“Trump has proposed replacing Washington, D.C.’s oldest grove of cherry trees along the National Mall with a new golf course. The plan would remove a public biking path and picnic areas, convert public land for the project, and use public funding for its construction, reducing public recreational space in the process.”
Briana Bierschbach writes in The Star Tribune: “In an interview, we also talked about what he wants to accomplish before leaving office. Walz said he’s focused on improving “program integrity” across state government, making sure major initiatives launch smoothly and highlighting what he sees as the signature achievements of his tenure.
Walz is also confronting a challenge familiar to many Minnesotans: house hunting. He and First Lady Gwen Walz sold their Mankato home when they moved to St. Paul in 2019 and are now deciding where they’ll settle after January.
“I’m very proud that I entered public office and am leaving public office 20 years later without increasing my family’s net worth,” Walz said. “Not because I couldn’t, but because you shouldn’t.”
As for what’s next, Walz said he’s still leaning toward a return to teaching and public service work, where he believes the lessons he learned governing through divided government and difficult budget negotiations could be valuable. More immediately, he’s focused on finishing the half marathon at Grandma’s Marathon this weekend.”
Government works best when people understand how it works and feel empowered to participate in it.
Join Doug Chapin for an open community conversation focused on civics, public policy, and the real-world impact government decisions have on our daily lives. This Town Hall is designed to be approachable, informative, and interactive. No political insider knowledge required. Just curiosity, questions, and a shared interest in building a stronger community together.
An informed citizenry is the foundation of meaningful change. If you’ve ever wondered how decisions get made, how to make your voice heard, or how to become more engaged locally and nationally, this conversation is for you.
We are ALL ready for better. Step one is showing up. We’ll see you at the townhall!
#FlipThe6th #ReadyForBetter
From left to right: Victor Jumah (Ramsey City Council Ward 3), Brian Walker (House District 31A), Marissa Carroll (Anoka City Council), Jen Bloomquist (House District 31B), Doug Chapin (Congressional District 6), Gadisa Berkessa (Senate District 31)
A May 27th news story by Judd Legum (American journalist, lawyer, and political operative) reveals the well-funded Lead Left Super PAC to a closet effort to upend Democratic races in sensitive contests. The story needs more publicity. Lead Left is making massive donations to the primary campaigns of questionable Democratic candidates. Maureen Galindo of the Texas 35th District has received over $900,000 from Lead Left. She is known for gross antisemitic comments. Her primary opponent, Johnny Garcia, is endorsed by the DCCC.
Lead Left has also been active in congressional districts of Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Apparently, the PAC had hoped not to be found out. This is not the first time that the Right has created false-front PACs. Legum identifies other masquerading PACs since 2024 that have done their share of damage. His column describes Lead Left’s deep connections to Caleb Crosby, a powerful Republican operative, and how it has so far managed to hide its financial backers.
See: https://popular.info/p/a-gop-dirty-tricks-operation-exposed
The group, Parents for Good, has several upcoming events to help you learn more about the proposed school funding initiative, get trained, and start gathering petition signatures.
Tuesday, May 26 — Petition Training
If you already have a good handle about Parents for Good and are ready to start collecting petition signatures, come to for Petition Training at 6 PM.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/
Thursday, May 28 — School Funding Community Meeting
If you would like to learn more about this effort, come to the School Funding Community Meeting. Speakers will explain the background, prior efforts, current preparation, and the plan moving forward.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/
Sunday, May 31 — Member Meeting
Come to the Parents for Good member meeting and get involved in the organizing and planning work.
Register here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/
Monday, June 1 — Petition Training
If you cannot attend the May 26 training, come to a second Petition Training at 6 PM.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/
Email the School Board
Please email your school board member and ask whether they support putting a school funding levy on the fall ballot.
We want to know where every school board member stands on this issue and to have their responses in writing.
You can find a sample email here, and you can also use this form to let Parents for Good know what their response is:
https://forms.gle/
Parents for Good thanks you for helping to move this work forward. Community support is essential.
My name is Gadisa Berkessa. I am a proud Democrat, engineer, business owner, and community leader committed to solving problems and serving others.
I have lived in Minnesota for nearly two decades and built my life around hard work, family, and community.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree in…
