The Sunday Take

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 prio...

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 Benso...

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.

The delegate-gathering season is underway, and Blois Olson is moving with the times.  He catches up with the following guests as the nation tunes in on the Northeast: MN 3rd District congressman Dean Phillips offers an update on his Presidential campaign ahead of this Tuesday's New Hampshire Primary. Wall Street Journal reporter John McCormick gives us "on the street" updates from the "Live Free o...

This week, Blois takes a little time away from the day-to-day political scene to pull in a couple of guests with reflection on their minds: TPT political reporter Mary Lahammer tells us about a new film she's involved with on the surprising governorship of Jesse Ventura. MN Supreme Court Associate Justice G. Barry Anderson describes his time on the state's highest bench with an impending retiremen...

On the first Take of 2024, Blois sits down with the following guests: Mike Gamache discusses his plans and goals as the new chair of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. Star Tribune publisher Steve Grove explains what's coming for the Minneapolis newspaper during the next year.

As the New Year is set to start in hours, what better time to look ahead to the political headlines of the 2024 calendar?  Blois welcomes a couple guests on to focus forward: Axios Twin Cities reporter Kyle Stokes discusses what might make news when it comes to the Minneapolis City Council. Stinson LLP Government Solutions Director Paul Cassidy explains what issues lobbyists will target in the upc...

This week, Susie Jones fills in for Blois.  She welcomes the following guests on the program: Minnesota Ambulance Association president-elect Mike Juntunen explains the importance of lawmakers securing the funding for this crucial medical service. Former Gov. Arne Carlson previews a forum he will host this week concerning clean water access across the state.

On this week's edition of the show, Blois turns his focus to the recent budget forecast over the next 4 years.  He dives into the numbers, and their impact, with State Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson and State Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman.

As we approach the end of 2023, Blois Olson is starting to look ahead to what promises to be a vibrant and tense election year.  He focuses this week's edition on issues to headline 2024, and digs into them with MinnPost reporter Peter Callaghan and Kirk Schneidawind, executive director of the Minnesota School Boards Association.

It's a "Best of" edition during this holiday weekend.  We look back on some of the recent interviews Blois has conducted with media and political guests alike. Wall Street Journal political reporter John McCormick gives us a better vision of the Presidential race, including what he expects to see from MN Congressman Dean Phillips. Author and former CNN media critic Brian Stelter tells us about his...

Ahead of the holiday week, Blois Olson looks into media analysis on the state of our politics.  The following guests join in on the show: Former WI Congressman Scott Klug describes how his new podcast hopes to provide a voice to people who hold moderate political views. Author and former CNN media critic Brian Stelter tells us about his new book ("Network of Lies") and explains a Minnesota connect...

This week, Blois talks with a couple of candidates that have announced that they will challenge incumbent Congressfolks for their seats.  He chats with: Former Minneapolis City Council and School Board member Don Samuels, who will once again vie for Ilhan Omar's 5th district seat. MN State Senator Kelly Morrison, who is challenging Dean Phillips for the 3rd district seat.

Samuels to challenge Omar for 3rd congressional district seat

With election day fast approaching, Blois digs into some of the more intriguing races for seats and issues during this non-Presidential cycle.  Plus, MN Congresswoman Angie Craig talks about President Biden's recent visit to the state, the debate over the Mexican border, and the problems with the USPS.

This week, Blois dives into the media coverage of upcoming political races.  The following guests provide the insight: Pioneer Press government and St. Paul City Hall reporter Frederick Melo goes in-depth on the local races in the capital, including what could be quite a bit of turnover on the city council. Wall Street Journal political reporter John McCormick gives us a better vision of the Presi...

Blois Olson takes us through another chaotic week of politics.  That includes news on Rep. Dean Phillips' political future and Rep. Pete Stauber's reasoning on his votes for a new Speaker of the House.

Blois takes on both sides of the political isle this week, as he looks ahead to 2024 with the following guests: DNC Executive Committee member Ron Harris explains why he's deciding to challenge Dean Phillips for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District seat. MN Republican Party Chairman David Hann gives his views on potential candidates for the 2024 elections and what's happening inside their politi...

Blois takes the show to the Northland this week and talks to Duluth Mayoral Candidate Roger Reinert and Duluth Mayor Emily Larson, along with his weekly "take".