cancer treatment, challenging conventional pharmaceutical norms. Our conversation leads us through various types of cancer showing sensitivity to ivermectin, promising a paradigm shift in cancer therapy. The episode also dissects political maneuvers, such as the extension of COVID-19 emergency declarations and its implications for pharmaceutical companies and the legal shield they enjoy. Amid the ongoing debates, we touch on sensitive societal issues and how they reflect on current governance. Join us for an insightful discussion that questions, challenges, and aims to enlighten.

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here.The M's new wing triples its exhibit space in downtown St. Paul Architectural historian Marjorie Pearson of St. Paul wants people to know that the new, expanded wing of the Minnesota Museum of Art, commonly known as the M, is now open in the historic arcade of the Endicott building in downtown St. Paul. The major renovation triples the available exhibit space for Minnesota's oldest art museum. The exhibit in the new wing, entitled “Here, Now,” features 150 works from the M's permanent collection, ranging across centuries and styles. The museum is open Thursdays through Sundays and admission is free. When you visit, Marjorie recommends you take time to admire the architecture in addition to the art.Marjorie says: This is a premier office building that was designed by Cass Gilbert in the early 1890s and the arcade with its wonderful arch stained-glass ceiling, beautifully restored by Stonehouse Stained Glass Studio in Avon, Minn., really enhances the whole gallery space.  The Endicott building was constructed around the historic Pioneer building … the two buildings were combined. The galleries now are in the historic arcade, which was a shopping arcade for people in the offices downtown — a precursor to a shopping mall.[Note: Cass Gilbert (1859-1934) was a prominent architect who lived and worked in Minnesota for portions of his life; he designed many important buildings, including the Minnesota State Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court Building.] — Marjorie PearsonArtist created, student-curated Black joy Billy Nduwimana Siyomvo got an early view of the exhibit “Layers of Joy,” which he called “mind-blowing.” The exhibit features five Minneapolis artists — Leslie Barlow, Alexandra Beaumont, Eyenga Bokamba, Cameron Patricia Downey and seangarrison — whose selected works celebrate Black joy and identity. Billy loved the work, and he recommends taking your time to take it in from all angles. He was also struck by the exhibit's backstory: the show was curated by University of Minnesota students enrolled in ARTH 3940: Black Art in Minneapolis, taught by Dr. Daniel M. Greenberg and Dr. Dwight K. Lewis, Jr. Billy describes the show: When you walk in, the first thing that embraces you is colors —different textures, colors, different stories. Each art piece I felt like was made with love. What I love about this [exhibit] is that this class is basically giving these artists a platform. I don't think it's every day that you hear about curating art; people need to understand that, yes, these artists are very important, but without the right curated spaces, their art is not put on a platform that it deserves to be on. — Billy Nduwimana SiyomvoWhere design meets play Rebecca Montpetit of Rochester is a lifelong fan of the Rochester Art Center, and she's already making plans to go back again with her family to see Mini Golf and Chairs. The interactive exhibit consists of 20 chairs from the private college of an Owatonna family, which artist then used as inspiration to create five mini golf holes. You can't sit on the chairs, but you can play the golf holes. Clubs of all sizes, including adaptive clubs, are part of the exhibit, and there is a par for each hole. The exhibit runs through May 4, 2025. Rebecca describes what it was like to visit the exhibit with her kids, aged 8 and 10: The beginning of the exhibit leads you through this hall of chairs. And it was a really fascinating discussion with our kids to talk about. We said, all of these have the same purpose: to sit! But look at all of the materials and ways that you can create ways to sit. They're everything from corrugated cardboard to molded plastic to, a kind of a shag material. So we had all sorts of different ways to explore, ways to sit. So it gave the artist creative license as well to really be inspired by the materials or the shape or even the thought process as they created the mini golf elements. — Rebecca Montpetit

Hugh played the newly surfaced tape of Governor Walz's remarks at Minnesota State Capitol on 9/11/21 after the Afghanistan debacle. He leaves the impression he served in Afghanistan but the defense is was at Bagram on a visit by a Congressional delegation. Veterans calling the show aren't buying the latest explanation. Hugh also discussed the Harris media blackout and the “stolen valor” charge with Bethany Mandel and Eli Lake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's crunch time at the Minnesota State Capitol and lawmakers less than a week to pass a few major bills — including one that would fund building projects around the state. We talked with House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth about Republican priorities during these final days. A rural hospital plans to close its inpatient psychiatric unit. We found out how this fits into the bigger picture of mental health care shortages around the state. We got some perspective on political disinformation — from another continent. Apple lovers, rejoice! There's a new variety in town and it's now available to grow at home. The Westminster Dog Show has been running for nearly 150 years. We met a Minnesotan who is one of this year's judges.

I sat down with Bob Galligan, Director of Government & Industry Relations for the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. Bob is a wealth of information and talking to him was a fantastic learning experience. We chatted about what he does at the Minnesota State Capitol, how Minnesota became a blueprint for others when it comes to THC legislation, and what the Minnesota craft beer landscape looks like as growth has slowed down from a few years ago. Bob has expert perspective and you are going to enjoy this beer conversation. Cheers!

It sure seems like bipartisanship is dead in our politics. But at the Minnesota State Capitol, the Civility Caucus is alive and thriving. Rep.'s Sandra Feist and Kristin Robbins join Jason to talk about their work. 

Chaplains often show up on the worst days of people's lives. They arrive in a hospital room after a distressing diagnosis. They accompany police to help inform someone of a loved one's death.One in four Americans have been visited by a chaplain, usually at a hospital or hospice, though chaplains also work in prisons, on college campuses and with the military and police and fire departments.But the role of spiritual caregiver is evolving as society becomes both less religious and more religiously diverse.At the end of last year, Fairview Health Services laid off more than a dozen staff chaplains as part of a larger round of layoffs, raising questions about whether patients' spiritual care will continue to be seen as part of a health system's core services.MPR News host Angela Davis talked with three chaplains about the work they do and how it's changing. This is an encore conversation from January. Guests:The Rev. Jessica Chapman Lape is an assistant professor of Interreligious Chaplaincy and director of the Interreligious Chaplaincy Program at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She's an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a staff chaplain at Regions Hospital in St. Paul and a community trained birth doula.The Rev. Michael Le Buhn manages the spiritual care department at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He previously worked as a chaplain in Allina Health's Mercy Hospital Unity Campus in Fridley and at Open Table Nashville, a nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness. Michael is a veteran of the United States Army.Rabbi Lynn Liberman is the community chaplain with Jewish Family Service of St. Paul. She has worked in a congregation, as a hospice and hospital chaplain, and she is a volunteer police and fire chaplain for Mendota Heights and West St. Paul. She also provides chaplain care for the Minnesota State Patrol sworn troopers and security officers who work at the Minnesota State Capitol.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

New legislation at the Minnesota State Capitol would transfer large swaths of state public lands to the Red Lake and White Earth bands. Managing Editor Rob Drieslein and Editor Tim Spielman break it down. Then Jon Schneider from Minnesota Ducks Unlimited checks in to talk about DU projects in the state and a recent award […] The post Episode 479 – State-tribal land transfer legislation, an award for a DU employee, Stan Tekiela on winter in Yellowstone, and dogs-vs.-hounds appeared first on Outdoor News.

In this episode, Megan Peterson, Executive Director at Gender Justice, and Jess Braverman, Legal Director at Gender Justice, discuss the work leading to the language to revise and secure equal rights in the Minnesota state constitution.  Megan and Jess provide an overview of the stakeholder-inclusive process of identifying and revising its language and the importance of specificity and inclusivity, while remaining as all-encompassing as possible.  Megan and Jess discuss the historical and current context, the significance of intersectionality, strict scrutiny standards, and the amendment's relationship to Minnesota's Human Rights Act.  -- Please visit these links for more information & sign-ups: #Day1ForERA: Rally at the Minnesota State Capitol at 10 am on Monday, February 12—the first day of the 2024 legislative session Federal Equal Rights Amendment Minnesota Human Rights Act SIGN UP: UnRestrict Minnesota Reproductive Freedom Lobby Day—Thursday, March 7 ### Visit the "Gender Justice" Website here and "Unrestrict Minnesota" here. The GJB is produced by Michael at www.501MediaGroup.com & Audra Grigus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/genderjustice/message

Chaplains often show up on the worst days of people's lives. They arrive in a hospital room after a distressing diagnosis. They accompany police to help inform someone of a loved one's death.One in four Americans have been visited by a chaplain, usually at a hospital or hospice, though chaplains also work in prisons, on college campuses and with the military and police and fire departments.But the role of spiritual caregiver is evolving as society becomes both less religious and more religiously diverse.At the end of last year, Fairview Health Services laid off more than a dozen staff chaplains as part of a larger round of layoffs, raising questions about whether patients' spiritual care will continue to be seen as part of a health system's core services.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three chaplains about the work they do and how it's changing.  Guests:  The Rev. Jessica Chapman Lape is an assistant professor of Interreligious Chaplaincy and director of the Interreligious Chaplaincy Program at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She's an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a staff chaplain at Regions Hospital in St. Paul and a community trained birth doula. The Rev. Michael Le Buhn manages the spiritual care department at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He previously worked as a chaplain in Allina Health's Mercy Hospital Unity Campus in Fridley and at Open Table Nashville, a nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness. Michael is a veteran of the United States Army.  Rabbi Lynn Liberman is the community chaplain with Jewish Family Service of St. Paul. She has worked in a congregation, as a hospice and hospital chaplain and is a volunteer police and fire chaplain for Mendota Heights and West St. Paul. She also provides chaplain care for the Minnesota State Patrol sworn troopers and security officers who work at the Minnesota State Capitol.   Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are excited to host and invite you to the 38th Annual State of Minnesota Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration events on January 11-15, 2024. One Dream. One Minnesota. This multi-day celebration event is not to be missed and is an opportunity for community to come together, reflect and build on the legacy of Dr. King, strengthen connections, and offers an opportunity for everyone of all ages in Minnesota to experience One Dream. One Minnesota. Thursday, January 11, 2024 – Achieving the Dream Conference at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul Join us for an inspiring in-person event at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN. This conference is a wonderful opportunity to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate his enduring impact on our society. Immerse yourself in a day filled with thought-provoking discussions, empowering speeches, and engaging workshops. Connect with like-minded equity practitioners from across the state who share a passion for equity, accessibility, justice, and positive change. Be part of this incredible celebration and contribute to the ongoing pursuit of Dr. King's dream. Together, let's continue striving for a more inclusive and equitable world. Registration is now open on our Eventbrite page! [Title] 2 Friday, January 12, 2024 – Youth Empowerment Summit at the Science Museum of Minnesota and the STEM Career Event at the 3M Innovation Center High school students will experience a day filled with interactive and youth led activities, centering interests, talents, and contributions of young leaders and the future of Minnesota. Partners include the Science Museum of Minnesota and 3M. The Science Museum of Minnesota's Center for Equity and System (CFESC) and partners will lead a series of activities that focuses on STEM as a tool for social justice. Youth and adults will learn about STEM Justice, an established approach that empowers youth to be advocates for themselves, to challenge systems of oppression, and to advance economic opportunities for themselves and their communities. Students at the 3M Innovation Center will be immersed in a world of innovation and will be guided on a journey of discovery in STEM careers with a team of highly trained hosts from a variety of technical and professional backgrounds. Saturday, January 13, 2024 – Gathering for Service will provide an opportunity for Minnesotan of all ages to put their action behind one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s greatest quotes: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Minnesotans can answer Dr. King's question by doing something mentally, physically, and even emotionally inspiring as part of this day. Whether reading a library book on social justice or volunteering at your local food bank, everyone will have the chance to capture the spirit of Dr. King on the Day of Gathering for Service. ALSO taking place on January 13, – State of Minnesota Career Fair will take place at the National Guard Armory, 600 Cedar Street in Saint Paul, from 10 a.m. - 2p.m. and is open to the public. It will showcase the many jobs and career paths available within the state. Job seekers will be able to engage with state agency recruiters and subject matter experts. Classes on resume tips and career management will also be offered. This event promotes state agencies as employers of choice and reinforces Minnesota's commitment to fostering a thriving and dynamic workforce. Sunday, January 14, 2024 – Connections for Hope encourages Minnesotans to attend community-led gatherings focused on making connections across difference and hope. We would love for you to stand in solidarity and deliver this message in your own way: Dr. King stated, "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." Gratitude and appreciation are extended to every house of worship, synagogue, mosque, and temple that will participate in this convening. Monday, January 15, 2024 – Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan host the 38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration. This event will take place at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. as we celebrate and recognize the legacy of Dr. King and what his dream means to us today. The celebration is hosted by Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in collaboration with Chief Equity Officer, Dr. Stephanie Burrage. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

A budget surplus of $2.4 billion for the current fiscal biennium was recently announced as part of the November Budget and Economic Forecast. Erin Campbell, Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget, joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to talk about the implications of the surplus and the possible warning signs on the horizon.The mission of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone. The agency exists to recruit, expand and retain businesses, encourage international trade, and develop the workforce and communities. Commissioner Matt Varilek joins Shannon to highlight some of the agency's initiatives.Also in the program, leaders of a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Task Force describe the challenges they intend to tackle, and Governor Tim Walz and leaders promote resources to help Minnesotans afford their heating costs.  Plus, a brief tour of the Minnesota State Capitol.

Billy Williams was born in the Rondo community in St. Paul in 1877 and was the only African American player and captain on the Saints' team. Williams was a star on and off the field -- as he went on to work at the Minnesota State Capitol for Governor John A. Johnson in 1905. He worked for fourteen governors until he retired in 1957. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

Sheletta chats with her friends at Hammer & NER about an opportunity for caregivers and parents of special needs children and adults to lobby legislators. Disability Services Day is Tuesday, March 28th at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Voters have elected lawmakers at the Minnesota Legislature that more accurately reflect the people in our state.  At least 35 out of 201 legislators identify as people of color and 11 of the local lawmakers identify as LGBTQ and that's the most representation we've seen yet. Three Black women were elected to the Minnesota Senate, the first in the 164 years it has been around.  These lawmakers are meeting over the next few months to talk about important policies that will impact communities around the state.  Two non-partisan administrators who work at the Minnesota State Capitol join MPR News host Angela Davis to share what goes on how to follow and influence the decisions that will directly impact people around the state.  Guests Tom Bottern is the secretary of the Minnesota Senate. In that nonpartisan role, he helps the members of the Senate with legislative procedure and during Senate floor sessions. He also serves as the chief operating officer for the Senate. Elizabeth Lincoln is the director of the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. She's worked at the library since 1989 and became the director in 2013. The library has a collection of general public policy and an archive of state government publications, available to Minnesota legislative staff.  

Former Minnesota state representative and ERA Minnesota founder Betty Folliard discusses the fight to get the Equal Rights Amendment passed in Minnesota. Attend ERA Days Wednesday, March 8 at the Minnesota State Capitol!

Former Minnesota state representative and ERA Minnesota founder Betty Folliard discusses the fight to get the Equal Rights Amendment passed in Minnesota. Attend ERA Days Wednesday, March 8 at the Minnesota State Capitol!

Comcast sponsors Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Minnesota State Capitol so that African American business owners can talk to politicians about the unique challenges they face and how new legislation can help their companies.

When Sheletta realized the state had a $17 BILLION surplus, she designed a day at the Minnesota State Capitol to demand some of that money be used to help small Black Business. She enlists the help of a new ally, Brian McDaniel at Hylden Advocacy & Law.

Ogimaa Giniw Ikwe hosts Native Roots Radio with today’s news and a visit from Minnesota State Sen. Mary Kunesh about her recent conference in Las Vegas. We also have an encore presentation of Wendy’s preview of Wolf Day at the Minnesota State Capitol.

It's a Friday night at the Pillsbury United Communities' Waite House in Minneapolis. Artist Monica Vega is standing over a small table showing other Latinos how to make traditional cempasuchil flowers out of paper. While she walks through the steps, all eyes are on her hands as she molds the bright orange paper into a beautiful flower.  This year, for Día de los Muertos, there will be an “Altar de Muertos,” or ofrenda, at the Minnesota State Capitol for the first time. It will include the cempasuchil flowers Vega and community members are making, mixed in with real, locally grown flowers. Día de los Muertos is when loved ones who have passed away come back to visit and celebrate with the living. Many Latinos create ofrendas in their homes or community centers that include food and drinks, photos of loved ones, papel picado — a decorative paper with intricate cutout designs — and incense. It also includes the cempasuchil flowers — which are traditionally known as the flower of the dead — whose musky scent helps guide the souls back home.  Artists Monica Vega and Flor Soto are designing the ofrenda, which will represent the cultural traditions of Mexican and Latinx communities in Minnesota. Tim Evans for MPR News Lead artist Monica Vega gives instructions to volunteers while working Sunday on the first-ever Altar de Muertos at the State Capitol. Organizers hope it will create a space to remember those who lost their lives in recent years from COVID-19, police brutality and gun violence. They'll also be remembering immigrants who lost their lives at the U.S.-Mexico border.  For Vega, creating ofrendas is a tradition close to her heart. When she was a young teenager, her father passed away and she created her first altar to keep his memory alive. “The Day of the Dead celebration has been in my family since I can remember. My mom lost a baby and Dad, in a way to keep remembering that baby decided to do an altar at home every single year to remember that baby. When he passed away I really needed a way for myself to heal. It was really hard at that age, losing your dad,” Vega said. “We created the altars at home, but once I got married and had my kids I said, ‘You know what? I should continue my tradition so in that way I let my kids know about Grandpa.'” Now, creating ofrendas has become Vega's craft. The altar at the State Capitol is just one of many she's designed at homes, community centers and cultural organizations across Minnesota. For Vega, it's important to her to research and learn more about the history so she can pass it onto the next generation of Latinos in Minnesota. She said she recognizes that creating the first Altar de Muertos at the State Capitol is a big responsibility for her community. Tim Evans for MPR News Lead artists Flor Soto (left) and Monica Vega pose for a portrait Sunday at the Minnesota State Capitol. Soto and Vega are tasked with creating the first-ever Altar de Muertos at the Capitol. Tim Evans for MPR News Offerings, including children's shoes and toys, representing those who have perished while attempting to cross the southern U.S. border wait to be arranged on the first-ever Altar de Muertos at the Minnesota Capitol on Sunday. Tim Evans for MPR News Artist Monica Vega holds up a decoration reading “MN State Capitol 2022” while arranging the first-ever Altar de Muertos at the State Capitol. Tim Evans for MPR News Portraits of community members wait to be arranged on the Altar de Muertos at the State Capitol building. Tim Evans for MPR News Candles and Christian icons adorn the Altar de Muertos at the State Capitol building. Tim Evans for MPR News A photo of a deceased woman rests on the first-ever Altar de Muertos at the State Capitol building. Tim Evans for MPR News Artist Flor Soto sets up a photo of a deceased community member on the first-ever Altar de Muertos at the Minnesota State Capitol. First of its kind at any Minnesota government building The idea for the ofrenda came from Carmen Maya Johnson-Ortiz. She runs (Neo) Muralismos de Mexico, a Minnesota-based Mexican and Latinx community arts organization, with her brother Aaron Johnson-Ortiz. Johnson-Ortiz remembers asking her brother if there had ever been an altar at the Capitol before. When they realized there had never been one at any Minnesota government organization, they knew it was time to organize one for their community.  “I'm Mexican-American, so I can go back and forth. But I know a lot of people that move here and they, you know, are not able to go back to their country, and they miss all the things that, you know, remind them of their family, of their town, of their tradition,” Johnson-Ortiz reflected. “I think it's important that we do them here, so that we can feel like we are part of this community and not just in a different land where our traditions don't matter.” Carmen Maya and Aaron Johnson-Ortiz pitched the idea to the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs. Katya Zepeda is the council's Legislative and Policy Director of Education and coordinated the work from the artists and organizers with the Capitol. Tim Evans for MPR News Frida Solano Vega, daughter of lead artist Monica Vega, helps her mother set up the first-ever Altar de Muertos at the State Capitol building. Zepeda says she hopes having an ofrenda at the Capitol shows the value in tradition, brings healing to the pain members of the community have been experiencing, and creates a visible space for them to come together.  “We've had loss of jobs, we've had loss of lives, we've dealt with police brutality in our community as well, many lives lost at the border.” Zepeda said. “ All of that just starts to bottle up and to have a spot where you could just remember and feel like, okay, you're not alone.” While the Altar de Muertos is not related to the upcoming election season, Zepeda says she  hopes it serves as an important reminder for elected officials to recognize Minnesota's Latino community.  "Our issues are still going to be there. So it's a reminder, I think, for our politicians, our legislation and our community to remember that we are here, a big part of Minnesota, of the history and that our issues need to be taken into consideration as we build Minnesota up,” Zepeda said. ‘You made it from your heart' Back at the workshop, the pile of cempasuchil flowers grows as artist Monica Vega sits around a table with other Latinos. As the night goes on, community members trade stories on family history, cultural traditions and community happenings. Seeing other Latinos make the cempasuchil flowers brings Vega joy. She hopes visitors will come out to see the Altar de Muertos, and she encourages other Latinos to explore the tradition in their own way. “Sometimes we don't have enough money to buy everything. If you have one picture, if you have one glass of water, if you have any kind of bread — it doesn't really need to be Day of the Dead special bread — if you have only fruit. Whatever you have, that's the way you start it,” Vega said. “Just please don't think if you don't follow those rules, your family members won't come to visit you because that's a lie. They will definitely come to visit you because you made it from your heart.” The Altar de Muertos at the Minnesota State Capitol will be unveiled Tuesday, Nov. 1, available for public viewing until Nov. 12. Visitors are encouraged to bring photos of loved ones to honor. Tim Evans for MPR News Skeleton figurines line the top of the first-ever Altar de Muertos at the State Capitol building.

Farhia Budul gazed over the state Capitol grounds as hundreds of people stopped at booths lining the street. For Budul, the Sept. 17 Walk for Recovery was lined with hope. “You see recovery everywhere here in the state of Minnesota,” Budul said. Substance use disorder recovery advocates like Budul are sounding the alarm about the opioid crisis. “The opioid epidemic has come hard and hit hard the East African community,” Budul said as she greeted passersby. Liam James Doyle for MPR News Attendees visit booths and mingle at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds on Saturday. As Budul, a Somali American Muslim woman, began her own journey of recovery from substance use disorder, she saw a pressing need for culturally-specific services. Budul founded her nonprofit Niyyah Recovery Initiative last year. Niyyah means “intention” in Arabic, Budul explained. She aims to educate what she describes as  the backbone of the community, particularly mothers and elders, about opioids and substance use disorder in the Somali language. “Moms are like, ‘My son or daughter died of a heart attack,' when we know that 20-year-old playing basketball the other day had taken the wrong pill laced with fentanyl and overdosed and did not wake up,” she said. Budul said lack of education and stigma is attached to the idea of addiction in her culture, which is why she chooses to “recover out loud.” Liam James Doyle Emma Matrious, right, contributes to a board where people could share their stories of recovery at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds on Saturday. The problem is in every Minnesota community. The state reported record drug overdose deaths in 2021. The increasing prevalence of fentanyl is thought to be a contributing factor. While the Minnesota Department of Health said it does not keep data on overdoses in the East African communities currently, the state does keep track of the numbers by groups more broadly. In the most recent numbers from 2019, African Americans were almost two times more likely to die of a drug overdose than whites. Native Americans were seven times more likely to die of drug overdose than whites.  Pearl Evans, a prevention program administrator for the state health department, works on culturally-specific services for Black Minnesotans. Evans has seen an encouraging shift among the older generation during the pandemic. “They are more open to having this conversation, to receive the information so they can be prepared to administer naloxone,” Evans said. Naloxone, also called Narcan, rapidly reverses an opioid overdose, and can be administered in a nasal spray. Like Budul, Yussuf Shafie is one of the pioneers of culturally-specific services for the East African community. Shafie, the CEO and treatment director at the Alliance Wellness Center in Bloomington, Minn., said he has also seen significant changes in awareness and acceptance of substance use disorders, partly because of the desperation of the families touched by the opioid crisis. Liam James Doyle for MPR News Yussuf Shafie, treatment director with Alliance Wellness Center, participated in the recovery awareness event at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds in St. Paul. “2015 was more like alcohol, marijuana, cocaine,” Shafie said.  “2018, 2019, 2020, [it was] opioids and fentanyl.” He added that fentanyl seems to comprise almost all of the cases he's seeing. Shafie's goal is to serve as a bridge between youth and their families in a rapidly changing landscape. “It's a different generation with social media and technology,” Shafie said. “Drugs are easily accessible nowadays and it's just really unfortunate.” Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said law enforcement is also working to curb an increase of importation of fentanyl across the southern U.S. border. Evans said fake oxycodone pills that can contain fentanyl have become among the most common seizures. “In 2021, for example, we were seeing about an average of 100 cases involving fentanyl per month coming into our BCA laboratories across the state,” the BCA superintendent said. “This year we are on pace at 120 cases per month, so you see a significant increase we are looking at.” Last year, Minnesota averaged more than three people dying every day from an overdose of any drug type and the state reported a larger percentage increase in overdose deaths in greater Minnesota than in the seven-county Twin Cities area. September is National Recovery Month. Farhia Budul said it will take everyone's efforts year-round to fight the opioid crisis. “Addiction does not discriminate, it does not have a color,” Budul said. She added that for future Recovery Walks, “I hope to see in the next few years more East African and more BIPOC communities coming out to the state Capitol.” Liam James Doyle for MPR News Attendees socialize and visit various booths at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds on Saturday.

More than 500 years of experience is about to retire from the Minnesota legislature at the end of this year, and retiring lawmakers take with them a significant amount of institutional knowledge and negotiating prowess. Among the soon-to-be retirees are two influential women legislators--Senate Finance Chair Julie Rosen and Senate Health and Human Services Chair Michelle Benson-- who have played significant roles in shaping state policy. They join Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to reflect on their legislative careers as they prepare to leave public service.Senator David Tomassoni, who served 30 years in the Minnesota Legislature, passed away recently from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. He was called "a giant" and "a wonderful colleague, friend and mentor" by fellow Senators. He was considered a legislator who "built bridges and worked collaboratively and with dignity, love and respect, even during the most contentious of debates.” On this week's program, we remember Senator David Tomassoni.Each year, state fairgoers are asked to take an opinion poll on pressing state issues. Questions are developed from among the numerous bills proposed by lawmakers and represent pressing issues and concerns that remain unresolved. On this week's program, we take a look at the Minnesota Senate booth and the House of Representatives booth inside the Education building, on Cosgrove street, at the state fair grounds.Finally, Historian Brian Pease talks with Shannon about the historical Supreme Court Chamber in the Minnesota State Capitol.

Cultivate MN is a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to promoting awareness within early childhood programs, family services organizations, and child welfare programs. We believe sharing stories promotes awareness and cultivates connection.Episode 17 Podcast Guest: Nick Frentz, MN State Senator, District 19"During my years in the Senate I've fought for education, health care, transportation, public safety, agriculture, and more. I'm proud of my voting record and the work we've done together to help our area and it's citizens. I'm very proud to serve our area as a state senator. I look forward to working with you to continue to bring a strong voice for District 19 to the Minnesota State Capitol."Podcast edited by: Jordyn Erickson  |  Meraki Marketingwww.nulifestyleco.com/meraki-marketing

Smashing Statues - Dr. Erin Thompson The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast.  I'm Paul Vogelzang and we have a wonderful episode today with Smithsonian Associate, Dr. Erin Thompson.   Dr. Erin Thompson, is a professor of art crime at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and is a leading expert in the legal, political, and social issues involved in such battles.  As America's only professor of art crime, Dr. Thompson studies the black market for looted antiquities, art forgery, museum theft, and the  ethics of digital reproductions of US cultural heritage. Dr. Thompson's new book Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America's Public Monuments and her upcoming presentation at Smithsonian Associates are  the subject of our conversation today.  More details are found on our website and at Smithsonian Associates with links in our show notes. A timely and fractious national debate over public monuments has erupted in America. Some people risk imprisonment to tear down long-ignored hunks of marble; others form armed patrols to defend them. Why do we care so much about statues? And who gets to decide which ones should stay up and which should come down?  American holds thousands of historical monuments… That of course is our guest today, author Erin L. Thompson as she traces the turbulent history of American monuments and its ironies—starting with the enslaved Black man who helped make the statue of Freedom that still sits atop the U.S. Capitol—and explores the surprising motivations behind such contemporary flashpoints as the toppling of a statue of Columbus at the Minnesota State Capitol in 2020.   Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associate's interview series on radio and podcast, author, professor of art crime and Smithsonian Associate Dr. Erin Thompson. For more information, please click HERE:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/smashing-statues  

In honor of the stories shared during our 2020 to 2021 tour, and in anticipation of new journeys to come, The Watershed will be presenting a series of six episodes drawing upon generous storytellers from Morris, Mankato, St. Paul, Rochester, Chisholm, and Pipestone, Minnesota. Throughout these episodes, we'll recognize the multifaceted ways we can understand water, deepening our relationship and perhaps shifting the way we interact with water in the process. Today, our storytellers share about how water can be a bridge - how restoring our connections with water can also bring us in closer relation to each other. Explore these prompts for further reflection and discussion. We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment and the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our website. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can visit We Are Water MN January 20 through Feb 28, 2022 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, where we are showcasing the history and successes of the program. Music Credit: Silent Flock by Blue Dot Sessions Curiously and Curiously by Blue Dot Sessions Setting Pace by Blue Dot Sessions Watercool Quiet by Blue Dot Sessions

In honor of the stories shared during our 2020 to 2021 tour, and in anticipation of new journeys to come, The Watershed will be presenting a series of six episodes drawing upon generous storytellers from Morris, Mankato, St. Paul, Rochester, Chisholm, and Pipestone, Minnesota. Throughout these episodes, we'll recognize the multifaceted ways we can understand water, deepening our relationship and perhaps shifting the way we interact with water in the process. Today, our storytellers share ways that we can honor the water - how we can give back to the waters that nourish, sustain, and inspire us. Explore these prompts for further reflection and discussion. We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment and the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our website. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can visit We Are Water MN January 20 through Feb 28, 2022 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, where we are showcasing the history and successes of the program. Music Credit: Silent Flock by Blue Dot Sessions Sweeper by Blue Dot Sessions Watermarks by Blue Dot Sessions Drone Birch by Blue Dot Sessions

In honor of the stories shared during our 2020 to 2021 tour, and in anticipation of new journeys to come, The Watershed will be presenting a series of six episodes drawing upon generous storytellers from Morris, Mankato, St. Paul, Rochester, Chisholm, and Pipestone, Minnesota. Throughout these episodes, we'll recognize the multifaceted ways we can understand water, deepening our relationship and perhaps shifting the way we interact with water in the process. Today, we hear from storytellers that consider the many meanings that water can take. Explore these prompts for further reflection and discussion. We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment and the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our website. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can visit We Are Water MN January 20 through Feb 28, 2022 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, where we are showcasing the history and successes of the program. Music Credit: Silent Flock by Blue Dot Sessions ZigZag Heart by Blue Dot Sessions Milkwood by Blue Dot Sessions Jumbel by Blue Dot Sessions

In honor of the stories shared during our 2020 to 2021 tour, and in anticipation of new journeys to come, The Watershed will be presenting a series of six episodes drawing upon generous storytellers from Morris, Mankato, St. Paul, Rochester, Chisholm, and Pipestone, Minnesota. Throughout these episodes, we'll recognize the multifaceted ways we can understand water, deepening our relationship and perhaps shifting the way we interact with water in the process. Today, we hear from storytellers who share about the ways water changes, and how we are impacted by those changes. Explore these prompts for further reflection and discussion. We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment and the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our website. You can follow We Are Water MN on Facebook and Twitter. You can visit We Are Water MN January 20 through Feb 28, 2022 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, where we are showcasing the history and successes of the program. Music Credit: Silent Flock by Blue Dot Sessions Cast in Wicker by Blue Dot Sessions Drone Birch by Blue Dot Sessions Base Camp by Blue Dot Sessions

For a special episode of the Family Beacon Podcast, Grace and Moses broadcast live from the Minnesota State Capitol! Tune in to hear the main issues the Democrats and Republicans will each be pushing this session as well as MFC's key priorities in public policy–fighting for life, family, and religious freedom. Joined by special guests, Joshua Foster of the Church Ambassador Network and Rebecca Delahunt, Assistant Public Policy Director. Get the facts, stand for truth! #capitol #mncapitol #stateofmn #2022session #mnsession #mngubernatorialrace #prolife #prolifegen #prolifemovement #religousfreedom #savewomenssports #publicpolicy #familyvalues #prolifepolicy #prolifevalues #profamily

In honor of the stories shared during our 2020 to 2021 tour, and in anticipation of new journeys to come, The Watershed will be presenting a series of six episodes drawing upon generous storytellers from Morris, Mankato, St. Paul, Rochester, Chisholm, and Pipestone, Minnesota. Throughout these episodes, we'll recognize the multifaceted ways we can understand water, deepening our relationship and perhaps shifting the way we interact with water in the process. Today, we hear from storytellers who share about how water's power to move and change us. Explore these prompts for further reflection and discussion: We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment and the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our website. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can visit We Are Water MN January 20 through Feb 28, 2022 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, where we are showcasing the history and successes of the program. Music Credit: Silent Flock by Blue Dot Sessions Feathersoft by Blue Dot Sessions TwoPound by Blue Dot Sessions Kovd Lask by Blue Dot Sessions Her Caliber by Blue Dot Sessions

In honor of the stories shared during our 2020 to 2021 tour, and in anticipation of new journeys to come, The Watershed will be presenting a series of six episodes drawing upon generous storytellers from Morris, Mankato, St. Paul, Rochester, Chisholm, and Pipestone, Minnesota. Throughout these episodes, we'll recognize the multifaceted ways we can understand water, deepening our relationship and perhaps shifting the way we interact with water in the process. Today, we'll hear from storytellers that share about how water can become a part of our identity and connect us to the place where we reside. Explore these prompts for further reflection and discussion. We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment and the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our website. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can visit We Are Water MN January 20 through Feb 28, 2022 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, where we are showcasing the history and successes of the program. Music Credit: Silent Flock by Blue Dot Sessions Our Quiet Company by Blue Dot Sessions Stuffed Monster by Blue Dot Sessions Watermarks by Blue Dot Sessions

Air Date 10/13/2020 Today we take a look at the myths of Columbus and American Exceptionalism™ that we cling to and turn our gaze to some of the less-understood but more accurate and important aspects of our collective history Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com  Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Can You Handle The Truth? - Native Opinion Podcast an American Indian Perspective - Air Date 10-20-19 This is a heavy episode of our show. Discussions include Blood quantum and its use in Tribal Enrollment, American·s false love affair with President Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Columbus. Ch. 2: Why the US celebrates Columbus Day - Vox - Air Date 10-8-20 For centuries, the destruction and disease he ushered into the Americas have been set aside, allowing the myth of a pioneering sailor who discovered America and proved the world was round to embed itself in US culture. Ch. 3: Columbus In His Own Words - Let's Talk Native TV - Air Date 10-12-19 On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island in the Caribbean... these are his words. Ch. 4: In Search of a Better American Myth - Progressive Faith Sermons, Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 10-11-20 A civilization's shared myths account for why things are the way they are. They can bolster loyalty to a religion or a nation, and they can excuse class and race privilege. Ch. 5: Jon Schwarz on social silence, hidden history, and why Trump is our most honest president - The Katie Halper Show - Air Date 11-22-18 Jon Schwarz on social silence and hidden history. Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: Fight Voter Suppression & Help Restore Native Voting Rights - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action. Ch. 7: City Upon A Hill: A History Of American Exceptionalism - BackStory - Air Date 1-22-16 Tracing the origin and misappropriation of the idea of America as a "City upon a hill." Ch. 8: The American Exceptionalism Mythology - Loud & Clear - Air Date 7-5-19 Exploring the origins and falsity of the idea of "American Exceptionalism™" Ch. 9: Columbus redux! - Let's Talk Native - Air Date 7-17-19 The irony of telling dissatisfied progressives of color to "Go back where they came from" is that America is only so full of white people because they left their old countries rather than staying and trying to improve them. Ch. 10: Why The Right Is So Dishonest About American History - Cracked (Some More News) - Air Date 11-21-17 Happy almost-Thanksgiving. What could be better than football and turkey? Well, there·s genocide and stuff, but we don·t want to ruin your holidays. We·ll leave that to the disingenuous folks who would like to pretend that there is nothing wrong. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: In response to Craig from OH about the progressive myth - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 12: Conservative blindspot on climate - Craig from Ohio Ch. 13: Is 'kids in cages' really a conservative blindspot? - Larry from Minnesota FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 14: Final comments on the blindspots from the right and left including the family separation policy, foreign policy and the climate emergency MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr  Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent   SHOW IMAGE "Christopher Columbus Statue Torn Down at Minnesota State Capitol" by Tony Webster, Flickr | License | Modifications: Cropped   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com SUPPORT THE SHOW Listen Anywhere! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

I support medical freedom. I believe it is a basic human right for each person to determine their own medical choices. No government, employer, or educational institution should discriminate against anyone because of their choice. This past Saturday, I joined thousands at the Minnesota State Capitol who feel the same way. Why am I bringing this up? People are losing their jobs. Students are being denied an education. Many sit back, watch, and say nothing. I cannot. I can no... Read More Read More The post Medical Freedom is a Leadership Issue appeared first on Zach on Leadership.

The largest budget increase for Minnesota schools in the past fifteen years easily won the stamp of approval from state lawmakers this summer, as students prepare to head back into the classrooms.  Former Lakeville school board member and current Senate Education Committee member Zach Duckworth explains what administrators, teachers, parents and students should expect this fall.One of the key budget bills enacted every two years finances executive and administrative agencies, funds support services for veterans and ensures election integrity and transparency.   It is a wide-ranging bill that impacts all Minnesotans, and State Government and Elections Committee Chair Mary Kiffmeyer joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to review the latest efforts to tighten Minnesota's election process, assist veterans and improve state services.Also in the program this week, Governor Tim Walz issues an executive order banning conversion therapy, plus a look at the Grand Floor of the Minnesota State Capitol.

Tune in to Part 3 of Fresh Energy's "Intersection of Energy and Community" webinar series!The transition to an equitable, carbon-neutral economy will bring big changes to our communities. State and federal policies, utility programs, and the overall evolution from a world powered by oil and gas to a clean electricity-powered future, play out in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes. But it's not just communities adapting to change. Cities, counties, and local institutions are often leading through model projects and Climate Action Plans to shape a new reality.In summer 2021, Fresh Energy hosted a webinar series to raise the question: How can we dramatically reduce carbon emissions in a way that improves our communities and benefits everyone?Panelists:Russ Stark, Chief Resilience Officer at the City of Saint PaulRuss Stark is the Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Saint Paul working in Mayor Melvin Carter's Office. Previously, Russ Served for 10 years on the Saint Paul City Council including three years as Council President. Prior to his public service, he worked at nonprofits focused on community development, environmental advocacy, and improved transportation options, including early planning for what is now the Green Line LRT. Russ has a Bachelor's in Political Science from Swarthmore College and a Master's of Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware.Adri Arquin, Youth Member, Saint Paul Climate Justice Advisory BoardAdri Arquin is a junior at Central High School and lives in St. Paul, MN. As a High School student, he worked with other young activists and organizers to create Minnesota Youth for Climate Justice, helping to bring thousands of young people to the Minnesota State Capitol on multiple occasions to fight against the climate crisis. He additionally works with COPAL MN and the Minnesota Youth Council in order to advocate for environmental justice both inside his community and in the Minnesota Legislature. With these roles, Adri also helps as a youth member on the St. Paul Climate Justice Advisory Board. When not working or organizing you can often find him on the soccer field with friends or trying to scout out a new thrift shop.  Janiece Watts, Senior Associate, Energy Access and EquityAs a senior associate on the Energy Access and Equity team, Janiece plays a key role that is working to advance equitable outcomes across Minnesota's energy system. Her current projects include collaborative work with environmental justice groups to improve air quality and reduce demand for oil through electrification of transportation and working internally on Fresh Energy's commitments to anti-racism.Janiece joined the Fresh Energy team in August 2018. Before joining Fresh Energy, Janiece worked as a community engagement manager for Eureka Recycling where she developed strategies on zero waste and environmental justice. She is an established racial and environmental justice organizer working in the Twin Cities for over ten years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Environmental Science, Policy and Management from the University of Minnesota. Janiece is a board member of Headwaters Foundation for Justice, MN350, and the new St. Paul Climate Justice Advisory Board. She loves food—from growing it in her garden to cooking and food cooking shows.

With a little over a week left before the end of the Minnesota legislative session, the House and Senate have yet to agree on policing reforms. -Feven Gerezgiher reports:With a little over a week left before the end of the Minnesota legislative session, the House and Senate have yet to agree on policing reforms. At a hearing Thursday, the mother of Daunte Wright and relatives of other victims of police testified before a joint committee.“You have the power today to spare so many people the grief that we're carrying, that we're going to be carrying for the rest of our lives,” said Katie Wright. “I'm asking you to do the right thing and vote for these bills in Daunte's name.”The committee heard additional testimony from police, researchers, and community organizers in favor of statewide policy changes.If passed, the bill would end no-knock warrants, as well as police-only responses to mental health crisis calls. It would also increase public access to body camera footage.  Deputy Director of CAIR-MN Mohamed Ibrahim said opponents to the bill point to legislation passed last year after the death of George Floyd.“The rhetoric we're hearing from Republicans is that we haven't had enough time for those things to materialize, that's why we're not able to get meaningful change,” said Ibrahim. “But the truth is they were all watered down bills that we knew were not the transformative changes that we need. It wasn't enough to save Dolal Idd. It wasn't enough to save Daunte Wright, and the others that died right after George Floyd.”Ibrahim said Minnesota is at the center of a nationwide push for police reform.“I think it's important to remember that this is a moment, that we may never get it another chance like this to make meaningful reform and meaningful change that is transformational,” said Ibrahim.On Saturday, the committee will hear testimony on prison safety and corrections reform, issues which are also included in the bill.

...hundreds of 17 year old girls at the Minnesota State Capitol. And...OK, we need to go. We need to get out of here... Everyone knew that the protests were coming. They kind of just hurried us on the bus and drove us back to camp. We were in this big auditorium and we just sat there and prayed. And to me, that was the first time I was like...Why is the system so against us? Then I started studying Criminal Justice. - Zoe Carrasco Zoe Carrasco was attending Girls State in St. Paul when Officer Jeronimo Yanez was acquitted of killing Philando Castile. It changed her perspective and the trajectory of her life. She studies Criminal Justice at Bemidji State University where she’s also a member of the track and field team and President of the BSU Black Student Union . In this Area Voices, learn why she’s committed to police reform and how the Black Student Union serves students at Bemidji State. I really just don't want the momentum to stop...Chauvin...He's charged. He's guilty. He's

Jerry & Tracy discuss several hauntings inside the Minnesota State Capitol building in Saint Paul. Author David J Wallace stops by to tell us about his 4 near death experiences. You don't want to miss our conversation with him!

Two plaques hang in the rotunda of the Minnesota State Capitol, one that memorializes Minnesota's participation in a forgotten war and another that claims the first plaque told is full of lies. Today on New Narratives, we start to tell the story of the second plaque and the Filipinx Minnesotans who were behind it. We'll tell the story of their relentless activism to tell the story of the Philippine American War the way their ancestors saw and experienced it. This episode is part 2 of a 2-part series on the Philippine-American War. Guests include: Meg Layese (Philippine Study Group of Minnesota), Paul Bloom (PSGM), Art Adiarte (PSGM), and Professor Karin Aguilar San Juan (Macalester College). Music by Takénobu.

A plaque hangs in the rotunda of the Minnesota State Capitol, memorializing Minnesota's participation in a forgotten war. Today on New Narratives, we start to tell the story of that plaque--all the way from the beginning, hundreds of years ago. We'll tell the story of the Philippine-American War, talk about why it's a war nobody remembers, and explore what effects the war has today on the Philippines. This episode is part 1 of a 2-part series on the Philippine-American War. Guests include: Professor Lisandro Claudio (University of California Berkeley), Dr. Theodore Gonzalves (Smithsonian National Museum of American History) and Professor Karin Aguilar San Juan (Macalester College). Music by Takénobu.

On today's episode of the Radical News Radio Hour we're discussing the upcoming East Side Housing Justice Summit, as well as how we can support educators during this pandemic. We'll also be re-airing an interview Representative Rena Moran, who represents the Frogtown area at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Air Date 10/13/2020 Today we take a look at the myths of Columbus and American Exceptionalism™ that we cling to and turn our gaze to some of the less-understood but more accurate and important aspects of our collective history Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Can You Handle The Truth? - Native Opinion Podcast an American Indian Perspective - Air Date 10-20-19 This is a heavy episode of our show. Discussions include Blood quantum and its use in Tribal Enrollment, American·s false love affair with President Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Columbus. Ch. 2: Why the US celebrates Columbus Day - Vox - Air Date 10-8-20 For centuries, the destruction and disease he ushered into the Americas have been set aside, allowing the myth of a pioneering sailor who discovered America and proved the world was round to embed itself in US culture. Ch. 3: Columbus In His Own Words - Let's Talk Native TV - Air Date 10-12-19 On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island in the Caribbean... these are his words. Ch. 4: In Search of a Better American Myth - Progressive Faith Sermons, Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 10-11-20 A civilization’s shared myths account for why things are the way they are. They can bolster loyalty to a religion or a nation, and they can excuse class and race privilege. Ch. 5: Jon Schwarz on social silence, hidden history, and why Trump is our most honest president - The Katie Halper Show - Air Date 11-22-18 Jon Schwarz on social silence and hidden history. Ch. 6: City Upon A Hill: A History Of American Exceptionalism - BackStory - Air Date 1-22-16 Tracing the origin and misappropriation of the idea of America as a "City upon a hill." Ch. 7: The American Exceptionalism Mythology - Loud & Clear - Air Date 7-5-19 Exploring the origins and falsity of the idea of "American Exceptionalism™" Ch. 8: Columbus redux! - Let's Talk Native - Air Date 7-17-19 The irony of telling dissatisfied progressives of color to "Go back where they came from" is that America is only so full of white people because they left their old countries rather than staying and trying to improve them. Ch. 9: Why The Right Is So Dishonest About American History - Cracked (Some More News) - Air Date 11-21-17 Happy almost-Thanksgiving. What could be better than football and turkey? Well, there·s genocide and stuff, but we don·t want to ruin your holidays. We·ll leave that to the disingenuous folks who would like to pretend that there is nothing wrong. VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: In response to Craig from OH about the progressive myth - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 11: Conservative blindspot on climate - Craig from Ohio Ch. 12: Is 'kids in cages' really a conservative blindspot? - Larry from Minnesota FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 13: Final comments on the blindspots from the right and left including the family separation policy, foreign policy and the climate emergency TAKE ACTION! VoteRiders.org TheLastWeekends.org Call: 866-OUR-VOTE | Visit 866OurVote.org ProtecttheVote.net NativesVote2020.com Native American Voting Rights Act (2019-2020) EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE The State of Native American Voting Rights (Brennan Center) Native Vote Infographic (National Congress of American Indians) The 5 Million Americans that the 2020 Candidates Refuse to Talk About (Vox - First Person) How the Native American Vote Continues to be Suppressed (American Bar Association) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman  MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr  Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent   SHOW IMAGE "Christopher Columbus Statue Torn Down at Minnesota State Capitol" by Tony Webster, Flickr | License | Modifications: Cropped   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com SUPPORT THE SHOW Listen Anywhere! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

As a construction lobbyist for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Minnesota and North Dakota, Adam Hanson is a familiar face at the Minnesota State Capitol. This spring, Hanson wrapped up his fifth legislative session as ABC’s director of government and public affairs. But before he went to bat for merit shop contractors, Hanson shadowed the likes of Joe Mauer and Torii Hunter as a batboy and clubhouse attendant for the Minnesota Twins. A graduate of Hamline University and William Mitchell College of Law, Hanson also served as a Minnesota Senate legislative assistant, a law clerk for the Institute of Justice, and communications intern for Gov. Tim Pawlenty, among other jobs. In the following interview, Hanson talks about his duties with ABC, a potential follow-up to the recent special legislative session, and what it was like to retrieve bats and balls for the hometown team.

Protesters have targeted statues and other monuments associated with white supremacy and injustice following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. In early June, a statue of Christopher Columbus that stood in front of the Minnesota State Capitol for almost 90 years was toppled by Native Americans, who said they had been working for years to remove the statue peacefully, to little avail. Columbus statues in Boston and Richmond, Va., were likewise vandalized and torn down. Soon, Confederate statues and symbols were on the chopping block. Four statues along Richmond’s historic Monument Avenue have been removed, including one of Confederate President Jefferson Davis that was vividly graffitied before the city agreed to put it in storage. But what now? Thursday on MPR News with Kerri Miller, we talked about what happens next. What does history teach us about how statues are viewed? Should we try to replace them? And if so, with what? Guests: Erin L. Thompson is an art historian and lawyer and a professor in the Department of Art and Music at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  Julian Hayter is a historian and professor at the University of Richmond. To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above. Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts , Spotify or RSS.

Theater artist Brooke Nelson was feeling art deprived, until she realized that all she needed to do was go for a walk. She recently paid a visit to Western Sculpture Park, just two blocks west of the Minnesota State Capitol building. The small slice of green hosts more than a dozen large-scale sculptures by artists from around the globe. Nelson says it’s a great spot to take a break, and several of the sculptures are appealing to kids and adults alike. Costume designer Anna Hill recently gave a listen to Commonweal Theatre’s radio play “Root River Anthology.” The story focuses on a small town in the aftermath of a flood. Hill says after a day filled with Zoom meetings, it was calming to close her eyes and take in this charming, heartfelt story. Parts 1 and 2 are available on the Commonweal website through June 30. Theater artist and educator Theo Langason recommends checking out the podcast “MN Play Bitch.” Hosted by two young queer women of color, the podcast offers an honest and sometimes scathing look at the state of Twin Cities theater. Langason says at a time when the future of theater is in question, and issues of race can no longer be ignored, artistic directors would do well to listen to the podcast and take its lessons to heart.

* Guest: Richard Mack - CSPOA.org. * President Donald Trump warned against labeling “tens of millions of decent Americans as racist or bigots” during an event discussing “justice disparities” in Dallas. * Walmart, Drugstore chains Walgreens and CVS say they will stop locking up beauty and hair care products aimed at black women and other women of color. * Seattle: Antifa Storms City Hall, Demands Mayor Resign, Chases Police Out. * Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan told CNN host Chris Cuomo that the six-block autonomous zone in her city known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" (CHAZ) is "more like a block party atmosphere" than an "armed takeover. * Criminals toppled a statue of Jefferson Davis in Richmond, Virginia, Wednesday night. * Thugs dismanteled a statue of Christopher Columbus on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. They wrapped a rope around the statue, pulled it from its base, then danced around it and spit on it. * Businesses Threaten to Leave Riot-Ravaged Cities. * Trump says Democrats have 'gone crazy.' Is he right? - WND.com. * Trump to governor, mayor: Take back your city, or I will. * The total number of Americans to file for first-time unemployment aid over the past 12 weeks at 44.2 million, according to CNN.

* Guest: Richard Mack – CSPOA.org. * President Donald Trump warned against labeling “tens of millions of decent Americans as racist or bigots” during an event discussing “justice disparities” in Dallas. * Walmart, Drugstore chains Walgreens and CVS say they will stop locking up beauty and hair care products aimed at black women and other women of color. * Seattle: Antifa Storms City Hall, Demands Mayor Resign, Chases Police Out. * Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan told CNN host Chris Cuomo that the six-block autonomous zone in her city known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (CHAZ) is “more like a block party atmosphere” than an “armed takeover. * Criminals toppled a statue of Jefferson Davis in Richmond, Virginia, Wednesday night. * Thugs dismanteled a statue of Christopher Columbus on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. They wrapped a rope around the statue, pulled it from its base, then danced around it and spit on it. * Businesses Threaten to Leave Riot-Ravaged Cities. * Trump says Democrats have ‘gone crazy.’ Is he right? – WND.com. * Trump to governor, mayor: Take back your city, or I will. * The total number of Americans to file for first-time unemployment aid over the past 12 weeks at 44.2 million, according to CNN. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/loving-liberty/support

The Minnesota State Capitol is a must-see building. Allison Herrera tells us all about the men who built it...by hand.

Thursday, November 7, 2019 In late 2016 the Minnesota Historical Society set out to update websites for the twenty six historical locations it manages. The project introduced necessary, and difficult questions about what the relationship should be between web and physical sites; and how could we, designers and developers, best represent the shifting output of this ongoing conversation. This work was further complicated by an aggressive timeline necessitated by technical, security, design and accessibility issues that plagued the current sites. The sites needed to be built a.s.a.p., which, when the last site was launched in Nov. of 2018, translated to approximately one site per month. Additional requirements included: •Allowing the sites to represent the historical scope of various locations ranging from the Minnesota State Capitol to a vacant field that was the site of an historic saw mill. •Working with various departments and a network of dispersed site managers. •Building something that would be used. This presentation will focus on the modular design and development steps employed to achieve these goals. Attention will be given to a range of processes both analog (using paper wireframes to envision the template for the new sites) and digital (building a custom suite of content layout tools). Session Type30-Minute Session (Presentation or Case Study) TrackStrategy Key Outcomes After attending this session, participants will be able to understand the process the Minnesota Historical Society undertook to synthesize the diverse amount of content, departmental knowledge, and technical requirements in to a flexible web presentation. Speaker: Meleck Davis, Senior Designer/Developer, Minnesota Historical Society

Sarah's interview with Dustin Steuck was so delightful for us all that SOTA brings you a bonus episode with even more from the interview! Check out this podcast extra for more insight into this artist's amazing work! Music by The Von Tramps! References: St. Sebastian wikipedia link Narcissus by Caravaggio Ganymedes and Zeus from the Queer Culture Collection at Penn State The Carters: Apes**t Info about the architecture of the Minnesota State Capitol here, and info about the “Progress of the State” sculpture here Dustin Steuck “Being” clip on youtube --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sota/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sota/support

We showed up to a #nomorebans rally at the Minnesota State Capitol to support body autonomy, the right to choose, and hear from those most directly affected who are keeping up the resistance. Listen, share, SHOW UP, and keep fighting for our collective liberation. Support our show with any dollar amount monthly to keep us going by becoming a Weapon of Choice Member at this link: www.patreon.com/weaponofchoicepodcast One-time contributions can be made here: www.paypal.me/weaponofchoicepod Please rate and review Weapon of Choice Podcast on Apple Podcasts/iTunes! Follow us on social media here: Facebook: Weapon of Choice Podcast Instagram: [at]weaponofchoicepodcast Twitter: [at]weaponchoicepod Email us: weaponofchoicefans@gmail.com Brought to you by Special Menu Productions THANK YOU!

On today’s episode, we’ll talk with Jason Dinsmore, interim executive director of the Minnesota Conservation Federation about public lands, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, why you should switch to lead-free ammo for hunting, and what’s going on with the Boundary Waters. We recorded this last month before the old Congress departed without renewing the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the new one inherited a shutdown government. The LWCF still needs to be renewed, though, so our call for Congress to renew it in this episode is as urgent as the day we originally recorded it. Also, I’ve since learned that the Minnesota Conservation Federation in co-hosting a Rally for Public Lands on February 7th at the Minnesota State Capitol. Conservation Country is a podcast from the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center featuring conservation issues from across the country, through interviews with the conservationists behind the scenes working hard every day for our fish and wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation is the nation’s largest grassroots conservation organization, representing 51 state and territorial affiliates from statewide hunting coalitions to state environmental leagues. Its mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. Conservation Country is supported by Rep Your Water and their 3% for Conservation commitment. And as a Rep Your Water Conservation Partner, sales of Great Lakes, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana Rep Your Water gear help to support the National Wildlife Federation’s work to protect our water and stop Asian carp. You can find these at RepYourWater.com. Links:  Minnesota Conservation Federation - www.mncf.org  National Wildlife Federation Sportsmen & Conservation - www.nwf.org/sportsmen National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Regional Center - www.nwf.org/greatlakes NWF Sportsmen & Conservation Blog - https://medium.com/@NWFSportsmen Rep Your Water - https://www.repyourwater.com/pages/great-lakes-reg     

Post-PyeongChang, post-World Cup, it's been a whirlwind tour for Jessie Diggins. Where hasn't she been? As a recent Olympic gold medalist, her time and attention have been in high demand. Just a few of those commitments have involved the following: an appearance at the Minnesota State Capitol where she advocated for a Minneapolis World Champs. And just last Wednesday, April 25, Diggins was in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Citizens' Climate Lobby and Protect Our Winters (POW), lobbying members of Congress about the effects of climate change on winter snow sports. Jessie Diggins (U.S. SKi Team) after placing fourth in the women's 10 k classic mass start at Stage 6 of the 2018 Tour de Ski (TdS) in Val di Fiemme, Italy. She went on to finish the Tour in third overall to become the first non-European woman to finish in the top three of the TdS. (Photo: Salomon/NordicFocus) Reflecting on her ski season, here's the no-nonsense: Diggins simply crushed it. Lots of firsts. The Tour de Ski podium. The gold with Randall in the Olympic team sprint. Her second overall on the World Cup and third in the distance standings. More than $110,000 dollars in World Cup prize earnings alone. And all that face-time and the front-row seat as she led much of the Holmenkollen 30 k skate this year. You've got to love that midwestern chutzpah on the Oslo holy ground. We reached Diggins on April 26 while she was sitting in a Boston park enjoying some spring sunshine. In this interview, we run the gamut of topics from how she's using her new post-Olympic gold platform to her thoughts on an outstanding World Cup season. inhalers online (To subscribe to the Nordic Nation podcast channel, download the iTunes app. If you have iTunes, subscribe to Nordic Nation here.) buy naltrexone online buy chantix online The post Nordic Nation: Two Words … Jessie Diggins appeared first on FasterSkier.com.

Post-PyeongChang, post-World Cup, it’s been a whirlwind tour for Jessie Diggins. Where hasn’t she been? As a recent Olympic gold medalist, her time and attention have been in high demand. Just a few of those commitments have involved the following: an appearance at the Minnesota State Capitol where she advocated for a Minneapolis World Champs. […] The post Nordic Nation: Two Words … Jessie Diggins appeared first on FasterSkier.com.

BEYOND the DARKNESS jumps in the wayback machine for a Wayback Wednesday and visits with two of it's favorite guests from yesteryear! Jesse Ventura is a former professional wrestler, actor, Professor, Governor, TV Host, and Author who knows a conspiracy when he sees one! He even tells us about the time the CIA visited him in the Minnesota State Capitol in his time as Governor,in the first segment of the show! In the second half of the show, the King of Late Night Paranormal Radio, and the host of Coast to Coast AM, George Noory, joins the program. He expounds on his life experiences, paranormal theories and experiences, and where he believes things are headed! https://twitter.com/GovJVentura https://www.coasttocoastam.com/ www.TrueCar.com Get Paranormal Swag Here to support BEYOND the DARKNESS: www.Amazon.com/shop/darknessradio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BEYOND the DARKNESS jumps in the wayback machine for a Wayback Wednesday and visits with two of it's favorite guests from yesteryear! Jesse Ventura is a former professional wrestler, actor, Professor, Governor, TV Host, and Author who knows a conspiracy when he sees one! He even tells us about the time the CIA visited him in the Minnesota State Capitol in his time as Governor,in the first segment of the show! In the second half of the show, the King of Late Night Paranormal Radio, and the host of Coast to Coast AM, George Noory, joins the program. He expounds on his life experiences, paranormal theories and experiences, and where he believes things are headed! https://twitter.com/GovJVentura https://www.coasttocoastam.com/ www.TrueCar.com Get Paranormal Swag Here to support BEYOND the DARKNESS: www.Amazon.com/shop/darknessradio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beatric Officer (middle) with her children (Recorded 03/21/2017) Beatric Officer is an adult probation officer as well as a member of the NAMI Minnesota Board of Directors. Beatric shares her personal journey with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). She talks openly about her own mental illness and that of her family members. You can also hear Beatric in episode 9 as one of the rally speakers at the Mental Health Day at the Minnesota State Capitol held on March 13, 2017. This episode is one of 40 Stories of Hope related to NAMI Minnesota's 40th anniversary. Find other video and written stories at www.namihelps.org. CONTACT US: NAMI Minnesota, www.namihelps.org, phone: 651-645-2948, toll free: 1-888-NAMI-Helps (1-888-626-4435). fax: 651-645-7379. email: namihelps@namimn.org

This was a special tour put on by those who are assembling historical resources focusing on the laborers who built the Minnesota State Capitol. The research used in this was funded by a Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grant which is a great example of the kind of mileage available from a very straightforward research proposal. [...]

Minnesota Atheists held a Day of Reason at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Day of Reason at the Minnesota State Capitol.