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Republicans weigh using the power of Congress to rein in Trump on tariffs; Stocks tumble again after China fires back in trade war; Mississippi urged to invest in jobs, not jails, to cut prison costs; Studies highlight gut health benefits of plant-forward diets in MI.

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The administration stands behind its tariffs, despite declines in markets. Advocates nationwide push back against federal rollbacks affecting military families, and the environment and big budget plans advance in Congress.

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The proposed dismantling of the Depart. of Education has rural schools scared, postal carriers say USPS changes will hurt rural communities most, fiber networks to improve internet may be supplanted by Musk's satellites, and it's time to PLAY BALL!

MN Jan. 6 Rally Calls for Elevation of Democracy

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Thursday, January 6, 2022   

It was a year ago today when America saw its Capitol building attacked by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. In Minnesota, a rally aims to keep the significance of the event alive by urging voters to not take democracy for granted.

This evening, several speakers, including Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, are expected to convey the importance of voting access in light of the first anniversary of the attacks.

Lisa Erbes, Spotlight on Democracy Event Manager of Indivisible St Paul the grassroots group helping to organize the rally, said what happened a year ago is a reminder of how sharply divided the country is about elections.

"I think a lot of us felt like once we got past the election, and once it was clear that President Biden was duly elected, we could all kind of get back to normal," Erbes recounted.

Instead, she argued there is still too much misinformation about the outcome of the 2020 vote and worries the ripple effects of the attacks are being downplayed. Many Trump supporters contend the election was stolen, despite those claims being rejected by the courts.

Organizers said tonight's rally, which begins at 6:00 p.m., is meant to be a nonpartisan effort to promote democracy.

Erbes noted they especially want Congress to move forward on a handful of bills, including the Freedom to Vote Act. She emphasized they are also calling attention to efforts to restrict voting in various states over the past year.

Erbes added even though chances of such restrictions taking hold are lower in Minnesota, it's not something to take lightly.

"I think we take our voting in our elections for granted because we historically have such great voter turnout, so much engagement," Erbes stressed. "But I also think it can kind of put you into a false sense of security. "

She pointed to efforts by Senate Republicans in the Legislature to resurrect the idea of establishing a Voter ID law for Minnesota. Such an idea failed in a statewide ballot measure nearly a decade ago.

Backers of the approach say they want to restore faith in elections, but opponents see it as a form of voter suppression. Meanwhile, organizers for tonight's event urge attendees to dress warmly because of the dangerously cold weather.


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