News Releases
Impact of Rising Oils Prices Have Trump Calling for Sacrificing
International. National & Minnesota Report
Ignorantly, Donald J Trump (R) has characterized the economic impact of the military conflict with Iran as a “short-term” situation. He argues the pain Americans are feeling will be a temporary hardship and is necessary to achieve long-term security and “finish the job”. He has framed rising energy costs and military risks as a “very small price to pay” for neutralizing threats from the Iranian regime. With gas prices nationwide approaching $4.00/gal and the price of diesel being over $5.00/gal causing food prices, fertilizer and mortgages to surge, the full impact is still being measured.
This unnecessary adverse impact, exacerbates the previous pain experienced from the stupidity of the Trump Tariffs. This “masterful” economic mind or lack thereof, continues to expose himself to the world as delusional, irrational, ego-maniacal and simply him being a malignant narcissist.
One of these delusions, is to expect Americans to be willing to sacrifice these personal pains for his ambition. We hope there will be a reckoning and it will occur in the November Midterm Elections.
His calls for our personal sacrifice are reminiscent of what Franklin Delano Roosevelt did in World War Two. We first heard the term Sacrificing, at the University of Minnesota in American Studies Class by Elaine Tyler May where she taught from her book, Homeward Bound: American Families in the Cold War Era, 1988.
The concept of rationing, and forgoing consumer goods and basic essentials in the short-term for the good of America in the long-term, was patriotic. This resulted in Salvage and Collection Campaigns, where families sacrificially surrendered household items, such as aluminum pots and pans, rubber tires, and scrap metal for recycling into tanks, planes, and weapons.
The mindset established through “postwar dream” advertising, developed during World War II by the Office of War Information (OWI) as a strategic marketing approach that emerged to create demand for new technologies and materials developed during the war. These ads, often appearing in publications like National Geographic, TIME, and women’s magazines, promised a future of abundance, convenience, and luxury after years of rationing, showcasing products that were not available to civilians until the war ended.
Seeing washing machines, refrigerators and cars designed in the pages of publications, but not available in the marketplace created the desire for these products and aspirations for a better future after the war. In the end it resulted in the historic era producing the biggest surge in the US economy to date.
The problem Trump has is today, people are not willing to sacrifice much. The mindset of sacrificing today for an elusive prize in the future is not part of our current culture, especially when the Orange-Faced Orangutan in the White House surrounds himself in opulence with an East Wing Ballroom, and golden icons at every turn.
This false dictator has sought so much and given nothing in return. His constant feathering of his own nest through different deals which only enrich himself, his family and his lackeys is not worth the sacrifice.
As paraphrased below when we read the work of Frank Herbert in Dune Messiah, 1965, which read:
“Here lies a toppled god—
His fall was not a small one.
We did but build his pedestal,
A narrow and a tall one.”
Our Towleism is, “We erect pedestals to our leaders, but make them very high and very narrow.”
May the downfall of Donald J Trump be long and everlasting, and his place in the history books be apt, as dead last, and only used as a great example of corruption, greed and the opposite example of how the office of the President of the United States should be held.
Trump’s Response to Mueller’s Death Is the Definition of a Cad
National & Minnesota Report
When Donald J Trump (R) learned of the death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller’s death he said,“Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” Now, this begs the question of who Trump considers as “innocent,” which of course is clear and evident, he, himself.
But when we heard about what he said, one word came to mind, and it is Cad. No, not Cad Lackey the sidekick for Simon Bar Sinister on Underdog, but rather the Merriam Webster dictionary definition: a cad is a noun defined as a rude, unprincipled, or selfish man. It often describes a man who behaves with deliberate disregard for others’ feelings or rights, particularly dishonorable behavior toward women.

Cad Lackey
Characteristics of a “Cad” in this Context: When speaking ill of the dead.
- Dishonorable Behavior: The core definition of a cad is someone lacking honor, particularly in their treatment of others.
- Unprincipled Attack: Speaking negatively about someone who can no longer defend themselves is often considered a “reprehensible act” or “caddish” behavior.
- Vulgarity and Disrespect: It is viewed as a “low-bred” or mean-spirited action that violates social norms.
- Synonyms: A cad is synonymous with a bounder, a scoundrel, a heel, or a rotter.
Variety of Rationales for Attacking Iran, Barrel Oil Price Passes $100, While End Game Still Undefined
International, National & Minnesota Report
With a little more than a week from the start of the February 28th Iranian bombings, the reasons the War started are still being determined like throwing spaghetti noodles up again the wall to see what sticks.
Since, Donald J Trump (R) constantly needs to appear like he is incharge and has the final say we thought a reflection of all of the ten reason for going to War and who advanced them was warranted.
Donald Trump (President)
-
- Eliminating “Imminent Threats” to the US: Stated the action was to “defend the American people” from imminent threats from the Iranian regime (Feb 28, 2026).
- Destroying Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions: Cited a need to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, claiming they would have had one in two weeks without the strike (Mar 2-4, 2026).
- Destroying Missiles and Navy: Aimed to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and “annihilate” its navy (Mar 2, 2026).
- Stopping Proxy Funding: Goal was to ensure Iran could no longer arm, fund, or direct “terrorist armies” (Mar 2, 2026).
- Preventing Nuclear War: Claimed the strike was necessary to stop a nuclear war and that Iran was plotting a major attack (Mar 3, 2026).
- Personal Retaliation (“Got Him First”): Indicated the attack was payback for plots against him, saying “I got [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] before he got me” (Mar 1, 2026).
- Regime Change: Urged the Iranian people to “take over your government” following the strikes (Feb 28, 2026).
- Punishing Human Rights Abuses: Cited the Iranian regime killing thousands of its own protesters (Mar 2, 2026).
Pete Hegseth (Secretary of War)
-
- Conventional Shield” Defense: Argued Iran was building missiles to create a “conventional shield” for their nuclear ambitions (Mar 2, 2026).
- 47-Year History of Aggression: Justified the action by saying, “They’ve been killing Americans for 47 years” (Mar 4, 2026).
- Weakest Point: Claimed the war was launched because Iran was “the weakest they’ve ever been” (Mar 4, 2026).
- Stalled Negotiations: Argued Iran was not negotiating in good faith and was stalling to reload missiles (Mar 2, 2026).
Marco Rubio (Secretary of State)
- Preemptive Strike to Protect Troops: Initially claimed the U.S. struck first because they knew Israel was going to attack, which would prompt Iranian retaliation against U.S. forces (Mar 2, 2026).
- Destroying “Shield” Missiles/Drones: Argued the goal was to eliminate the short-range missiles and drones Iran was using as a “shield” to hide their nuclear program (Mar 2, 2026).
- Economic Leverage: Stated the goal was to destroy the Iranian navy because they had the capability to shut off 20% of global energy (Mar 2, 2026).
- Walk-back/Correction: Later walked back his comments on Israeli involvement and emphasized that the president’s decision was to “systematically destroy this terroristic capability” (Mar 3, 2026).
The Cost of this War
Because the Trump Administration has not gone to Congress to to ask for a Supplemental Appropriation, we are unclear as to what the cost will truly be. Current assessments are $1 Billion/day. Domestically, the impact has seen the cost of oil surpass $100/barrel, which has resulted in significant increases at the pump.
So far the loss of life, is limited to seven killed in action, with a number of casualties at 20.
The Elusive End Game
Since the rationales for going to War are not clearly defined, the understanding of when the mission is actually accomplished is just as unidentifiable. It seems this will be solely determined by Trump, and we will all be fortunate when he let’s us know.
Iran Clerics “Surprisingly” Select Expected Zealot, Extremist Son of Khamenei
International, National & Minnesota Report
Iran Clerics “Surprisingly” Select Expected Zealot, Extremist Son of Khamenei
The selection of Mojtaba Khamenei, 56 as the New Supreme Leader, and successor to his father, is not a surprise, but rather expected, but also means he has a large target on his back, and if ours and Israeli Intelligence is solid, his life expectancy is short-lived.
His choice is a direct affront, a significant violation of the foundational tenets of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It effectively establishes a hereditary monarchy, the Khamenei Dynasty. The power in evidence is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The theocracy is on full display and virtually assures the fact the Iranian War will continue until a leader acceptable to the West is established.
Unless the radical elements are extricated rapidly, this will become a protracted conflict.
DFL Senate Contest Now Being Waged on Who is the Better Immigrant Supporter
National & Minnesota Report
The impact of the ICE Occupation has effected nearly everyone in the state of Minnesota, either directly or indirectly. Once again, Donald J Trump’s (R) policies come to bare and these do not result in creating unity across the country but manifest division. The different sides of the debate seem to be if you are a humanitarian and care for all of humanity, or are you an egoist who only cares about you and yours. Since these positions are right inline with Trumpism and its counterpoint of Rationality.
In the US Senate endorsement fight between Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN02) and Lt Governor Margaret “Peggy” Flanagan (DFL-MN) the immigration issue has entered the debate. The Flanagan Argument against Craig, is now being advanced on Craig’s support for the Laken Riley Act, which Trump signed on January 29, 2025.
The points of significance in the law are:
Mandatory Detention: The Act (S.5/H.R.29) requires US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants, including those who entered without inspection or are in the US based on fraud, if they are arrested for, charged with, or convicted of specific crimes.
- Covered Crimes: The law covers offenses such as shoplifting, theft, burglary, larceny, or assaulting a law enforcement officer.
- State Authority: It authorizes state attorneys general to sue the federal government if a failure to uphold these detention requirements causes harm to the state or its residents.
- Background: The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student murdered in 2024 by an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela.
- Support: The bill received bipartisan support, with 46 House Democrats (Craig being one) and 10 Democratic senators (Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) being another) voting in favor.
Opponents argue this will cause force deportation for a person without the due process of law, since it is not based on a conviction, but merely a charge. Structurally, it encourages racial profiling, and creates systemic discrimination based on race.
Overall, it exploits a tragedy of the death of this young woman and results in the targeting of immigrants, based solely on their legal status.
Flanagan is clearly staking out the ground of being pro-immigrant rights, and because the DFL Rules allow for undocumented people, nonvoters to participate in their endorsement process, will definitely appeal to this block of delegates.
Polling & Fundraising
With the most recent polling showing Flanagan leading by 13-points 49% to 36% with 15% undecided, this poll is skewed to self-identified Democratic (DFLers) Primary Voters.
In the money side, as reported in February Craig holds a substantial lead over Flanagan in fundraising, first because she was able to transfer the money raised from her Congressional Campaign and what she was able to secure after her announcement.
Coverage dates: 04/20/2025 to 12/31/2025
|
Candidate |
|
|
Angie Craig |
|
|
Total Receipts |
6,788,377.06 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
3,786,723.70 |
|
Candidate |
|
|
Margaret “Peggy” Flanagan |
|
|
Total Receipts |
3,287,670.06 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
810,646.17 |
We have heard questions being raised about Flanagan and her direct connection to the fraud Issues Republicans keep asking about in regards to the Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) Administration. We doubt she will distance herself from this now, when she was so visibly tied to every single item and public event throughout the last 7-years. Although, with her own campaign underway, her attendance seems more metered.
As is the case, for Klobuchar’s Gubernatorial campaign the issue of Fraud is something Craig can comment on, but has no adverse impact from.
Cost of Federal Tax Conformity
Minnesota Report
As we review the information from the Minnesota Budget and Economic Forecast FY 2028-29 specifically, the costs resulting from Federal Tax Conformity regarding elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, impact will be over $600 million.
This would eat up a chunk of the proposed $3.734 billion surplus. This bill SF1488 is being offered by Republican Assistant Minority Leader Senator Karin Housley (R-34, Stillwater) with the House Companion HF1221 being carried by Rep Andrew Myers (R-45A, Excelsior).
Trump’s State of the Union Address 2026
National & Minnesota Report
A week ago, America and the World prepared for a State of the Union Address and in turn they received a larkish, performance from a dancing bear. The Big Orange Orangutan Donald J Trump (R) played to type, spouting a series of economic figures, which can not be proven in any way, shape or form. A rhetorical script which was unmatched in the number of falsehoods and blatant lies spouted.
At its onset, the public address seemed more like an afternoon game show rather than a serious communication from the nation’s Commander-in-Chief, but rather a boorish presentation of look-at-me-mommy moments.
It is traditional for the President to identify people in the gallery, who “he” feels are worth noting. In this case, it played out more like we heard the announcer say, “Come on down, you’re the bext contestant on the new Price is Right!”. As each new person was totted out, they seemed to be used as nothing more than a prop for the Grifter-in-Chief. A two-bit hustler, used car salesman, purposely intended to say anything possible to get us all to buy-in to his con. This Confidence Man, or rather charlatan, Carnival Barker, was call out to the masses to come hear his pitch and buy his magic elixir, which is nothing more than a bile of snake oil.
In each and every instance, when he speaks the tabulation of the lies accumulate, and the speculations on how much this will cost America, and how much it will line his own pocket, or that of his family, how it will benefit the American Oligarchs, and/or the bevy of his cronies.
Sure, it is great to honor, those he selected for the Congressional Medal of Honor Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover and retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, but that is normally an August affair where that is the sole purpose. Also, the commemoration of a soldier fallen in the line-of-duty Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and survivor Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe being presented a Purple Heart. Along, with a commemoration of Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan who saved over 160 people during an epic Texas flood is worth noting.
The acknowledgment of the US Men’s Olympic Hockey team, which ended a 46 year drought to do so. While many of those present shouted U S A, this had its own patriot moment, but it also begged the question, where was the women’s team? Had they not accomplished the same feat.
All-in-all, after the fact, it feels like it might have been a Grand Illusion. It now, is reminiscent of the movie, Now You See Me. Was this all just pomp and circumstance before Trump sent planes to bomb Iran? Its clear this was a planned attack set for Friday, but held off until the weather cleared on Saturday. So much for the man who claimed on the campaign trail not to enter into any “Forever Wars” or draw America into foreign conflicts. Its just another bait and switch, from the Imperialist seeking to be a Dictator.
Minnesota Budget and Economic Forecast FY 2028-29
Minnesota Report
Friday’s Budget and Economic Forecast for FY 2028-29 provided a small respite from the projected $6 billion projected deficit in 2029. Granted the full adverse impact of ICE’s occupation in Minnesota have not fully been accounted for.
The entirety of the report is available on the MMB website. Our unemployment figure is slightly below the national average, and trending upwards. With the February 2026 Budget and Economic Forecast, the FY 2026-27 biennium is now projected to end with a balance of $3.734 billion, an improvement of $1.269 billion.
The Structural Imbalance is lower, but still projected to show a deficit. State revenue is projected to grow $2.543 billion (1.9 percent annually) in FY 2028-29 over the current biennium, while spending, including discretionary inflation, is expected to be $3.133 billion (2.2 percent annually) higher in the next biennium.
Much of the difference stems from inflation, and this is a factor exasperated by Donald J Trump’s (R) unneeded and unnecessary tariffs. People are showing rising credit card debt which extends past 90 days and is a testament to additionally applied economic stress in meeting the costs of living.
Legislative Session Will Open with a Sober Reminder and Continue Throughout its Duration
Minnesota Report
Throughout the legislative session, members of the Minnesota House of Representatives entering through the front entrance of the legislative chamber will pass the empty first desk on the left adorned with a photo of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (DFL-34B, Brooklyn Park) and a spray of roses, a touch added by House Chief Clerk Patrick Murphy. As nearly all have come to know, she was assassinated on the morning of June 14, 2025 in her home in Brooklyn Park.
This commemoration of a colleague is a powerful statement and reflective of the healing underway in the Minnesota legislature. Each legislator of the 134, but one Rep Greg Davids (R-26B, Prescott), has served without Hortman in the body, and with a historical tied body the odd-year Bonding Session will prove to be rife with challenges.
Simultaneously, the Minnesota Senate will welcome the return of Sen John Hoffman (DFL-34, Champlin) back to the chamber after having survived eight gun shots and his wife Yvette nine. He is still in recovery and physical therapy maintaining his normal jovial nature hoping for full use of his left hand in order to return to drumming.
The impact of that June night will haunt the halls of the State Capitol and be evidenced when each person who now enters will not pass through open doors, but be subjected to a security screening and all of their belongings x-rayed even though those with a Conceal & Carry permit will be allowed to enter with their side arm.
Times have changed and not for the better. After the opening ceremony and speeches end, we expect, the respective bodies will return to their partisan sides and the accusations will commence. In the House, we expect it will be far more shrill since, there only will be a floral arrangement sitting in the back row of the chamber Verses, in the Senate, there is a person who is a survivor, a true embodiment of the pure evil of political violence sitting among the members.
And because the Senate has more rules of decorum than does the House it may seem to be more ordered, but only on the outside.
The Republicans will all sing from the same hymnal of Fraud, DFL incompetence, while the DFL which point out the overreaches of the Federal Government in regards to the Occupation and Insurrection of ICE and the CPB still remaining throughout our state.
This is a tumultuous time, and one where if people are true Minnesotan’s their character will be evident ever single day of those remaining in this legislative session and those forthcoming. Any members whose tone is over the top should be called out not just by the other side but by their own side.
Its time to show the world what it means to be a Minnesotan. Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretty did, and neither was a Domestic Terrorist.
Minnesota: Situation Largely Unchanged
National & Minnesota Report
Minnesota has been treated as a playground for the full exercise of Executive Power of the President of the United States and the evidence of Donald J Trump’s (R) abuse of power has been has been clearly documented in full view. The video images of the murders of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretty along with people having the windows of their vehicles smashed and being dragged out of their cars, whether or not they were illegally in the country are hours long.
We fully believe, Trump sought through the Occupation and Insurrection of ICE and the CPB, he would be able to insight the citizen’s to riot and thus providing him the necessary rationale for instituting the Insurrection Act. This is mentality of a deranged aspiring dictator.
The peaceful protests, which resulted in over-the-top responses of pepper spray, flash-bang grenades, intended to stun and tear gas clouds and marked violence against people recording the proceedings is something seen in other countries not in America. These are tactics used to support an oppressive regime, and we are being oppressed.
The arrival of Tom Homan, the Border Czar, replacing CPB Commander Greg Bovino is not much of a change, accept, it will wean off the numbers of agents slowly. The aggressive efforts on a state with small number of undocumented people sends a sharp signal to other states and is a reflection of an Imperial Presidency out of control. As we said before, this is a Who Song, Won’t Get Fooled Again, and the lyric, “Meet the New Boss. Same as the old Boss, is clear and evident.”
As the legislature commences, we will see the difference between the sycophant Trump supporting legislators on the right and if there are any reasonable Republicans left and the DFLers who are calling for more civil responses such as the removal of masks and actual targeted efforts at locating the true “Worst of the Worst” rather than a 5 year-old in a blue bunny hat with a Spiderman backpack or an elderly man who they didn’t even allow to get fully dressed before the hustled him out in Crocks and a small blanket.

Liam Conejo Ramos
The situation in Minnesota remains the same, and what has happened here in the Land O’ 10,000 Lakes is coming to a community near you. If the US Supreme Court refuses to curtail the power of the Executive Branch then its up the Congress to do so, but it will take a dramatic change in the House and senate to make it happen. The power of the people needs to be fully on display in all fifty states.
Historically, in recent elections, the party out of power on average gains 16 seats in the House. In 2018, during Trump’s first term Democrats gained 40 seats. We expect a similar result in 2026.
The real point of contention will be in the Senate. There are nine incumbents who have declared their retirements. Now, the question is can their party’s hold the seats or will the Trump Effect once again have an adverse impact?
The five Republicans are: Tommy Tuberville R-AL, Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). The four Democrats are: Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI, Tina Smith (D-MN, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
These races are key to deciding the Senate Majority.
|
State |
Incumbent |
Party |
Status |
Notes |
|
Alabama |
Tommy Tuberville |
(R) |
Retiring |
|
|
Alaska |
Dan Sullivan |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Arkansas |
Tom Cotton |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Colorado |
John Hickenlooper |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
Delaware |
Chris Coons |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
Georgia |
Jon Ossoff |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
Idaho |
Jim Risch |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Illinois |
Dick Durbin |
(D) |
Retiring |
|
|
Iowa |
Joni Ernst |
(R) |
Retiring |
|
|
Kansas |
Roger Marshall |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Kentucky |
Mitch McConnell |
(R) |
Retiring |
|
|
Louisiana |
Bill Cassidy |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Maine |
Susan Collins |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Massachusetts |
Ed Markey |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
Michigan |
Gary Peters |
(D) |
Retiring |
|
|
Minnesota |
Tina Smith |
(D) |
Retiring |
|
|
Mississippi |
Cindy Hyde-Smith |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Montana |
Steve Daines |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Nebraska |
Pete Ricketts |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
New Hampshire |
Jeanne Shaheen |
(D) |
Retiring |
|
|
New Jersey |
Cory Booker |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
New Mexico |
Ben Ray Luján |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
North Carolina |
Thom Tillis |
(R) |
Retiring |
|
|
Oklahoma |
Markwayne Mullin |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Oregon |
Jeff Merkley |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
Rhode Island |
Jack Reed |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
South Carolina |
Lindsey Graham |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
South Dakota |
Mike Rounds |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Tennessee |
Bill Hagerty |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Texas |
John Cornyn |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Virginia |
Mark Warner |
(D) |
Running |
|
|
West Virginia |
Shelley Moore Capito |
(R) |
Running |
|
|
Wyoming |
Cynthia Lummis |
(R) |
Retiring |
|
|
Special Elections |
||||
|
Florida |
Ashley Moody |
(R) |
Running |
Appointed to the Marco Rubio seat, election to fill the balance of the term. |
|
Ohio |
John Husted |
(R) |
Running |
Appointed to the JD Vance seat, election to fill the balance of the term. |
2018 State Fair Polls
Once again, we attended the Great-Minnesota-Get-Together and stopped by the legislative booths in the Education Building. We collected the Annual Polls from the House and Senate. As we have said, this often is an indicator of where the majorities legislative...
NPR Censors Opposition Comments on RCV
The NPR show 1A ran a program on Ranked Choice Voting today, and Checks & Balances Publisher Shawn Towle sought a spot on the panel. When called back by producer Andi McDaniel he was informed the panel was full but could submit a comment through the voicemail...
Corroborating Information on the Knoblach Story
Last year, we published a controversial and disturbing piece on House Ways & Means Chairman, Jim Knoblach (R-14B, St Cloud) regarding claims made by his daughter on her Facebook...
Pawlenty’s Second Deferral (He called us first with the news.)
Originally posted April 20, 2001 When the Vice-President of the United States calls someone who may believe is the person actually in charge, you stop and take notice. So seems to have been with the state House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (R – 38B,...
Does Checks & Balances Deserve Credit/Blame for Bachmann’s Political Rise?
Originally published April 04, 2000 Original Title: Another Change in Parties? KSTP talk radio host Jason Lewis openly speculated on his program about the possibility of other members of the legislature leaving the Republican Party for greener pastures with the DFL....
2017 House State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report Official Ballot Minnesota House of Representatives 2017 State Fair Poll Question 1. Should handheld cell phone use be illegal when operating a motor vehicle, except in emergency situations?...
Rep Jim Knoblach Facing Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Daughter
Some disturbing information has come to our attention, alleging Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-14B, St Cloud) engaged in an abusive relationship with his daughter Laura, which if true are damning. We have received screenshots from her personal Facebook page, which has since...
2016 House State Fair Poll
We at Checks & Balances are continuing our tradition of publishing the State Fair Polls found at the State Fair booths in the Education Building. Official Ballot Minnesota House of Representatives 2016 State Fair Poll Question 1. Do you support an increase in the...
Legislative Return/Special Session 2020
Minnesota Report We are hearing the legislature will likely be recalled for Special Session June 12th, which is just before Governor Tim Walz’ (DFL-MN) last peacetime emergency declaration is set to expire. In order to declare another one, he will need to receive...
Alcohol From Restaurant to You
Minnesota Report The House and the Senate have agreed to allow alcohol sales to be purchased from restaurants, during the COVID-19 crisis, but only beer and wine. The problem with this is with liquor stores still open the cost will be higher without an added benefit,...
Caution is the Best Medicine
Minnesota Report As Donald J Trump (R) continues to discuss his preparation and planning, combined with his pressure to open up the United States for business again on May 1st, he does so in a potential conflict with the state’s governors. Here in Minnesota, he will...
What to Expect from the Legislature Today?
Minnesota Report The agenda for the legislature is limited and focused on issues surrounding the COVID-19 Virus and there are a number of ways it is adversely affecting our state. A view of the times for consideration by the House Rules and Legislative Administration...
What the House Looks Like During COVID-19
Minnesota Report Watching yesterday’s proceedings of the Minnesota House of Representatives during the passage of extension of Worker’s Compensation Benefits to First-Responders and other personnel who contract COVID-19 in the course of doing their jobs, was an...