Kristin Christenson is a longtime friend, Flyover super-fan, West Wing uber-super-fan and a former congressional aid to an Iowa Congressman. We asked Kristin to join us to hear more of her story and experiences of what working on Capital Hill is actually like, help us wade through some legislative terms (reconciliation? filibuster?) and get another perspective on how this crazy thing we call democracy actually works. 

Also WTH? San Francisco school board goes on a school renaming tear, Republicans across the country are getting censured for being Republican,   Stacy Abrams AND Jared Kushner get Nobel Peace Prize Nominations, and screaming goats return! 

Make yourselves a sandwich, this one is a doozy! 

Show Links:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nobel-prize-peace-usa-idUSKBN2A12HY?fbclid=IwAR3WS2iLST5gXmcN8kSK-9PRM9uqol-9urXNzOW5-1monXGLzlzOzWwncQ0

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/27/us/san-francisco-schools-lincoln-feinstein.html

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/02/san-francisco-renaming-spree/617894/?utm_content=edit-promo&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_term=2021-02-02T11%3A45%3A56

https://youtu.be/1YC_hEBFTKI

Today we take a deeper dive into 'censorship'. It's a term that is being thrown around freely these days and we wanted to try and wrap our heads around it a bit more. Also, National Guard troops contracting Covid at the US Capital, Trump starts a new office, Budweiser bails on the Super Bowl but Amanda Gorman leans in. And as always, so much more. 

Show Links:

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/26/censorship-conservatives-social-media-432643

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomspiggle/2021/01/12/why-social-media-companies-can-censor-trump-and-why-your-boss-can-censor-you/?sh=57f7be2b7b79

https://www.upworthy.com/budweiser-donated-super-bowl-ad-money-to-fight-covid?fbclid=IwAR0ZByxZfqmtuk2c-URCiECAtkBACJwld5H87YQFvTBylFiKtDJ7drximL4

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-military/more-than-150-national-guard-in-washington-for-inauguration-test-positive-for-coronavirus-idUSKBN29R2N2

https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2020/suspension.html

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/535771-trump-establishes-office-of-the-former-president-in-florida

Today we discuss numerous headlines that caught our attention this week. A data scientist in Florida is arrested for covering Covid-19 data and contracts Covid-19 in jail. The US Postal Service gets the job done over the Election but is overwhelmed by surge in e-commerce. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is running for Gov. of Arkansas, Executive Order bonanza, 'travel bans' come and go and much more!

Show Links:

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/teen-turns-dad-who-participated-in-the-capitol-riot-over-to-the-fbi-2021-01-25

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-55804859

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-prisons-coronavirus-pandemic-c8c246f00695f37ef2afb1dd3a5f115e

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/01/19/rebekah-jones-florida-covid-jail/?fbclid=IwAR0VifdSG8WHPfcLeKjhpEM883YOpMBQe_mUW5ITCL6XODOFMcPdX4_bEWo

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/story/female-team-delivers-covid-19-vaccines-snowmobile-harshest-75229506?fbclid=IwAR2kgn_YWWj5nZD36QrqXX-UhAzx6OVDtRAG7TGoAGxLhaYDNcaKva5DIUA

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/535941-giuliani-election-witness-who-testified-at-michigan-hearing-says-shes

https://www.npr.org/2021/01/22/959273022/theres-no-end-in-sight-mail-delivery-delays-continue-across-the-country?fbclid=IwAR3a3bFV5z6w22mvhC1BdL04hHvMscdvUhoghPTXMq39b29FsYUWqdOdjrQ

https://www.npr.org/2021/01/22/959273022/theres-no-end-in-sight-mail-delivery-delays-continue-across-the-country?fbclid=IwAR3a3bFV5z6w22mvhC1BdL04hHvMscdvUhoghPTXMq39b29FsYUWqdOdjrQ

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/535607-biden-to-ban-most-non-us-citizens-traveling-from-south-africa-over-new

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/business/media/biden-inauguration-tv-ratings-cnn.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/inauguration-star-amanda-gorman-perform-super-bowl-n1255887

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/inauguration-star-amanda-gorman-perform-super-bowl-n1255887

A full week on after the US Capital was overtaken by rioting Trump supporters were work through some more our thought. Much has changed in the last 7 days and much has stayed the same. The political landscape is shifting for some, hardening for others. Oh yeah! Also President Trump becomes the first President to be Impeached TWICE!

WTH? Vogue magazine gets blowback from Kamala Harris cover photo, the "QANON SHAMMAN" goes on a hunger strike over organic food options. Also, lasers restore Notre Dame and in a few LONG more days the adults will once again be in charge. 

Phew! 

https://www.salon.com/2021/01/11/qanon-congresswoman-who-live-tweeted-nancy-pelosis-location-to-rioters-now-facing-calls-for-arrest_partner/?fbclid=IwAR3V0VABHfZqUvcBS35UZEmv7AZOOHoa_734SXnkk_JVZUaBpZ6TUq8dVJU

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2021/01/12/amazon-intel-join-other-major-companies-suspending-donations-to-republicans-involved-in-biden-certification-challenge/?sh=a8ef29e6425a

https://www.ktsa.com/ex-wife-helps-identify-retired-air-force-officer-from-texas-arrested-in-connection-with-riots-at-the-u-s-capitol/

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/style/kamala-harris-vogue.html

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/12/21/notre-dame-cathedral-lasers?fbclid=IwAR3lPtdcmDmnRw4h4tl3iZR9R0Rmx_at7KlwKSxyMcP_LUMBQ35Ou4eCFN8

Today we covered a myriad of 'non-insurrection' headlines. Well mostly. Frustrations with the slow Covid vaccine rollout, Disneyland re-opens for vaccine distribution, a 'Just Scream' hotline, threats of more political violence and so much more.

Also, a mild winter (so far) has made the second covid winter bearable and WTH? MN Leg? Wear your dang mask!

Show links:

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-55645408

https://theappeal.org/politicalreport/new-york-law-drivers-licence-suspensions/?fbclid=IwAR0IeS4_rsv6hRTdP1E3bFBFfzi_11OlO8A0eKxIk8loH5nvQH9NE11id2U

https://www.echopress.com/lifestyle/faith/6836162-Alexandria-pastor-urges-martial-law-in-video-seen-by-more-than-50000?fbclid=IwAR2dbTXSvSsL6GkPyYs_Qpi7gqPD5hotxNPueYcdx_Jxg6yP1V4ZzcXgYHw

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/disneyland-covid19-vaccination-site-orange-county-1234883189/?fbclid=IwAR0IeS4_rsv6hRTdP1E3bFBFfzi_11OlO8A0eKxIk8loH5nvQH9NE11id2U

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-55574662?fbclid=IwAR0OeVkT0pUgABdu-aBb92ebLMJS4wGwhWjm55wCNxnaFk_jB_VzZa9KeuE

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/technology/bitcoin-passwords-wallets-fortunes.html

https://www.startribune.com/the-art-and-science-of-making-outdoor-ice-rinks-in-minnesota/600006949/

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-tempers-expectations-for-expanded-covid-19-vaccine-rollout/600009811/

https://happymag.tv/hotline-for-screaming/?fbclid=IwAR13D30-Fb5fozXL9KTeoqCI_xRjUB_ciQ_NMJ_VsdeIy26lBcMjjKfDJyo

https://justscream.baby/listen/

https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/how-one-state-got-its-vaccine-rollout-right/BB199224-1882-4297-ACF8-36D7F11252EB

https://www.startribune.com/jessie-van-berkel/280701532/

https://www.startribune.com/legislators-clash-over-face-masks-as-session-starts/600008685/

https://www.startribune.com/target-saw-sales-surge-17-during-holiday-season/600009968/

So far President Trump has made some pretty controversial and high profile pardons and has indicated there will be more to come. From Sherriff Joe Arpiao, Roger Stone & Dinesh D'Souza Trump has made a habit of rewarding loyalty with a free pass. He is also laying the groundwork for potentially 'Pre-Pardoning' Himself as well as his family and top aides. 

So this episode we decided to dig a bit deeper into Presidential Pardon powers. The what, the how, the history and more. From George Washington to Gerald Ford to Donald Trump, the tool of Presidential pardons has been wielded for good and for gain and seems destined to continue to placate and enrage the electorate for years to come. 

Also, 'What the Heck?!' is with Scratch and Sniff clothing? And KFC releases a mini-movie of a smoldering Mario Lopez as Colonel Sanders? Yum....

Breakdancing recognized as an Olympic Sport & customers at a Dairy Queen in MN pay if forward, again and again and again and again.......

Show Links:

https://www.postbulletin.com/community/6790762-Spontaneous-pay-it-forward-chain-lasts-2-days-900-cars-at-a-Minnesota-Dairy-Queen?fbclid=IwAR0GQi_ALHV7qAxbHWpCCxlLHUxClos3fVZG8neO3XIz3tcptatCsbeV-Ic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_pardons_in_the_United_States

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/11/11/trump-pardon-kardashian-nixon-lame-duck/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-controversial-presidential-pardons-have-been-a-part-of-us-history-7098445/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/2020/12/controversial-history-presidential-pardons-from-watergate-to-whiskey-rebellion/

https://www.insider.com/list-of-most-famous-shocking-presidential-pardons-in-us-history

https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120277819085260827

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-ioc-breaking/olympics-breakings-breakthrough-brings-electric-folk-art-to-paris-games-idUSKBN28H2F5

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2020/12/09/kfc-colonel-sanders-lifetime-movie/?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Wilson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton_pardon_controversy

Every week 'Headline Hotdish' is a veritable news fix casserole of headlines that grabbed our attention in the past week. The news is moving so fast these days we are trying to keep up, we will hit the highlights and give some thoughts and context along the way.

This week: 

San Francisco Bans Smoking in Apartments

Contractors building Trumps Mexico border wall smuggle in Mexican workers

Monoliths appear and disappear

US Supreme Court denies Pres. Trump election lawsuit

Murdock MN votes to allow White Supremacists' church in town

Texas AG Sues four other States over election rules

Congress scrambles to do 12 months of work in 12 days

The Corona Virus vaccine is finally here! (almost)

And more.....

Show Links: 

https://www.texastribune.org/2020/12/08/texas-ken-paxton-election-georgia/?fbclid=IwAR13BzE4C7kHb84feNXvSlMYdY_DcB9U3tFTtKBMdw71MEJY_agOOaeYCWE

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/12/09/murdock-to-decide-whether-whitesonly-group-can-use-former-church?fbclid=IwAR13BzE4C7kHb84feNXvSlMYdY_DcB9U3tFTtKBMdw71MEJY_agOOaeYCWE

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/03/heidi-stirrup-election-fraud-doj-442687?fbclid=IwAR2iqY7dCCW5ycOrATJ_JRwjRo2zHrup2wlI86QCMPkbR3HLwrYld1H4oMI

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/trump-covid-vaccine-pfizer.html

https://thehill.com/homenews/news/528528-san-francisco-bans-indoor-tobacco-smoking-marijuana-permitted

https://www.facebook.com/Glensheenestate/posts/10159705012133265

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/politics/border-wall-mexico.html

https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/08/politics/supreme-court-pennsylvania-trump-biden/index.html

https://www.npr.org/2020/12/08/944230517/supreme-court-rejects-gop-bid-to-reverse-pennsylvania-election-results

https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-crime-fort-hood/u-s-fort-hood-army-panel-finds-permissive-culture-of-sexual-assaults-idUSKBN28I2KK

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/09/states-ftc-suing-facebook-for-alleged-antitrust-abuses-443957

https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhansen/2020/12/09/house-passes-stopgap-spending-bill-to-avert-shutdown-buy-time-for-stimulus-and-omnibus-budget/?sh=56f68942317a

As President Elect Biden begins to put together his top picks for his administration we take some time to see how things are going. Arguably the makeup of this group can have more of an effect on the agenda of any President getting done than any other group. 

Also, 'What the heck?!': Michael Flynn gets a pardon and the White House continues to throw in person Christmas parties while the country is overwhelmed with Covid-19.

And Minnesotans 'Give to the Max' again and long live the Snow Day in our 'That's Nice' segment. 

Show Links: 

https://www.newsweek.com/michael-flynn-call-martial-law-comes-amid-violent-threats-trump-election-defeat-1551769

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/11/30/deb-haaland-native-americans-interior-biden-440916?fbclid=IwAR0Tb3Zb9P-G0n3VeAbaihDnID-vu1AOIfhjxtTyuM8vhouCh6fCqAOLugs

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/01/how-biden-landed-yellen-treasury-secretary-441658

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/01/biden-cabinet-diversity-lawmakers-442003

https://www.startribune.com/give-to-the-max-day-draws-record-30-5-million/573144661/

https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/mid-south/40-foot-tall-leg-lamp-from-a-christmas-story-stands-in-oklahoma-in-indescribably-beautiful-glory/?fbclid=IwAR0W7jvEPC_EZR73pefPlc8OCHrC9GYfxcBhJLpYxAMCGf-iIAO-HzNYDok

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/10/28/covid-snow-day/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/12/01/biden-is-building-team-that-looks-like-people-it-serves/?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_medium=social

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/528286-republican-frustration-builds-over-cabinet-picks

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/02/congress-trump-veto-threat-defense-bill-442209

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/01/biden-cabinet-diversity-lawmakers-442003

https://twitter.com/brahmresnik/status/1333535859153440769