The Sunday Take

On this holiday edition of the program, Blois expands his reach to more of a worldwide theme.  He takes some time to dig into the state's strength of economic competitiveness domestically and globally.

Peter Carter, Executive VP of External Affairs at Delta Airlines, discusses the impact that the latest Department of Transportation warning will have on travel to Mexico.

This week, Blois revisits the ever-evolving Cannabis law.  Stinson LLP Director of Government Relations Will Blauvelt and Nathan Young, cannabis policy lead for the MN Black Chamber of Commerce are his guests as the legislature continues to fine tune the law.

It's Deadline Week at the State Capitol, and that has Blois' attention for this week's show.  He dives into the policies both the House and Senate are looking to push through by the end of the workweek.

• Rep. Zach Stephenson, Chair of the MN House Commerce Committee, explains the process (and pressure) this particular group faces prior to Friday.
• Sen. Julia Coleman discusses some of the higher priorities for the Conservative side of the state legislative isle.

Coming off of this week's State of the Union address, Blois offers his thoughts on how politics in Washington have become so divisive (and look to get more bitter during this Presidential election cycle).  Congressman Tom Emmer joins the show with his two cents.  Plus, our host has an opinion on Dean Phillips' Presidential campaign.

This week, Blois takes some time to dig into the budget forecast that was released during the week.  After that, TPT political reporter Mary Lahammer gives us her thoughts on the first few weeks of the legislative session over in St. Paul.

One week after the tragic killing of first responders in Burnsville, the debate over gun control is top of mind for Blois.  He devotes this episode to the conversation.

• Rob Doar, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, argues against it.
• Maggiy Emery, Executive Director of Protect Minnesota, argues in favor of it.

As the State Legislature gets underway for another session, the biggest headline going in concerned last year's law on School Resource Officers.  Blois digs into the conversations going on at the Capitol with MN Senator Zach Duckworth and Rep. Cedrick Frazier.

On the eve of the 2024 MN State Legislature opening, Blois talks to both side of the State Senate.  He gets a forecast of the looming session from Minority Leader Mark Johnson and new Majority Leader Erin Murphy.

Blois takes this Sunday to discuss a very emotional and difficult topic.  Will the State Legislature look at passing a bill making it lawful for terminal patients to seek their own end-of-life decision?  We hear takes from both sides of this issue.

• Dr. Rebecca Thoman, manager of the Doctor for Dignity campaign for the Compassion & Choices organization, explains the argument for.
• Michelle Benson, former State Senator and current outreach coordinator for the MN Alliance for Ethical Healthcare, describes the argument against.

This week, Blois sets aside the hour for his annual discussion with the Mayors of each of Minnesota's two largest cities.  Mayor Jacob Frey (Minneapolis) and Mayor Melvin Carter (St. Paul) talk about how each city is faring and plans for their respective metropolises.