PLASTICS: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Corn-derived plastics called PLA polymers are helping drive growth in the biodegradable plastics industry and creating potential new uses for corn beyond food and fuel markets. The challenge is balancing performance and biodegradability. Consumers want products that are durable and reliable during use, but capable of breaking down naturally after disposal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aacwHh (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)

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BY THE NUMBERS

POT: Via Office of Cannabis Management, planting numbers since last fall:

REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4fVEwlF

MORE: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s burgeoning legal marijuana industry reported $17.6 million in retail sales in May, a near doubling since the first non-tribal shops began opening last fall. Yes, but: That pace is still well behind one cannabis law firm’s prediction of $550 million in Minnesota’s first full year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w3Cbda

DROUGHT: It rained, but still things got worse. The latest Drought Monitor, reflecting data as of Tuesday, shows 78% of the state is abnormally dry with 38% in formal drought. An area of southwest Minnesota remains in extreme drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

MORE: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “‘We have two things going on in the state. We have a short term and a long-term drought,’ says State Climatologist Pete Boulay. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report is kind of a combination of both.” QUOTE: “We’ve had lots of wonderful rain this week, and it kind of created a green veneer out there,” says Boulay. “But deep down in a few places, especially like the Mississippi headwaters, and far southwest Minnesota, we’re still behind.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4oB3oBk

OPPOSITE PROBLEM: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “For Scott Burger, this growing season feels like a race he can’t win. Each time his fields get dry enough to sidedress nitrogen or spray with herbicides, another band of rain rolls through. Overnight, on Tuesday, it happened again. Burger, who farms in northeast Iowa, says his fields caught between 2” and 2.5” of rain in just a few hours — dumped on top of already saturated soils.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eloe4b

WX EXTREMES: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “NDSU Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Jeff Stachler says this season’s weather has created challenges for several crops.” STACHLER: “Twisted whorl corn syndrome is something that happens when we have rapid growth followed by cold weather, which is what we’ve had.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aXD92g

MN CROPS: Via Successful Farming, VERBATIM: “Conditions vary across Minnesota, however. Jeff Vetsch, a soil scientist with the University of Minnesota’s Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca, said crops in south-central and southeastern Minnesota look very good, particularly corn. Most corn in those regions is at the V7—V8 growth stage and growing rapidly, while soil moisture levels are near ideal, he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gx3KXz

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PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

OUTSIDE IMPACTS

WAR: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The U.S. and Iran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to end the war, and an ag economist says the ripple effects are impacting the ag sector. Frayne Olson with North Dakota State University Extension says there’s frustration among some farmers, because grain futures have moved lower. He says grain futures are connected to the energy complex.” QUOTE: “In my opinion, we’re still going to have uncertainty and volatility in the markets simply because we don’t know how geopolitically this is going to turn out and a lot of things can still happen,” says Olson. “We’re very hopeful. We’re optimistic that yes, we have some stability, but that’s not a guarantee.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4oB8nBY

INPUTS: From the Farm Bureau’s new Market Intel report, VERBATIM: “USDA’s updated cost of production estimates raised fertilizer expense projections for every major field crop for the 2026 growing season, but see relief in fuel and fertilizer prices in 2027. Higher production costs in 2027 are expected to be driven by higher prices for seed, chemicals, repairs, labor, machinery, and cash rents. Preliminary 2027 projections suggest fertilizer costs will remain elevated despite expectations for improved global supply chains. With farmers continuing to face tight margins, the persistence of high input costs reinforces the need for congressional action, including authorizing year-round E15, providing additional market assistance and passing a modernized five-year farm bill.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4acV5Wu

TRADE: Via Reuters, VERBATIM: “U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the United States would do better without the U.S.-Mexico-Canada ​Agreement on trade and that he would prefer not to have a new ‌one, but added that he was open to doing it . . . The three countries need to approve a renewal of their existing agreement ​by July 1 or signal their intention to exit the pact, a ⁠process that would take 10 years and would buy time for alterations. The U.S. Trade ​Representative’s Office is holding talks with Mexico this week in Washington focused on agriculture and ‘a ​level playing field,’ with a third set of talks in Mexico City scheduled for the week of July 20.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SB1WTw

AFRICA: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “Fresh off an annual gala that raised more than $51,000 for its community development programs, Minnesota Africans United (MAU) is launching a summer of agribusiness and trade initiatives aimed at connecting African diaspora farmers, entrepreneurs and investors with Minnesota’s agricultural economy and with markets across the continent. The through-line is access: making diaspora-owned farms and food businesses visible to buyers, and helping their owners navigate the cross-cultural barriers that keep promising operations on the margins. MAU is anchoring the season around three engagements.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xG4WhB

INDIA: From MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen via X, VERBATIM: “Tonight honored to meet with a delegation from India @mncorn office in Burnsville to discuss US ethanol and dried distiller grains (DDGs) as a feed ingredient for their poultry farms to feed their growing nation.” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/43LRXxg

(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Corn is a Fluence sponsor)

MARKETS: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Grain markets were all lower on Thursday seeing some profit taking after Wednesday’s rally and with a risk off tone to the market place. Mark Schultz of Northstar Commodity says grain markets also saw some position squaring by traders heading into a three-day weekend as the markets are closed on Friday for Juneteenth.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eucj2L

ETHANOL: From Chippewa Valley Ethanol via Facebook, VERBATIM: “What an incredible day yesterday celebrating 30 years of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company! We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for our open house yesterday. For three decades, CVEC has been built on the support of our community and the dedication of the people who believe in our mission.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4vpzt1E

PEOPLE + AG

WORKFORCE: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture today welcomed new guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor clarifying that dairy operations may use the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program when they can demonstrate a qualifying temporary or seasonal labor need under existing law.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eiTzVg

SUMMIT: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Livestock producers and processors are gathering in central Iowa to discuss how to work together better. Practical Farmers of Iowa livestock systems manager Margaret Chamas says the Midwest Meat Summit in Ankeny is one of several events happening across the Midwest.” CHAMAS: “Just to bring together the entire value and supply chain in the meat industry, so everything from the farmers raising the animals to the people distributing, processing, butchering, moving them along. Because every part of this supply chain tends to be so isolated from each other.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4eGT4n0

URBAN AG: Via Mankato Free Press, VERBATIM: “City leaders are set to decide Monday whether backyard chickens will be welcome in Mankato for the first time. The topic was a major source of controversy in City Hall in 2009-10, when chicken lovers and chicken haters clashed over the course of multiple meetings. But based on discussions a month ago, the current City Council appears unanimously comfortable with hens joining humans within city limits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4acFbeH

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

NEXTGEN: Via MAELC, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) is pleased to announce the selection of six students for the 2026 Agricultural Education Internship. These aspiring educators, currently pursuing degrees in Agricultural Education, have been matched with experienced high school agriculture teachers across the state to gain hands-on classroom and community experience over the summer.” QUOTE: “This program is crucial for securing a strong future for agricultural education in our state,” stated MAELC Executive Director Sarah Dornink. “Through mentorship and on-the-job experience, we are actively shaping the path for Minnesota’s future agriculture teachers and leaders.”

TEACHERS: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “While students enjoy their summer break, Minnesota teachers are getting their hands dirty. Between two events in July, K-12 educators will have the opportunity to participate in a unique continuing education experience through Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SRys3P

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As Grandma’s Marathon heads into its 50^th year, a look back at where it all started. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4viZ5wV

They’re serving up more than 7,000 pounds of spaghetti today and tonight so runners can bulk up on carbs. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Shj6pe

Northern News Now looks at the importance of volunteers at Grandma’s. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xDyiNr

One of the runners was in a medically-induced coma just a year ago. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aXeeMe

In honor of the nation’s 250^th birthday, General Mills’ Betty Crocker is offering up a million free cakes. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4gv785j

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Have a great weekend.

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HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

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FRIDAY GOODNESS

MONDAY: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Local youth soccer players are in for a treat as Minnesota’s professional soccer team will host a free skills clinic on Monday, June 22, in Brooklyn Park. The Minnesota United FC is teaming up with the Liberia national soccer team and Brooklyn Park-based nonprofit SARX to offer the clinic.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xzeaMF

DEGREES: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Maureen Onyelobi and Jeffery Young, both incarcerated at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee, became the first incarcerated people in the United States to earn juris doctor degrees from an ABA-accredited law school while incarcerated. The graduation marked the culmination of a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, the Prison to Law Pipeline, All Square and The Legal Revolution, and leaders within the American Bar Association.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QxQ4RI

THINKER: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “A Colorado Springs man has been named America’s Greater Thinker for 2026. Allen Taylor was chosen as the winner at the 33rd annual Great American Think-Off in New York Mills last weekend after successfully arguing that the pursuit of happiness has not made Americans unhappy.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Qvbv5K

AQUATENNIAL: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Now entering its 87th year, Minneapolis’ signature summer celebration returns July 18-26 under new leadership from the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO). While the festival continues to evolve with new attractions and programming, its roots stretch back to 1940—and even further, to some of the city’s earliest civic celebrations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ehT7GN

FOOD: Via Park Rapids Enterprise, VERBATIM: “A generous community has secured home-delivered meals and congregate dining for seniors. Hubbard County Senior Nutrition Council (SNC) delivered a whopping $25,000 donation to Nutrition Services, Inc. (NSI) on Tuesday, June 16. A nonprofit organization, NSI dishes up nutritious meals at the Senior Connections facility in Park Rapids.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xKDIGL

FOOD SCRAPS: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “Resource Renew, formerly known as WLSSD, hosted a launch party for their newest food scrap drop site. The event offered free starter kits for people to collect their own food scraps at home and dispose of them at a drop site. The scraps are then turned into compost. The goal is to keep scraps out of landfills because, when they break down, they produce methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vYdX3J

TOMORROW: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Lucy Schneider, a Brooklyn Park gymnast, is among the athletes who qualified for the Special Olympics USA Games this year. Her coach says she’s ready. ‘I really like trying to figure out how to get them to be able to do what they want to do,’ said Megan Johnski, who has coached Special Olympic athletes for many years. The Special Olympics USA Games take place on the University of Minnesota campus this year beginning June 20. Johnski was chosen to be a coach for Team Minnesota athletes, her second time doing it.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eQvh4Z

RUNNER: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Hailey Robinson loves to run. The 19-year-old from Hibbing does track and cross country. Now she’s getting ready for the Special Olympics USA Games in the cities. ‘I’m excited, and a little nervous,’ she told us. When she was very young, she had challenges learning to walk. Now, she’s competing in distance races.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xEEIvI

BASKETBALL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “This spring, as I sat in the bleachers at Bethel College, watching some of Minnesota’s best Unified basketball teams scrimmage each other in preparation for this month’s Special Olympics USA Games, I felt like I was watching the ideal version of Dr. James Naismith’s game. Back in 1891, Naismith designed basketball to be played vertically instead of horizontally, to reward grace and skill more than violent force, and to encourage teammates to work together for the elevation of the entire group.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4grRkjJ

TORCH RUN: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg kicked off Wednesday morning at Hibbing’s Bennett Park, bringing together law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes and community members in a celebration of inclusion and unity.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4erViq4

JOY ZONE: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “When the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games arrive in Minnesota this June, the venues will buzz with the energy of 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 cheering fans . . . To ensure every athlete, family member, and fan can fully enjoy the experience, the event will feature a groundbreaking addition to elements of the event happening at the National Sports Center in Blaine: the Joy Zone.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4ewPyvk

MPLS: Via Time, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis public schools have long faced challenges in narrowing racial and economic gaps in student achievement. Three decades ago, when Sondra Samuels moved to North Minneapolis—a community of 13 neighborhoods that is home to the city’s largest Black population and has the highest percentage of families with children—she witnessed this disparity firsthand . . . Samuels’ drive for change led her to co-found the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) in 2010. The nonprofit collaborative brings together more than 40 local partner organizations and schools to support children, teens, and families through education, health, and wellness programs, as well as social and family services. It also provides scholarships.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eRytNR

REC CENTER: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “How many of us spent our childhood summers at the rec center? It was the place where we glued popsicle sticks into boats shipshape enough for the gutter regatta, the location of the kickball fields where we agonized over getting picked last, the spot where we showed up with cash stuffed in our socks to catch the bus for the field trip to the roller rink. This summer, Minneapolis gallerist David Petersen and Brooklyn-based painter Jesse Willenbring will transform the David Petersen Gallery on 41st and Cedar into their own version of the city rec center, the DPG Rec.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4exLVoW

BEMIDJI: Via The Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “Visitors to Bemidji’s downtown may have recently noticed some shiny new artwork gracing over a dozen street corners. A total of 19 new pieces were installed by dedicated board members and volunteers in early June as part of this year’s Bemidji Sculpture Walk, marking its 27th year of beautifying downtown.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vVAzC1

CAMP ARBOR: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Summer vacation is officially underway and one local shopping center is doing its part to keep children entertained. The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove has kicked off its popular Camp Arbor series, providing a space for families to engage in fun activities at no cost thanks to Magnifi Financial Credit Union, which sponsors the event.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ei2KFo

RESCUE EQUIPMENT: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Eveleth Fire Department has a new piece of rescue equipment, thanks to the Eveleth Fire Department Auxiliary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vn4HXh

MEDIA: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists named Reformer reporter Madison McVan the state’s ‘Young Journalist of the Year’ Tuesday for her work during 2025 . . . The judges said ‘she consistently delivered reporting that was revelatory, insightful, and grounded in the experiences of everyday people with … a rare combination of curiosity, analytical rigor, and compassion.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QQEYY4

NEXT WEEK: Via Associated Bank, VERBATIM: “Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) will hold its fourth annual Day of Service June 23–25, mobilizing nearly 2,600 employees to volunteer with more than 200 nonprofit organizations across Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and parts of Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uP9jnQ

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40% of U.S. adults say they plan to watch at least some of the World Cup – historical polling data shows that support is (not surprisingly) higher when it’s played here. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4ex41ai

ICE bought 11 warehouses for detaining migrants – now it’s trying to get offload seven of them. NYTIMES: https://fluence-media.co/4xAIiXS

AP-NORC’s polling has the President’s approval rating relatively unchanged since before the war with Iran. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vZ24un

ICYMI… morning take has Minnesota polling data on Trump, Walz, Klobuchar, and the war. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/43M2JDz

The DNR has a new long-range plan for muskie. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QNu7OF

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FRIDAY FEED

ST PAUL: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Mayor Kaohly Her is confronting the largest budget shortfall in St. Paul’s history, a $26 million gap that she says will require a combination of spending cuts, a property tax levy increase, and a longer-term push to attract businesses and development to the city.” QUOTE: “There are some tough decisions that are in front of us,” Her said. “There are many reasons why we have that gap, and this is not a fault of anybody. This is the nature of what is in front of us now, because of economic forces, because of decisions made in the past, because of just the way we run government and how we fund government.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xzu6i1

VIDEO GAME: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis family is calling out the gaming platform Roblox, popular among young children and teens, for hosting a first-person shooter experience modeled after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The simulation’s existence was a shock to Leah and Harry Kaiser, whose family is still recovering from the Aug. 27, 2025, mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4elvbCu

PINE ISLAND: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Pine Island residents are looking for answers after an unexpected change in city leadership this week, adding to a growing list of questions in the community of nearly 4,000. Many people in Pine Island on Thursday declined to go on camera, but those willing to share said the resignation left the town feeling uncertain . . . Former Mayor David Friese stepped aside this week, and the city has now declared a vacancy in the mayor’s office.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4b0FKsi

RETAIL: Via Forbes, VERBATIM: “Hollister is taking its biggest step yet beyond apparel, teaming up with Target on a new home and dorm collection as the Abercrombie & Fitch-owned brand looks to capitalize on the fast-growing back-to-college living market. The collaboration, dubbed The Hollister Collection at Target, launches June 28 online, in most Target stores and at select Hollister locations. The first drop includes nearly 60 products spanning bedding, décor, sleepwear and loungewear, marking Hollister’s first-ever move into home furnishings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v5GzHP

TIX: Via SeatGeek, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Wild today announced a multi-year partnership with SeatGeek, the high-growth technology platform transforming the live event experience for fans, teams, and venues, making SeatGeek the Official Primary Ticketing Partner of the Minnesota Wild and Grand Casino Arena. Beginning this summer, SeatGeek will power ticketing for all Wild home games and events at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota — giving fans one place to discover, buy, and manage everything happening at one of the NHL’s most celebrated venues.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Seb9RL

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

AROUND THE STATE

GRANDMA’S: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “This weekend marks a major milestone for Grandma’s Marathon—the race’s 50th year. A new economic impact study shows the weekend jam packed with events brings in nearly $40 million dollars for the region, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops across Duluth and the North Shore.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QyMff4

BEARS: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “In the past few months, several sightings of black bears in southern Minnesota came to light on social media. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed there has been more cases of spotting these animals throughout this year.” QUOTE: “There were over 20 recorded sightings in southeastern Minnesota,” Rochester Area Wildlife Supervisor Todd Proberg said. “It seems to be there’s a few more this year than there has been in the past.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fVgtDp

WINONA: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports lighting manufacturer Acuity has notified the state it plans to close its Winona plant impacting 86 workers. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vQSZnm

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

EVENTS & MORE

TOMORROW: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Live Nation officially opens its 19,000 seat outdoor amphitheater Saturday in Shakopee. The Mystic Lake Amphitheater is slated to host 40 shows this summer, with tomorrow night’s Setting the Stage event showcasing a variety of Minnesota talent.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44py673

AUG: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Pull up with your family, friends, and dance crew. The Twin Cities Music and Movement Festival is back for a free day of music, dancing, food, and community at Western Sculpture Garden Park in Saint Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a6F1Wm

SEPT: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis has long been known as an arts destination, from its legendary music scene to its thriving community of photographers, makers, and creatives. This fall, the city will be the home of a brand-new festival that brings music and visual art together. On Sept. 18-20, MODE by Flickr will transform downtown Minneapolis into a celebration of photography, music, and visual storytelling.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4adpnbz

FOR SALE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Indus School in Baudette closed its doors nearly three years ago. The South Koochiching-Rainy River School District cited declining enrollment and budget shortfalls at the school, which covered pre-K through 12th grade. At the time, many residents rallied against the decision, calling it draconian. Now it’s up for sale for $1.7 million, a price that includes all ‘learning materials’ in the building. According to the listing, that means, ‘microscopes, pottery wheels, band equipment and everything needed for metalworking and building trades.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uOXDlc

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Rise, VERBATIM: “Rise Baking Company, home to some of the baking industry’s most trusted brands and a leading manufacturer for in-store bakeries and foodservice operators, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire New Jersey-based Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery, a manufacturer of premium cookies and baked goods known for its innovative product development, eye-catching packaging and strong retail partnerships nationwide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4geM4Ab

MORE: Via GlobalData, VERBATIM: “Jimmy’s, founded in 1985, produces thaw-and-sell baked goods. The bakery’s key brands include its flagship Jimmy’s Cookies, the King Krumb Cookie line and Ecce Panis artisan breads. It also produces private-label products. The company operates more than 350,000-square feet of production capacity across three facilities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4evwVI2

GOLF: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports a nine-hole golf course with a restaurant and bar has opened at the site of a former city-owned course in Sartell. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vhOEd5

RICHFIELD: From El Tejaban Mexican Grill via Facebook, VERBATIM: “Dear Richfield community and wonderful customers, after almost 20 great years of serving the community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors permanently. We have gratitude for the support, loyalty, and friendships you have given us throughout the years. What began as a dream for two proud Mexican immigrants seeking the opportunity to build a better future became a reality because of years of support.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/43Pj76j

LAKEVILLE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Tapestry Coffee will open a second cafe this month, taking up residence in the former Lakeville home of Donut Star. For owners Scott and Kiley Van Daalen and Brad Heerema, it’s not entirely new digs. The team purchased Donut Star and its two locations last year, but closed both shops last month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eRmVdn

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GLOBAL TRADE BOLSTERS AG ECONOMIES: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, Minnesota’s exports of corn, ethanol, corn-fed meat, and dried distillers grains (DDGS) alone support over 11,500 jobs and add billions to the state’s economy. They also help ensure that consumers around the world have access to affordable protein and dairy products. In May, during World Trade Month, Minnesota Corn celebrates that important role trade plays in all our lives—in the U.S. and abroad. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

WHAT’S NEXT?

THIS WEEKEND: Minnesota Monthly has Juneteenth celebrations around the state. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4xFokLs

TODAY: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Architect and photographer Patricia Mutebi uses her new gallery show to illustrate the rich tapestry of Minnesota’s immigrant and Indigenous communities. ‘Threads of Us: Weaving Identity and Place,’ which opens Friday at Modern Day Me gallery in Minneapolis, started as an architectural prompt, to take an object of significance and build a space around it. Mutebi saw an opportunity to turn the project inside out, and ask Minnesotans: What parts of home do you bring with you when you leave that place?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g0M32F

TOMORROW: From St. Paul’s Black Garnet Books via Instagram, VERBATIM: “Our Juneteenth Vendor Fair is baaaaccckkkk!! We’re welcoming 8 incredible Black vendors into our space for a full day of community, creativity, and celebration. Come shop handmade jewelry, art, screen printing, waist beads, skincare, and so much more — all surrounded by shelves filled with Black and Brown authors. Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate Juneteenth to us.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4uMlqC2

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

BASILICA: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “It’s time for one of Minneapolis’s most historic and recognizable buildings to get a bit of a spa day—or should we call it a spa year? The Basilica has stood tall at the corner where Hennepin and Lyndale converge in Loring Park since the early 1900s, and it’s been decades since it’s had a larger-scale restoration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44jn5nT

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SUN + SOCCER

A police officer shot overnight in St. Peter. Details are limited.

Today is Juneteenth a state and federal holiday. Great to see friends at the Canada Day event last night at Fulton. Congrats to Canada on their first World Cup win.

US plays Australia today at 2PM. Lynx at Golden State tonight.

Twins win. Wyndham Clark leads the US Open.

We’ll learn who is leaving the Star Tribune on Monday.

The U.S. Special Olympics begin in Minneapolis this weekend. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4xComnz

A few Minnesotans were in the crowd when Barack Obama gave a shout-out to “people in the Twin Cities” during the opening of his presidential library. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4xBYAzR

JD Vance’s trip to Switzerland was postponed this morning but he has a warning for Israeli officials who are not happy about the U.S.-Iran deal: don’t criticize “the only powerful ally that [they] have anywhere left in the entire world.” AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4xCpyHz

Marist finds that Donald Trump’s approval on the economy is 33% — lower than Joe Biden’s lowest rating from the same pollster. Trump’s overall approval is 36%. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4oCXyzf

Much to say about the polls and fundraising, MNSider for premium briefs will be out this weekend.

Tune-in to Sunday Take at 9AM on WCCO Radio

Have a great Father’s Day weekend.Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

SPONSOR: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

LISTEN: Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

SPEAKING: Do you have a summer or fall conference that your audience wants to hear about the insights of the election? “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. is scheduling now. EMAIL bloisolson@gmail.com

DEEPER: Check out a Fluence Forum podcast. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/FluenceForums

SMARTER: Long Term Care – Is Minnesota Ready? Care Providers Minnesota and LeadingAge Minnesota hosted providers, Senator Grant Hauschild (03, DFL), Representative Natalie Zeleznikar (03B, GOP), and Representative Nathan Nelson (11B, GOP) for a conversation about the future of careing for our seniors. This coming week the conversation moves to St. Cloud. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ue3YXA

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Another week of plenty of content, from new charges against protestors, fundraising reports and two polls. As much as I’ve suggested that the new flag is not a winning issue alone, the idea that half of the state doesn’t like the new flag suggests that the mood of Minnesota is surly.

Tonight, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig will meet on the Almanac couch. It should be a pointed conversation after months of barbs back and forth.

The real question is – Will it be a debate or a discussion? Flanagan is avoiding more debates – including those not on public media. We’re still proposing a debate later in the cycle, and hope the Flanagan campaign will have a change of heart.

If someone wants to be a US Senator, tough questions shouldn’t be avoided. That said bubble wrap is plentiful this time of year.

Tonight’s debate should reflect the issues that the US Senate addresses, and the mood of Minnesota.

The surly mood of Minnesota is different feeling than anger, or the quiet contentedness that we’re used to. The idea that I shared yesterday on radio resonated with your comments and emails. I suggested that the flag change is a visible example of things “that were done to us” during the trifecta a feeling that lingers even among moderate DFLers across Minnesota. It’s anxiousness that lingers about the state of our economy, schools and quality of life. While they remain strong enough, they are not thriving in Minnesota tradition.

Next week a trip north to Bemidji will offer another focus group of cafés and watering holes. What are you watching in this election that’s different? bloisolson@gmail.com

POLL POSITIONS

APPROVAL: KSTP’s latest poll asked Minnesota voters if they approve of Pres. Donald Trump, Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the war in Iran and more. Results are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4enONV2

• TRUMP: 36% approve, 60% disapprove, 4% unsure

• WALZ: 43% approve, 51% disapprove, 5% unsure

• KLOBUCHAR: 48% approve, 38% disapprove, 14% unsure

• IRAN WAR: 30% approve, 65% disapprove, 6% unsure

A demographic breakdown shows that Walz is more popular among liberals (84%) than Trump is among conservatives (75%), but both groups are split nearly evenly between people who “strongly approve” and people who “somewhat approve.”

COMPARISON: The Star Tribune/KARE 11 poll from earlier this week found Pres. Donald Trump’s approval rating was 41%, 5 points higher than KSTP, while Gov. Tim Walz’s approval was 39%, 4 points lower than KSTP. Both polls have a margin of error of around 3 points. One possible explanation for the discrepancy is methodology.

ENTHUSIASM: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Democrats appear to hold the enthusiasm advantage [in our poll]. Among those who identified as DFLers or leaned Democratic, 68% said they were ‘very enthusiastic’ about the election, compared with 51% of conservatives or Republican-leaning voters who said the same. … [Meanwhile], Republicans face a significant name-recognition problem. The best-known Republican angling to get on the ballot this fall is MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. … Beyond Lindell, GOP candidates — particularly those endorsed by the party — are still largely unknown. A majority of voters, 51%, said they don’t recognize the name Kendall Qualls.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SleazA

QUALLS: Endorsed Republican candidate Kendall Qualls issued a statement in response to the latest KSTP poll showing him in third place for the GOP gubernatorial primary, as seen in yesterday’s morning take. QUOTE: “The more voters learn about me, the more they like and support me. That’s been proven time and time again in the 16 straw polls that I’ve dominated against my primary opponents, winning the Republican endorsement in Duluth and the momentum that we’ve gotten in the last few weeks.”

ISSUES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “More than three-quarters of voters said they are very or somewhat concerned about the use of artificial intelligence, [and] 63% said they would oppose a data center being built in their community. … Two-thirds of Minnesotans said undocumented immigrants should be allowed to remain in the U.S. and eventually become citizens if they meet certain requirements. … A majority of voters support banning military-style rifles with detachable magazines, such as the AR-15, while 44% oppose such a ban.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SleazA

A deep dive into the CD1 race between Rep. Brad Finstad and Jake Johnson for MNSider subscribers. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/49OqNJu

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CAMPAIGN CASH

PACS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Restore Sanity PAC, which is backing Republican gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth, has raised $1.2 million since last year. … Renew Minnesota, a business-backed conservative PAC, enters the election season with roughly $1.2 million cash on hand. The Advance Minnesota Independent Expenditure Committee, which seems to be focused on legislative races, is also sitting on $1.8 million. … On the Democratic side, Alliance for a Better Minnesota [has] more than $500,000 in the bank. We All Do Better PAC [has] raised more than $900,000. … The DGA Victory Fund is sitting on more than $7 million. … The DAGA People’s Lawyer Project MN has raised nearly $1 million to support spending in the attorney general’s race.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SleazA

MORE: Here’s the case that Restore Sanity PAC is making to fundraise for Speaker Lisa Demuth. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eyCQMv

GOP GOV: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The [Mike] Lindell and [Kendall] Qualls campaigns for governor are strapped for cash even as early voting for the Aug. 11 primary begins later this month. … Lindell had about $12,000 in cash as of the end of May, [while] Qualls’ campaign had about $34,000 in cash. … Lindell’s campaign has spent almost all the money it’s raised since it launched in December. The campaign’s largest expenses include copies of Lindell’s own memoir [and] a February fundraising event [in] Mar-A-Lago. Lindell’s campaign spent over $155,000 to rent the facility and for food and beverage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aczBZL

CD1: The Cook Political Report shifted its rating for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District one step to the left, from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican.” The nonpartisan organization explained that DFLer Jake Johnson has “managed to keep pace with” GOP Rep. Brad Finstad’s fundraising, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s bid for governor may be “providing some coattails.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gtSdZ1

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

STATE STUFF

ISRAEL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Frustrations between the U.S. and Israeli governments spilled into the open this week [due to] the war in Iran, [but] attitudes toward Israel have been steadily shifting even before then. It’s particularly apparent among Democrats, including in Minnesota. … At last month’s Minnesota DFL convention in Rochester, three state auditor candidates were asked: ‘Would you use your seat on the State Board of Investment to push other State Board of Investment members to divest from countries committing war crimes and crimes against humanity?’ Auditor candidates Dan Wolgamott, Adam Jennings and Zack Filipovich all agreed with the calls to divest, though none of them mentioned Israel by name.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eTdcDm

IMMIGRATION: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Human Rights Watch released a report [discussing] Operation Metro Surge and new recommendations for the federal government. The nonprofit stated that the federal government ‘manufactured a crisis’ and that all levels of government need to take up immigration reforms. … Nonprofit leaders presented the full report in a press conference Thursday morning.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vnarjN REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4ozBENk

RESPONSE: via GOP Chair Alex Plechash statement, PLECHASH: “The crisis was manufactured by Tim Walz, Amy Klobuchar, and Keith Ellison. … Where were these activists when fraudsters drained programs meant for vulnerable children and adults with autism? Where were they when violent criminals hurt innocent people?”

SETTLEMENT: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today, as part of a bipartisan coalition of nine attorneys general, announced a $7 million settlement with LivCor [as part of] Ellison’s ongoing antitrust litigation against software company RealPage. The settlement resolves allegations that LivCor used RealPage’s revenue management system to align rental prices with competing landlords by illegally sharing and gathering confidential pricing information.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eCgpWJ

MOVE: The Minnesota Soybean Growers Assoc. elected Brownton farmer Ryan Mackenthun as the organization’s new president. Mackenthun will replace Darin Johnson, who is returning to his role as director.

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

METRO

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul City Council approved a concept plan [for] improvements to the Merriam Park Recreation Center. … The additional funds will expand the skate park, which in 2003 was the first skate park built in the city. The council’s approval also unlocks $500,000 in grant funding secured last year from [DEED]. … The remainder of the 10-acre park’s improvements will be funded through approximately $2 million in city sales tax revenue.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ehYANP

DAKOTA CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Dakota County has released new PFAS data showing contamination in wells across the county and raising questions about drinking water safety. … Sampling found PFAS — known as ‘forever chemicals’ — in all 27 environmental wells and 94 of the 114 private drinking wells tested. … Dakota County Environmental Resources supervisor Valerie Neppl [said] as far as the safety of drinking water, [most] residents are in the clear. … [But] for private well owners, Neppl said [that] a granulated activated carbon filter can help reduce PFAS exposure.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oy4NIM

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold-certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

ACROSS MN

BRAINERD: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Changes are proposed for the funding structure of the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport. Brainerd City Council members approved the first reading of an ordinance [that] would see Crow Wing County levying a larger portion of the funds for the airport than the city and making up a bigger percentage of the Airport Commission. … The airport is jointly owned by Brainerd and Crow Wing County. Historically, both entities have levied roughly equal funds for the airport each year. That changed in 2024 [due to] council concerns about Brainerd residents being taxed twice for the service.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xDwKmE

ROCHESTER: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig visited Mayo Clinic in Rochester to meet with Mayo Clinic’s leadership team and receive a briefing on their Bold. Forward. [Unbound.] strategy. … Craig had the opportunity to tour the Rochester campus transformation and discuss Mayo Clinic’s latest efforts across the enterprise to integrate cutting-edge technologies. … Craig and Mayo Clinic leaders also discussed the significant economic and workforce opportunities Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester will create.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qruaj4

SE MN: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) hosted a roundtable discussion with U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Daniel Rosen and members of the southern Minnesota law enforcement community. In attendance were Sheriffs from multiple counties, as well as Chiefs of Police, Assistant Chiefs of Police, and Captains from police departments across Minnesota’s First Congressional District. The discussion gave law enforcement officers the opportunity to highlight successes within their departments, as well as discuss the challenges they face.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vDgvF3

PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will participate in the official Team Minnesota Send-Off Event for the Special Olympic Games and visit the Juneteenth Event in Rondo.

TOMORROW: Minnesota will host the 2026 USA Special Olympics starting on Saturday, June 20. The event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors next week.

MONDAY: via news advisory from Parents for Good, VERBATIM: “Parents, educators, students, and community members with Parents for Good will gather outside the June 22 Anoka-Hennepin School Board meeting to announce they have successfully collected 3,000 signatures in support of placing a school funding referendum on the November ballot. The grassroots petition drive was launched after the Anoka-Hennepin School Board failed to secure enough votes to place a referendum before voters directly.”

TUESDAY: Sen. Andrew Mathews and Rep. Shane Mekeland, both GOP, will host a town hall with representatives from Options, Inc. to discuss Medicaid provider revalidation and “the impacts state processing delays may have on services provided to vulnerable Minnesotans,” per a release. The event is in Big Lake at 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Independent evaluators at ELEFA will host a public meeting to answer questions about the Minneapolis Police Department’s settlement agreement. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

JULY 13: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community listening session on Monday, July 13 to discuss the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health. The event is in St. Paul at 6:00 p.m.

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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.

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POLLING

AFFORDABILITY: Via Gallup, VERBATIM: “For the first time in five years, fewer than half of Americans can consistently afford healthcare. According to the latest data from the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index, just 49% of U.S. adults are now classified as ‘Cost Secure,’ meaning they can afford access to quality care and have been able to pay for visits and prescriptions in recent months. The share of Americans who are Cost Secure has fallen seven percentage points from 2021 (56%), when measurement began, and is in steady decline from its peak of 61% in 2022.”

“Adults aged 18 to 29 have experienced the sharpest decline in healthcare affordability since 2021, with the share classified as Cost Secure falling from 46% to 32%. This group also exhibited one of the largest year-over-year declines between 2024 and 2025, decreasing by seven percentage points.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ePNkZ4

INSURANCE: Via SSRS, from a survey by The Commonwealth Fund, VERBATIM: “One of patients’ main concerns is uncertainty about whether their insurer will cover a health procedure or prescription drug that their doctor says they need, particularly for a serious medical condition. One in five (21%) U.S. working-age adults with private insurance reported that they or a family member had experienced an insurance company denial of coverage for medical care recommended by a doctor in the past year, either before or after the care was provided.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ePH97j

MORE: Via The Commonwealth Fund, from the survey:

READ: https://fluence-media.co/4expeky

ABORTION: Via Gallup, VERBATIM: “According to Gallup’s May 1-17 Values and Beliefs poll, 48% of Americans would prefer abortion be legal in all (33%) or most (15%) circumstances, while 49% prefer it to be illegal (17%) or legal in only a few circumstances (32%). This split is similar to the close division of views on legality generally seen since 2022, but it contrasts with the quarter century before, when majorities of Americans consistently favored having abortion be legal in only a few circumstances or not at all.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fPk7i3

TECH: Via KFF, VERBATIM: “Adults in the U.S. are turning to social media and AI to advise them on health issues. KFF’s latest Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust finds three in ten adults (31%) using social media at least monthly for health information and advice. This is similar to the share (29%) who now say they use AI tools or chatbots for health information monthly, a number that has nearly doubled in the past two years – up from roughly one in six (17%). Still, majorities say they either ‘never’ or only ‘occasionally’ use AI tools (71%) or social media (69%) for health information.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vXQGz9

DEMENTIA: Via University of Michigan, a poll conducted in that state that many outside of Michigan may find enlightening as well. VERBATIM: “Nearly all Michiganders age 50 and over say it’s very important to keep their brains healthy as they grow older, a new poll finds. But less than half (47%) of middle-aged and older Michiganders know that everyday actions can be very important for reducing their future risk of dementia. And half or less practice at least one of four key habits daily or most days that can protect their brain health as they age.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eyLCds

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MEDICAID SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OF US: Medicaid keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan — regardless of income or health status — can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3FtrCuH (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)

HEALTH IN MINNESOTA

NEXT WEEK: Via Allina, VERBATIM: “Allina Health Cancer Institute will host a ribbon cutting event Thursday, June 25, to celebrate the launch of its mobile lung and breast cancer screening programs, LIFE – Lung Imaging for Early-detection and Mammo on the Move. The event will highlight Allina Health Cancer Institute’s commitment to bringing lifesaving cancer screening directly to the communities it serves. Both mobile screening units are designed to make early detection more convenient and accessible for patients who may face barriers to screening or live near clinics that do not currently offer these services.”

AI’S PICK: Via 5W Public Relations, VERBATIM: “5W AI Communications today released the Healthcare volume of The 5W AI Trust Map of America — the first national measurement of how AI answer engines rank hospitals inside US states . . . Mayo Clinic dominates Minnesota. Cleveland Clinic dominates Ohio. Johns Hopkins dominates Maryland. Mass General dominates Massachusetts. NYU Langone dominates New York. MD Anderson dominates Houston. The pattern: AI engines reward academic affiliation, US News & World Report rankings, peer-reviewed research output, and named-physician primary-source coverage over national scale or marketing spend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4guQd2J

VIRGINIA: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Essentia Health-Virginia has begun construction on an expansion that is set to nearly double the capacity of its emergency department. The expansion includes a dedicated behavioral health suite and five additional exam rooms. With a targeted completion date of 2027, the $13 million expansion is being financed by Essentia Health and its regional foundation, along with private contributions and a $3.3 million grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qt2RF2

(DISCLOSURE: Essentia is a Fluence sponsor)

WABASHA: Via KAAL-TV, VERBATIM: “The Wabasha Ambulance squad recently received a big boost to its equipment with two new LIFEPAK monitors. The upgrade was made possible through a grant from the Wabasha County Opioid Settlement funds, the sale of an old ambulance, and donations from the community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w1AOvC

FOOD: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Sitting inside her cozily decorated house in St. Paul’s North End, 69-year-old Kamee Yang began to list some of her favorite foods, like milk, leafy greens and squash . . . At a routine doctor’s appointment, Yang, who manages health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, screened positive for food insecurity. It triggered her eligibility for Fair Table, a program offered by her health care provider supplying free boxes of fresh food, prepared meals, food vouchers and ready-to-use food bags to patients in need.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vfTOpW

AMID RURAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, ESSENTIA HEALTH INVESTS IN NEW IRON RANGE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: Essentia Health is investing in a $13 million project to remodel and expand its emergency department in Virginia. With support from the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board and philanthropic partners, the project will improve emergency care and mental health resources through new technology, safety and security measures, and a behavioral health suite. READ MORE: Essentia expands Iron Range emergency room (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

DC + HEALTH

SNAP: Via ProPublica, VERBATIM: “As a House committee debated President Donald Trump’s signature domestic policy bill last year, Republican backers repeatedly emphasized that its changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, wouldn’t affect vulnerable people . . . But nearly a year after the measure was signed into law, the number of children receiving food assistance has plummeted by at least 776,000, according to a ProPublica analysis. At least 12 states break down program participation by age, and of the 1,670,011 people who are no longer receiving benefits in those states, 776,134, or 46%, were children.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ejjBaP

CDC: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “Even as the world is racing to contain the deadly Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Trump administration is moving ahead with a plan that could decimate support for programs that detect and snuff out exactly such outbreaks. The new plan, proposed by the State Department, aims to overhaul the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s work on a landmark global H.I.V. program that also helps countries manage surveillance for emerging diseases, strengthen laboratory networks and support childhood immunizations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xBIxll

ADDICTION: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Recovering Hope is one of only a small number of residential addiction treatment centers in Minnesota where women with substance use disorder (SUD) can live with their infants and young children, and where the children receive daily childcare. Nearly all of its clients rely on Medicaid to fund their stay . . . If Medicaid funding disappears, Recovering Hope would need to pivot or shut down. Its clients and their children could lose access. But the impact would ripple, too, into the town of Mora itself, where the center has become an important, if not always popular, foundation of the local economy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43FSwsr

FUNDING: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday announced a $700 million investment into behavioral health programs, indicating an emphasis on faith-based recovery organizations. Kennedy, a recovered heroin addict, announced a $96 million funding opportunity for the Trump administration’s Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Support (STREETS) program, along with $612 million in funding opportunities for additional behavioral health programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a5dF2L

GENDER CARE: Via Politico, VERBATIM: “The Federal Trade Commission is suing the leading transgender health care group in federal court. The agency argued on Wednesday that the World Professional Association for Transgender Health made ‘deceptive claims’ in its health care guidelines for transgender children. The group’s members include psychiatrists, surgeons, pediatricians, endocrinologists and primary care doctors who work with transgender patients.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eBBzEp

VACCINES: Via Stat, VERBATIM: “Senate Democrats are opening an inquiry into the Trump administration’s remaking of federal vaccine policy, demanding officials produce records by next week. In a letter to health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. viewed by STAT, Senate Finance Committee Democrats Ron Wyden (Ore.) and Maggie Hassan (N.H.) denounced the changes Kennedy has made to federal vaccine policy, focusing on the remaking of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Last year, Kennedy fired all previous members of ACIP and packed the panel with vaccine-skeptical allies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ScBSy5

FLU: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “U.S. health advisers are debating a new kind of flu vaccine Thursday, the first made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderna is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval of its new shot, dubbed mFlusiva, as an option for people 50 and older. The FDA advisory committee meeting is a step toward a final decision ahead of the winter flu season.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ehPX5V

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

CANCER: Via Fox News, VERBATIM: “A cure for cancer could be on the horizon in the next decade, according to experts. During the WSJ Leadership Institute CEO Summit in London last week, Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Joaquin Duato reflected on the pharmaceutical company’s projections on the future of cancer treatment.

In the next 10 years, the goal is to ‘try to eliminate cancer,’ Duato shared.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vXB4vh

IVERMECTIN: Via ABC News, VERBATIM: “Ivermectin, which surged in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic amid unproven claims that it could help fight COVID-19 infections, has now found a new following among some cancer patients. Prescriptions for the antiparasitic drug among cancer patients more than doubled in the first half of 2025, following the airing of a popular podcast episode promoting the drug, according to a study published in JAMA.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aWAllY

THE PLAGUE: Via University of Copenhagen, VERBATIM: “Plague was already a deadly killer 5,500 years ago, long before cities, farming, or the rat-infested conditions usually linked to historic outbreaks. By analyzing ancient DNA from hunter-gatherer cemeteries in Siberia, researchers discovered early plague strains in nearly 40% of the individuals studied and found evidence of rapid family-based outbreaks that wiped out many children and young teenagers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7Jpxy

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SATURDAY: Minnesota Aurora vs. River Light FC at TCO Stadium (4 p.m., FOX 9+ and YouTube) Aurora has outscored its opponents 29-0 heading into their final regular-season home game and has a 9-0 record. USL-W playoffs will start up after two final games on the road. TICKETS

SATURDAY-NEXT FRIDAY: Special Olympics at the U of M and Blaine. More than 3,000 athletes and 100,000 visitors are expected. Competitions are free and ESPN+ will show 48 hours of the games Tuesday through next Friday. Opening ceremony tickets at Huntington Bank Stadium are $36. Volunteers are still needed at various venues. VOLUNTEER | TICKETS | MORE

SUNDAY: Lynx vs. Washington (5 p.m., Victory+, NBA TV). If you live here and haven’t seen Olivia Miles in person, I question your basketball fandom. TICKETS

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY: Twins vs. Dodgers (6:40 p.m., Twins.TV; TBS on Tuesday). As of now, Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to start Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY: NBA Draft (7 p.m., ESPN). The Wolves currently pick 28th in the first round and have the 59th overall pick in the second. That’s subject to change on short notice.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY: KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine. (Golf Channel, NBC, Peacock) No. 1-ranked Nelly Korda will go for her fifth tour win in nine starts this season and a clinch a spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame. TICKETS | TV/STREAMING

THURSDAY: USA vs. Turkey (9 p.m. FOX). The end of pool play; Team USA has already clinched Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia, and will play its first knockout round game on July 1. KNOCKOUT ROUND SCHEDULE

FRIDAY-SATURDAY: NHL Draft. (6 p.m. Friday, ESPN; 10 a.m. Saturday, NHL Network) There are 18 Minnesotans among the 200+ players ranked by the NHL’s Central Scouting service, including a potential first-rounder.

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WAY OUTSIDE THE BOX: Via Chris Hine at Star Tribune. There’s an argument to be made that the Timberwolves should follow the lead of the NBA champion Knicks and runner-up Spurs and retool their roster around Anthony Edwards and their other young players. That would mean trading Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, relying on remaining roster to contend for the playoffs next season and being real title contenders in the years following. Using the term “gap year,” Hine cites a batch of reasons why the move makes sense and throws down a challenge for Edwards.

CHALLENGING ANT: Here’s how Hine sees it. VERBATIM: “Remove the security blanket that is Gobert on that end of the floor and make Edwards guard consistently for one of the few times in his career. It’s also time to see what Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid can do with more offensive usage. Both have shown flashes of being solid to excellent playoff contributors. Handing them more responsibility in the regular season might help hone their games to be even more consistent in the postseason. Without Gobert on defense, the mistakes Edwards is prone to make (like falling asleep on off-ball defense) will be much louder, and it might inspire him to work harder. Embrace Edwards as a on-ball defender, an area in which the team has constantly said he can be elite. Coach Chris Finch says McDaniels is a high-level rim protector. Lean into that. . . . Finch has repeatedly said Edwards’ path to becoming an MVP candidate is to be the best two-way player in the league. Make him prove it by letting go of Gobert, 33, while his trade value is still relatively high.” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/wolves0618

NAILED IT: Every now and then, someone writes something that gets to heart of how I feel and keeps me from having to find my own words. That’s the case with Nick Nelson’s recent Twins Daily essay on Byron Buxton, which is filled with frustration over Buxton’s late-career excellence (mid-career if we’re lucky, maybe) coming against the backdrop of a 2026 roster that wasn’t built to be competitive. Buxton’s 23 home run (third in MLB), .937 OPS (ninth) and extraordinary defense deserve a better supporting cast. Add to that Buxton building relationships with the organization and community to the point that he doesn’t want to waive the no-trade clause in his contract despite the feebleness surrounding him. In disserving fans by creating obvious roster shortfalls last summer and ignoring them over the winter, the Twins failed to show Buxton the respect that he’s shown them.

MONEY QUOTE: “If I’m being honest, it makes me feel all the more bitter toward a Twins franchise that is unwilling to reward that loyalty with a competitive effort around Buxton as he reaches his full potential in the late stage of his prime. This roster’s shortcomings entering the season were plain to see, regardless of Tom Pohlad’s lip service, and now we’re seeing what happens as an undermanned team ventures into the heart of the season: they are predictably running aground.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/buxton0618

ONE MORE TIME: What if the Twins hadn’t demolished their bullpen at the trade deadline by sending Louis Varland to Toronto and Jhoan Duran to the Phillies? You would have anchors for an elite bullpen instead of one that is near the bottom of the majors by almost any measurement. The Twins would certainly be closer to 4 1/2 games ahead in the AL Central than 4 1/2 games behind.

DATA PLEASE: Via Aaron Gleeman. In starting off a post explaining the surprising success of recently acquired Twins reliever right-hander Yoendrys Gomez, Gleeman cites these sad bullpen numbers. VERBATIM: “No. 25 in Win Probability Added, No. 27 in strikeout rate, No. 28 in strikeout-to-walk ratio, and No. 29 in ERA out of 30 teams.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/bullpen0618

ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE? Does this sound like the elementary school challenge where students get rewarded for reading books? The Twins have sold fewer tickets so far this season than in 2025 — down 3.1% through 39 home dates — when they finished with their lowest attendance since Target Field opened in 2010. On Wednesday, the Twins emailed season-ticket holders, telling them they will get a credit toward their 2027 renewal worth 15% of the price of every ticket they use this season — and an extra 5% for each of those games won by the Twins. The offer is capped at $2,000 and doesn’t include the Champions Club or suites. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/tickets0618

GRANDMA’S TURNS 50: Via KQDS-TV. The 50th anniversary of the Two Harbors-to-Duluth marathon is Saturday with a field of 9,500 that expands to 23,000 when the half-marathon and 5K entry lists are added. According to local sources the event is expected to generate about $40 million for the Duluth-Superior region. REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/marathon0618

RUNNING EVERY RACE. Via Christa Lawler at Star Tribune. John Naslund, 76, of Bloomington, is the only person to have crossed the finish line in every Grandma’s Marathon. He’ll be at the starting line again Saturday. A pole vaulter at Minnesota Duluth, Naslund became a marathon enthusiast and has also run all 43 Twin Cities Marathons. His best time? 2 hours, 21 minutes at the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon in 1981. His 2025 times? 5:31:06 at Grandma’s and 6:23:12 at the Twin Cities Marathon in October. The journey takes longer, but it’s still fulfilling. VERBATIM: “Naslund’s memories of most past Grandma’s Marathons are just snippets of interactions here and there, but the rest blends together, he said. Thinking back on his early running years, Naslund said he couldn’t imagine that he would be tied to the marathon in this way. ‘You’re in your mid-20s, you’re doing stuff and having experiences. Long-term, at that point, might be five years out. But, you know, life just keeps chipping away.’ “ FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/everyrace0618

MARATHON GUIDE: Watch the race live | Runner and spectator guidebook | Leaderboard and results

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FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK? Via Scott Wheeler at The Athletic. In November, Moorhead’s Wyatt Cullen was listed as a probable fourth- or fifth-round pick in next week’s NHL Draft. Then the games began and Cullen’s ranking, as a member of the U.S. National U18 team, shot up to the point that he’s now listed 13th on the NHL Central Scouting prospect list. It happened, in part, because of a growth spurt over the last two years in which Cullen, the son of NHL veteran Matt Cullen, grew from 5-foot-5 to 6-foot-1 and gained 56 pounds. There was hard work involved, too. Cullen has committed to playing college hockey for Minnesota, where his father joined the coaching staff in April as director of player development. VERBATIM: “The growth has been a big piece for him. It has allowed him to actually separate a bit,” U.S. NTDP head coach Nick Fohr told The Athletic. “He’s such a good hockey player. He’s got such good hands in tight. He’s got the shakiness, the playmaking, the vision. All of that stuff is elite. And he couldn’t get any time and space last year because he just couldn’t get away from anybody. So the growing that he has done and the strength that he has put on has been immense. Talk about a transformation over two years.” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/cullen0618

MORE MINNESOTA TALENT: Via Olivia Hicks at Strib Varsity. There are 17 more Minnesota players among the 224 ranked by NHL Central Scouting. Others among the Top 75 are forward Victor Plante of Hermantown at No. 42, defenseman Jayden Kurtz of Rogers at No. 61 and defenseman Kyle Heger of Eagan at No. 66. Carter Casey of Grand Rapids is ranked No. 26 among goalies and Luke Carrithers of Maple Grove is ranked No. 28. MINNESOTA LIST | FULL RANKINGS

WILD PICKS: The Wild don’t have a first-round pick because it was traded to Vancouver as part of the Quinn Hughes deal. Their second-round pick went to Nashville for center Michael McCarron. Minnesota has five picks in Rounds 3 through 6, including two in the fifth round. FULL DRAFT ORDER: https://fluence-media.co/nhl0618

SPECTACULAR: Olivia Miles set a WNBA rookie record with 24 points in the first half of Wednesday’s 99-83 win at Los Angeles on Wednesday. She finished with 31 points — including 16 in the second quarter when the Lynx broke open the game — to miss the team’s rookie record of 32 set 20 years ago by Seimone Augustus.

GAME OF THE YEAR? If you were distracted by something else — maybe the concluding game of the NBA Finals — you missed the Lynx and defending WNBA champion Las Vegas put on a show last Saturday night that would be fun to see repeated in the 2026 playoff finals. The Aces jumped out to an early lead, the Lynx battled back and took the lead in the final minute before four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and star guard Chelsea Gray made four free throws in the final 20 seconds to take the 100-97 victory. Olivia Miles scored 29 points and frustrated herself with six turnovers. Wilson scored 24, Gray scored 23. It was the kind of game when one team’s mistakes were usually caused by the other team’s play. In other words, the best kind of basketball. LOOK AHEAD: The teams play at Target Center at noon on August 8 and Minnesota follows that the next day with a 2:30 p.m. game against Dallas. TICKETS

THE ‘REEL DEAL’: Via Maitreyi Anantharaman at Defector. If you need to catch up on her quarter-season with the Lynx, this puts Olivia Miles in perspective. VERBATIM: “Vertical video makes Olivia Miles look good. Horizontal video makes her look better. Her gift shines in context, on the unadorned and unsoundtracked platform that is the next day’s full-game replay. What the Minnesota Lynx rookie does best as starting point guard of the WNBA’s top team is to understand every option available to her before choosing, inevitably, the right one. She’s done well to earn the title ‘highlight reel player,’ but watch her enough and realize she’s special for being a “film room player,” too. Perhaps that’s why this was not something everyone saw coming: the instant stardom, the MVP talks, the Lynx’s surprisingly torrid start as they wait for franchise player Napheesa Collier to return from an ankle injury. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/miles0618

ALL-STAR VOTING: Miles is ninth in fan voting for the WNBA All-Star Game. The top four guards and six frontcourt players are determined by fan, player and media voting. Coaches pick the reserves. Lynx post player Natasha Howard is 12th and guard Courtney Williams, who deserves to be higher, is 27th. The top two finishers will be named captains and choose up sides for the July 25 game in Chicago. VOTE: https://fluence-media.co/vote0618

TOP 40 VOTE-GETTERS: The first batch of votes was released Wednesday. Fan voting ends on June 27. https://fluence-media.co/40top0618

AND THE MEN: The NBA draft’s first round is Wednesday and the second round is Thursday. Barring a trade, which may not be a high bar, the Wolves will pick 28th in the first round. With a pick that far down, it’s understandable there’s no consensus in an assortment of mock drafts. Names getting mentioned include Sergio De Larrea, a 6-5 wing from Spain; Ebuka Okorie, a 6-2 point guard from Stanford; Isaiah Evans, a 6-6 wing from Duke; Joshua Jefferson, a 6-8 forward from Iowa State, and Jack Kayil, a 6-5 point guard from Germany.

TOP 100 PROSPECTS: Via The Athletic. There’s a Gophers player at No. 99 on the list, but only 60 will be drafted. RANKINGS: https://fluence-media.co/100best0618

U’S MURPHY DRAFTED SECOND: Via Kate Shefte at Seattle Times. Gophers forward, All-American and Olympic gold medalist Abbey Murphy was the second player taken overall in the PWHL draft and is headed for Seattle. She was one of five Gophers players selected in the six-round draft after scoring 40 goals and 26 assists in 31 games. VERBATIM: “The skilled agitator captained the Gophers and led the country in points per game. The Wall Street Journal referred to her as ‘America’s trash-talking, goal-scoring, punch-throwing hockey unicorn’ in a February headline. Her 67 penalty minutes were third in NCAA Div. I last season, according to EliteProspects. That’s a long way from her 118 PIMs during the 2023-2024 season. While former Torrent captain Hilary Knight noted her Team USA teammate’s ability to get ‘under people’s skin,’ she also compared Murphy to ‘a cheat code.’ Murphy helped the Americans to gold in Milano Cortina 2026, with seven points in as many games.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/murphy0618

FROST’S TOP PICK: Via Cassidy Hettesheimer at Star Tribune. The Frost used the ninth overall pick to take defender Sara Swiderski, who played at Ohio State and Clarkson. She was the first Canadian player drafted and was surprised to be taken by Minnesota, which didn’t contact her before the draft. VERBATIM: "They obviously are a team that competes for championships over and over again every year, so I think I can really bring in that great kind of play and do my best to work hard and earn my spot.” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/sara0618

FULL FROST DRAFT PICKS: https://fluence-media.co/frost0618

ALSO: Four Minnesota Duluth players and one from Minnesota State were drafted, too. Gophers defender Nelli Laitinen was taken by expansion Hamilton with the sixth overall pick and defender Sydney Morrow was taken by Seattle with the second pick of the second round. The first UMD player taken was forward Thea Johansson, who went to Vancouver in the second round. The Minnesota State player taken was former Lakeville South star Taylor Otremba, a forward taken by Ottawa with the second-to-last pick of the draft. FULL DRAFT: https://fluence-media.co/pwhl0618

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LEWIS FINDS GROOVE: Via Bobby Nightengale at Star Tribune. It’s been only 10 games, but Royce Lewis has a .324 batting average and 1.003 OPS since being brought back to the Twins after a couple weeks in St. Paul. His 12-for-37 showing includes three home runs, two doubles and only seven strikeouts. The numbers is 31 games before the demotion? .163 average, .539 OPS and 37 strikeouts in 104 at-bats. He’s also made a good adjustment to playing first base, which free up Kody Clemens to play other positions and keeps defensive liability Josh Bell to more of a DH role. Part of the process was a return home to California for visits with agent Scott Boras and his father. Together, they watched videos of Lewis at his best. VERBATIM: “I feel like my confidence was always there. I feel like people say, ‘It was a confidence thing, and you’ve got to mentally reset.’ I’m like, dude, I was mentally fine. I just wanted to know what was the thing to get me back to actually doing it in a game.” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/royce0618

PRIDE CONTROVERSY, MINNESOTA ANGLE: Via The Big Lead. Sam Hentges, the former Mounds View star and fourth-round draft choice in 2014, was one of the four San Francisco Giants players who protested the team’s Pride Night. Other players altered caps worn for the game; Hentges chose to wear the team’s traditional cap and the next day said of the team’s LGBTQ+ event, “I don’t morally support it.” The players participating in the action were criticized by Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow, a former MLB pitcher whose son is gay. VERBATIM: “I think that you have the right as a player to believe and say whatever you want,” Krukow told columnist Ann Killion. “But you have to take a broader look at the city you’re playing in. What makes San Francisco so great is the acceptance of others — ethnicities, opinions, cultures — and that extends to the gay community. I would just hope they would understand the demographic of San Francisco and respect people for who they are. What you do to your uniform, that has weight to it. You can offend people. And why would you do that?” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/pride0618

FORFEITING: Via USA Today. An independent minor league team in York, Pa., is forfeiting a game tonight because some of its players said they wouldn’t wear the team’s Pride jerseys. Owners of the York Revolution called the refusal “complete inconsistent with our visions” and said they would make a $10,000 donation to a local LGBTQ+ resource center. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/york0618

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MAPLE GROVE TO MADISON: Wisconsin received a commitment from Jack Thelen, the 7-foot-1 Maple Grove center whose team finished fourth in Class 4A last season. Thelen averaged 13 points and nine rebounds a game for Maple Grove. The Badgers are also recruiting his teammate, Baboucarr Ann, a 6-foot-5 wing who is also being sought by the Gophers. Former Maple Grove and Wisconsin player Brad Davison is an assistant at Madison.

INTERNATIONAL PLAY FOR GOPHER: Via University of Minnesota. Gophers junior Tori McKinney has been named to the USA 3x3 team that will play in Chile starting next weekend in hopes of qualifying for the world tournament in China in September. McKinney, from Minnetonka, was chosen to the Big Ten all-defensive team last season and was a second team all-Big Ten selection. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/mckinney0618

PETERSON’S DAUGHER LEAVES MINNETONKA: Via Marcus Fuller at Strib Varsity. Ari Peterson, daughter of former Vikings great Adrian Peterson, posted on Instagram she’s leaving Minnetonka for Long Island Lutheran, a private school that produced three McDonald’s All-Americans in 2024 and 2026. The junior already has scholarship offers from the Gophers and at least a half-dozen other Big Ten schools. Before Minnetonka, Peterson played at Providence Academy. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/peterson0618

CALLED IT: In discussing fallout from the Brendan Sorsby college gambling mess last week, which featured a Texas judge ruling that Sorsby could play for Texas Tech this season despite betting on games when the quarterback attended Indiana, I wrote there was more talk than action about repercussions. That came to pass more quickly than I expected now that Sorsby decided this week to leave school and make himself eligible for the NFL’s supplemental draft later this summer. BIGGER ISSUE: Can the NCAA enforce anything substantial without member schools and the courts getting in the way? I would bet against it.

AND FINALLY: Via MLB.com. The cast of Napoleon Dynamite has bought into the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Northwoods League, the 26-team college summer league that includes franchises in Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, Willmar and Mankato. Jon Gries (Uncle Rico), Jon Heder (Napoleon) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro) are among the owners. VERBATIM: “[Gries] wore us down,” Heder said. “He was just like, ‘Baseball, baseball, baseball.’ I was like, ‘Dude, you’re known for football, let’s lean into the football thing.’” MORE: https://fluence-media.co/unclerico0618

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW.

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World Cup visitors have discovered our greatest treasure and are attempting to smuggle it back home. From the TSA via Instagram: “days since the last airport ranch incident: 0” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4uNBNhD

40% of adults from 120 countries say where they live is a good place for gay and lesbian people to live – higher than in two previous polls, but down from the peak in 2020. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4oBe2bm

The new Drought Monitor out this morning (reflecting data as of Tuesday) shows the percentage of the state in need of rain ticked up a bit. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy

Sports Take is feeling sad for Byron Buxton, glad for Olivia Miles and intrigued by a Minnesota teen who should be a first-round pick in next week’s NHL draft. That and much more coming this afternoon.

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Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

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THURSDAY HEADLINES

POLL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “More than 70% of nearly 1,000 Axios Twin Cities readers who took our survey picked northeast Minnesota — including the North Shore, Iron Range and Boundary Waters — as their ideal in-state summer vacation destination. Our poll was inspired by X user @TonyLiebert, who drew this map and then asked the region where you would vacation.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eqRbKN

JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s unemployment rate inched down one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4% in May, reflecting the state’s progress toward closing a gap with the national unemployment rate (flat over the month at 4.3%) according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a7iOY2

REPORT: Via UofM, VERBATIM: “A decade after Minnesota Carlson Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship Professor Myles Shaver first identified the Twin Cities region as a premier ‘Headquarters Economy,’ new research released in a white paper confirms the region’s superpower — talent retention — remains unshaken despite changes to the area and the world of work . . . While the region struggles to attract non-Minnesotans, it excels at keeping those who arrive. When presented with hypothetical job scenarios, respondents — including Minnesota transplants — reported a preference for switching industries rather than relocating from the Twin Cities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vev0yJ

MORE: From the report:

QUOTE: “We consider the increase in dual career households a tailwind with respect to talent retention in the region. This is because respondents in dual career households report being even less willing to look for opportunities outside of the region relative to those in one career households. Having two jobs encourages talent retention. Importantly, the Twin Cities region is a leader in providing career opportunities for both spouses.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4oJfGry

(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Business Partnership, which partnered on the research, is a Fluence Advisory Client)

PLYMOUTH: Via Plymouth-based Daikin, VERBATIM: “Daikin Applied, a global leader in commercial and industrial HVAC solutions, has broken ground on a $30 million Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, Minnesota . . . Designed as a centralized hub for technical, engineering, sales, leadership and customer training, the facility will help employees, partners and customers develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly advancing HVAC industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QpWmmq

CD1: From Unrig Our Economy via YouTube, a new ad featuring a teacher from Alden calling out Rep. Brad Finstad for his tariff vote. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4er7QOl

LOBBYING: New data out this week shows who lobbied lawmakers at the state capitol this past session, but while lobbyists are required to disclose the subject matter involved, there’s no requirement to get super specific. Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “According to Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera, executive director at Minnesota Common Cause, 18 states including neighboring Wisconsin require lobbyists to say what legislation they lobbied about and if they were for or against the bill in question. But in Minnesota, Belladonna-Carrera said, ‘there is limited accountability that obscures the real impact of lobbying.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4egjLQl

ST CLOUD: Via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The District 742 School Board at its meeting on Wednesday night, June 17, approved a $194 million 2026-27 budget, driven by higher-than-expected enrollment and rising costs. The spending plan projects about $194 million in revenues and expenditures, an increase of roughly 8% over the current year, Executive Director of Finance and Business Services Amy Skaalerud told the board. Student enrollment is about 200 students higher than expected, increasing both revenue and the need for additional staff and classroom support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xCi6w2

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

DRINKS

BEER: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Most days at Modist Brewing Co., Bri Smith is focused on the same responsibilities as any head brewer: managing production, supporting her team, and solving whatever problems come up along the way.

At the same time, she’s navigating an industry where she doesn’t often see people who look like her. She is the first head brewer in Minnesota known to be a Black woman. Premiering on Juneteenth at Wooden Ship Brewing Co., Smith tells her story in a 10-minute film.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vitJ9M

WINE: Via Hoodline, VERBATIM: “Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is lining up Minnetonka and Woodbury for its first crack at the Minnesota market, a move that would drop the chain’s wine-club-and-tasting-room setup into two busy Twin Cities suburbs. If it comes together, the combo of full-service dining, in-house wines and a retail market would add another sit-down option to both communities’ shopping corridors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eBynZD

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

HOUSING

BROOKLYN PARK: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A Brooklyn Park multifamily housing project is taking a step forward . . . Welcome West would be a 4-story building with 100 units that include a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. According to city documents, the apartments would be considered affordable, with every unit serving residents who make 60 percent of area median income (AMI).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oAuOHz

BAXTER: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Baxter City Council members approved a new high-density, single-family residential zoning district during a meeting last month.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4a4bo86

MINNEAPOLIS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Hennepin County has dedicated $480k toward the redevelopment of a grain silo and elevator along Hiawatha Avenue into apartments. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qaqv9j

NUMBERS: New data from Zillow shows 89% of rental housing in the Twin Cities is considered affordable to median-income households – nationwide it’s 74%. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vlyeAD

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

MINNEAPOLIS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Vintage shoppers have a new option downtown Minneapolis this summer. Gabby Paulouse is setting up during the first week of the new downtown Vintage Emporium in the IDS center . . . It’s part of the Downtown Council‘s effort to revitalize the area, and draw in shoppers downtown. Paulouse says it helps that vintage is all the rage these days.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4a88wqI

ROCHESTER: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Hanny’s Menswear is in the process of closing after serving the Rochester community for more than 80 years. The classic men’s retailer has been in business in the downtown subway since 1939, serving as a place to buy suits and ties for special occasions.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oAGWrS

ST PAUL: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Once home to Cub Foods, a Walmart, an At Home Furniture store, a Herberger’s department store and a number of smaller shops, the Midway Marketplace on University Avenue in St. Paul has limped through the past few years pock-marked by major retail vacancies. A property sale this month has renewed hope in some corners that new anchor tenants could be on the way. Kraus-Anderson Inc. sold the Cub and Walmart parcels of the sizable strip mall property at 1450 University Ave. W. to a limited liability corporation, Gsc Re Saint Paul LLC, based in Paramus, NJ.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43Fg6Wf

RETAIL: Minneapolis is one of the markets listed for a new retail concept: Bed Bath & Beyond + The Container Store. Via Bed Bath & Beyond, READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SjHBlA

ACQUISITION: Via Minneapolis-based Deluxe, VERBATIM: “Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted payments and data company, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Celero Commerce, a financial technology company focused on optimized payment solutions for small to mid-sized businesses and strategic partners, for $625 million, plus payment of certain seller transaction expenses and other adjustments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vmBOKO

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GLOBAL TRADE BOLSTERS AG ECONOMIES: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, Minnesota’s exports of corn, ethanol, corn-fed meat, and dried distillers grains (DDGS) alone support over 11,500 jobs and add billions to the state’s economy. They also help ensure that consumers around the world have access to affordable protein and dairy products. In May, during World Trade Month, Minnesota Corn celebrates that important role trade plays in all our lives—in the U.S. and abroad. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via UofM, Juneteenth events around the Twin Cities. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4egQPHV

NEXT MONTH: Via St. Paul-based Ecolab, VERBATIM: “Ecolab will host a live webcast to discuss its second quarter 2026 results. A news release containing second quarter results is expected to be issued before market open on July 28, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eqKoCl

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

TRAVEL: From Minnesota Monthly, recommendations for summer getaways that don’t require a passport. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4viXOWZ

PEACE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Irene Koski, a former Maple Grove City Council member who served during a time of rapid growth in the city, has died.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QnDCUD

BDAYS: retired lobbyist Tom Lehman, activist Cara Letofsky, County Manager Ling Becker

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DRYING OUT

US Open starts today. Twins in Texas. Knicks Parade in NYC.

PWHL Draft last night the picks are here: https://fluence-media.co/4oxV850

Sports Take is feeling sad for Byron Buxton, glad for Olivia Miles and intrigued by a Minnesota teen who should be a first-round pick in next week’s NHL draft. That and much more coming this afternoon.

Big Truck parade tonight in DT Minneapolis.

People for Bikes ranked Minneapolis the nation’s 2nd best major city for biking, with St. Paul in 7th. Meanwhile, Richfield is ranked 1st in Minnesota. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3SiGCCa

The U.S.-Iran deal was unveiled and signed early, imposing a 60-day ceasefire, economic benefits for Iran and more. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4oK9jUL

The Strait of Hormuz will be opened for 60 days, but Iran may consider charging tolls after that. CNBC: https://fluence-media.co/4uJ2nbM

The MNDOT and local government lack of coordination on East-West construction in the West Metro deserves more investigation.

Dog park drama will be found in other news sources today…

Today is National HOA Appreciation Day..which seems counterintuitive.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

SPONSOR: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

LISTEN: Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

SPEAKING: Do you have a summer or fall conference that your audience wants to hear about the insights of the election? “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. is scheduling now. EMAIL bloisolson@gmail.com

DEEPER: Check out a Fluence Forum podcast. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/FluenceForums

SMARTER: Long Term Care – Is Minnesota Ready? Care Providers Minnesota and LeadingAge Minnesota hosted providers, Senator Grant Hauschild (03, DFL), Representative Natalie Zeleznikar (03B, GOP), and Representative Nathan Nelson (11B, GOP) for a conversation about the future of careing for our seniors. This coming week the conversation moves to St. Cloud. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ue3YXA

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So much content this week with polls and fundraising, once we can compare approvals between the Star Tribune / KARE 11 poll and the KSTP/Survey USA polls we’ll starte to have a strong lens into the opportunities and challenges.

Looking back to 2014, the last time there was a competitive GOP primary the June 2014 KSTP/Survey USA poll had a tie between the GOP endorsed candidate Jeff Johnson and Kurt Zellers.

The difference here is that the GOP endorsed candidate Kendall Qualls has a rough week, he trails in the polls and in fundraising. The lead of Mike Lindell is a sign that Republicans may have a disaster in the General Election, but Speaker Lisa Demuth has as good a chance as any to break the endorsement streak for Republicans if her own campaign and outside groups continue to be raise some money and keep her campaign steady. The GOP Senate primary may play a part in lifting Demuth, as well as her fundraising and outside support. If Tafoya has resources that drive out more moderate Republicans, women tend to vote for women and there is pent up energy among conservative women since COVID.

More KSTP poll numbers tonight, and a full pull of fundraising from legislative candidates still coming this week, before a MNSider Brief about the State of the races.

MN POLL: KSTP published results from a statewide poll asking voters about the races for governor, U.S. Senate and attorney general. Notably, the party-endorsed candidate is not in the lead for all three primary contests polled. Results are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4vcKgvT

• GOP GOV: Mike Lindell at 27%, Speaker Lisa Demuth at 22%, Kendall Qualls at 17%, “another Republican” at 10%, undecided at 24%.

• GOP SEN: Michele Tafoya at 36%, “another Republican” at 27%, Royce White at 15%, Adam Schwarze at 7%, Tom Weiler at 7%, undecided at 8%.

• DFL SEN: Rep. Angie Craig at 41%, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan at 36%, undecided at 18%, “another DFLer” at 6%.

• ATTY GEN: A.G. Keith Ellison at 44%, Ron Schutz at 37%, undecided at 19%.

DEMOGRAPHICS: The KSTP poll notes that voters in both parties have significant splits depending on age and gender. For example, in the DFL Senate primary, Rep. Angie Craig is significantly more popular with older voters and men, while Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s strongest support comes from voters under 50. Craig’s lead is notable following tight margins in internal polls released from both campaigns. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vcKgvT

FLAG: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s new flag has dismal support. … Just a third of likely Minnesota voters approve of the new blue-and-white design adopted in 2024, while half are opposed. Another 20% are not sure. … Opposition was not limited to deep-red parts of Greater Minnesota. In the Twin Cities suburbs and exurbs, 53% opposed the redesigned flag. The flag did not have majority support even inside Hennepin and Ramsey counties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gxzxaO

A deep dive into the CD1 race between Rep. Brad Finstad and Jake Johnson for MNSider subscribers. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/49OqNJu

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TAXES + TALKERS

PROPERTYTAXES: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “Property owners in Minnesota are facing higher property taxes, with a total increase of $873 million compared to last year. These increases are tied to both rising tax rates and higher home values…Minneapolis and Hennepin County have sent out quintile notices to let people know when their properties will be reassessed this year. The state requires cities and counties to reassess every home at least once every five years.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eON6kV

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis leaders say the city may have to cut services and jobs or raise property taxes to balance its 2027 budget…City leaders said Minneapolis would have to spend about $30 million more than it is bringing in next year to keep programs and staffing at current levels. On Wednesday night, City Council Member Michael Rainville invited residents to hear from the city’s deputy chief financial officer, ask questions and suggest where cuts could be made… Property taxes have gone up every year since at least 2018 by 7.7% a year on average, according to a presentation from Minneapolis Deputy Chief Financial Officer Jayne Discenza, meaning 2027 would mark at least the ninth year in a row Minneapolis property taxes climbed overall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oDhrGv

CANNABIS: via MPR News, VERBATIM:” One of Minnesota’s longstanding cannabis testing labs has ended its cannabis and hemp testing program following regulatory troubles…Legend Technical Services announced this week it has shut down its cannabis testing program. This comes weeks after the state’s cannabis agency froze Legend’s cannabis testing license after the lab failed to complete compliance requirements. QUOTE: “We no longer see the Minnesota Cannabis Program fitting with our long-term corporate plans for the laboratory and consulting services at LEGEND,” Legend said in a written statement. “Under the current regulatory framework, we do not see foresee an ability to continue to meet our client expectations in an economically viable manner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QKYo0u

THREATS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Videos that surfaced online showed St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Melissa Hortman with bullet holes in their foreheads, according to charges announced Wednesday. They were posted on the same day that Hortman [was] assassinated. … [Now], prosecutors charged a 49-year-old St. Paul man with threats of violence and harassment against Her. … The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is handling the matter since Her is an elected official.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44fwMUe

SEXSPOTS: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis is taking early steps toward possibly legalizing sex at bathhouses, decades after a ban was put in place during the AIDS crisis in 1988… The proposal passed committee Wednesday with a 4-3 vote, and passed Thursday’s Health and Safety Committee 6-1…The only no vote Thursday came from Council member Michael Rainville of Ward 3, who said, “I still have a lot of questions on this and I look forward to the conversations before I make my mind up.”..The next step is a full city council vote next week, but this is just one of many steps before any changes would take effect.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xzUA2H

DOCKET

FEED FRAUD: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The ringleader of the massive Feeding Our Future fraud scheme is appealing her federal conviction and decades-long prison sentence. Last month, Aimee Bock was sentenced to more than 41 years in prison. … Her appeal is based on both the application of sentencing guidelines and constitutionality of guidelines, but no further information is detailed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uGZ8S6

FED AGENT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Prosecutors for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office filed a motion on Wednesday opposing an ICE agent’s request to move his case from the county to federal court. Gregory Morgan is charged with two counts of second-degree assault. … ‘The defense’s filing asking to move this case to federal court last week was expected, and today we’ve filed our response,’ Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4w1Dmdb

CHARGES: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later. Wednesday’s arrests were part of the 15 charged Tuesday with impeding the work of immigration agents. … A judge rejected prosecutors’ request that the defendants post a cash bail before being released.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43IDIZX

DETENTION: Via Washington Post, the Dept. of Homeland Security announced new federal immigration detention standards this week after taking input from at least one ICE contractor that “privately asked for changes that could benefit its business.” VERBATIM: “The revised rules no longer say detainees must be paid at least $1 per day, and no longer include several references to contractors having to comply with state or local laws. … At least one new detention center in Appleton, Minnesota, already has agreed to follow the 2026 rules, federal procurement records show.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a8qppr

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

TENSIONS

DATA CENTERS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis City Council committee voted to support a six-month pause on building new data centers in the city, with some exemptions for downtown projects. … It puts a pause on the establishment, re-establishment or expansion of data centers, except for projects that are located downtown and are less than 350,000 square feet. Council Member Aurin Chowdhury is the lead author on the moratorium and said it’s needed while the city drafts and implements permanent regulations on data centers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vQM4up

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Months of public fighting over a proposed data center for Google spurred the Pine Island City Council to adopt new rules [for] how residents can speak during official meetings. … The city’s new public comment policy at meetings forbids name-calling and limits the types of information residents will be allowed to speak about, among other rules. … The rule changes [had] followed the resignation of Mayor David Friese earlier in the day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aCCLGm

POLLUTION: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) led more than 30 members of Congress in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the EPA to protect American waterways and not weaken protections that keep toxic metals and other dangerous pollutants from leaching into rivers and our drinking water supply.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4aaF4QW

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

METRO

MPD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Police Department’s interim chief on Wednesday made shifts in high-ranking leadership positions following the resignation of former Police Chief Brian O’Hara. The changes were announced in a Tuesday email from Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson to the department’s sworn and civilian staff. … New appointments [include] Mark Klukow as assistant chief of operations; Charles ‘Charlie’ Adams as deputy chief of investigations; Thomas Campbell as deputy chief of patrol, and Troy Schoenberger as deputy chief of internal affairs. The four appointments assumed their roles on Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QOoL5F

WOODBURY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Former Minnesota DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who left office after being convicted of burglarizing her stepmother’s home, appears to be exploring a run for Woodbury City Council. While Mitchell has not made a formal announcement about running for office, her website, nicolemitchell.org, includes a page accepting donations for a Woodbury City Council campaign.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QvmZq2

ROBBINSDALE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Voters in a west metro school district now have a much better idea of how much their property tax bills will go up if they decide to support the district’s climb out of a massive hole of debt. … While a couple more steps remain, the Robbinsdale Area Schools (RAS) board approved what residents will likely see in a building bond referendum vote in November. The cost could be as high as $413 million and cost families an average of $25/month for the next 20 years.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44mapMV

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold-certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

ACROSS MN

RPS: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Rochester Public Schools has approved its budget for the coming year, finalizing a lengthy process that has highlighted the financial challenges facing the district as it seeks to grapple with the prospect of declining enrollment and increasing costs. … The district’s total budget for 2026-27 is more than $483 million, the bulk of which is in the district’s general fund, which comprises $322.6 million. It also reflects more than $8 million in cuts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eO5Alz

DPS: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The [Duluth] school district took its first steps toward a potential referendum [before] the board voted to approve the district budget. … The budget, which the board approved unanimously, cuts $4.2 million from the district’s general fund. While those reductions closed the district’s $4 million funding gap from this year, the 2027 budget projects operating costs to be nearly $203 million — roughly $3 million over the $199 million in revenue the district should receive next year. In short, come next budget season, the district will likely be facing another deficit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SbHkBi

OLMSTED CTY: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Olmsted County commissioners are questioning whether Dodge County is paying its fair share for housing detainees in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center. … Dodge County pays $75 a day for each detainee housed at the Olmsted County facility, a rate set by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association. It’s below the nearly $325 per detainee it costs to operate the detention center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q7SzKr

PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

DAYBOOK

TODAY: DEED Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon and Labor Market Info Director Angelina Nguyen will answer questions from the press regarding May employment data at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: Human Rights Watch will host a press conference in Minneapolis discussing its new report on Operation Metro Surge with local leaders from Unidos-MN, National Lawyers Guild MN and more. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

TOMORROW: The Minnesota state government will celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, June 19.

SATURDAY: Minnesota will host the 2026 USA Special Olympics starting on Saturday, June 20. The event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors next week.

JUNE 23: Sen. Andrew Mathews and Rep. Shane Mekeland, both GOP, will host a town hall with representatives from Options, Inc. to discuss Medicaid provider revalidation and “the impacts state processing delays may have on services provided to vulnerable Minnesotans,” per a release. The event is in Big Lake at 6:00 p.m.

JUNE 24: Independent evaluators at ELEFA will host a public meeting to answer questions about the Minneapolis Police Department’s settlement agreement. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

JULY 13: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community listening session on Monday, July 13 to discuss the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health. The event is in St. Paul at 6:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: retired lobbyist Tom Lehman, activist Cara Letofsky, County Manager Ling Becker

SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council (MCR&PC) invests corn checkoff funds in programs that bolster agricultural literacy, develop future ag leaders, strengthen community connections, and improve public trust in farming. The following is a summary of those investments in 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43FZddW (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)

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AG HEADLINES

SOYBEAN SALE: Via barchart, VERBATIM: “USDA reported 372,000 MT of soybeans to unknown destinations this morning with 60,000 MT for old crop an 312,000 MT for new crop shipment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4erJOCT

MORE: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Was it China? Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag says,” MARTINSON: “You know, with the size of the purchase, you almost think it has to be. And the timing of it is very coincidental for the rumors that came out yesterday. So, you know, I do think it probably was China that came in and did this purchase.
We really won’t know until it gets ready to ship and it gets declared. But at this point, it looks ominous that it was China that was in buying.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sa3uE1

FERTILIZER: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “With the Strait of Hormuz reopening, Heartland Investor Services Commodity Trading Advisor Eugene Graner is focused on the movement of fertilizer out of the Persian Gulf. Brazil imports 85 percent of its fertilizer and will be competing with the U.S. for that supply.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eeJXL8

DAIRY: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The government relations director for the Wisconsin Farmers Union says long-term policy solutions are needed to help stabilize milk prices for producers. Michelle Ramirez-White with Dairy Together says more than 40 percent of U.S. dairy farms have been lost since 2017.” RAMIREZ-WHITE: “With the boom and bust of price cycles, the flood of milk on the market has contributed to five-year depressed and volatile milk prices,” she says. “Small and mid-sized dairy farmers just can’t compete.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SwkaFI

BEEF: Via watchdog organization Farm Action, VERBATIM: “Farm Action released a new rancher-backed policy roadmap to address record-high beef prices by rebuilding domestic cattle production and restoring competition, rather than relying on increased imports. The roadmap argues that today’s high beef prices are rooted in decades of consolidation in meatpacking and retail. In the 1970s, the top four beef packers controlled about 36% of the market. Today, four companies control roughly 85%, leaving ranchers with fewer buyers, less bargaining power, and a smaller share of the consumer beef dollar.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4voBbR2

CHECKOFF: Via Successful Farming, VERBATIM: “By three votes, Minnesota beef producers last month rejected a proposed increase to the state’s beef checkoff program. A successful passage would have increased the checkoff value from $1 to $1.50, the 50¢ being a refundable assessment. The increase would have made Minnesota the 20th state to add to the $1 national beef checkoff assessment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4epebLH

CROP UPDATE: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “USDA’s latest weekly crop report says 81 percent of corn in the state is rated in good to excellent condition, up from 80 percent last week. Tim Waibel farms near Courtland in south-central Minnesota and tells Brownfield his corn looks excellent.” WAIBEL: “And the soybeans I would say would not be much behind excellent, they’re pretty good. A little iron chlorosis in some of the soybeans, but we’ve had very favorable rains.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4eoO5XO

Share

PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

HEADWINDS

MOTH: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A scouting network has identified a migratory pest in southeast Minnesota that has growers concerned. University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Ryan Miller says traps are capturing an alarming rate of true armyworm moths.” MILLER: “Early last week it first popped up. And true armyworm, it’s a migratory insect so it’s a moth that overwinters in the south and then is blown in on some of these southerly winds that we get in those low-level jets that can move insects around.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4evYu47

WEEVIL: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “Alfalfa producers in central Minnesota lucky enough to harvest hay prior to heavy rainfall during the first and second weeks of June had some good harvests. Those who waited for some more height are now waiting for rain to stop before the first cutting. While timely harvesting of the forage crop is always a battle, alfalfa weevils are adding in some additional concerns in some pockets of the growing region.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uMdmRH

EL NINO: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “Nutrien atmospheric scientist Eric Snodgrass says the current El Niño is developing faster than any previous event on record, but farmers should be cautious about assuming it will dictate summer weather patterns across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.” SNODGRASS: “At this point in June, it’s the warmest the ocean temperatures have been since we’ve been measuring them consistently across the equatorial Pacific. A lot of the superlatives assigned to this El Niño are coming true.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gqZPvs

WEATHER NOTE: The next Drought Monitor is due out tomorrow. Watch for it in lunch take and in Friday’s ag take.

TAR SPOT: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An agronomy manager with Wyffels Hybrids says the stormy weather pattern for much of the Corn Belt is setting the stage for tar spot issues in corn. Robby Meeker, who covers the eastern half of Illinois and all of Indiana, tells Brownfield, ‘The June rains are really what set the table and open the door for tar spot exposure. If we can get that splash event here early in the year, that’s what can bring on the later onset of tar spot.’” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gqyOIr

MINNESOTA UPDATES

SCHOOL FOOD: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “[Monday] at the @MNArboretum we kicked off the third cohort of the #FarmtoSchool Institute, where six school teams from across MN will develop action plans to bring more local foods into their cafeterias, classrooms, and communities!” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4eOS5lK

AG RELATIONS: From MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen via X, VERBATIM: “Appreciated opportunity to welcome the Ag Relations Council to Mpls MN today for their annual meeting. Made up of pr professionals who work in agriculture from all over the United States in all walks of agriculture!” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4eCsAD8

FSA COMMITTEES: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ozH76N

WEEDS: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “The next generation of weed control has officially arrived, but for many U.S. row-crop farmers, the tools remain just out of reach. They are often too expensive, too slow, or too impractical for widespread adoption on large-scale operations. Kevin Bradley, University of Missouri Extension weed scientist, sees the dilemma clearly. He notes that conversations among his industry colleagues have fundamentally shifted away from the traditional playbook. Where scientists once focused almost exclusively on identifying specific weeds and matching them with the right chemistry solution, the industry is now forced to look beyond the jug.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ePqaSE

GRANT: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Applications are open to support Continuous Living Cover (CLC) Crop markets. This grant will accelerate the CLC crop development chain through supporting infrastructure, business development, and equipment.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4ez8yJv

RESEARCH: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon hosted several land-grant university leaders at USDA for a roundtable discussion and announced the opening of the FY2026 funding opportunity for the Research Facilities Act program. President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts provided $125 million annually for the Research Facilities Act program and this historic investment will help address decades of deferred maintenance and accelerate modernization of agricultural research facilities across the country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oxjtbn

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

FARM TOUR: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Tucked into the hills of the Driftless region near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, one farm is putting a new spin on the area’s agricultural history—and inviting visitors to get their hands in the dirt (literally). Sacred Blossom Farm has been a destination for foodies and the farm-curious since 2016, and this summer, it’s opening its gates for two weekends of open house farm tours.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4esAUVB

BERRIES: From the Star Tribune, a guide to berry picking options. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4xAgdjm

AWARD: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Last week, the MDA’s Food Safety Team received the Elliot O. Grosvenor Food Safety Award from the Association of Food and Drug Officials. This award recognizes the outstanding achievements made by the Food and Feed Safety Division at the MDA in food safety.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4vc4x4M

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MID-WEEK CHECK-IN

NOTE: Tuesday’s lunch take shared newly-filed campaign finance reports from statewide races. While Adam Jennings filed a report in the race for State Auditor, he did not file to run in that race.

MANGIONE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Luigi Mangione will assert a psychiatric defense at his state murder trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a judge said Wednesday. Judge Gregory Carro said Mangione’s lawyers have informed him they will attempt to show that he was suffering from ‘extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the occurrence.’ By asserting a psychiatric defense, Mangione would effectively be admitting that he killed Thompson but did so because of mitigating circumstances.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43CpgTk

TODAY: Via Minnesota IWOC, VERBATIM: “Over 100 men in the most dangerous prison in the state, MCF Rush City, hit their first week of canteen strike today. They are taking peaceful protest to demand safety, time out of cells, communication with loved ones, basic medical, mental health, programming and hope. To commemorate the first week of the peaceful action loved ones are rallying at Central Office to demand that officials go to Rush City, speak to the men, and make solutions to the problems that have been growing more toxic over the last 6 years, leading to multiple instances of violence, including the unnecessary murder last year.”

OWATONNA: Via KAAL-TV, VERBATIM: “Owatonna voters will decide whether the city moves forward with a $65 million police and fire station project after the City Council approved a petition. The Owatonna City Council approved the petition Tuesday night after more than 2,000 residents signed on to force a vote in November.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xARoUz

HOUSING: Via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has the 10th highest homeownership rate in the country, but the sixth largest disparity between Black and white households, according to a recent report by the Minnesota Department of Housing. While the overall homeownership rate is nearly 72%, Black households own homes at less than half that rate. ‘This has been a homeownership gap that’s been in the making for a long time,’ said Kayla Schuchman, assistant commissioner for single-family at Minnesota Housing.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uH0qN8

CHILD CARE: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “The director of Seward Child Care anticipates that the center will raise costs just to keep the staffing levels needed.” QUOTE: “We figured out the math that if we wanted to keep everything the same as last year, keep our same staffing schedule, keep our same benefits for our teachers, keep our same spending for our materials at school, and going on field trips, we would have had to raise our tuition by 20 percent, which is insane,” Director Johanna Villa said. “No family can absorb that cost.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eMCP8R

ICYMI… Last week, lunch take share the Minneapolis Fed survey showing 80% of child care providers described the system as in crisis. READ: https://fluence-media.co/43qqaSJ

POLLING… today’s morning take shared new polling data on the governor as well as fraud in Minnesota and the president’s performance. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Q848RT

MORE: Reaction to the numbers from the Republican Party of Minnesota, QUOTE: “The latest Minnesota Poll confirms what Minnesotans already know: the DFL brand is collapsing because Tim Walz, Peggy Flanagan, Amy Klobuchar, Keith Ellison, and Steve Simon offer nothing but more of the same,” said Chairman Alex Plechash. “This year’s DFL ticket is Walz-Flanagan 2.0 — the same failed politicians, the same broken priorities, the same excuses, and the same disastrous results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SdpXA2

CD6: Via ABC Newspapers, VERBATIM: “The candidate field is now set for Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District, with U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer facing two challengers in the Republican primary and Hanover attorney Doug Chapin running as the lone Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate. The filing period for federal offices closed June 2. Emmer, a Republican from Delano who has represented the district since 2015, filed for re-election and will face Chris Corey and Mike Foley in the Aug. 11 Republican primary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vg5E3l

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

THE METRO

ST PAUL: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The office vacancy rate in downtown St. Paul was 37.1 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to the commercial real estate brokerage Colliers . . . A loose coalition of local government leaders, businesses, philanthropies and investors is working now to transform downtown St. Paul’s empty office corridors into a hybrid neighborhood defined by a vibrant mix of residents, offices, retail, and entertainment. But it’s a massive challenge.” QUOTE: “There’s no question that the future of every downtown is that it’s going to be partly a residential neighborhood,” said Thomas Fisher, director of the Minnesota Design Center at the University of Minnesota. “The idea that downtowns are primarily for work, with just a few residents — those days are over.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4otXstK

ANOKA CTY: Via ABC Newspapers, VERBATIM: “Anoka County will receive another round of federal funding for a program that promotes alternatives to driving alone in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The Anoka County Board approved a contract June 9 with the Metropolitan Council for a two-year, $210,000 grant through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program, or CMAQ. With a required 20% local match of $52,500 from the county transportation tax, the program budget totals $262,500.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fRdzPT

STADIUM ROOF: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank Stadium will be getting a partial roof replacement after hail damage from a 2023 storm has reignited questions about the material used on part of the building. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority originally defended the material’s longevity, but is now accepting proposals to replace the clear side of the roof with something different.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uGVxDM

MACALESTER: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “Macalester College’s new residence hall and welcome center is designed to do more than add student housing. College officials say the $88 million project will reshape how prospective students experience the campus, how current students connect with it, and how the institution pursues its long-term climate goals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4erRipD

ROBBINSDALE: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “As Robbinsdale Middle School closes its doors this year, an adjacent gym and recreation center will shutter as well. Robbinsdale Community Gym and Fitness Center’s last day of operation is Aug. 30, according to a Monday announcement from the city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eLGrIi

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

AROUND MINNESOTA

DEI: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “St. Louis County Commissioner Ashley Grimm said that internal discussions led to the removal of LGBTQIA+ and other diversity-related sessions from last year’s Public Health and Human Services conference at the DECC. In a statement, county spokespeople said it was viewed as potentially conflicting with federal orders from the Trump administration in January of 2025, calling for an end to government DEI offices and positions and equity action plans or initiatives, among other things. Grimm said the board needs to give formal guidance on the issue, not just for the conference, but for broader county decisions on the topic.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SbNrFH

DULUTH SCHOOLS: Via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Families, students and staff within the Duluth Public Schools system would find it normal to receive dozens of emails, newsletters and notifications from the district during any given month of the school year. However, a recent audit produced mixed results regarding the effectiveness and accessibility of those communications. While the district received relatively high marks from parents and staff for communications about school safety matters such as closings, serious incidents, and school crises, the report found that, across the board, families, employees and community members felt underinformed about ‘high-stakes’ topics.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aBlhtY

FISHING: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Ah, the serenity of fishing. Just an angler, a fishing pole and maybe thousands of dollars worth of sonar equipment offering an exact image of what that walleye or bass is doing in the watery depths below. It’s called forward-facing sonar, and the hot-selling products are not only helping anglers increase their catch, they are raising questions about why people go fishing in the first place and whether fish populations can survive the new technology.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/44edTB7

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

THIS WEEKEND: Via KQDS-TV, VERBATIM: “Grandma’s Marathon is estimated to generate $40 million in economic benefits to the region and with the race celebrating its 50th anniversary, local hotels are preparing for an even larger influx of people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4edLz7Y

MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Officials from Life Time and the city of Maple Grove on Monday celebrated the start of a development project that’s been years in the making. Construction on Life Time’s newest luxury club is now underway.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QMI1k0

NORTH MANKATO: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “Hi Cloud Dispensary, a sister store to Hi Cloud Tobacco and 507 Tobacco in Mankato, says it is preparing to open North Mankato’s first combination medical and recreational marijuana store at the end of June. Michael McMahn, a manager at Hi Cloud Tobacco, says the business originally planned to open at 300 Belgrade Avenue back in November, 2025, but due to changes in regulations, it had to reapply for its license.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4evNfZo

MENDOTA HEIGHTS: From OneTen Cycles via Instagram, VERBATIM: “After much thought and many sleepless nights, I have made the difficult decision to close OneTen Cycles.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/44ghXRo

COFFEE: Via Dunn Brothers, VERBATIM: “Dunn Brothers Coffee, the Minneapolis-based coffee company known for roasting premium coffee in small batches daily, is proud to announce the signing of a new franchise agreement that will bring the brand to Chamberlain, South Dakota, further expanding its presence throughout the Upper Midwest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xuPNQh

CHEESE + ICE CREAM: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A new Twin Cities ice cream shop is open just in time for summer. Bogati recently celebrated its grand opening at 740 Mainstreet in downtown Hopkins, serving a wide variety of helado con queso (ice cream with cheese).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S5obB1

NEW COO: Via Eden Prairie-based Tennant, VERBATIM: “Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC), a world leader in cleaning equipment and solutions, today announced that Richard H. (Rusty) Zay has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective July 1, 2026. Zay, currently serving as the organization’s Chief Commercial Officer, has been on the company’s leadership team since 2010.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ovkC2V

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GLOBAL TRADE BOLSTERS AG ECONOMIES: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, Minnesota’s exports of corn, ethanol, corn-fed meat, and dried distillers grains (DDGS) alone support over 11,500 jobs and add billions to the state’s economy. They also help ensure that consumers around the world have access to affordable protein and dairy products. In May, during World Trade Month, Minnesota Corn celebrates that important role trade plays in all our lives—in the U.S. and abroad. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon and Labor Market Information Director Angelina Nguyen will be available from 10:00-10:30 a.m. to answer questions from the press regarding the May employment data.”

NEXT WEEK: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is inviting North Minneapolis residents and park users to help shape the long-term future of North Mississippi Regional Park, the 67-acre riverfront green space along the city’s northern Mississippi shoreline. At a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting set for Tuesday, June 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., attendees will review initial design concepts and offer feedback that will help planners merge those ideas into a single, final recommendation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43GXYes

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

MYSTIC LAKE: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “A vibrant new backstage mural, designed by illustrator Brent Schoonover and brought to life by muralist Adam Turman, serves as a colorful welcome to the Land of 10,000 Lakes—and a lasting tribute to the state’s creative spirit. The collaboration began as something much smaller.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4grBPZ3

BDAYS: fmr. St. Paul council member Jay Benanav, lobbyist Sarah Psick, health care advocate Kim Isenberg

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WASH OUT

Twins win. Messi scores a hat trick. Argentina might be the favorite to with the World Cup.

Damaging winds and large hail possible today. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/4xNYg14

Minnesota saw nine new state records for fish catches this spring. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/4vSpZvy

Pizza Hut is being sold for $2.7 billion to a private equity firm. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/4vTud63

Iran says its deal to end the war with the U.S. requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, which Israel has already rejected. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4ovfOL0

Happy National Root Beer Day.

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LISTEN: Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

SPEAKING: Do you have a summer or fall conference that your audience wants to hear about the insights of the election? “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. is scheduling now. EMAIL bloisolson@gmail.com

DEEPER: Check out a Fluence Forum podcast. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/FluenceForums

SMARTER: Long Term Care – Is Minnesota Ready? Care Providers Minnesota and LeadingAge Minnesota hosted providers, Senator Grant Hauschild (03, DFL), Representative Natalie Zeleznikar (03B, GOP), and Representative Nathan Nelson (11B, GOP) for a conversation about the future of careing for our seniors. This coming week the conversation moves to St. Cloud. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ue3YXA

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Last night at Principles First an emerging “center-right” group a conversation about election security and the polarization we have in the Midwest. Enjoyed my conversation with Charlie Sykes and Lori Sturdevant. The biggest challenge – what’s the solution?

There are so many facets to polarization but one that struck was the lack of viable third party options. A reminder that if advocates for election reform are going to cite anything they should be reminded that it was the DFL trifecta that passed more barriers for third parties.

The “spoiler” issue should be dismissed in this era, after all the power hunger of the parties deserves a bigger challenge when so many voters and citizens are disenchanted. That also may be the pull to the center that each party needs to fight the forces of the fringe.

I’ve always been skeptical of a permanent third party, but in this era – especially in Minnesota 2026 a third party in the Governor’s race would be a major factor if the candidate were serious and could be funded. The irony of DFL legislators in the audience and FairVote Minnesota as a sponsor suggest that self-awareness is also still a bridge too far.

Regardless, as we look at polls, fundraising, and competitive races across Minnesota – shaking up the system is due and voters are pining for it.

Via the Star Tribune this morning Gov. Tim Walz has a lower approval rating in Minnesota than President Donald Trump. VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz’s approval rating has reached its lowest point of his tenure as he prepares to leave office, illustrating just how much his political standing has eroded in the wake of Minnesota’s fraud scandals…The DFL governor’s approval rating dropped to 39% in the Star Tribune/KARE 11/ Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication Minnesota Poll. A majority of likely voters disapproved of Walz’s performance, while 8% were undecided…Notably, Walz’s support has slipped among Democrats and Minnesotans who backed him and Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Last year, 91% of Harris voters in Minnesota said they approved of Walz’s performance as governor. Now 69% say they do.”

more from the Star Tribune, VERBATIM “The state’s fraud crisis has emerged as a major concern for voters. A majority of respondents said they were “very concerned” about the level of fraud in state social services programs, while another 27% said they were “somewhat concerned.”…Asked which party they trusted more to reduce fraud, 45% of respondents chose Republicans while 38% favored Democrats. Fourteen percent said they don’t trust either party.”

Here’s the full Star Tribune story, READ: https://fluence-media.co/43Isq85

NOTE: Minnesota Public Radio is not part of this poll as they have been in the past.

A deep dive into the CD1 race between Rep. Brad Finstad and Jake Johnson for MNSider subscribers. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/49OqNJu

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CAMPAIGN CASH

PARTIES: The latest state-level campaign finance reports show that as of May 31, the Minnesota DFL has raised $3,701,706 so far this year with $2,188,675 on hand, while the Minnesota GOP raised $890,727 this year with $281,942 on hand. DFL: https://fluence-media.co/4apnFnN GOP: https://fluence-media.co/3Qt5VB0

SENATE: The Senate DFL has raised $1,098,049 so far this year with $2,803,732 on hand, while the Senate GOP raised $1,002,808 this year with $3,059,270 on hand. DFL: https://fluence-media.co/4uKgM7E GOP: https://fluence-media.co/3QmGb9s

HOUSE: The House DFL reported raising $1,167,412 so far this year with $1,820,553 on hand, while the House GOP has raised $457,989 this year with $1,294,861 on hand. DFL: https://fluence-media.co/4vyvZtX GOP: https://fluence-media.co/3Qu7n61

Also in yesterday’s lunch take…CANDIDATES: DFL candidates are in the lead on fundraising for governor, secretary of state, attorney general and state auditor. In each contest, the top fundraisers of the year so far are Sen. Amy Klobuchar at $7,053,950 raised, Sec. Steve Simon at $206,922, Attorney General Keith Ellison at $517,029 and Adam Jennings at $141,654. The runners up in each contest, all Republicans, are Mike Lindell at $648,960 raised this year, Tad Jude at $35,415, Ron Schutz at $214,581 and Scott Jensen at $102,792.

CASH: Despite having by far the highest fundraising total of any GOP gubernatorial candidate, Mike Lindell’s cash on hand is lower than that of Speaker Lisa Demuth or Kendall Qualls. Meanwhile, Republican Scott Jensen has more cash on hand in the auditor race than his top DFL opponent, Adam Jennings, despite Jennings raising more money this year.

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take has a breakdown of state office candidates’ cash on hand as of May 31. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/49ZvErq

CAMPAIGNS

SOCIAL MEDIA: The Minnesota DFL has opened new accounts on X and Bluesky as part of “Project True North,” a social media campaign dedicated to negative coverage of Republican candidates. The DFL says it is sharing “the facts Republicans hope you forget,” encouraging supporters to “follow for the truth.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4gqX8df

CD2: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The crowded race to replace Rep. Angie Craig is getting its first injection of sizable outside spending for one of the three leading Democratic candidates vying to hold Minnesota’s most competitive House seat. EMILYs List [released] the first major ad in the race Tuesday in support of flight attendant and state Rep. Kaela Berg. … The ad — running on TV, streaming services and YouTube — is part of a $500,000 campaign from Women Vote, the independent expenditure arm of EMILYs List, in conjunction with several other groups.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oxt7KZ

SENATE RACE: After Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she is “supporting” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign, as seen in yesterday’s morning take, the Star Tribune asked Klobuchar if she plans to make a formal endorsement in the DFL primary. Via a spokesperson, STATEMENT: “Sen. Klobuchar has made it clear that as the leader of the ticket, she supports the entire statewide ticket. She is not actively involved in the Senate race because she is focused on her own campaign and her job. She also respects and likes both candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4edf6yB

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

TRANSIT

BLUE LINE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As the Blue Line cost swelled [to $3.6 billion], the Legislature [told] the Met Council to conduct a study to look at bus rapid transit as an alternative. The 116-page study [said] building a bus rapid transit line [would] cost about $120 million. It also would cost about half as much to operate. … KOZNICK: ‘We need to scrap this next boondoggle Blue Line Extension project now, before more tax dollars are wasted,’ said House Transportation Chair Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville. … ‘We could build 30 BRT lines for $3 billion.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4envlb6

E-LINE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Six months after its launch, Metro Transit’s new E-Line connecting Northeast Minneapolis and Edina has already become one of its most-traveled bus routes. The E-Line has averaged about 5,600 daily rides since its opening in December, making it the third busiest Metro Transit bus route, behind the D-Line’s 11,600 average daily rides and the B-Line’s 9,900 average daily rides.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uL2J1N

MOBILITY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Metro Mobility riders fear upcoming service changes could affect their ability to get to work, school and medical appointments, even as the Metropolitan Council said the adjustments are routine and tied to regular bus route updates. Beginning July 1, Metro Mobility will shift its service hours and coverage areas to match changes made over the past year to Metro Transit bus routes. … Metro Mobility provides about two million rides each year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fQhc8W

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

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FEDS

CHARGES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A grand jury indicted 15 Minnesotans ‘for conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers,’ [and] people responded to the charges by protesting outside the federal courthouse in St. Paul. U.S. marshals sprayed pepper spray and released aerosol grenades after protesters tried to hold open a door. … Of the 15 charged, 12 were arrested Tuesday, one was already in custody and two had yet to be detained. … Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sommer Honeycutt asked Magistrate Judge John Docherty to detain the defendants. Docherty declined the request but set conditions for release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SLf4FD

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Tuesday’s announcement comes amid prosecutors downgrading or dropping charges against Minnesota-based protesters. … Three dozen people were initially charged with assault, [but] a third of the cases have been dismissed. … Asked by a reporter how Tuesday’s indictment will fare in comparison, U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said: ‘I don’t think any cases have failed in any way. … You watch how the evidence plays out and the evidence will prove it all out.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S3yc1D

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take featured initial coverage of the federal charges against 15 protesters. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49ZvErq

IMMIGRATION: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Most immigrants arrested in Operation Metro Surge were sent to Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, after being detained at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minnesota. Nearly half of them were eventually deported, mostly to Mexico and Ecuador. Only two people were deported to Somalia. … The administration managed to deport roughly 1,700 people from Minnesota in three months. The findings come from a new Reformer analysis of data obtained from [FOIA] requests.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QaevVf

ROCHESTER: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General David Steiner expressing his opposition to their decision to terminate the postal contract for the Hunt Silver Lake Postal Station in Rochester. The letter urges USPS to reconsider their decision, conduct a thorough investigation on the impact on the local community, and explore alternatives that would allow postal services to remain available at the current location.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3Scmq4Y

MISSION TWP: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Congressman Pete Stauber trekked to the lakes area [this week] to tour the area affected by last month’s Flanders Fire. … [Stauber] followed Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang along County Highway 11 to Flanders Lake and the spot where the fire began on May 16 in Mission Township. … ‘It was unnecessary,’ Stauber said upon seeing the area and hearing of how far the fire spread. ‘You put a lot of people at risk, a lot of structures at risk.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4enFhmp

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold-certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

METRO

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “As the St. Paul mayor’s office patches together an especially challenging budget proposal for 2027, could a projected $26 million budget gulf be resolved by municipal layoffs, service cuts, levy hikes and other fiscal austerity? ‘All options are on the table,’ said St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, who signaled difficult choices are just over the horizon during a city budget outreach event. … Her [said] some of the experimental social programs that were the darlings of the previous mayoral administration, like a guaranteed income pilot program for low-income families and another effort to forgive medical debt, will probably not be revisited any time soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oykSOB

MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis council member is pressing for answers and more funding as hundreds of mixed-income apartments in a Minneapolis complex sit vacant or unsafe. About half of the 440 apartments at Heritage Park in Near North Minneapolis are vacant or unsafe, according to Council Member Pearll Warren. … Warren also mentioned she is trying to get more city funding for roof repairs and other urgent work.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4edLH7p

OAKDALE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A Tennessee city manager with more than 30 years of experience in municipal government has been tapped to be the next city administrator of Oakdale. Kelli Bourgeois, who has served as the city manager of Bristol, Tenn., since 2023, will start her new position June 22. She takes over the job from City Administrator Chris Volkers, [who] retires at the end of the month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uDIfrq

ELK RIVER: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Elk River City Council heard from dozens of residents [about] a potential new data center in the northwest corner of town. The proposal is less than half the size of the two others already there, but it’s drawing some serious pushback. … The council isn’t expected to take any action until Aug. 3. There are two more public hearings on June 23 and July 6.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QM8gaf

PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Rep. Pete Stauber will host an event with Hibbing Public Utilities officials to highlight $1 million in federal funding for Hibbing Water, Access, Treatment, Expansion, and Reliability (Hib-WATER) projects. The event is at 1:30 p.m.

TODAY: At 3:15, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s campaign manager Peyton Lewis and GQR’s Anna Greenberg will host a background press call to discuss recent polling, both internal and independent, in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race.

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will visit Rosenbauer International AG, participate in a fireside chat with the European Council on Foreign Relations, and attend the Carlson Global Institute’s Carlson School Reception.

TOMORROW: Human Rights Watch will host a press conference in Minneapolis discussing its new report on Operation Metro Surge with local leaders from Unidos-MN, National Lawyers Guild MN and more. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

FRIDAY: The Minnesota state government will celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, June 19.

SATURDAY: Minnesota will host the 2026 USA Special Olympics starting on Saturday, June 20. The event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors next week.

JUNE 23: Sen. Andrew Mathews and Rep. Shane Mekeland, both GOP, will host a town hall with representatives from Options, Inc. to discuss Medicaid provider revalidation and “the impacts state processing delays may have on services provided to vulnerable Minnesotans,” per a release. The event is in Big Lake at 6:00 p.m.

JUNE 24: Independent evaluators at ELEFA will host a public meeting to answer questions about the Minneapolis Police Department’s settlement agreement. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

JULY 13: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community listening session on Monday, July 13 to discuss the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health. The event is in St. Paul at 6:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: fmr. St. Paul council member Jay Benanav, lobbyist Sarah Psick, health care advocate Kim Isenberg

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POLLING

DIGITAL TRACKING: Via University of Michigan, VERBATIM: “About half (52%) of parents report tracking their young adult child’s location using a cell phone or similar device. Tracking is more common among parents of young adults 18-20 compared to age 21-25, and more common for daughters than sons.”

READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xsnpxX

THE FEDS: Via News Medical, VERBATIM: “Trust in U.S. public health agencies, most notably the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has declined sharply one year into new federal leadership. By 2026, just 50% of the public trusts CDC recommendations, down steeply from 77% the previous year. Although trust in state and local agencies has also dropped, these remain more trusted than their federal counterparts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4azAQCq

MORE: Via HealthDay, VERBATIM: “This decline in trust is driven by deep partisan divides, the survey found. Between 2025 to 2026, trust in CDC health recommendations fell from 92% to 34% among Democrats, and from 77% to 47% among Independents.

At the same time, trust for such recommendations among Republicans rose slightly, from 63% to 67%.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uFOxqC

HEALTHCARE: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “Forty-six percent of U.S. adults — regardless of insurance type — reported struggling to afford healthcare last year, according to a report released Wednesday by the Urban Institute, a nonprofit research think tank. The report analyzed findings from a December 2025 survey of 10,000 working-age adults across the nation. Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the research comes at a time of U.S. cost-of-living concerns and economic woes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43zPea5

MEDS: Via Surescripts, VERBATIM: “Surescripts, the nation’s leading health intelligence network, released a new report with the results of a national survey of 1,007 U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll, revealing that more than half (56%) of patients experience challenges when accessing prescriptions, citing cost, delays and prior authorizations as significant barriers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4owCz0Y

MIDDLE AGE: Via Arizona State, VERBATIM: “For many Americans, middle age is becoming more challenging than it was for previous generations. People born in the 1960s and early 1970s report higher levels of loneliness and depression, along with poorer memory and reduced physical strength compared with those who came before them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xzmOun

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MEDICAID SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE FOR ALL OF US: Medicaid keeps Minnesota’s hospitals strong and ensures communities across the state have access to care. Policymakers must protect Medicaid so every Minnesotan — regardless of income or health status — can get the care they need, when they need it. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3FtrCuH (SPONSORED: Minnesota Hospital Association)

HEALTH IN MN

THIS MONTH: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “June is CPR and AED Awareness Month, and Minnesota Live is marking the occasion with a powerful and deeply personal story about sudden cardiac arrest. The new book Deadline follows Dave Ogle’s harrowing experience and the remarkable role his wife Kris played in saving his life.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gmFkjs

NEXT MONTH: From the MN AG via Eventbrite, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Ellison will hold a community meeting about the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aTYCsW

MEDICARE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Fairview Health Services is dropping UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans next year. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Fairview said it will no longer schedule appointments or services for patients with UHC Medicare Advantage. In a statement, M Health Fairview Chief Medical Officer Jaya Kumar said,” QUOTE: “This decision was not made lightly. We worked in good faith for years to find a sustainable path forward, but ongoing prior authorization delays, claim denials, and escalating complexity have made it increasingly difficult for patients to access the timely, high-quality care they deserve.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ScJWyK

FOOD: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Sitting inside her cozily decorated house in St. Paul’s North End, 69-year-old Kamee Yang began to list some of her favorite foods, like milk, leafy greens and squash . . . Compared to a few years ago, comfort is a big leap. At a routine doctor’s appointment, Yang, who manages health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, screened positive for food insecurity. It triggered her eligibility for Fair Table, a program offered by her health care provider supplying free boxes of fresh food, prepared meals, food vouchers and ready-to-use food bags to patients in need.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vfTOpW

LEGISLATORS STEPPED UP FOR HCMC, BUT MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED FOR RURAL HOSPITALS: Savings from the 340B drug program help local hospitals sustain access to cancer treatment, specialty services, and technology investments in rural communities. While drug companies continue to raise prices and rake in profits, rural hospitals will be forced to stretch limited resources even further if legislators don’t step up to strengthen the 340B program. READ MORE: Tough times for rural hospitals after legislative session - KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

DC + HEALTH

MEDICAID: Via KFF, VERBATIM: “Forty states and DC currently receive $93 billion in annual federal Medicaid spending through state directed payments (SDPs) and may be at risk due to forthcoming limits on these payments, according to new KFF estimates.”

“Annual federal spending on SDPs is highest in California (an estimated $10.6 billion)—followed by Texas ($6.3 billion), North Carolina ($5.2 billion), and Illinois ($5.1 billion).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4azFGj4

VACCINE POLICY: Via The New York Times, VERBATIM: “The Trump administration has requested an expedited appeal of a federal court ruling that blocked a series of decisions on vaccines made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including rescinding routine recommendations for immunizations against a half-dozen childhood diseases. Mr. Kennedy announced in a social media post on Friday that the administration had filed the motion to expedite appeal so that federal vaccine advisers could meet to decide whether to recommend shots before the fall flu season.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S8N9zq

STUDY: Via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is demanding answers from a science journal on why a study regarding vaccination and sudden infant death was removed from the publication . . . The study in question was authored solely by Neil Z. Miller and was among those cited by Kennedy’s former personal lawyer Aaron Siri in a presentation he gave before a federal vaccine panel in support of altering the childhood immunization schedule.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gmxdU3

EXTENDING CARE: Via Mayo Clinic, VERBATIM: “Mayo Clinic is helping shape a new model for delivering hospital-level care beyond traditional settings through an initiative that brings advanced, high-quality care directly to patients in rural and underserved communities. The project is part of a larger federal effort known as the ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health) PARADIGM (Platform Accelerating Rural Access to Distributed and Integrated Medical Care) program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4owGRFC

ACQUISITION: Via Medtech Dive, VERBATIM: “Medtronic said Friday it has completed the $550 million takeover of neurovascular technology company Scientia Vascular. The deal, which Medtronic disclosed in March, covers guidewire technologies for stroke that are designed to equip physicians to access hard-to-reach parts of the brain.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SfCSBo

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

CWD: Via University of Calgary, VERBATIM: “A new study found that chronic wasting disease can sometimes spread silently, with infectious prions present even in animals that show no symptoms. While there is no confirmed human risk, researchers say the disease’s ability to evolve and spread across species warrants close attention.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ax34xG

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HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

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SERVICE DOGS SHINE

SUNDAY: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “This Father’s Day, 2nd Chance Outreach is bringing the community together for an afternoon of live theater, health education, and celebration of Black fatherhood.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S5U3W9

THIS MONTH: Via United Way, VERBATIM: “United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is proud to partner with the City of Chisholm and other community agencies to bring Day of Action to Chisholm on June 26, 2026. Together, we will mobilize local volunteers as well as city and county leaders to revitalize public spaces as well as homes and small businesses across the community!” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fOFJLp

THIS MONTH: Via KIMT-TV, VERBATIM: “Community members will gather Saturday, June 27 at the Dodge Country Club for the 6th Annual Aidan Hegge Memorial Golf Tournament, an event dedicated to supporting youth mental health initiatives and suicide prevention efforts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uDTVdQ

SERVICE DOGS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “The newest litter of service dogs from ‘Helping Paws‘ will serve as a tribute to the Hortman family one year after the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman her husband Mark and their dog Gilbert. Leaders at Helping Paws say they’re channeling their grief into a mission of hope.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3QgCOkl

MORE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Helping Paws is where Gilbert spent his days before becoming part of the Hortman family. He was ultimately deemed a little too friendly for the job and the Hortmans adopted him as their own. Alyssa Golob, executive director of Helping Paws, said that even though Gilbert did not become a professional service dog, he was an unofficial service dog to the Hortman family as they navigated demanding professional lives of public service.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vgFkq2

MORE: From Helping Paws via Instagram, photos of the Guided by Gilbert Litter having some fun ahead of meeting their volunteers. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/44h24dn

GOLF: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “The 49th annual Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament once again welcomed BSU alumni, friends, and supporters back for a fun-filled day of golf at the Bemidji Town & Country Club. The fundraiser supports scholarships for BSU student-athletes through the BSU Athletics Fund and an endowment created in the name of the late Gordy Skaar.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Qj4QvC

BIG CATS: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The summer sun warms the grassy fields and woodlands at The Wildcat Sanctuary in rural Sandstone. Rio the Ocelot has just woken up from a post-lunch nap and is slowly sauntering around her enclosure, probably deciding where to snooze next. She recently turned 27 years old and is the oldest of her kind in human care. ‘She is definitely still a spunky old lady,’ said Elyse Donnelly, animal care manager. In the wild, she would have likely lived to be about 10 years old.” READ/PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4elPApG

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Via Winona-based Fastenal, VERBATIM: “Fastenal Company (NASDAQ: FAST) has been named as an official partner of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, to be held June 20–26 in Minnesota’s Twin Cities area. With the support of partners like Fastenal, the USA Games will bring together thousands of athletes, coaches, fans, and volunteers from across the country in a national celebration of the human spirit. Through the partnership, Fastenal has donated over $100,000 worth of products to help the USA Games team execute one of the largest humanitarian/sports events Minnesota has held in 35 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vMOnyI

SOCKS: Via Maple Grove-based TopLine, VERBATIM: “TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, held their first Sock Drive during the month of May benefitting three local non-profits, African Education & Health Initiative (AFEDHI), Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities and YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services. TopLine members and employees donated packs of socks to help bring comfort to families in need in our local communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xyN1cB

GRANTS: Via Bayport-based Andersen, VERBATIM: “The Andersen Corporate Foundation has committed over $1.2 million to 86 nonprofit organizations in its spring 2026 grant round. This cycle of Andersen Corporate Foundation grants places a strong emphasis on expanding access to safe, stable housing across the United States.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xx8iTW

SUSTAINABILITY: Via St. Paul-based H.B. Fuller, VERBATIM: “H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL), the world’s largest pureplay adhesives company, today released its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining 2030 environmental targets and continued progress embedding sustainability into its business strategy, product innovation, and global operations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uD4Xju

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65% of U.S. adults say society would be better off if more Americans were religious – down from 75% in 2013. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4ovpogZ

Just one in three AAPI adults say the United States is a great place for immigrants – 64% say it used to be. AP/NORC: https://fluence-media.co/4euyI04

No Minnesota winners at the James Beard Awards – the first time that’s happened in three years. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oGaRiz

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Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

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THE MONEY RACE

FIRST: New money totals in the race for governor – cash on hand as of May 31^st:

• Klobuchar: $3.8 million (report: https://fluence-media.co/4xypIQ0)

• Demuth: $517k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4a3tC9G)

• Qualls: $34k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4uCag2A)

• Lindell: $11k (report: https://fluence-media.co/3SeYBcG)

MORE: Reports from other statewide races:

Attorney General

• Ellison: $579k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4a55seT)

• Madgett: $0 (report: https://fluence-media.co/4xwhZlv)

• Schutz: $292k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4vWKGH0)

Auditor

• Flipovich: $15k (report: https://fluence-media.co/3SIKkVM)

• George: $5k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4epCRCt)

• Jennings: $67k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4vMKvxG)

• Jensen: $80k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4vK4Bsu)

• Reeves: $2k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4em3SrL)

• Wolgamott: $30k (report: https://fluence-media.co/43IeXNw)

Secretary of State

• Jude: $8k (report: https://fluence-media.co/3QO0Hjn)

• Kuhl-Stennes: $497 (report: https://fluence-media.co/4esAJtK)

• Phillips: $225 (report: https://fluence-media.co/4goO5cR)

• Simon: $416k (report: https://fluence-media.co/4aE4iar)

• Tangen: $1k (report: https://fluence-media.co/43DZv56)

VOTING: Via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “As election officials across the country steel themselves for the midterm elections in less than five months, President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail threatens to upend their preparations. The executive order instructs the U.S. Postal Service to refuse to deliver ballots in states that don’t provide lists of voters or meet other requirements. It has created a sense of deep uncertainty and concern among election officials as they consider how to comply, according to a review of court documents and interviews with election officials and experts on election administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QjN4s8

RELATED: Here’s Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon’s statement released when the executive order was issued. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vXadQh

CHARGES: The U.S. Attorney’s office held a news conference this morning to announce charges against people accused of being tied to two Minneapolis-based antifa groups. Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “Officials say the case involves multiple defendants accused of conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers and related crimes that ‘violently oppose immigration law enforcement.’ Last fall, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43EkgO4

MORE: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The Immigrant Defense Network shared a press release, stating that HSI, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested a legal observer and raided a home in south Minneapolis . . . Ahead of Tuesday’s press conference, posts began circulating on social media, appearing to show HSI officers making arrests. Minneapolis Ward 9 City Councilmember Jason Chavez also posted to his accounts, saying it’s possible officers are targeting legal observers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uFeCq0

THIS WEEK: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council will host two hearings this week to hear the public’s feedback as it considers repealing the longstanding ban on adult bathhouses and venues where people can have sex. Adult bathhouses are community spaces that were historically frequented by gay men in the 1970s and ‘80s where people could engage in sexual activity or relax after going out to bars. They were banned in Minneapolis in 1988 during the AIDS epidemic.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vgq5xi

MORE: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Proponents say the ban has driven sex gatherings underground, as Council President Elliott Payne said in April. They believe regulated bathhouses would encourage safer sex, with access to hygiene stations, condoms and public health professionals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xDUJ5p

THURSDAY: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “A multi-year project on one of the busiest roads in the north metro gets underway Thursday. The five-year $168.2-million project on Highway 65 focuses on safety and mobility. Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesperson Kent Barnard says a freeway design that includes interchanges will help curb frustrations felt by motorists stuck waiting at traffic lights.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4go1FNF

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

POT & MORE

THC: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Omar Ansari watches thousands of THC beverages roll through Surly Brewing’s production facility each hour, wondering if he’ll have to shut down operations in a matter of months . . . a federal ban on hemp-derived THC products scheduled to take effect Nov. 12 could jeopardize Ansari’s operation and the brewery’s future.” ANSARI: “We have to be full throttle,” said Ansari, owner of Surly Brewing. “The plan has been, like most people in the industry, is fight like hell to either have a delay or to have this product regulated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gllwgn

MORE THC: Via Foundry Nation, VERBATIM: “Foundry Nation, the Minnesota-based THC beverage brand known for reimagining nostalgic soda flavors, today announced the launch of two new additions to its 10mg Two Scoops THC Soda lineup: Classic Cola and Cream Soda.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fOFnEG

(DISCLOSURE: Plift is a Fluence client)

DOGS: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Many of the people who walk the wooded trails and beaches of the Minnehaha dog park are rallying in hopes of halting a scheduled vote Wednesday at a Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board meeting to close the popular off-leash area. Why it matters: The vote could determine the future of one of Minneapolis’ most popular dog parks while testing how much public input should shape decisions about culturally significant land.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vKPSxk

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

AROUND MINNESOTA

NEXT YEAR: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Coming off the success of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship last winter in St. Paul, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced Duluth will be the location for the 2027 Under-18 Men’s World Championship. Ten teams will play out the 29-game tournament at AMSOIL Arena, home of University of Minnesota Duluth hockey, as young talent looks to prove themselves to NHL scouts, fans, and media during the 11-day international competition. Bill Guerin, president of hockey operations and general manager of the Minnesota Wild and the gold medal-winning 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, knows the gravity of this tournament.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a1ZtYe

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Nearly $2.2 million is being added to construction contracts for the planned Rochester Sports and Recreation Complex to restore elements cut late last year to keep the project on budget. The Rochester City Council approved the change Monday, restoring plans for artificial turf on two rectangular fields, multiple outdoor basketball courts, dugout roof and spectator shade elements, as well as a connection to the future Willow Creek Trail extension.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4veDaas

WAITE PARK: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The District 742 school board will review and vote on the proposed 2026-27 budget, which includes approximately $192 million in general fund expenditures, during its meeting on Wednesday, June 17. Due to funding fluctuations at the state and federal levels, the district took a cautious approach to budget planning. … District 742 is projected to receive increased revenue from state English Learner funding and compensatory aid, while simultaneously facing rising special education costs that continue to outpace state reimbursement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a1WjUo

PINE ISLAND: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Thursday’s Goodhue County District Court hearing will take a next step in the case against the development of a data center in Pine Island. The hearing, scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, June 18, will see Judge Patrick Biren either set future dates for more discovery in the case [or] give parties a deadline for motions for summary judgment. … Currently, no new motions for discovery have been filed since the hearing date was set on May 29.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vf0C7x

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: Environmental Stewardship (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

COMMERCE

TOURISM: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A new luxury resort is now open on the shore of Lake Superior in Two Harbors. The Harbors, approximately three miles south of downtown, features a collection of luxury villas and cabins, as well as geodesic dome tents for a shoreline ‘glamping’ experience.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vloUNe

AOR: Via Preston Spire, VERBATIM: “Preston Spire, the independent, employee-owned, Minneapolis full-service creative agency focused on delivering Good Wins, announced today it has been selected as Agency of Record by Meet Minneapolis, the city’s official destination marketing organization, in partnership with the Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District (MTID).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QuZXiS

RETAIL: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “I honestly didn’t know if I’d live to see this day: H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S., might be coming to St. Paul. Per the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal, an entity that appears to be H Mart’s real estate arm has purchased Midway Marketplace on University Avenue for $6 million. (If that price seems remarkably low to you, it is: Previous owner Kraus-Anderson bought the 324,000-square-foot property for $31 million in 2019; its value has plunged 80 percent following some big retail departures, including Walmart, TJ Maxx, and Cub Foods.)” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ux7zPT

RETAIL: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “By the time local Blaine officials stepped outside the front doors of Asia Village to cut the ribbon and officially inaugurate the space, sisters Rose and Duo Yang had been waiting in line outside the mall for almost three hours. ‘We feel so dumb,’ Rose said, laughing. The two had been the first to arrive, at 8 a.m. sharp. When they made it to Asia Village, the mall was deserted, save for employees setting up for the grand opening. For the sisters, the wait Saturday morning was worth it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4anBiUv

MEATBALLS: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Jim Stone, who owns Sweet Taste of Italy in Brooklyn Park, also owns a line of food trucks called Kenny’s Meatball Wagon. He’s opening a brick-and-mortar Kenny’s Meatball Wagon booth at U.S. Bank Stadium, serving football fans, as well as concert-goers and other special event attendees.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4edpxSH

EGGS: Via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Korean-style egg sandwich shop EggFlip will close in Rochester this month. Richard and Jennifer Veopraseuth, who opened the breakfast spot inside the First Avenue Food Court in November 2025, have announced the restaurant’s final day will be Friday, June 26.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QKnNYb

NEW CIO: Via Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank, VERBATIM: “U.S. Bank announced today that Daniel Farley, CFA, is its new chief investment officer (CIO) for the Wealth Management Asset Management Group.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SaBRuA

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GLOBAL TRADE BOLSTERS AG ECONOMIES: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Each year, Minnesota’s exports of corn, ethanol, corn-fed meat, and dried distillers grains (DDGS) alone support over 11,500 jobs and add billions to the state’s economy. They also help ensure that consumers around the world have access to affordable protein and dairy products. In May, during World Trade Month, Minnesota Corn celebrates that important role trade plays in all our lives—in the U.S. and abroad. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dqEqB1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

WHAT’S NEXT?

TOMORROW: Via Mall of America, VERBATIM: “Join us for a free public screening of two FIFA World Cup 26™ group stage matches in the Huntington Bank Rotunda. Portugal vs Democratic Republic of the Congo kicks off at noon, followed by England vs Croatia at 3 p.m.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SaI2yG

THURSDAY: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Seagate wants to expand its Bloomington campus. The Bloomington Planning Commission will host a public hearing on the proposal Thursday. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vWBimK

THIS WEEK: The Twin Cities Jazz Festival runs Friday and Saturday with pre-festival shows on Thursday. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4eq6WBU

SATURDAY: Via Minnesota Monthly, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is about to welcome one of the biggest events in its history. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games arrive June 20-26, bringing together 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and an estimated 75,000 fans from all 50 states.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QmYR92

FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com

BLOOMINGTON: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “The Bloomington Farmers Market returned for its second week June 13 at Bloomington Civic Plaza, continuing a season that runs Saturdays through Oct. 17.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xsCEal

BDAYS: AI thinker Lori Ryan, KSTP’s Jonathan Yuhas, advocate Erich Mische, attorney Matthew Haapoja, lobbyist Wendy Underwood, entrepreneur Cecilia Retelle Zywicki

Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region.  Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more.  Visit www.fluence-media.com  to learn more.

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RAINY MORNING

A rainy morning where staying in bed seemed like a possibility but the tip sheet calls.

Lynx win. Twins win.

a A 76-year-old man has run every Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth since its start in 1977. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4uBNZ50

Minnesota will pilot official high school esports leagues in the coming school year. FORUM: https://fluence-media.co/4gsJ4zU

California Governor Gavin Newsom released a video saying he’s under investigation by President Trump’s Justice Department. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3Qr3eQq

According to LinkedIn, fmr. Mpls. Police Chief Brian O’Hara has started a leadership consultancy.

Average gas prices in Minnesota fell to $3.86/gal, but experts say pre-war prices won’t return for months even under perfect conditions. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4xAG7nm

I’ll be at Principles First with Charlie Sykes and Lori Sturdevant tonight.

It’s National Fudge Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

SPONSOR: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

LISTEN: Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

SPEAKING: Do you have a summer or fall conference that your audience wants to hear about the insights of the election? “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. is scheduling now. EMAIL bloisolson@gmail.com

DEEPER: Check out a Fluence Forum podcast. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/FluenceForums

SMARTER: Long Term Care – Is Minnesota Ready? Care Providers Minnesota and LeadingAge Minnesota hosted providers, Senator Grant Hauschild (03, DFL), Representative Natalie Zeleznikar (03B, GOP), and Representative Nathan Nelson (11B, GOP) for a conversation about the future of careing for our seniors. This coming week the conversation moves to St. Cloud. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ue3YXA

Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com ? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription

Governor Tim Walz is in Austria…via his public calendar, VERBATIM: “ Governor Tim Walz will participate in the opening of the Austrian World Summit, meet with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, meet with the Federal President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen, participate in a roundtable discussion at the Federation of Austrian Industries, and attend and deliver remarks at the AmCham Austria Reception.”

The topic of Walz’s appearance at the Summit, VERBATIM: “A decade after the Paris Agreement united the world, climate action has been overshadowed by pandemics, wars, and shifting global power dynamics. Now, in a world reshaped by these challenges, climate change and pollution remain existential threats. Let’s hear how the US states and the European Union are able to fulfill their environmental goals. What are their obstacles, but also their success stories?”

It’s a conference hosted in part by fmr. Califorina Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Here’s the full agenda: https://fluence-media.co/3QolRUY

Via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Star Tribune/KARE 11/Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication Minnesota Poll found 56% of respondents say they disapprove of Trump, up from 54% last year… His approval ratings were stronger outside of the metro. Some 59% of southern Minnesotans approved of Trump’s performance; 56% of northern Minnesotans did as well.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44aBC59

It’s the economy…______

SENATE RACE: Without making a formal endorsement, Sen. Amy Klobuchar told the Huffington Post that she is “supporting” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate because Flanagan won the DFL endorsement last month over Rep. Angie Craig. Via her interview, KLOBUCHAR: “We always support the ticket. I’m supporting the ticket as I always do. But I am friends with both…and I respect both of them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vIczCc

A deep dive into the CD1 race between Rep. Brad Finstad and Jake Johnson for MNSider subscribers. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/49OqNJu

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DRIVING THE HEADLINES

VOTER FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A northern Minnesota judge handed down a 30-day jail sentence to a head election judge Monday for the felony offense of allowing 11 unregistered voters to cast ballots. … [Timothy] Scouton, who pleaded guilty in March, oversaw the voting precinct at Badoura Township, [which] had 83 voters on Nov. 5, 2024. Scouton said he couldn’t locate registration forms, so he instructed election judges to write names of new voters on a list and check their IDs to verify they lived in the township. … Hubbard County Attorney John Olson [said] there wasn’t any partisan intent. ‘What this case just involves simply is an individual who cut corners,’ he said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vSegxb

AMID RURAL HEALTH CHALLENGES, ESSENTIA HEALTH INVESTS IN NEW IRON RANGE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: Essentia Health is investing in a $13 million project to remodel and expand its emergency department in Virginia, MN. With support from the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board and philanthropic partners, the project will improve emergency care and mental health resources through new technology, safety and security measures, and a behavioral health suite. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4o79h9j (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

THIS WEEK: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Candidates in races for some of Minnesota’s top offices will show this week how much they spent to chase party endorsements, how much they raised this year and where they stand in comparison to others. Campaign finance reports covering activity through the end of May are due for constitutional office candidates (think governor, attorney general, etc.) and for political funds active in state-level races. … The reports go live for public consumption [starting today].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4edauIS

NOTE: Fluence tip sheets will share figures from the latest state-level campaign finance reports as they are published this week.

RESIGNED: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) announced his resignation from the House effective June 21, citing new business opportunities for the decision to step down. … The eight-term lawmaker announced in February he would not seek re-election in November. No special election will be called to fill the remainder of his term.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ectHKz

CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)

WASHINGTON…

WHITE HOUSE: Via New York Times, newly uncovered memos show that the Trump Administration seriously considered invoking the Insurrection Act against Minnesota protesters this year. VERBATIM: “In the case of the Insurrection Act, Vice President JD Vance pushed to invoke it just days after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti. … Vance [said] they needed to invoke the Insurrection Act, swiftly, to crush the unrest in Minnesota. It would be painful in the short term, he said, but [it] would make sure no one tried it again. … The meeting broke up without a decision — a vague consensus to keep thinking about it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eIkaeq

IRAN: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “The agreement between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and kick-start 60 days of nuclear negotiations is set to be signed in person Friday, but it’s still unclear what’s in it, [and] Iran and the U.S. do not seem to be on the same page on what the agreement entails. … Still, the deal would reportedly waive U.S. sanctions on Iran’s oil exports at least through the 60-day negotiating window, offering crucial income for the cash-strapped regime. … Iran has said it would not try to collect tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz for the 60 days of negotiations, but it’s unclear what will happen after that.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SaafFL

RESPONSE: via DFL Rep. Betty McCollum statement, McCOLLUM: “Not only has the president’s war of choice utterly failed to deliver on his own shifting military goals, but it has also cost the American people directly by increasing prices for necessities. … President [Donald] Trump is attempting to negotiate with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which was not closed prior to the start of the war.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oxsi4Q

FRAUD: A KSTP review of recent fraud cases found that the share of Somali Minnesotans charged at the federal level is significantly higher than those charged by the state. For federal charges against 106 people, 92 were of Somali descent, or 87% of the total. Meanwhile, for state charges against 317 people, 86 were of Somali descent, or 27% of the total. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vit48o

AMTRAK: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Since the start of the Amtrak service in May 2024, more than 416,000 passengers have used the Borealis line to travel through Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. … Amtrak and MnDOT officials both noted desires to increase the rider capacity by adding more passenger cars to the Borealis line, [and] the success of the Borealis ridership has MnDOT studying the potential to provide more passenger rail options, like from St. Paul to Duluth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xwKCza

Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

HEALTH

CANCER: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar [and others] introduced the Asal Sayas National Strategy on Young Adult Cancers Act to establish a national strategy to tackle the rapidly growing rate of cancer among adults under age 50. The legislation comes as young adult cancer rates have surged — up almost 80 percent globally in the past 35 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qj2AVa

TEENS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Pregnancy, birth rates, and sexually transmitted infections among Minnesota teenagers dropped significantly in 2024, continuing a decades-long downward trajectory, according to a new report by researchers at the University of Minnesota. But the study finds that there also continues to be sharp racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities in these rates here that are among the most stark in the country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gkVs50

MENTAL HEALTH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota doesn’t have enough psychiatric facilities for kids — and now one of the largest in the state is being temporarily shuttered as regulators found it is putting young people at risk of harm. … The suspension comes as another youth residential mental health program [is] closing at the end of June. The two facilities, combined, typically served dozens of children and young adults. … People working in the field said the closure will further strain a system that already does not have enough adequately staffed places to send kids.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aAftRr

OUTDOORS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Academia In Lak’ech [took] a break from classroom learning recently to travel to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, [which] would have been unaffordable to the school and the students’ families without the help of a new program called Outdoor School for All. The Legislature created it last year, providing nearly $900,000 in grants to schools across the state. … So far, the program allowed about 2,000 more students to attend outdoor education programs around the state this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oxNkAv

HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold-certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

METRO

BLUE LINE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Supporters and opponents of the Blue Line expansion plan are eagerly awaiting a new report that compares the cost of expanding and running the light rail system to an expanded bus transit system. The report is due out just days after the Metropolitan Council announced the estimated cost of the project had grown yet again. … Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville) [had] helped push for this new comparison study. He says the most important parts to consider are the upfront costs, as well as the ongoing costs of maintenance, and ridership trends.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QmdsBC

MPD: ELEFA, the independent evaluator in the Minneapolis Police Department’s settlement agreement, released its fourth Semi-Annual Report, describing MPD’s progress from October 2025 to March 2026 as “decidedly mixed.” EXCERPT: “On the positive side, for example, the MPD completed in-service training on updated use of force policies, and those policies became active on January 1, 2026. … [But] our last Progress Report expressed our serious concern about the Department’s lack of progress reducing its Internal Affairs (IA) case backlog. Since then, no meaningful progress has been made.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4fHWFDj

BLAINE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Preliminary work began Monday on a multiyear construction project to improve a Twin Cities highway considered one of the most dangerous roads in Minnesota. Crews are starting construction on Highway 65 [in] Blaine. The goal is to transform the highway into a freeway through the city, improving travel time and reducing crashes, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ekDJYY

RAMSEY CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County Fair is returning to its Maplewood home after six consecutive years of cancellations driven by pandemic shutdowns and continuing disputes over fairground access. The independently run fair, hosted by the Ramsey County Agricultural Society, will return July 16–19 after years of uncertainty. … Minnesota’s 87 counties are home to 105 annual and seasonal county fairs, leaving Ramsey as one of the few counties without one since 2020.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xBHxxY

ACROSS MN

TODAY: GOP Rep. Jon Koznick, co-chair of the House Transportation Committee, will meet with “members of affected communities” to discuss the Blue Line extension and a report presenting bus transit and other options as alternatives. The event is in Minneapolis at 3:00 p.m.

JUNE 24: Independent evaluators at ELEFA will host a public meeting to answer questions about the Minneapolis Police Department’s settlement agreement. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

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BDAYS: AI thinker Lori Ryan, KSTP’s Jonathan Yuhas, advocate Erich Mische, attorney Matthew Haapoja, lobbyist Wendy Underwood, entrepreneur Cecilia Retelle Zywicki

SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.

SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.

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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.

WASECA CTY: From Minnesota Corn via Facebook, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday night, Waseca County Corn & Soybean Growers Chair Craig Baxter represented the group at the Waseca County Farm Bureau’s Taste of the Farm event. Thanks to Craig for highlighting agriculture in his local community!” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4xtnuS3 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)

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OUTSIDE IMPACTS

WAR: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “Markets reacted quickly to the news of the potential end of this war. AgBull Trading President Tommy Grisafi said stock prices rose overnight.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43B6Ke8

MORE: Via Successful Farming, VERBATIM: “Pro Farmer’s Bill Watts reported that ‘grain and soy complex futures opened modestly lower Sunday night after the U.S. and Iran announced a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz, setting the stage for further talks aimed at ending a four-month old conflict.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eg5Po0

SCREWWORM: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An extension livestock veterinarian encourages producers in the Upper Midwest to have a level-headed response to New World screwworm. Dr. Angie Varnum with the University of Minnesota calls detections of the parasitic pest an important issue for the country.” VARNUM: “But it’s not something that’s currently urgent for Minnesota beef, dairy, small ruminant, swine, or equine producers.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vP0MCc

EXPLAINER: Via Stateline, VERBATIM: “The New World screwworm poses potentially life-threatening risks to pets, wildlife and livestock. While the risk is concentrated in a few states, experts say a massive invasion could ripple across the American economy through higher grocery prices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eui0hf

MORE: You can find MDA information about the screwworm HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4a3YgzL

TRADE IMPACT: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Following the confirmation of New World screwworm in the United States, both Canada and Mexico have issued import restrictions on live cattle from the U.S. University of Tennessee ag economist Charley Martinez says the impacts will vary.” MARTINEZ: “We probably do send more to Mexico than Canada in terms of just how we trade and the product that we’re sending just south of the border out of Texas,” he says. “When we say Canada, there’s probably not as many cattle going from Texas to Canada in terms of having really big impact on trade.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oO3BBv

FLANAGAN: Via KVRR-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor stopped by Moorhead this weekend for some face time with local farmers – and prospective voters. Peggy Flanagan is running for U.S. Senate, and as part of her campaign, she visited Prairie Rose Farm to learn more about agricultural business and local food systems.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uCjT1q

Share

PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)

WEATHER

EL NINO: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A crop protection specialist expects this summer’s El Nino to influence crop disease pressure. Tyler Harp with Syngenta says conditions in the southern U.S. are typically wetter than normal, with the northern tier of states warmer than average.” HARP: “We transitioned into El Nino from La Nina, probably one of the quickest on record. And so it’s going to be a quite strong one. If we have really wet conditions, we’ll see a lot of tar spot. We could see a lot of southern rust if it stays hot.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4uFM9Aq

BEETS: Via Ag Update, from Montevideo farmer Megan Horsager, VERBATIM: “Overall, it has been a successful start to the season on our farm. We had good windows for planting with well-timed rains to get the crops germinated timely and evenly. The long stretch of cold and wind in the middle of May put a damper on growth, but we managed to avoid significant frost damage. Since finally turning the corner into summer weather, things have been progressing well.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ebP12Y

STORM DAMAGE: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Reminder: Federal disaster loan application deadline for losses caused by storms/winds on 6/21/25 is near for affected counties (Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Roseau).” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4edqvi0

MORE: Via Small Business Administration, more on disaster loans and how to apply. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vQDzjd

PROJECTIONS: Via farm management analyst Kent Thiesse, VERBATIM: “The USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report released on June 11 did not change estimated 2026 corn or soybean production levels, and did not make any significant adjustments in the projected 2026-27 demand levels for either corn or soybeans. The only significant change in the June WASDE report from the May monthly report was a decline of 0.5 bushels per acre in the projected 2026 national average wheat yield, with a corresponding adjustment to the estimated 2026 wheat production and the 2026-27 ending stocks. There were no adjustments to the 2026-27 corn and soybean carryout levels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xwzzps

WHAT’S NEXT

THIS MONTH: Via MYLE, VERBATIM: “The seventh annual Minnesota Youth Livestock Expo (MYLE) Livestock Show will be held on June 25-28 at the Martin County Fairgrounds in Fairmont, Minnesota. The event will feature 4-H and FFA members, as well as other youth livestock exhibitors from throughout Minnesota, showcasing their top-notch beef, sheep, goat and rabbit projects. The MYLE Show is the largest youth livestock show in Minnesota outside of the Minnesota State Fair later this Summer.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QineVq

NEXT MONTH: Via Worthington Globe, VERBATIM: “University of Minnesota Extension will host a free agrivoltaics webinar, ‘Keeping the farm in ‘solar farm’: Agrivoltaic logistics,’ at 7 p.m. July 14. Solar energy sites on rural landscapes are raising concerns about taking agricultural land out of production, but they can be developed to prioritize ag production, known as agrivoltaics. Building an agrivoltaic site is a logistical puzzle involving specialized site prep, complex operations management, and long-term land stewardship.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ebO1Mg

NEXTGEN: Via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “Area schools in Renville County attended an Ag Day during the last month of the school year. Organized by Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom, the May 5 event drew more than 130 people including students, teachers and volunteers to a rural Renville farm, according to a news release, and participants left with a greater appreciation of agriculture education.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sd0l6e

MN / ND: Via Minnesota Lawyer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota and North Dakota play vital roles in the Upper Midwest’s agricultural economy. While the states share many industry characteristics, they differ in regulatory structures, enforcement priorities, and administrative processes. Agricultural and rural businesses operating across state lines must account for variations in jurisdiction, environmental compliance, employment regulation, real estate requirements, and legal enforcement. Without careful planning, these differences can lead to regulatory challenges, operational delays, or liability exposure.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4etlbpy

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FRIDAY: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “This Juneteenth, Frogtown Farm is inviting the community to gather under the evening sky for a free outdoor screening of Farming While Black, a powerful documentary about Black land stewardship, agricultural heritage, food sovereignty, and the enduring connection between land, liberation, and community.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gkvXAO

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In a video we assume was shot at his Minnesota cabin, actor Josh Duhamel declares war on beavers. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ejC7i1

Why do Minnesotans call it Duck Duck Gray Duck when others call it Duck Duck Goose? LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4owlqof

Media consolidation continues – Fox this morning announced it’s buying streaming service Roku for $22 billion. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S0EKOv

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Here are the two MNSiders with insight from the state party conventions:

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Follow the 2026 Minnesota election’s up close with the Fluence ElectionTracker. FluenceElectionTracker.com

Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vOuOpE

Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri

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FASHION-FORWARD

TARGET: Via Vogue, VERBATIM: “Isaac Mizrahi has been named Target’s creative director at large, a newly created role for the retailer that’s a homecoming of sorts for the designer. Mizrahi was the first major fashion designer Target collaborated with, starting back in 2002, creating a high-low fashion playbook that has since become commonplace.” QUOTE: “You don’t have to spend $8,000 on a sweater for it to be amazing. A good sweater can be $45,” says Mizrahi. “And I feel like Target invented that — we did that. So it’s fertile ground now for me to continue to prove that. It’s a bigger world now, but I feel like now it’s time for Target to claim that original stake.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vdPQOT

MORE: Via Fashionista, VERBATIM: “In this new role, Mizrahi will serve as a creative advisor to Target’s internal design organization, mentor design talent and elevate Target’s design credibility and cultural relevance. Target is launching a new mentorship program this summer where select Target designers will work with Mizrahi through design workshops and consultations, one-on-one sessions and creative immersion experiences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/449dPCC

WORKFORCE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “As many teenagers struggle to find work for the summer, local businesses are seeing applications far outpace their hiring needs. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development data from spring points to a tough job market for teens. The employment rate reached 13.2 percent in March 2026. The article said that this is worse than past years, when teen unemployment rates have hovered between five percent and eight percent. The data can be seen in action in the northwest suburbs.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4emoQ8r

MOVE: Via news release from the Governor’s office, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today congratulated Nicole Blissenbach on her appointment to the bench and thanked her for her years of service to the people of Minnesota as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Deputy Commissioner Kate Perushek will succeed Blissenbach as commissioner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xqE1q1

FROGTOWN: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A cluster of vacant lots and empty buildings in St. Paul’s University Avenue could become ... something. In theory. If the right developer comes along. St. Paul is hoping to make that future a little easier for the high-profile corridor to find new life for half a dozen Frogtown parcels by buying an empty building for $600,000 that is surrounded by city-owned vacant lots, and making a half-block mega-property out of lots that once held small businesses and houses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aOmcXY

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “3000 athletes, 1500 coaches, and more than ten-thousand volunteers will participate in the games, which start June 20th in the Twin Cities . . . Organizers say the games could have a $70 million economic impact on the metro. It’s a welcome change from January and February, when the Minneapolis Downtown Council says hotel occupancies were down, up to 50%.” QUOTE: “We’re going to have more people staying in our downtown hotels, more people having lunches and dinners going out,” notes council CEO Adam Duininck. “Hopefully that continues to grow because the first part of the year was a real struggle for a lot of businesses downtown.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v6Bdwt

BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)

THE CITIES

ST PAUL: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Organizers of a St. Paul campaign to empower tenants to make repairs to their rental housing, then bill their landlords for the work, announced they’ve gathered the signatures to put their measure on the November ballot. Why it matters: If enacted, the ‘right-to-repair’ ordinance would join St. Paul’s first-in-the-Midwest rent control policy and sweeping tenant protections as another local law giving renters more leverage.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4osCxax

BROOKLYN CTR: Via Insight News, VERBATIM: “Currently, there are two Black members on the five-member Brooklyn Center City Council, including the mayor — [April] Graves and council member Teneshia Kragness. Both of their terms expire after the November election. Black leadership on the council could disappear after this year’s elections because of shifting political dynamics and the makeup of the candidate fields competing in the city’s mayoral and council races.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a0kJxF

MEDIA: The Star Tribune’s plan to pivot to a nonprofit business model landed CEO Steve Grove on NPR over the weekend. GROVE: “We haven’t yet launched this new structure. Part of the reason we talked about it last week as we restructured is we wanted to begin to build it with members of the community who care about our journalism. So we’re on a journey. We’re not at the finish line yet. But I think importantly, we’re not sure we ourselves would become a nonprofit, but our owner, Glen Taylor, wants to make sure the Strib lasts long into the future, that it remains independent and that others can contribute to it in a meaningful way.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SqlzO1

BEER: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports Trove Brewing in Burnsville has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but will remain open. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uH4WLF