The Daily Agenda: Morning Take

morning take | Legislative Cash, New Ads

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:43:47 GMT

NUT ROLLS NO MORE

Rain this AM but the drought is growing.

Twins walk-off on the day Sen. Ann Rest throws out the first pitch! They head to Seattle.

Saturday AND Sunday for Summer Slam.

The Pearson’s factory in St. Paul is closing.

Hennepin County is letting kids design official buttons for its election judges this year. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4xdJpvD

St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood can now be explored in digital form via Roblox. SAHAN: https://fluence-media.co/4wzpiIv

CNN finds that 73% of U.S. adults, a record high, think Pres. Donald Trump has not paid enough attention to the nation’s biggest issues. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4wygKkU

AP-NORC finds that only 28% of U.S. adults approve of how the White House is handling Iran. That includes 61% of Republicans — down from 71% in June. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/45wUKep

FarmFest next week, and Senate candidate Adam Schwarze on the Sunday Take.

Happy National Avocado Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured Rep. Angie Craig discussing her Senate campaign, the Iran war, the state of agriculture and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wZg8od

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

CASH CALLS

TOSS-UPS: Via MinnPost, an analysis of candidate finances in the Minnesota Legislature’s most competitive races shows that many DFLers in “toss-up” districts have advantages over their GOP opponents in cash on hand, even in some races with a Republican incumbent. Findings are summarized below. READ/DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4w06DnU

SD3: DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild has $230,274 on hand. GOP challenger Andrea Zupancich has $79,334 on hand.
SD4: DFL Sen. Rob Kupec has $71,657 on hand. GOP challenger Austin Peterson has $2,473 on hand.
SD24: In this open seat, DFLer Simon Glaser has $60,538 on hand. Republican Nels Pierson has $4,242 on hand.
SD35: GOP Sen. Jim Abeler has $100,092 on hand. DFL challenger Angela Nelson has $44,440 on hand.
SD37: In this open seat, DFLer Kristy Janigo has $98,255 on hand. Republican Bradey Hoag has $19,970 on hand.
SD41: DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger has $81,000 on hand. GOP Rep. Tom Dippel has $3,000 on hand.
SD58: GOP Sen. Bill Lieske has $23,432 on hand. DFL challenger Mark Legvold has $69,717 on hand.
03B: GOP Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar has $49,000 on hand. DFL challenger Aaron Schweiger has $44,000 on hand.
54A: DFL Rep. Brad Tabke has $32,000 on hand. GOP challenger Aaron Paul has $18,000 on hand.

PRIMARIES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “On Aug. 11, 10 incumbent [state] legislators are trying to survive primary challenges. … The highest-profile contest pits DFL Sen. Ron Latz against former St. Louis Park City Council member Lynette Dumalag. Latz, the influential Senate judiciary committee chair, failed to win his local party’s endorsement. … The Senate DFL Caucus has spent more than $40,000 backing Latz. That spending has frustrated some activists in Latz’s district [because] it’s by far the largest investment any legislative caucus has made in a primary this cycle. … The Republican Senate Victory Fund has yet to report a single independent expenditure or direct contribution to a candidate committee despite having three GOP incumbent senators facing challengers. The Republican and DFL caucuses in the House have also limited their spending so far.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wa76Eo

HEALTHCARE: Strong communities depend on sustainable nonprofit healthcare. By planning to join leading, nonprofit healthcare system Sutter Health, Allina Health will be better positioned to expand access to high-quality, innovative care in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin - supporting patients, caregivers, and communities for generations to come. Learn more about the Allina-Sutter partnership.. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/AllinaHealth (SPONSORED: Allina Health)

TRAIL TALK

PACS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Usually by now, Democratic aligned groups have been up with ads to take on the potential GOP rivals for governor. But it’s been mostly quiet on that front as the heated Senate primary takes center stage. … The We All Do Better PAC (named for the rallying cry of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone) had $900,000 as of the start of June. The group has taken in $1 million since. … We haven’t seen We All Do Better deploy any money yet, but we’ll keep an eye out. The Alliance for a Better Minnesota, which has been the recipient of past We All Do Better money, was sitting on $740,000 as of July 20.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xg7ORp

MORE: Yesterday’s morning take featured additional charts and data on PAC spending so far this year. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4fHugf3

NEWAD: Speaker Lisa Demuth is airing a new ad for her governor campaign, titled “Spearheaded.” The ad focuses on Minnesota’s fraud scandals and Demuth’s efforts to address them. DEMUTH: “Amy Klobuchar won’t end the fraud. I will.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RCcUbt

NEWAD2: Minnesotans for Justice have launched an ad against Attorney General Keith Ellison about the pardon of Tou Lue Vang. VERBATIM: “Our kids are not safe with him” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4g51kih

GOV RACE: Republican Mike Lindell spoke to KSTP about his campaign for governor, his plans for adjusting the state budget with “a Minnesota DOGE,” and more. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bps8qR

TURNOUT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In Minnesota’s last statewide primary election two years ago, older Minnesotans voted at more than four times the rate of voters under age 30. … [Activists] who work with younger voters hope this trend might shift in the upcoming Aug. 11 primary as a result of high political energy among young people. … But Minnesotans [under 30] cast just 8% of 2024 primary ballots. At the other end of the age spectrum, voters age 70 and over accounted for more than one-third of the ballots in the primary, even though they make up 15% of the adult population.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44YzM8a

FRANK ISSUES

HER: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A second high-ranking St. Paul police officer has claimed that St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her created a sexualized work environment, alleging the mayor commented on her breasts and made vulgar noises in the police gym. … As more details began to trickle out about the nature of Her’s comments to staff, she released a statement saying the police force had welcomed her into their circle and was now manipulating that trust.” QUOTE: “The way this is being portrayed in the media does not reflect what I understood to be mutual communication. I am disappointed that I was invited and brought into their space and culture and now this is the outcome.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ro3CzP

MORE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul City Council Member Molly Coleman is demanding to know why the council was never notified that the city had hired a legal firm to conduct a sexual harassment investigation of the mayor. … [But] the mayor’s office and some council members have maintained that hiring an outside legal firm to launch an investigation did not require approval by or notification to the council.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4carX2U

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

Subscribe now

NEW LAWS

FRAUD: Via KSTP, two stories from Thursday about preventing fraud in state programs.

FELONIES: “Attorney General Keith Ellison has said his office has won more than 300 convictions against Medicaid fraudsters since he took office six years ago. … But a 5 INVESTIGATES analysis of those cases found that only a portion of those charged with felony-level fraud ended up with a felony on their record. … Plea agreement and sentencing documents revealed nearly 80% of the offenders received sentences that would reduce or dismiss the felony conviction after probation. … Ellison argued there are other long-term consequences in these cases.” ELLISON: “It is life-ruining to be charged with Medicaid fraud, even if you somehow manage to complete probation without a permanent felony.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3TwqkpZ
LANGUAGE: “A new Minnesota law lets state agencies share information about suspected fraud, [but] it does not say that they ‘must.’ … 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS asked the bill author, Rep. Kristin Bahner, DFL-Maple Grove, why lawmakers decided against stronger language.” BAHNER: “There’s always a discussion about whether we should, and I think by leaving it a little bit more general, that does give departments a little bit more leeway to think about what their policies are and what’s appropriate.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4yH5SCO

NEW LAWS: Several new state laws go into effect tomorrow, as previewed in yesterday’s lunch take. Notable laws starting Aug. 1 include a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks, measures to protect minors from grooming, bigger penalties for impersonating a police officer, fraud prevention efforts, and more. A ban on prediction markets was supposed to go into effect tomorrow, but it has been temporarily blocked due to a lawsuit — a ban on AI “nudification” intended for Aug. 1 is facing similar legal challenges. DETAILS: AXIOS | KSTP | WCCO

NUDIFICATION: Speaker Lisa Demuth spoke to MPR about the lawsuit against the state’s pending ban on AI “nudification,” clarifying that she has not examined the court filing, but she did vote for the bill. DEMUTH: “When we’re looking at AI, we need to keep people safe. I voted for that bill specifically in the House, and that was passed and signed into law by the governor in an effort to keep people safe, and I think we really need to recognize that. Of course, there is [the] First Amendment and things that we need to absolutely support and provide for. But there is also a safety element when it comes to adults, but especially children.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xg7ORp

MOVE: MMB announced that Raymond Robertson will succeed Anthony Becker as the new state economist on Aug. 4, 2026.

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

ICE: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The federal government must pay legal fees for immigrants wrongfully detained by ICE during Operation Metro Surge after federal judges ruled the detentions violated constitutional rights. … FOX 9 Investigators identified at least 18 cases where the government must now pay immigration attorneys. … The fees range from $1,125 in one case to $17,505 — [totaling] more than $106,000. … The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota recently argued they shouldn’t have to pay some of the legal fees and asked Chief Judge Eric Tostrud to hold off on billing the government until the Supreme Court can weigh in on the issue. Judge Tostrud denied that request.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3TvduZ4

IMMIGRANTS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “For years, Isuroon has helped Somali women and their families find housing, food, jobs and other essential services. … Now, the nonprofit is seeing more than twice as many people seeking mental health services compared with last year. ‘We haven’t seen this before,’ Isuroon CEO Fartun Weli said. … Isuroon is also facing additional pressure as the Department of Human Services works to recertify Medicaid providers.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wagms8

HAITI: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The end of [TPS] protections for Haiti this week is creating uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in the United States. While Minnesota has a relatively small Haitian population, immigration attorneys and business leaders say the decision is being closely watched here because of what it could signal for TPS holders from other countries and for employers that rely on immigrant workers. There are an estimated 4,000 Haitians who live in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fRH7vk

FEED FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The newest defendant in the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal pleaded guilty to his role in the massive scheme just over a week after his charge was filed. Mahamoud Warsame, 41, admitted in federal court in Minneapolis on Thursday that he purchased property and vehicles using illicit proceeds. … Warsame is the 80th person charged in the food fraud case.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xgi8sD

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)

MSP

BUDGET: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The official kickoff of Minneapolis’ 2027 budget process may be weeks away, but public officials are already floating trial balloons and making ominous proclamations as Mayor Jacob Frey’s annual budget address draws near. City staff shared with the City Council’s budget committee that the projected gap between revenue and expenses sits somewhere between $28-$32 million dollars. … Police and other spending will be under a microscope, and the parks board is hoping to reclaim a larger share of city dollars.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hGyCFI

FIRE CHIEF: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Dr. Reginald Freeman will be Minneapolis’ next fire chief. The Minneapolis City Council voted to confirm Freeman on Thursday after being nominated by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey back in May. … Despite a 10-2 vote, some council members said they were hesitant to confirm him for a variety of reasons, including a gender-discrimination lawsuit that was filed against his previous department in Hartford; however, Freeman was not personally named or cited.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RKEaV3

MPD: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council approved a request to apply for a $300,000 federal grant to upgrade police ballistic technology on a 7-5 vote Thursday. Some council members raised concerns about accepting Department of Justice money and possible ties to federal immigration enforcement, [but] the city attorney said the grant would not require Minneapolis to assist with immigration enforcement.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/450Mjb7

SAFETY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis is sharing new data that shows how its violence interrupter program is monitored, offering the most detailed public view yet of how community groups work to prevent shootings. … The city spends millions of dollars each year on contracts with violence interrupter groups, [but] Amanda Harrington, director of the Neighborhood Safety Department, [said] shootings have dropped significantly since the program began.” HARRINGTON: “From 2021 to 2025, there was a 53% decrease in shootings in the city. … If I just look at the Phillips neighborhood, their shootings went down from 53 in 2022 to 25 in 2025.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4frrlrW

HOMELESS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A fire at Pig’s Eye Park encampment in St. Paul, where approximately 140 unhoused residents are set to be evicted next week, destroyed one man’s belongings early Thursday. … Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Smith said the 30 by 30 foot fire destroyed at least 5 or 6 tents. … Crews are set to begin clearing the city’s largest homeless encampments on Aug. 5.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45z5YPu

PEARSON’S: Via MSP Business Journal, the Pearson’s Candy factory in St. Paul — where Salted Nut Rolls and other treats have been produced since 1959 — will close on Sept. 28. According to a WARN Notice, the closure will result in 80 layoffs. The candy maker’s parent company has not said if it will continue operations elsewhere. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fDYuiY

FOUNDRY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Northern Iron and Machine [will] close by the end of the year after a series of phased lay-offs beginning Oct. 1. Approximately 86 employees will lose their jobs, including 50 members of the United Steel Workers, who maintain bumping rights.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xivODv

LOOKING AHEAD

TODAY: Via SEIU, unionized condo workers in Minneapolis will picket at 7:15 a.m. and announce a strike deadline of Aug. 14 during a rally and press conference at 8:00 a.m.

TODAY: BCA Superintendent Drew Evans and other officials will host a media event in Woodbury at 10:00 a.m. to highlight a new state law banning cryptocurrency kiosks, which goes into effect on Saturday.

TODAY: DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild and GOP Rep. Roger Skraba will host a roundtable with the Cook County Chamber of Commerce to discuss the economic impact of wildfires this summer. The event is in Grand Marais at 11:30 a.m.

TODAY: DFL Sen. Erin Maye Quade will hold a press conference at 12:00 noon discussing a new state law going into effect Saturday that will “protect young Minnesotans from grooming,” per a release.

NEXT WEEK: Minnesota Farmfest runs from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 in Redwood County. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4pQIEGw

NEXT WEEK: Fluence sponsor Xcel Energy and industry partners will host a series of open houses on their planned “PowerOn Midwest” electric transmission projects from Aug. 4 to Aug. 13. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4yHUlDi

SEPT 9: The IRRR Board is hosting its third annual “State of the Range” event in Chisholm on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: community leader Scott Peterseon, attorney Matt Mankey, lobbyist Joe Lally. SAT: hair pro Amanda Steele, golfing guy Blake Smith, fmr. Sen. Terri Bonnof, DFL operative Ellen Perrault SUN: ag leader Ashley Kohls, real estate leader Stu Ackerberg, business leader Pady Regnier, Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson, fmr. Rep. John Ward, General Mills’ Lee Anderson

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | PAC Spending Spike

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:05:27 GMT

WE NEED RAIN

Twins lose.

The Stanley Cup is in Eden Prairie and Excelsior today.

Caitlin Clark and controversy coming to town, the Vikings’ quarterback war is about to get real and the Twins go on a talent search. Sports Take, out this afternoon.

Minnesota could get some much-needed rain tonight. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/3Rp2SKK

U.S. News ranked Minnesota the 3rd best state to live in. South Dakota is 2nd and North Dakota is 4th on the same ranking. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4h5f1yK

UnitedHealth Group is the 4th largest company in the world by revenue, Fortune says. Target, U.S. Bancorp, Best Buy and CHS are also in the global top 500. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vZ7KV3

Gov. Tim Walz hasn’t given up on JJ McCarthy and be predicts the Vikings will have 11 wins. He also says he and the Late Speaker Melissa Hortman talked about her running for Governor, and how the only scenario he didn’t prep for in the VP debate was JD Vance being warm. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4hFQgJD

Developers want to turn the Star Tribune’s former printing plant into a new data center. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4fYfaD7

Quinnipiac finds that 55% of voters think the war in Iran will last for a year or longer, and 66% think the war has not been worth fighting. Pres. Donald Trump’s approval is 32% in the same survey. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4xaA7k7

It’s National Chili Dog Today – spicy.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured Rep. Angie Craig discussing her Senate campaign, the Iran war, the state of agriculture and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wZg8od

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

PAC PACE

PACS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “This appears to be the year when right-of-center political funds level the playing field in Minnesota after cycle after cycle of watching left-of-center entities dominate. … Renew Minnesota [has] a whopping $3.4 million in reserve as of July 20, [which] has already fed a committee known as First Principles PAC that is running searing TV ads against DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison. … There’s also Restore Sanity PAC, which is seven figures deep into ads to boost Lisa Demuth in the governor’s race. It reloaded last week with another $1 million donation. … In the legislative space, Advance Minnesota appears to be the big Republican player to watch with its bankroll of about $2.7 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RJKa0r

NOTE: Red indicates pro-Republican, Blue indicates pro-Democrat.

STPAUL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her said Wednesday she has no intentions to leave office amid an investigation of claims that she directed inappropriate sexual comments toward Police Chief Axel Henry and other city employees, but acknowledged that what she intended as a joke was misguided. … In the backrooms of the state’s public safety offices Wednesday, debate was vigorous over whether [Her’s actions] had turned into sexual harassment or if the allegations were part of a campaign by the police department to muddy the waters against Her ahead of an expected budget fight over police funding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fIfSTA

MINING: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “The DNR says it received notice Wednesday of proposed changes to the project. DNR officials say some highlights include increasing ore production from 32,000 to 40,0000 tons per day, decreasing the mine’s lifespan from 20 to 16 years, and transporting materials using a covered conveyor system instead of rail. Plus, updates to waste management with tailings disposal on adjacent lands previously mined for iron ore… NewRange also announced it submitted the NorthMet Project’s Clean Water Act Section 404 wetland permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4yNm1qh

ESSENTIA HEALTH SUPPORTS FREE CLINIC IN VIRGINIA, SERVING INCREASED NUMBER OF UNINSURED MINNESOTANS: Every Thursday night, physicians and care team members from Essentia Health-Virginia volunteer at the Project Care Free Clinic, providing treatment, screenings, and preventive care to patients who are uninsured or may be struggling to afford health care premiums. Essentia also provides lab and X-ray services at no cost to the clinic or its patients. Essentia is proud to support the clinic, ensuring everyone in the community can get the care they need. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4yt7Qqu (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

CD2: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Rep. Angie Craig says she won’t pick a favorite among three Democrats vying to replace her in Congress, but at a time when voters are calling for change, the lawmaker is casting a long shadow on the race. … Having her backing is complicated for the three running in the Aug. 11 primary: Matt Little, a former state House member who was once the mayor of Lakeville, state Sen. Matt Klein and state Rep. Kaela Berg. Klein — like Craig, a moderate — says he’d be happy to have it, while Little, the most progressive of the three who has the DFL Party’s endorsement, said he isn’t seeking it. But another progressive, Berg, said she has sought the endorsement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yKVjP4

SENATE RACE: Via Star Tribune, a look at how GOP Senate candidates Michele Tafoya, Adam Schwarze and Royce White differ in their support for Pres. Donald Trump’s congressional priorities, including abolishing the filibuster. VERBATIM: “In Minnesota, only one major candidate has called for ending the filibuster: White. … Tafoya said [that] a lot of people ‘just wish they’d blow up the filibuster, [but] I’m not there yet.’ … Schwarze said he’s not committed to blowing up the filibuster because he wants to use it to stop ‘terrible spending’ Democrats will propose in the Senate if and when they eventually get a majority.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45upH2K

GOV RACE: Speaker Lisa Demuth spoke to KSTP about her campaign for governor, her plans for reducing mandates, and more. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pMD4Vi

NOISE

DOLLS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation Wednesday into the Minnesota Department of Education following a complaint related to ‘transgender dolls.’ … While the federal Department of Education said in its announcement that the dolls were developed via a taxpayer-funded University of Minnesota program, the team behind the dolls received no state or federal money for their development, according to University officials. … An official with [MDE] said in an email Wednesday that the state department has no involvement with the MyGender

RESPONSE: via Gov. Tim Walz’s office, STATEMENT: “The Governor has no connection to this program. It was not developed or funded by the Minnesota Department of Education and is not being implemented in Minnesota schools under the Walz Administration. This entire story has been manufactured by right wing media.”

ICE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers from across the U.S., including Democratic Minnesota state Sen. Omar Fateh, gathered in Chicago Wednesday morning to push for the public’s ability to sue federal immigration officers.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RA6wBx

DEPORTATION: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) in sending a letter to President Donald J. Trump, Secretary [Marco] Rubio, and Secretary [Markwayne] Mullin, thanking them for their decisive leadership and commitment to making America a safer place by deporting a convicted child rapist, previously pardoned by the Walz Administration.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4calcOB

FIRES

BIZ RELIEF: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A bipartisan pair of state lawmakers from northeast Minnesota are laying the groundwork to help businesses hit hard by wildfires. … Sen. Grant Hauschild, a Democrat, and Rep. Roger Skraba, a Republican, are co-hosting an event with the Cook County Chamber of Commerce on Friday as part of their effort to highlight the [economic] damage. … Gov. Tim Walz has indicated he might call a special session of the Legislature on Aug. 12 to extend a peacetime emergency in response to the fires. Hauschild and Skraba said [they] hope to introduce additional legislation during the session that would get money to businesses as soon as possible.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ww6zNK

HOSPITALS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Patients crowded emergency rooms in northeast Minnesota earlier this month, when wildfires littered the air with chemicals and fine particles. … The Minnesota Department of Health reported a 28% increase in ER visits related to respiratory problems in that region of the state in a 10-day period ending July 23, when air quality levels were at their worst. … ER visits for suspected respiratory problems increased 6% statewide during the 10-day period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wxh7fN

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

Subscribe now

SIGNALS

MEDICAID: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Some Greater Minnesota providers say Minnesota’s fraud crackdown is leaving legitimate caregivers caught in a revalidation process they say was delayed and unclear, with the vast majority of terminated providers disenrolled over paperwork problems. More than 2,700 providers have appealed their termination. … As of last week, DHS said 748 of 2,732 disenrolled providers who appealed have since been revalidated.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wtWpx4

DEEPFAKES: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Two of the Minnesota legislators who helped write the state’s new ‘AI nudification’ ban forcefully defended their law on Wednesday after Elon Musk’s company ‘xAI’ filed a lawsuit [against] it. … DFL Sen. Erin Maye Quade and DFL Rep. Jess Hanson [both] dismissed the lawsuit’s concerns at Wednesday’s news conference, reiterating their support for the law as they stood beside three women who were victimized by AI nudification.” MAYE QUADE: “I don’t see this as a free speech issue. … It’s pretty audacious to sue to prevent a law that protects children from being turned into child sexual abuse material.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45gty3H

COURTS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s court system is getting ready to disburse a round of grants to fortify judicial facilities around the state. The Legislature set aside $4 million for additional courthouse security. … Eligible counties can apply through Sept. 8 for the grants to buy security equipment, do assessments, train staff or make other improvements for safety reasons. The judicial branch will match half the cost. An advisory panel will make decisions on which applications will proceed sometime in November.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RJKa0r

METRO

MPLS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council will consider the nomination of Dr. Reginald Freeman as the city’s next fire chief on Thursday. The meeting comes after Freeman was grilled last week over his time leading fire departments in Oakland and Hartford, where allegations were made that the department had a history of harassment and discrimination. … Freeman himself was not named as a defendant [and] said he was hired to fix issues at those previous fire departments. … Freeman is the choice of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, but he still needs council approval.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3ToraoM

CAMDEN: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “For residents in north Minneapolis’ Camden neighborhood, blocked railroad crossings are a way of life — a near-daily occurrence that will eat up 15 minutes on a good day, and often many more than that. The blockages regularly make it hard for kids to get to school on time. Even more concerning, they stop ambulances and fire trucks. … Local officials recently got the wheels moving on up to $2 million in federal grant funds, to be buttressed by $500,000 from the city and railroad company, to survey the area and plan improvements to solve the problem once and for all. Still, hoped-for infrastructure changes are years away.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45ti90f

ANOKA CTY: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Anoka County Fair saw its highest attendance in more than 15 years, with 44,759 guests from July 21 through July 26. Viral social media campaigns and strong agricultural programming helped draw record crowds and engagement. Fair leadership is considering grandstand improvements to accommodate growing demand at major events. … Both Tuesday and Wednesday set new daily attendance records.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pPo6Oy

ACROSS MN

AUSTIN: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Austin Public Schools will be asking voters to approve nearly $25 million this November for improvements to its facilities. … The district said it has identified seven schools where updates are needed, and that the funding will go toward ‘safety, mitigate water infiltration, update building systems and finishes’ and complete needed repairs. … November’s referendum will be the second year in a row that Austin Public Schools has asked voters to support additional funding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fZR6Qe

DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Duluth Public Schools purchased the former home of the News Tribune in 2023 for $600,000, [and] the site has undergone approximately $16 million in renovations in preparation to house district services and education programs this fall. While crews are still working to finish the building’s interior, as of last week, the building officially has a new name — Duluth Central Education Services — following unanimous approval from the School Board.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pNw6zC

WASIOJA: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “In April of 1861, several seminarians and teachers walked out of their school building in the town of Wasioja in southeast Minnesota and marched into a recruiting station four blocks away to become among the first volunteers to fight for the Union Army in the Civil War. The buildings — or parts of them — are still there, and they’ve now been restored and are open to the public. About 70 people gathered [for] a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the culmination of the yearslong restoration project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h0XgAJ

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will interview candidates for two vacancies in the Seventh Judicial District.

TODAY: DFL Sen. Ann Rest will throw the ceremonial first pitch for Thursday’s Twins game at 12:20 p.m.

TODAY: SD35 DFL candidate Angela Nelson will host an affordability roundtable in Coon Rapids with “local residents and stakeholders,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TODAY: DFL Rep. Kelly Moller and GOP Rep. Paul Novotny, co-chairs of the House public safety committee, will host a bipartisan press conference to “spotlight important new domestic violence laws that will take effect on August 1,” per a release. Attendees will include GOP Rep. Marion Rarick, DFL Rep. Athena Hollins, GOP Rep. Peggy Scott, DFL Rep. Dave Pinto, DFL Sen. Bonny Westlin, DFL Sen. Heather Gustafson and DFL Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten. The event is at 3:30 p.m.

NEXT WEEK: Minnesota Farmfest runs from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 in Redwood County. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4pQIEGw

AUG 4-13: Fluence sponsor Xcel Energy and industry partners will host a series of open houses on their planned “PowerOn Midwest” electric transmission projects from Aug. 4 to Aug. 13. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4yHUlDi

SEPT 9: The IRRR Board is hosting its third annual “State of the Range” event in Chisholm on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: attorney Lyndsey Olson, writer Tricia Velure

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Nothing to Relish

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:15:14 GMT

IT’S STILL ONLY JULY

Lynx win they are .793 Twins win they are .500

The Twins will be buyers…STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4pHWpqG

Amazon saw the nation’s largest increase in grocery market share from June 2025 to June 2026, ahead of Target and all others. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4yKp6rl

As early primary voting begins, DFL Sen. Omar Fateh endorsed socialist candidate Francesca Hong for Wisconsin governor. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4yN5mTV

Iran is targeting U.S. military bases again, but its missiles have been intercepted so far. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4ftzDiY

Good to see friends at NCSL…in one week the Gubernatorial and Senate panel’s from FarmFest.

Meanwhile when the news gives you unbelievable content, we have to laugh or we might cry about the state of our politics.

Happy National Lasagna Day!

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured Rep. Angie Craig discussing her Senate campaign, the Iran war, the state of agriculture and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wZg8od

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

HOLD THE MUSTARD

We thought WWE Summer Slam was going to be the best soap opera of the week in Minneapolis but St. Paul stepped up and said…Brock Lesnar and Iyo Sky have nothing on us.

It’s still only July, and two weeks from today the general election field should be set.

However the news cycle suggests that Minnesota is not well, or at least the political players are not well. We’ll see if the previously schedule fundraiser with Mayor Kaohly Her and DFL legislators will still happen tonight. I’m not a prude, but I learned a new term yesterday. It’s not one I needed to know. Still not a sandwich.

The playbook for Mayor Hermay be taken from California Governor Gavin Newsom who as Mayor of San Francisco had a relationship with a staff member, she wrote about it in Vanity Fair yesterday. In that case, Newsom stepped out and admitted it to the public.

Meanwhile, rise of the DSA in the WSJ suggests that the mainstream inability to differentiate is likely more apathy than scrutiny. Via the WSJ, VERBATIM: “Just this month, the DSA called for defunding the Defense Department, abolishing police and getting rid of the Senate, and replacing the president and Supreme Court with representatives “chosen by and subordinate to Congress.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45sxdv0

Scrutiny may still happen, but the shrug from followers in cases like Maine give it less impact and the shrug from mainstream voters, who don’t tune-in deep reflects the despise of the entire political class.

It seems as though in Wisconsing DSA candidate Francesca Hong is favored to win the Democratic primary and will face Congressman Tom Tiffany. That would create quite the contrast in competitive candidates if Minnesota Republican’s choose Mike Lindell vs. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The thing about populism is that sometimes it too makes poor decisions. That gives us a reprise of the 2010 paths of both states.

It also makes us curious what the DFL primary voters, and delegates would have chosen in a competitive primary.

News that the Trump administration is ending prescription drug benefits connected to Medicare, has more potential for Democratic ads to hammer Republicans this Fall, and further strain the budgets and economic squeeze next year. NYT: https://fluence-media.co/4fD1hsD

If Lindell is the nominee, Republicans will be demoralized and Democrat leaders will quietly fret managing a trifecta that will require more discipline than the last.

The cyber attacks on water systems across the state are a reminder that basic local functions face challenges that we need to be prepared for, add that to fires and storms a reminder of the critical role of local government.

Finally, drivers test failures and a decline of 16 to 17 year olds to get their license to avoid classroom and behind the wheel adds to the head scratching. Via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Perhaps not surprisingly, the rise in failed driving tests coincides with a 24% increase in crashes resulting in a serious injury in the past five years. Serious injury crashes rose from 1,649 in fiscal 2021 to 2,037 in fiscal 2025, according to Minnesota’s Advisory Council on Traffic Safety, a state-mandated group established in 2023 to advise the governor and state agencies on reducing traffic deaths and serious injuries…Collins said she didn’t take driver’s ed because she didn’t want to take a structured class and be forced to put in the prescribed number of practice hours.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RXkNs2

MAYOR HER: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is being investigated after a formal sexual harassment complaint was filed against her. … St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed the formal complaint against the mayor, alleging that Her made inappropriate sexual comments toward him and other city employees. That document, which is addressed to the city attorney, [adds] that ‘litigation is reasonably foreseeable.’ Henry has participated in extensive interviews with investigators on at least two occasions. … The letter to the city attorney claims that Her ‘used one or more mobile phones to communicate inappropriate and, indeed, unlawful text messages.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3TJJWqB

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The City of St. Paul has hired an outside law firm to investigate [the] sexual harassment allegations against Mayor Kaohly Her. … [A] person familiar with the investigation said it also includes sexualized communications and unwanted physical contact from Her directed at [Axel] Henry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wpcd4f

FROM THE TRAIL

FUNDRAISING: The latest state-level fundraising reports from the Campaign Finance Board are now public. Reports from major candidates and party units covering Jan. 1 through July 20 are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4fXWaoe

GOVERNOR: Sen. Amy Klobuchar raised $9,312,380 with $4,480,911 on hand. Republican Mike Lindell raised $725,757 with $87,847 on hand. Speaker Lisa Demuth raised $553,430 with $456,443 on hand. Republican Kendall Qualls raised $411,888 with $67,466 on hand.
SEC OF STATE: Sec. Steve Simon raised $352,359 with $509,481 on hand. Republican Tad Jude raised $77,305 with $30,491 on hand.
ATTY GENERAL: A.G. Keith Ellison raised $748,132 with $733,951 on hand. Republican Ron Schutz raised $406,857 with $407,514 on hand.
AUDITOR: Republican Scott Jensen raised $110,339 with $60,534 on hand. DFLer Zack Filipovich raised $60,514 with $31,287 on hand. Republican Nate George raised $44,513 with $23,429 on hand.
PARTIES: The Minnesota GOP raised $959,166 with $212,475 on hand. The Minnesota DFL raised $7,758,135 with $3,528,980 on hand.
CAUCUSES: House Republicans raised $1,018,954 with $1,654,767 on hand. House DFLers raised $2,825,044 with $2,465,404 on hand. Senate Republicans raised $1,460,572 with $3,211,647 on hand. Senate DFLers raised $2,946,066 with $3,672,138 on hand.

LINDELL: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Republican primary voters who want to know how pillow mogul Mike Lindell is spending his campaign dollars won’t have much to go on. … The campaign’s last reported expense for the MyPillow CEO’s campaign was on June 30 — $545 to reimburse mileage, according to the campaign’s pre-primary finance report. It reported no expenses in July. … Lindell [said] the campaign has spent about $200,000 recently, but it only got billed for the charges in the past few days — after the campaign finance reporting period. The $200,000 in expenses should show up in the next campaign finance report, Lindell said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45zeT3n

MOVE: Longtime Lindell advisor and previous campaign manager Rick Weible has left the campaign.

DFL POLL: The Democratic Lt. Governors Association released a poll of 672 likely DFL primary voters in Minnesota. Results are summarized below. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4x8riY6

SENATE: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan leads the DFL Senate primary at 46% with Rep. Angie Craig at 32% and “undecided” at 22%.
FAVORABILITY: Views on Flanagan are 49% favorable, 17% unfavorable and 34% unsure. Views on Craig are 48% favorable, 22% unfavorable and 29% unsure.
TRUMP: Among surveyed DFLers, Pres. Donald Trump has 4% approval and 94% disapproval with 2% unsure.
CRYPTO: Respondents’ views on cryptocurrency are 5% favorable, 78% unfavorable and 17% unsure.

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

TECH

DEEPFAKES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company is suing Minnesota over a first-in-the-nation law banning technology that allows users to create and post deepfake videos or images of people naked without their consent. … The law passed the Legislature this year with nearly unanimous support and is set to take effect on Saturday. … Attorneys for the company say, if enacted, the law would significantly abridge Grok and Grok Imagine users’ First Amendment rights. The company’s legal complaint said should the law take hold this week, the platform will limit services for users in the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fttoM4

PREDICTIONS: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today signed an executive order to prevent state employees from using nonpublic information for insider trading on prediction markets, following a federal judge’s preliminary injunction blocking Minnesota from implementing a law banning prediction markets. … The restriction applies whether an employee realizes a profit or incurs a loss from a transaction. Employees who violate the order may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x7eQaQ

ROBOCALLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s attorney general is urging federal regulators to tighten phone company rules aimed at blocking illegal robocalls. … Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Tuesday that he joined a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to strengthen its ‘Know Your Customer’ rules. The coalition is asking the FCC to verify who is using their networks to stop unlawful calls.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x5YuPE

CYBERATTACKS: Via MinnPost, an update on the cyberattacks covered in yesterday’s morning take. VERBATIM: “A coordinated cyberattack on more than 30 Minnesota community drinking water systems this week is the latest in a growing number of cyberattacks on drinking water systems nationwide. … Only four of the estimated 30 systems affected have been publicized: Braham, Maple Plain, Plymouth and South St. Paul. The rest of the systems that were affected are classified as ‘nonpublic,’ according to a spokesperson at Minnesota IT Services. … The source of the attack is currently being investigated by state and federal agencies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pMs0b0

CAMPAIGNS

DNC: via NOTUS, VERBATIM: “A thief scammed the cash-strapped Democratic National Committee out of nearly $29,000 last year, according to interviews with committee officials and previously unreported federal records. … An unknown party sent a fraudulent email to a committee staffer pretending to be Chairman Ken Martin. … The staffer, who is no longer at the DNC, made a payment to the fraudster. … The committee caught the error within minutes and reported it to its financial institution, [but] could only recover $7,000 of the lost money. The theft is one of numerous high-profile swindles from prominent political committees — liberal and conservative alike.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w04ZTs

CD1: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced that CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson has been added to its “highly competitive Red to Blue program,” per a release, which “arms top-tier candidates with organizational and fundraising support.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4frYYtK

CD2: Via WCCO-TV, a look at how the three DFLers in the CD2 primary are differentiating themselves. VERBATIM: “State Rep. Kaela Berg’s ads tout her as a working mom, while state Sen. Matt Klein is making health care his central issue. Former state senator and former Lakeville Mayor Matt Little is focusing on his experience. Berg and Little are the more progressive candidates, while Klein is running as the Angie Craig-style moderate. ‘[Klein] is positioning himself very openly as the one who can win [a] swing district,’ said political analyst Larry Jacobs.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44Yw6mL

MORE: KARE 11 has published interviews with the three major DFL primary candidates in CD2 plus Republican Eric Pratt. DFLers Matt Little, Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Kaela Berg will face a competitive primary on Aug. 11. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fsNF4x

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

Subscribe now

RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “With understaffing a longtime problem at the Ramsey County jail, county commissioners on Tuesday approved hiring an additional 32 workers. … The commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the county manager to transfer up to $1 million from the county’s general contingency account to this year’s sheriff’s office operating budget for the jail to begin hiring immediately.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bd85Mo

MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, the Minneapolis NAACP called on city officials to do more to help people at the dilapidated Heritage Park housing development in north Minneapolis and said it may take legal action on behalf of the residents. Minneapolis NAACP Vice President Thomas Berry said some units have mice coming out of stoves and toilets and demanded city leaders stop dragging their feet and get all of the tenants moved out.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4z15teO

FRIDLEY: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “At a Fridley City Council meeting, [residents] voiced concerns over the usage of Flock cameras and its data while officials explained how the system works. Access to the city’s automated license plate reader data is now limited to Minnesota law enforcement agencies, with immigration-related searches disabled. Residents expressed both support and concerns about privacy and surveillance.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3TZtti6

ACROSS MN

RPS: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Three incumbents and eight challengers have filed to run for the four open positions on the Rochester School Board during the November election. … The Rochester School Board voted not to host a primary, so all the candidates will proceed to the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. … The four candidates to win the election will serve four-year terms on the seven-member governing body and will join the sitting board members. … This will be the first election cycle in more than 50 years under a [no primary] system.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fA0gl6

BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “Childcare for All has gained notable traction across the state, including the Bemidji area. … Childcare for All [supporters] were handily represented during a ‘Candidate and Community Conversation’ event. … Local [DFL] candidates served on a panel for a discussion on their plans for universal childcare. Panelists included U.S. House Congressional District 8 candidate Trina Swanson, Minnesota Senate District 2 candidate Dan Rogers and Minnesota House 2A candidate Reed Olson. Minnesota House 2B candidate Emily Thabes was unable to attend.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xcUP2U

WILLMAR: via West Central Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Willmar City Council will conduct interviews for two of the finalists for the Willmar city administrator position on Thursday, July 30. … Andrew Lathrop is scheduled to be interviewed at 6:30 p.m. and Kyle Box is scheduled to be interviewed at 7:30 p.m. … A third finalist announced earlier has declined a final interview.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bhl5jY

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will take part in a groundbreaking for Lohmann Therapy Systems.

TODAY: DFL Sen. Erin Maye Quade will host a press conference at 10:30 a.m. to highlight a new ban on AI “nudification” technology that takes effect on Saturday, Aug. 1.

TODAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community forum on the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health on Wednesday, July 29 in Faribault at 6:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: SD35 DFL candidate Angela Nelson will host an affordability roundtable in Coon Rapids with “local residents and stakeholders,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TOMORROW: DFL Sen. Ann Rest will throw the ceremonial first pitch for Thursday’s Twins game at 12:20 p.m.

TOMORROW: DFL Rep. Kelly Moller and GOP Rep. Paul Novotny, co-chairs of the House public safety committee, will host a bipartisan press conference to “spotlight important new domestic violence laws that will take effect on August 1,” per a release. Attendees will include GOP Rep. Marion Rarick, DFL Rep. Athena Hollins, GOP Rep. Peggy Scott, DFL Rep. Dave Pinto, DFL Sen. Bonny Westlin, DFL Sen. Heather Gustafson and DFL Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten. The event is at 3:30 p.m.

NEXT WEEK: Minnesota Farmfest runs from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 in Redwood County. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4pQIEGw

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: MSPBJ’s Dirk DeYoung, fmr. Rep. Andy Dawkins, public affairs veteran Patrick Sexton and belated to MN Banker’s super walker Therese Kuvaas

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Two Weeks Out

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:11:01 GMT

THE PRIMARY SPRINT

Vikings Training Camp starts Saturday.

Twins host KC. Lynx host Toronto.

The “Purple Rain” musical is heading to Broadway for a March 2027 premiere. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/3Tn752c

The Boundary Waters will be partially reopened for overnight camping on Thursday. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/4wJYB41

Parts of Minnesota hit 100 degrees yesterday for the first time since 2022. NWS: https://fluence-media.co/4fVMvP0

Average gas prices in the Twin Cities ($4.09) are higher than the U.S. average ($4.06). FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/45vM1cg

Frustrated campaign treasurers had issues uploading campaign finance reports yesterday. Another place where state technology needs some modernizing?

Fluence tip sheets will share statewide campaign finance data this week when it is publicly available. Always follow the Fluence Election Tracker for the latest.

It was a Three Dots and a Dash kind a Monday.

Happy National Milk Chocolate Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

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

DEBATE: Via MPR News, a recap of the last debate between Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan before the Aug. 11 primary. VERBATIM: “The candidates had a series of tense back-and-forths during the one-hour debate [with] immigration enforcement and fraud as key policy issues separating their campaigns. … Both candidates support a path to universal healthcare coverage, but split on the best plan to get there. Craig said she wants to see a public option that lets a government-run health insurance plan compete with private insurance. Flanagan, meanwhile, supported expanding Medicare to cover everyone. … Both candidates said they would rally their supporters behind the other candidate if they came up short in the primary.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vUgUC7

CRAIG: “The lieutenant governor, even as we sit here today, continues to take absolutely no accountability for any of the fraud issues, and she continues to blame the governor. And I’m going to be honest: It’s pissing me off.”
FLANAGAN: “Voting three days into the second Trump Administration for Donald Trump’s immigration bill that allowed him to terrorize our communities, the loss of life, the economic impact, the trauma — it’s horrific [and] disqualifying.”

TAKE: The swirl of news in the US Senate race peaked two weeks early, unless of course there is more. When Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan launched her US Senate campaign she deserved the opportunity to create her own profile, her own theme, and she’s done that. That said, ignoring the Walz-Flanagan “partnership” that she and Gov. Tim Walz trumpeted for six years isn’t authentic.

The endorsement of First Lady Gwen Walz on Monday confirms that despite Flanagan’s statement on the radio with Jason DeRusha a few weeks ago that there is “no palace intrigue” – there is. It’s not a secret, as you recall Gov. Walz hadn’t asked Flanagan to be his running mate for the 2^nd term until we raised the question in morning take. We did that at the prompting of Team Flanagan members who fed it to us – less than a year before the 2022 election.

Then there was a blow up when Walz returned from his VP tour, run Flanagan’s Chief of Staff was relieved of his duties – Flanagan was iced out of meetings, including the “welcome back” rally. Relationships are hard, but if Walz-Flanagan were a marriage they have been separated waiting to file the papers since December 2024.

Like most Minnesotans who downplay conflict – Walz and Flanagan have been masterfully passive about it. However, should Senators be passive? Lt. Governors and Governors often have falling out – but optics first mentality isn’t a winning political combination. These are questions that voters should ask themselves.

Flanagan was less passive in Monday’s MPR debate but still has a tough time hitting an issue head on and answering tough questions– but rather just “pivots” to critiquing Craig. The reality is Flanagan isn’t addressing the critiques of her own role as Lt. Gov. and it should be concerning.

The lack of tough reps is an issue for Flanagan and it shows, and by some accounts she has borrowed the bubble wrap from the Walz self-storage when doing tough questions artist. If Flanagan were to do more debates, or tougher interviews, she’d be better prepared for the race – and DC. She may still win, but will she just be a rubber stamp for the Sanders-Warren agenda? or Will she have her own voice like every Senator in Minnesota history? Time will tell – and so will the votes.

Polling as of three weeks ago shows that by nearly 3 to 1, fiscal management (fraud) is the top issue, Flanagan has more accountability on the issue than any other Minnesota – except Tim Walz. Craig has gone after Flanagan’s record as the leader of the Walz administration on housing and the lack of meetings from the Capitol Security Advisory Committee deserve more questions – and answers directly from Flanagan. The closing question from Craig about how much Flanagan has been in the office since launching her Senate campaign is fair and something that all Minnesotans deserve an answer to. Afterall, they paid her salary – while she ran for the Senate.

Craig has taken the heat on the Laken Riley Act, and she admitted a mistake. Like Walz, Flanagan has trouble admitting mistakes. It’s a lost gift of our leaders.

The people who served with her in the Walz administration know her best for the last eight years. First a picture with Gus, now an endorsement from Gwen to help Craig.

The whole story will be saved for my book – but if the Walz family doesn’t think Flanagan should win – will DFL core DFL primary voters have more second thoughts? Probably, over the next two weeks.

PREDICTIONS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A federal judge has blocked a law that would have banned prediction markets from operating in Minnesota. … District Judge Katherine Menendez granted a preliminary injunction to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Kalshi and Polymarket, at least temporarily blocking the law that would have gone into effect on Aug. 1.” The injunction is available online. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3TXhaCY INJUNCTION: https://fluence-media.co/4bfyb1h

MORE: Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan were asked about prediction markets during their debate yesterday, which happened before the state’s ban was blocked in court. Both candidates supported additional regulations on sites like Polymarket and Kalshi, adding that they have never wagered on these sites. READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vUgUC7

RESPONSE: via Office of the MN Atty. General, STATEMENT: “We respectfully disagree with the Court’s determination that the proper ‘status quo’ to maintain is one that allows predatory gambling apps to proliferate. However, we also acknowledge that the Court has been presented with complex legal issues that are difficult to decide quickly and without a fully developed record. We look forward to continuing to litigate this case.”

NEW AD: The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) is airing a new ad against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, calling her “too extreme for Minnesota.” The ad begins with footage of Flanagan wearing a headscarf and saying a common Arabic greeting before a narrator says Minnesotans will “reject her” because she’s “promising to work with Bernie Sanders to obstruct Donald Trump.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Rug8xD

LINDELL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Mike Lindell campaigns for Minnesota’s highest office, a pack of creditors is chasing him in court, seeking more than $25 million from his company. … A longtime slipper supplier won a $15.4 million judgment against MyPillow in December, while a court awarded Federal Express nearly $9 million in August. MyPillow has also been hit with at least six more court judgments in the past 18 months totaling $2.3 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hBI25f

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

UP NORTH

SPECIAL SESSION? via MPR, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz says a special session may indeed happen and that economic help for areas near the BWCA wildfires should be considered. … WALZ: ‘I would encourage them to consider, what does a relief package look like? We haven’t done anything with that yet, but I think that’s something to put out there.’ … Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said a proposal to issue relief for businesses and communities affected by the federal government’s immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota should also be part of the conversation. … House Speaker Lisa Demuth said more information is needed before a special session could come together.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vRGKqg

WILDFIRES: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today traveled to Ely in northeastern Minnesota where he received a briefing on the spread of wildfires and met with wildfire crews, local officials, first responders, and impacted residents. … Containment across all fires is currently 53% with 1,066 personnel working on emergency response. Outside the BWCAW, crews are working to strengthen containment lines, address concentrated pockets of heat, including ash pits, and ensure structure protection. Inside the BWCAW, crews are focused on securing fire perimeters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fp2K75

DOGE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A fire-prevention plan to thin the Superior National Forest of dead trees was held up by the Trump Administration’s DOGE last year. … Some of those woods off the Echo Trail near Ely are now burning, raising the question of whether any of the forest fires blazing in Northeast Minnesota could have been blunted by allowing the previously approved plan to move forward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hAx1RN

DNR: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resource (DNR) is introducing new regulations when it comes to deer hunting ahead of the upcoming season. … The biggest change for the coming year involves the monitoring of chronic wasting disease, [with] the state now moving to a four-year statewide rotational surveillance plan. The entirety of Minnesota is now divided into four quadrants, Hunters in each quadrant will be required to have all deer harvested during the firearms opening weekend that are older than one-year-old tested for CWD, depending on the year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yFRH0Q

DC + MN

HOSPITALS: via KFF, VERBATIM: “The Consumer Product Safety Commission [is] discreetly pressuring hospital executives this year to share personally identifiable health data with a private contractor. But hospital lawyers and other industry experts have questioned the agency’s authority to collect, its ability to safeguard such a swath of sensitive information, and whether it has followed the legal process. … Several of the nation’s busiest hospital systems targeted for the program — including the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota — [have] declined to answer questions about whether they’re participating.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pLgYTk

DHS: via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “Three people who observed federal immigration enforcement [said] in a federal lawsuit filed Friday that the Department of Homeland Security illegally recorded them and revoked their status in the department’s trusted traveler programs. The suit, filed in the Southern District of California, says the administration violated a federal privacy law. … In Minnesota, legal observers tailing DHS agents in a car would commonly be led back to their own home addresses, according to the suit. … Nicole Cleland, a Minnesota woman who is one of the individual plaintiffs in the suit, said Global Entry status was revoked three days after an encounter with a Border Patrol agent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pLgKvs

TPS: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig recently joined Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) in introducing legislation to protect Temporary Protected Statuses (TPS). … The Temporary Protected Status Review Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to follow a clear, evidence-based process before terminating TPS and allow Congress to reverse TPS terminations under the Congressional Review Act.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wtoSmU

DISABILITIES: via Rep. Betty McCollum advisory, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), along with Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R, PA-15), re-introduced a bipartisan resolution today recognizing July as Disability Pride Month. … The introduction of this resolution coincides with the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law, and serves as a reminder of the many accomplishments and contributions Americans with disabilities make to our country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yKn4r8

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

Subscribe now

ISSUES

SOLAR: via MPR, VERBATIM: “For decades, central Minnesota’s Sherburne County Generating Station, known as Sherco, burned thousands of tons of coal every day to generate electricity…The plant’s owner, Xcel Energy, is winding down operations in the next few years. Xcel is building a massive solar energy facility at the Sherco site near Becker and Clear Lake to replace some of the electricity produced by coal…With the completion of its third phase, the project is now one of the largest solar facilities in the U.S. Xcel has plans to make it even bigger. MOLUS: “We’re obviously the largest in the state of Minnesota, and one of the largest in the Midwest for sure,” senior operations manager of Sherco Solar Luke Molus said… The third phase of Sherco Solar began delivering electricity to the grid at the end of June. Combined, the three phases produce 710 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 150,000 homes. MAST: “It’s really helping to elevate Minnesota as a leader when it comes to the clean energy transition,” said Gregg Mast, executive director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, an industry-led nonprofit. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x6VKSi

CYBERATTACKS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “At least five Minnesota communities were targets of cyberattacks Monday. … South St. Paul, Plymouth and Braham each confirmed Monday that their water systems were impacted. … Officials say it didn’t affect the water quality or safety, [but] Braham’s water plant was shut down and the city had to tap into its water tower. … Plymouth city officials say their cellular communications within the water system were attacked overnight, and crews have continued operating as normal. In South St. Paul, city officials say some automated controls were impacted, but public works was able to maintain normal operations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vOOOIn

MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “[Braham] city officials also said they were told ‘at least four other communities’ were subject to the same type of cyberattack. The City of Braham statement did not identify those other communities, but it said the state of Minnesota was providing assistance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c8InsD

DATA CENTERS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “July was supposed to be the starting month of construction that would transform a sprawling farm field in [Pine Island] into Google’s next hyperscale data center. … The project sits stuck in the mud, however, by order of another authority — a Goodhue County judge who has paused its construction, giving opponents time to plead their legal case against it. … Across Minnesota and the country, concern over data centers has grown into a full-blown movement, capturing the press, focusing alarm at emerging AI technology and becoming a litmus test for political candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vTJDXE

DOLLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A University of Minnesota program involving transgender therapy for children is under intense national scrutiny [from] conservative outlets. … ‘MyGender Dolls’ [are] a project from the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health at the University of Minnesota. … [But] MyGender Dolls will not be in public schools this year. The MyGender Dolls are a therapeutic tool for use by licensed professionals.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bQP7eD

METRO

MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis leaders are weighing budget cuts and a possible property tax increase as the city faces a $30 million shortfall. Minneapolis City Council member Michael Rainville said property taxes could rise 13% if the city keeps the same services, staffing and equipment levels. … Mayor Jacob Frey is set to address the city on Aug. 12 and lay out his budget plans. His office did not confirm the 13% estimate, which Rainville said came from them.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pIHM6t

ANOKA CTY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Flock safety cameras dot parking lots and streets around the Twin Cities – and soon, more will be on the way to the north metro. … The Anoka County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to KARE 11 that it has entered into a new contracted pilot program at a cost of $174,500. That program will bring additional automated license plate readers [and] Drone-Assisted Response. … What’s come to the forefront of the conversation for some, however, is the data that is collected [and] the cost of the contract.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fYkUwB

ST PAUL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “St. Paul residents should expect some form of a property tax increase as the city works to close a $26 million budget deficit for next year. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her said she is still making final changes before presenting her budget to the St. Paul City Council. She said the city is weighing cuts and higher taxes to resolve the budget shortfall. … ‘It would be impossible,’ Her said when asked if the deficit could be fixed without raising taxes. … Her said a hiring freeze is also a possibility. She also said if property taxes go up, it will be a single-digit increase.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RBZFHx

ROBBINSDALE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Pushback is growing surrounding a metro school district’s ask to voters for what could be a more than $400 million bond referendum. … The Robbinsdale Area School Board approved three ballot questions for voters this November, possibly increasing their property taxes to support the transformation and renovation of schools. … If they all pass, the district would secure $413 million, which leads to an average property tax increase of $25 per month for district residents. … An effort to push back against this has grown.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4c3XVxK

ACROSS MN

DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The City of Duluth will have a full-time sustainability officer again. In a news release Monday, the city said it hired Annaka Peterson to serve as sustainability and resiliency officer. Peterson, who has both domestic and international work experience, will start Aug. 10 — nearly 18 months after Mindy Granley, the city’s first sustainability officer, left.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RAWHmE

BYRON: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “With the possibility that voters could give school districts across the state a modest increase in funding, Byron Public Schools is trying to get out the word about [voting on] a constitutional amendment. … Although each district would benefit, Byron’s district plans to emphasize its importance to local voters. … Superintendent Nate Walbruch explained that he plans for the district to raise awareness about the amendment similar to the way it did last year, when the district hosted a referendum and asked voters to approve an operating levy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x0P5ZJ

CROW WING CTY: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Crow Wing County commissioners agreed during a Committee of the Whole meeting [to] increase the amount of money it pays to funeral homes for indigent cremations. Kara Terry, Crow Wing County Community Services director, explained state statute requires counties to pay for the burial of residents who do not have the means to pay for such services themselves or through their families. … [But] the cremation fee, she said, has risen over the years, while burial costs remain steady.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x0YIYs

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events today.

TODAY: The Minneapolis NAACP will host a press conference to “address ongoing concerns” regarding the Heritage Homes public housing project and “demand accountability,” per a release. The event is at 1:00 p.m.

TODAY: The MN Dept. of Health will host a public hearing on Aspirus Health’s closure of the Lake View Silver Bay Clinic on Tuesday, July 28 in Two Harbors at 6:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community forum on the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health on Wednesday, July 29 in Faribault at 6:00 p.m.

THURSDAY: SD35 DFL candidate Angela Nelson will host an affordability roundtable in Coon Rapids with “local residents and stakeholders,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

THURSDAY: DFL Rep. Kelly Moller and GOP Rep. Paul Novotny, co-chairs of the House public safety committee, will host a bipartisan press conference to “spotlight important new domestic violence laws that will take effect on August 1,” per a release. Attendees will include GOP Rep. Marion Rarick, DFL Rep. Athena Hollins, GOP Rep. Peggy Scott, DFL Rep. Dave Pinto, DFL Sen. Bonny Westlin, DFL Sen. Heather Gustafson and DFL Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten. The event is at 3:30 p.m.

NEXT WEEK: Minnesota Farmfest runs from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 in Redwood County. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4pQIEGw

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: WCCO Radio’s Jordana Greene, Blue Earth Commissioner Kevin Paap and a a belated to MBP’s Jeremiah Winstedt yesterday

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Hot Summer Senate Race

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:24:37 GMT

HUMID MONDAY

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year, so far. Twins win.

Jackson Koivun won the 3M Open, which is becoming a guaranteed fun finish tournament.

The Minnesota Vixen won their first national championship in women’s football. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4fmc9wd

Officials will announce today whether parts of the Boundary Waters will reopen for overnight camping on Thursday. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/45tK7ZG

Two MNDOT messes - the 394 pinch point that will never be fixed: STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4fmKdIy

An opening date for SWLRT will be announced this fall – four years late. Hold you’re breath. FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/4wt1Lc6

The White House admitted in court that it has canceled grants “based solely” on a state’s political leaning. NYT: https://fluence-media.co/4hzeUvv

Sunday Take featured Rep. Angie Craig discussing her Senate campaign, the Iran war, the state of agriculture and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wZg8od

Happy National Crème Brûlée Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

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

BRING THE 🔥

First in morning take, via news release later this AM, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Senate DFL is proud to announce it has raised more than $2.9 million in 2026, bringing our two-year cycle raise over $5 million dollars. The Senate DFL has more than $3.6 million cash-on-hand.”

State level finance reports out today, which will give a strong glimpse into the strength of gubernatorial campaigns.

TODAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig will debate on MPR today at 11:00 a.m. They should debate more.

SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As the primary election nears on Aug. 11, some of the progressive movement’s biggest national figures are descending on Minnesota, underscoring the primary’s importance as a test of whether the left’s political energy can translate into victory in a high-profile statewide race. Minnesota’s contest is one of several closely watched Democratic primaries across the Midwest. … [Angie] Craig questions whether the out-of-state push for [Peggy] Flanagan will work and wonders if their progressive momentum will have the same effect in Minnesota. … Flanagan [has] argued voters are looking for ‘big, bold change.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yNwx14

MORE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Watching the barrage of attack ads appearing on Minnesota TV screens, it’s clear that U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have a lot of negative things to say about one another…They and groups supporting their campaigns have fired back and forth on where campaign money is coming from, and blamed each other on issues including fraud and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies…But with about two weeks to go before the Aug. 11 primary election which will decide which DFL candidate is on the November ballot, the ads haven’t said much about healthcare or other issues where the candidates differ. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4gTttd8

MN GOP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Michele Tafoya has promised Republicans something that is all too rare for GOP candidates in Minnesota: cash. … Democrats have long outspent Republicans in statewide races, making candidates with proven fundraising ability especially attractive to a GOP hoping to end its 20-year losing streak. But Tafoya first has to convince Republican primary voters [to] value financial firepower as much as party leaders do. … A similar dynamic is playing out in the governor’s race. … Compared with her GOP rivals, [Lisa Demuth] is far better positioned.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pHlv9m

GOV RACE: via Klobuchar for Governor, VERBATIM: “Senator Amy Klobuchar today announced her plan to make health care more affordable and accessible for Minnesotans. Her plan includes proposals to reduce premiums and prescription drug costs, protect access to health care by strengthening rural health care and safety-net hospitals and clinics, and support medical innovation and Minnesota’s health care workforce. … Highlights [include] strengthening Minnesota’s bipartisan reinsurance program [and] expanding bulk purchasing, making lower-cost generics and biosimilars more available, and ending predatory practices by pharmacy benefit managers.” POLICIES: https://fluence-media.co/3ToaBcv

RESPONSE: via GOP Chair Alex Plechash statement, PLECHASH: “[Amy] Klobuchar was one of the 60 deciding votes for Obamacare and has spent nearly 20 years in the United States Senate. After all that time in Washington, her big answer is to convene employers, partner with institutions, launch an innovation network, build another cost-comparison tool and advocate for the federal government to act. That is not a plan to lower health-care costs. It is a plan to hold meetings about lowering health-care costs.”

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

THE FEED

LT GOVS: Forum News Service has a profile on the four major lieutenant governor candidates in Minnesota ahead of the August primaries. READ: https://fluence-media.co/45qwFpw

CD5: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “In previous years, candidates running against [Rep. Ilhan] Omar in the DFL primary raised millions of dollars, but that is not the case this year. Omar is facing several DFL challengers, none of whom has more than $100,000 in the bank. … [It’s] the first time she is not facing a major primary opponent. Omar says a top priority for her remains the president’s immigration crackdown. This weekend, she visited the Whipple Federal Building, where immigration detainees are held.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44M35dY

DATA CENTERS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Across Greater Minnesota, the debate over data centers has energized citizens on the left and right both, many with little to no political experience. The fight to stop these often massive digital warehouses companies want for booming cloud computing and artificial intelligence demand has begun to reshape local politics. … Nearly a dozen city councils and county boards in Greater Minnesota have voted on data center moratoriums. … It may surprise some how much the political energy generated by data centers will sway elections this fall, said Sarah Mooradian, government relations and policy director at Cure.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vX71Uh

MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “For the last several months, Harmony city officials have worked on a draft ordinance that would define the kind of data center to be built in Harmony. A proposed ordinance is set to be rolled out at a public meeting on Aug. 5. … Harmony Mayor Steve Donney [said] it would be a ‘small’ data center [and] its growth and operations would be restricted by the proposed ordinance. … [But] opponents aren’t placated at the moment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fGjgyp

TRANSIT: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Metro Transit has spent the past five years planning and implementing sturdier safety and security objectives. … Metro Transit leaders have been acknowledged for their ongoing efforts [with] the Gold Award in the Safe, Effective and Clean category. … Yet, this national recognition does not translate to overt enthusiasm in the average Twin Cities rider. Based on feedback to the Pioneer Press, the perception of riding Metro Transit still feels largely negative to many frequent riders. Riders especially described hesitance to ride the trains, with several telling a reporter it was a ‘last resort.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x5lzCd

PET MEDS: Via MPR News, Minnesota is the fourth state in the U.S. to legalize the donation of unused, unexpired veterinary drugs to animals in need. The other states that have adopted this law are Rhode Island, Nevada and Colorado. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fV03u1

NATIONAL

MARTIN: via the NYT, VERBATIM: “The Democratic Party is so short on cash that leaders at its headquarters have undertaken a new gambit to mask the severity of the problems: asking vendors not to send bills until after the midterm elections…At the center is Ken Martin, the 53-year-old party chairman, who has found himself increasingly isolated, gripped by the fear that he will lose his job and relying on a vanishingly small circle of people he trusts, according to interviews with more than two dozen Democrats, including current and former D.N.C. officials and members. Most of them spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the party’s troubled state of affairs…Mr. Martin’s fraying nerves are showing. In a pique of frustration in early July, he threw his phone at the desk of a junior aide while upbraiding the person. The phone-tossing incident resulted in a formal complaint to the D.N.C.’s human resources department.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4woVj5M

MORE: via NOTUS, VERBATIM: “The Democratic National Committee put its physical headquarters up for collateral last year in order to obtain a $15 million line of credit to help invest in off-year elections, according to D.C. deed records not previously reported. … A Democrat close to the DNC said Ken Martin, the beleaguered Democratic Party chair, has struggled to convince donors to maximize their contributions, which has contributed to the small cash-on-hand total. Martin is under particularly close scrutiny [as] the subject of an internal human resources inquiry after throwing a phone in the direction of a young aide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yGOWw7

CHURCH: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A federal judge in a rare move on Friday ordered the federal government to turn over testimony and evidence presented to a grand jury in the conspiracy case of 38 people arrested at a protest at a St. Paul church in January. … Judge Douglas Micko will examine the documents to see whether the government misled jurors as they decided whether to indict. The grand jury indictment process is typically secret, but the Justice Department’s actions during grand jury proceedings against protesters gained additional scrutiny after a federal judge in Chicago uncovered prosecutorial misconduct in a [separate] case. … Micko [said] the federal government must get him the information by Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gTj5SF

SNAP: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A little over a year ago, Congress approved a ‘big, beautiful bill’ that established President Donald Trump’s legislative priorities. The legislation’s cuts to the food stamp program resulted in a loss of food aid for 1.5 million children from July of last year until March. … SNAP participation nationwide fell by more than 4.5 million, or nearly 11%. It dropped less in Minnesota, where participation in the program dropped by 3.52%, or about 16,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yIUNRN

CANADA: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Wildfire smoke is once again straining relationships between Minnesota and its neighbor to the north. … U.S. Reps. Brad Finstad and Pete Stauber signed a letter [last] week accusing Canada of violating an international air pollution treaty. But experts say many factors lead to smoky skies. … A significant portion of the air pollution last week came from wildfires ignited by lightning on Minnesota’s side of the border.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fo1cu8

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

Subscribe now

DC + MN

USPS: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General to provide Minnesota with the necessary resources and support for postal operations impacted by wildfires.” EXCERPT: “We have heard from constituents who are concerned about mail delays resulting from the wildfires. … We urge you to ensure that Minnesota post offices receive the resources and support needed to maintain reliable service.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4bg1YXA

JET FUEL: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) attended and delivered remarks at the Flint Hill Resources ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending facility hosted by the Minnesota SAF Hub. SAF is an innovative, certified alternative jet fuel produced using renewable feedstocks.” FINSTAD: “This blending facility helps turn SAF from an idea into a real opportunity for both our agriculture and aviation economies.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yGRR8h

(DISCLOSURE: Delta and Flint Hills Resources are Fluence client partners)

INSECTICIDE: via Rep. Michelle Fischbach advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) led a coalition of colleagues in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the agency [to] restore access to Chlorpyrifos, a vital insecticide relied upon by American farmers. … Fischbach was joined in the letter by US Representatives [including] Brad Finstad [and] Pete Stauber.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4fmbNFT

METRO

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A hallmark of [former] St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s time in office was the creation of an Office of Financial Empowerment dedicated to opening new doors for low-income residents. … It’s one of several social programs the new mayor has inherited from her predecessor. … But not all have survived the transition from one administration to another, and more cuts are possible. [Kaohly] Her, in a series of public discussions over budget priorities, has already put voters and property taxpayers on notice that the 2027 budget will be an especially difficult one, as inflation and other pressures have created a $26 million gulf that will need to be balanced by the time she delivers her budget address in August.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fmgvn0

MPLS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “After years of planning, the Minneapolis VA Medical Center officially opened its new Women’s Health Center on Friday, creating a dedicated space designed to better serve women veterans. The ribbon-cutting marks a significant milestone for the VA, as women are one of the fastest-growing veteran populations in the country.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wYNH9Z

OAKDALE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Oakdale officials have given the developers planning to build a 126-unit apartment building and 12 townhomes on the west side of Tanners Lake until Tuesday, July 28, to show that they have proof of financing. If McGlynn Partners LLC and Tanners Lake LLC don’t show proof of financing and make ‘some financial commitments to the city’ by that date, the development agreement will be revoked and the purchase agreement won’t be signed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45olH3N

ACROSS MN

SARTELL: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The Sartell City Council will consider approving the city’s 10-year future financial management plan and design for the Southwest water transmission line project during its meeting [today]. … The 10-year financial management plan, while not binding, is designed to guide future [financial] strategies. … The plan recommends incremental municipal utility rate growth and property tax levy increases within the next decade to meet future infrastructure demands and finance capital improvements, all while ‘working toward a flat tax rate over time.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RDGVrl

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Progress on a state-mandated study of potential new Rochester Public Utilities water sources is being made. The Rochester City Council is slated to receive an update during its 3:30 p.m. study session Monday, with the city’s Public Utility Board receiving a similar presentation during its 4 p.m. meeting Tuesday. … Initial steps have revolved around gathering information and projecting future needs through 2065.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x5WFCx

BEMIDJI: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “All Pints North is trading Duluth for Bemidji for its 15th annual event next summer. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild revealed Friday that its summertime craft beer festival will continue in Bemidji’s Paul Bunyan Park following its final stint in Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park this August.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RuxuKQ

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will visit Ely for a wildfire briefing with officials at 10:15 a.m.

TODAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost will host a “youth voices meet and greet” in Minneapolis at 6:30 p.m.

TOMORROW: The MN Dept. of Health will host a public hearing on Aspirus Health’s closure of the Lake View Silver Bay Clinic on Tuesday, July 28 in Two Harbors at 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community forum on the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health on Wednesday, July 29 in Faribault at 6:00 p.m.

THURSDAY: Senate District 35 DFL candidate Angela Nelson will host an affordability roundtable in Coon Rapids with “local residents and stakeholders,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: MBP’s Sarah Barten, Rep. Keith Allen, Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart, lobbyist Joel Uland, lobbyist Steve Rubis

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Questionable Affidavits from Metro Surge

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:58:43 GMT

IT’S THE WEEKEND

Twins win.

Medtronic calls workers back to the office. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4wfze9H

Minnesota’s average gas prices are back above $4/gallon — up 18 cents in one week. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4ftUOjI

Target commemorated the opening of its largest location in Kentucky with a social media spot featuring Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44Q7VH4

Sen. Tina Smith endorsed Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, the fourth sitting senator to do so. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wYiUdq

The White House announced new tariffs on over 80 nations that go into effect today. CNBC: https://fluence-media.co/4fuTsW1

Canada canceled an joint event with the US to celebrate a bridge opening. A metaphor? NBC: https://fluence-media.co/4fvjUyN

Pew Research finds that voters prefer Democrats (37%) over Republicans (36%) on economic issues for the first time since 2017, and Donald Trump’s net approval is -30 points (34% approve, 64% disapprove). POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4wTDKur

Sunday Take will feature Rep. Angie Craig at 9AM on WCCO Radio.

It’s National Tequila Day and National Drive-Thru Day, which you can’t celebrate in Minneapolis.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured DFLers Matt Little, Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Kaela Berg for the CD2 DFL primary debate. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yssTcu

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

SMARTER WITH ☕️

DFLHOUSE: First in morning take the next fundraising filing from the House DFL on Monday will report raising $2.8 million in 2026, and $5.4 million the report will show least $2.4 million cash on hand.

DATA CENTERS: Via KSTP, a statewide survey shows Minnesotans have negative feelings toward data centers as local moratoriums on their construction become increasingly common across the state. Results are summarized below. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4fhwMtr

CONSTRUCTION: 60% oppose the construction of new data centers in their area, while 27% support it and 13% are unsure. By ideology, 37% of conservatives, 26% of moderates and 17% of liberals support local data center construction. By geography, 34% in urban areas, 26% in suburban areas and 23% in rural areas support it.
SUBSIDIES: 69% oppose government subsidies for local data centers, while 20% support them and 12% are unsure. By ideology, 27% of conservatives, 19% of moderates and 13% of liberals support these subsidies.
REASONS: The most common reason to oppose data centers is concern for straining local resources at 30%, followed by general A.I. issues at 18%. Other concerns include costs at 13%, pollution at 12% and quality of life at 7%.

TAKE: The data center pushback is one of the most significant U-Turns in public opinion I’ve seen in my career. It matches the mob mentality of our politics today. For instance, in Minnesota energy rates are regulated and there haven’t been subsidies offered. One of the greatest ironies is that the most social media obsessed politicians are the ones who are loudest about data centers - which are required for them to use their technology. Fear lens politics is not a way to move forward for an economy that will leave Minnesota behind if we don’t find growth.

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

THE TRAIL

LINDELL: Republican Mike Lindell’s social media post announcing his proposed immigration policies, seen in yesterday’s morning take, has been deleted following conservative backlash to his ideas. His gubernatorial campaign website has also been updated. EXCERPT: “As governor, Mike will oppose sanctuary policies, back strong border security, and support enforcement that removes criminals and fraud from the system while respecting those who follow the rules and work hard. … Mike also supports legal green card and visa holders and hope[s] they apply for citizenship to join our community fully.” WEBPAGE: https://fluence-media.co/3R7Qbnt

MORE: On social media, Mike Lindell and running mate Phillip Parrish both posted statements clarifying their campaign’s position on immigration.

LINDELL: “Some of my comments have been taken out of context about guest worker visas, in which people take seasonal jobs for a few months. I absolutely do not support amnesty, that is FAKE NEWS.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3TlQJXq
PARRISH: “They’re calling it ‘amnesty.’ They’re calling it ‘open borders.’ They’re calling it everything except what it actually is. … Share the actual policy. Read it yourself. Don’t let the gotcha activists control the frame.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3RUoM8G

NOTE: The state government is not directly responsible for handling immigration, but Mike Lindell told the Washington Examiner that he would work with the federal government to implement his ideas. Yesterday’s morning take featured more details on Lindell’s initial plans for immigration. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/4wkbcKZ

RALLY: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Mike Lindell rallied with about 100 people on Wednesday night at his first campaign event in Minnesota since President Donald Trump issued his endorsement. … Lindell spoke at length about his past dealing with addiction, his relationship to Trump and some policies he’s running on, such as cutting taxes. … [Running mate] Phillip Parrish also said that should they be elected, Minnesota would pull out of an alliance of governors that remain committed to goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, which holds members accountable to reduce their emissions by 2035. The pair also shared their opposition to Sharia, the religious law of Islam.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fV1xUf

NEW AD: Republican Kendall Qualls released a new ad for his gubernatorial campaign, titled “Minnesota is Broken.” The ad begins with footage of riots and buildings on fire before cutting to Qualls saying the state needs “immediate restoration.” He then details his credentials and says he is “the only candidate that can beat the socialists and Amy Klobuchar” in November. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ftRvcf

DEMS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In Angie Craig’s Senate campaign, one word keeps surfacing: fighter. It’s the centerpiece of nearly every speech [and] ad. … Craig’s U.S. Senate campaign is testing a broader Democratic theory that is gaining traction among some strategists: combative centrism. The premise is that moderates don’t have to surrender the politics of confrontation to the party’s left flank at a moment when Democratic voters are demanding candidates take the fight to Donald Trump — and, in many cases, their own party’s establishment. … Craig’s campaign won’t settle the debate over the Democratic Party’s future, but it could offer an early indication of whether primary voters are looking for someone who campaigns with a fighter message and also governs from the center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hzjOZk

ENDORSEMENTS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Republican Party’s endorsement is typically the ticket to the November ballot. But the endorsed candidates for governor and U.S. Senate in particular face stiff challenges this year that could derail that straight shot. … If either [Kendall] Qualls, [Adam] Schwarze or both lose, it would reverse a three-decade trend for Minnesota Republicans. … The stakes go beyond this election. If future candidates decide the endorsement isn’t worth it, they might head straight to a primary and focus their messages beyond [primary] voters. … For Qualls, the endorsement [has] brought little momentum.” QUALLS: “It’s been a jump. It hasn’t been a high dive springboard, if you will.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pDQT8z

STATE GOV

BWCAW: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Select areas of the Boundary Waters are reopening Monday for visitors as firefighters continue to battle wildfires. Superior National Forest officials announced on Thursday that day-use access entry points in Cook County will reopen on July 27. However, forest officials said overnight permits for all of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) are not allowed through Wednesday, July 29.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gVhfRd

WILDFIRES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Wildfires continue to burn in northeastern Minnesota, but Drew Stroberg, acting supervisor for the Superior National Forest, said there’s been ‘pretty benign fire activity’ over the past week, thanks in part to rainfall. … Still, rain can also bring more lightning, which is a problem when there’s so much dry organic material around to serve as fuel.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yIMCFg

DNR: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday that it is pursuing recovery costs tied to the [2025] Camp House Fire. … The DNR said it is seeking an estimated $4.3 million from Parker John Wilson. Last year, Wilson pleaded guilty to starting the Camp House Fire in St. Louis County. … The Camp House Fire burned more than 12,070 acres near Brimson and destroyed more than 180 structures, including homes.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/455nIC9

MOVE: Minnesota Solicitor General Liz Kramer is leaving the Attorney General’s Office at the end of the week, and she will join the law firm Dorsey & Whitney in September. Deputy Solicitor General Peter Farell is now the acting solicitor general.

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

Subscribe now

DC + MN

AFFADAVITS: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “A federal judge raised concerns about sworn statements made by a federal immigration agent who is connected to dozens of criminal cases during Operation Metro Surge… Prosecutors dropped criminal assault charges against Christina Rank earlier this week. The Department of Homeland Security initially accused Rank, who is an Inver Grove Heights paraprofessional, of causing a collision with the agent’s car in January…In a sworn affidavit signed by HSI agent Richard Berger, the government accused Rank of assaulting the federal officer… The FOX 9 Investigators found Berger signed sworn affidavits connected to at least 25 cases where the government accused people of assaulting federal officers in Minnesota… In one case, Magistrate Judge David Schultz raised concerns about an apparent “false affidavit.” SCHULTZ: “It is without a doubt in the court’s mind that Mr. Berger does not, did not have any personal knowledge of the events described in the affidavits that he submitted to this court,” Schultz said during a court proceeding in April.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45iwoF5

US ATTY: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) led the Minnesota Republican delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen regarding the alarming rise of Somali gang violence in Minnesota. … The delegation is urging U.S. Attorney Rosen to continue his great work keeping Minnesota safe by holding these Somali gang members accountable for their crimes.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4gOfzce

DISASTER AID: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general and two governors today in suing to stop [the] decisions by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to impose unlawful conditions on billions of dollars in federal funds that Congress appropriated for states to use in preparing for and responding to emergencies and natural disasters, including acts of terrorism.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gUvyFK

HIV: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A long-standing federal funding program that supports HIV prevention efforts nationwide may soon come to an end [after] the Trump Administration’s Office of Management and Budget informed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that it will not reauthorize $46 million in [grants]. … The shift in funding has raised concern among grantees about the continuity of financial support for their work, as the funds will no longer be allocated directly to the organizations. The Aliveness Project, located in south Minneapolis, is one of the organizations affected by the decision. The Minneapolis-based Indigenous Peoples Task Force, which also receives direct CDC funding, is the other.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fr7Zlq

ACROSS MN

CRIME: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Council on Criminal Justice released its mid-year crime trends report on Thursday, showing that crime rates are declining in the Twin Cities. … In Minneapolis, homicide rates are 30% lower so far in 2026. Motor vehicle theft has increased 24% in the same time. Overall, crime rates are still up in Minneapolis when compared to 2019. It is one of four cities in the study that has more crime than in 2019. … In St. Paul, motor vehicle theft declined by 5% in the past year. The city’s homicide rates were not included in the study.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fRPEzm

MORE: Former St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell told WCCO Radio that he thinks Minneapolis and St. Paul would have lower crime rates if they did not have a shortage of police officers. AXTELL: “The more crimes you solve, the less crimes you have in the future because very few people, proportionally in your community, commit most of the crime. … I don’t want more officers. I want enough officers.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vMvQSU

ST PAUL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Three long-standing encampments that will soon be broken up, [and] the announcement has sparked sharp opposition, which was visible during a packed public hearing at City Hall Wednesday afternoon. Dozens of community members — including unhoused people and those who provide help at the encampments — testified that the clearings would hurt camp residents. … Although the amount of available long-term housing has not increased — more than 2,600 people and families are on the waitlist for Ramsey County’s coordinated entry list — Mayor Kaohly Her said the goal is to get people connected to resources in time for winter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fQgbgm

SHAKOPEE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “City leaders in Shakopee have voted to revoke the license of a hotel they claim has become a hot bed for crime, including prostitution, sex trafficking, drug use, and gang violence. In a 4-1 vote [this week], council members stripped the Baymont by Wyndham Hotel of its license to operate. … Since 2025, police have documented 84 incidents of criminal activity at the hotel, including the deaths of two individuals in 2025 from suspected drug overdoses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TSyadx

SHERBURNE CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Sherburne County residents could face the county’s biggest property tax levy increase in a decade as commissioners weigh a 9.6% hike for 2027. … Sherburne County Commissioner Andrew Hulse said unfunded state and federal mandates in the county’s Health and Human Services Department are driving the possible tax increase. He said those costs account for roughly 5% of the estimated 9.6% levy increase, and the rest would largely go to inflationary costs. … [The] tax levy is not expected to be voted on until December.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RRQVNG

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend the Folds of Honor Ceremony at the 3M Open and will attend the opening of the Minnesota Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub.

TODAY: Rep. Pete Stauber will join the Duluth Seaway Port Authority to highlight $5 million in federal funding for refurbishing cranes and rail infrastructure. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TODAY: Endorsed CD2 DFL candidate Matt Little will host a “Medicare for All Healthcare Forum” with Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal in Eagan at 10:00 a.m. Later, the duo will host a “Medicare for All Canvassing Launch” to support Little’s CD2 campaign in Apple Valley at 3:00 p.m.

TODAY: DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild, GOP Rep. Roger Skraba and the Ely Chamber of Commerce will host a forum covering “the economic impact of Northland wildfires on tourism and other industries,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TODAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Ilhan Omar will host a rally for Flanagan’s Senate campaign in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: via MIRAC advisory, VERBATIM: “Starting at 10:00 a.m. at George Floyd Square, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) will lead ‘Roll 4 Justice 2,’ a protest on bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, and more to demand ‘No More ICE + Police Terror.’”

TUESDAY: The MN Dept. of Health will host a public hearing on Aspirus Health’s closure of the Lake View Silver Bay Clinic on Tuesday, July 28 in Two Harbors at 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community forum on the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health on Wednesday, July 29 in Faribault at 6:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: operative Jacob Hill, sales inspiration Michael Kithcart, lobbyist Michael Wilhelmi. SAT: AZ resident Kevin Smith, Wild PxP guy Anthony LaPanta, researcher Mark Drake

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Trust in Elections

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:46:13 GMT

COFFEE OUTSIDE WX

A cup of coffee outside will start an intense day. Boelter to be sentenced today, another chapter in a horrific story.

Twins win. Lynx win. WNBA All-Star Break this weekend.

The Timberwolves and Lynx will host a locker room liquidation sale at 9:00 a.m.

Tributes to David La Vaque, Gophers financials explained and the wildest part of WNBA All-Star Weekend are featured in today’s second anniversary Sports Take. Out later today.

Gallup finds that 1 in 4 U.S. workers say they are currently staying in a job they’d otherwise like to quit because they want to keep their employer’s health insurance. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4fNUwpc

Fox News finds that Americans would prefer to vote for Democrats over Republicans this year by 7 points, 53% to 46%. Notably, 53% is the highest either party has ever scored on a Fox “generic ballot” survey. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4bZR5JF

On Truth Social, Donald Trump shared the KSTP poll seen in yesterday’s morning take, saying that “Mike Lindell would be a GREAT Governor.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/4yAkYdn

Happy National Lemon Day – make lemonade.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured DFLers Matt Little, Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Kaela Berg for the CD2 DFL primary debate. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yssTcu

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

POLLAPALOOZA

ELECTIONS: Via KSTP, a statewide poll finds that a majority of Minnesotans think the state’s elections are secure, but a majority also supports passing the SAVE Act — federal legislation that would require citizens to present certain identifying documents in order to vote. Results are summarized below. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4fQKO5i

SECURITY: 55% think Minnesota’s elections are secure, 28% think they are not, and 17% are unsure. By ideology, 33% of conservatives, 61% of moderates and 79% of liberals think elections are secure. By geography, 64% of urban voters, 58% of suburban voters and 42% of rural voters — all pluralities — trust election security.
SAVE ACT: 57% support passing the SAVE Act, 32% do not, and 11% are unsure. By ideology, 87% of conservatives, 57% of moderates and 21% of liberals support the SAVE Act. By geography, 52% of urban voters, 54% of suburban voters and 66% of rural voters — all majorities — support the SAVE Act.

APPROVAL: Via KSTP, a statewide poll shows Minnesotans have negative views of many public officials. Results are summarized below. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4wijenx

WALZ: Gov. Tim Walz has 41% approval and 53% disapproval with 6% unsure. Of that, 16% “strongly approve” and 39% “strongly disapprove.” Walz’s biggest demographic shifts compared to June are dropping 3 points among liberals and 2 points among moderates.
TRUMP: Pres. Donald Trump has 38% approval and 58% disapproval with 3% unsure. Of that, 17% “strongly approve” and 47% “strongly disapprove.” On the Iran war, Trump has 30% approval and 64% disapproval. On the economy, Trump has 36% approval and 61% disapproval.
KLOBUCHAR: Sen. Amy Klobuchar has 48% approval and 39% disapproval with 13% unsure. Klobuchar is the only person or entity in this poll with a positive net approval rating at +9%, but one year ago, her net approval was +26%.
ELLISON: Atty. General Keith Ellison has 39% approval and 42% disapproval with 19% unsure.
MNLEG: The Minnesota Legislature has a collective 35% approval and 50% disapproval with 15% unsure.

CD2: Republican Eric Pratt released an internal poll showing a competitive race between Pratt and all three major DFL candidates in CD2. The poll tested “initial” results when respondents were first asked about the race, and “informed” results after respondents were told about Pratt’s credentials. Results are summarized below. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4fvF0wK

MATT LITTLE: Initially, Little beats Pratt 45% to 40%, with 15% undecided. Informed results show Pratt beating Little 44% to 43%, with 13% undecided.
MATT KLEIN: Initially, Klein beats Pratt 43% to 42%, with 16% undecided. Informed results show Pratt beating Klein 43% to 42%, with 15% undecided.
KAELA BERG: Initially, Pratt and Berg are tied at 43% each, with 15% undecided. Informed results show Pratt beating Berg 44% to 41%, with 15% undecided.

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

THE TRAIL

GOV RACE: Republican Mike Lindell spoke to the Washington Examiner about his immigration policies if he is elected governor. Notably, Lindell proposed “a six-month, one-time amnesty period for illegal immigrants” to give noncitizens a “second chance” at applying for a conditional work visa without fear of deportation. Lindell also said he wants to punish companies that hire undocumented workers by imprisoning their CEOs. LINDELL: “I’d like the whole United States to do this, but let’s say I did it here in Minnesota. … I’m a person of second chances if the only thing they ever did was cross the border. … You have this card that [says] now you can work and you can go be paying taxes, be functioning in society.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b7fcG0

MORE: The Mike Lindell campaign has launched a new web page with details on his immigration policies. On X, Lindell’s post linking to the web page and urging social media followers to “learn the REAL TRUTH” has 153 likes and 465 comments, many of which are criticisms from fellow conservatives. WEBPAGE: https://fluence-media.co/3R7Qbnt TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4pAbE4V

RESPONSE: via Speaker Lisa Demuth statement, DEMUTH: “Amnesty for illegals will only make Minnesota more of a magnet — I would expect this from Amy Klobuchar and Tim Walz, but I’m surprised to see it coming from a fellow GOP candidate for governor. As Speaker, I ended taxpayer funded health care for illegal immigrants. I will work with the federal government to deport criminal illegal immigrants instead of giving them amnesty.”

LINDELL: Via Star Tribune, Republican Mike Lindell is now registered to vote in Minnesota. VERBATIM: “The MyPillow CEO is at odds with state officials over why. Lindell said he should have been signed up through the state’s ‘automatic’ voter registration system because he was issued a driver’s license last September after moving back to Minnesota. … The Secretary of State’s office stood by its records as accurate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rtv5jh

SENATE RACE: GOP-endorsed Senate candidate Adam Schwarze announced on social media that he is now endorsed by the NRA, arguing that other Republicans in the race are “DC establishment-backed” and moderate on gun rights. He also criticized the DFL’s fraud response, sharing a Politico article from last week summarizing Minnesota’s issues meeting federal demands to revalidate Medicaid providers. QUOTE: “Our systems are built to take care of seniors, veterans, and other people in need. Failed Democrat leadership is making it impossible to tell who is taking advantage of the system and who genuinely needs help.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4wVVXHO https://fluence-media.co/3RLy5I2

STATE GOV

APPEALS CT: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Earlier this year, Governor Tim Walz asked a merit selection panel to solicit applicants, review candidates, and recommend finalists for appointment to the Court of Appeals. The panel [is] recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. … John Bowen is a judge in the Tenth Judicial District, chambered in Wright County. … Nathaniel Welte is a judge in the Seventh Judicial District, chambered in Stearns County. … Heather Wynn is a judge in the Tenth Judicial District, chambered in Pine County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fzYJvt

MOWING: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Those grassy areas at rest stops along Minnesota highways could be tended to by autonomous mowers if a pilot project goes according to plan. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking information about using the technology to keep up with mowing needs at rest stops, highway right-of-way ditches and other vegetation maintenance areas. … Lawmakers hope to get a report by February that gets into safety, environmental impact and efficiency comparisons compared to human-operated mowers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pxzbnc

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

Subscribe now

FIRES

HEARING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “On Capitol Hill, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz [faced] questions on the ongoing wildfires. … Rep. Angie Craig pointedly asked [Schultz] whether the staffing cuts at the agency contributed to the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. … ‘No, it does not,’ Schultz replied. ‘That’s strange,’ Craig responded, noting that the last major fire event that led to a BWCA closure, in August of 2021, registered a higher level of preparedness (5) on a federal warning system at the time of the closure. Prior to the BWCA closure last week, the preparedness level [was] only at 4.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RQH1Mj

BWCAW: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permit cancellations are still in place through Friday, but state and federal officials said in an update Wednesday that they are working on a plan to reduce that closure [with a] partial reopening. … Tom Hall, agency administrator for the U.S. Forest Service, [said] staff are looking at what corridors of the Boundary Waters would be the best candidates to open up so that people can still experience it ‘and also not be in the way in those fire operations.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gSv2rQ

FIREFIGHTING: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “At a Wednesday news conference, authorities said an additional 50-75 firefighters are expected to be brought in to combat the Little Knife Fire. … [Overall], the perimeters of the fires have remained similar from day to day this week, and crews are now starting to contain the fires.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b2nsqU

CONGRESS

DEFENSE: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “House lawmakers on Wednesday narrowly passed a nearly $1.15 trillion annual defense policy bill, advancing the measure amid increasing tension over military spending and the war in Iran. The tally was 216-212, with six Democrats voting for the bill and seven Republicans voting against it. … The bill codifies a number of Trump Administration executive orders, including building the Golden Dome, [and] expands the U.S. military’s collaboration with Israel’s defense forces.” Minnesota lawmakers voted on party lines. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fwCsOY

RESPONSE: via Rep. Brad Finstad statement, FINSTAD: “I’m grateful to see my legislation, the National Guard Relief Act, and language from my Strategic Transparency Act included in this $1.15 trillion defense policy bill, ensuring our National Guard members and their families have assistance in times of need and that America has the information necessary to respond to China’s evolving military capabilities and influence.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TPuQzP

MORE: via Rep. Angie Craig statement, CRAIG: “I am grateful to my House Democratic colleagues who worked tirelessly to secure critical provisions that push for transparency and accountability from the Defense Department, authorize health care coverage for IVF and other reproductive technologies for military families and protect collective bargaining rights. These are provisions I support, but not at the expense of more American lives lost in the Middle East.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wigs1s

SMALL BIZ: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “After President [Donald] Trump announced a new 50% tariff on Canadian imports, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03), a member of the House Small Business Committee, confronted Small Business Administration (SBA) Associate Administrator Paul Fitzpatrick on how these new sweeping tariffs will impact American small businesses. … Morrison [asked] Fitzpatrick to explain how small businesses will now be able to navigate trade with Canada given these changes.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4x2lijE

METRO

MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis mayor’s nominee for fire chief was questioned Wednesday about a lawsuit alleging harassment and discrimination at his former Connecticut fire department. Reginald ‘Reggie’ Freeman said the lawsuit didn’t involve him. … Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Freeman to be the next fire chief in May. … But his nominee must be approved by the City Council, and a council committee forwarded his nomination without a recommendation after his confirmation hearing on Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b6VVVh

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “With the St. Paul mayor’s decision to close the city’s three largest homeless encampments, city council members said Wednesday they’ve been fielding questions on whether it’s based on specific assessments of the challenges at those locations or if the city is taking a new policy direction to have no encampments. Assistant St. Paul Mayor Cedrick Baker, speaking at a city council committee meeting, said he wouldn’t characterize it as a policy change, but the city does not want there to be any additional large, established encampments moving forward. … Ramsey County [will] provide an additional 49 emergency shelter beds at Higher Ground St. Paul Shelter, County Manager Ling Becker told council members Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fvXbmg

INVER GROVE HGTS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “At the request of federal prosecutors, a judge on Wednesday dismissed the criminal case against a woman accused of crashing into immigration agents in a school parking lot during Operation Metro Surge. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert G. Tucker III on Tuesday filed the motion to dismiss Christina Rank’s case, saying that ‘upon a further review of the evidence and affidavit in support of the complaint, the government does not believe that probable cause for assault exists.’ The dismissal is among several [cases] that were later downgraded or outright dismissed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TazUid

STATEWIDE

ELY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “One week [after] the Boundary Waters Canoe Area closed as fire crews fight more than a dozen different fires in northern Minnesota, the nearby cities, including Ely, are facing major economic losses as residents, tourists and campers have been evacuated. The Chamber of Commerce made the decision to also cancel the city’s popular Blueberry Arts Festival. … If losses like this keep piling up, Republican Rep. Roger Skraba said the impact could reach $100 million for the entire season. … He’s counting on state and federal assistance, including public fundraising.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3TddEEl

SILVER BAY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A nonprofit health system announced it would be closing one of its clinics on Minnesota’s North Shore. … The Aspirus Health Lake View Silver Bay Clinic will close at the end of December. The clinic plans to consolidate operations to its Two Harbors clinic…READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RQEIsD

RPS: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “As Rochester Public Schools prepares to approve a large-scale, multi-million dollar portfolio of changes to a number of its facilities, the district’s administration is stressing that the plan will not increase local taxes or require boundary changes. The Rochester School Board discussed the proposal over the course of nearly two hours [and] will vote on it Aug. 4.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fAmbsB

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TODAY: Sen. Amy Klobuchar and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan are hosting a virtual press conference to discuss a new Joint Economic Committee report on how “war with Iran, tariffs, and other actions have led to skyrocketing costs for farmers,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TODAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison and Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal will host a private fundraising event for DFLer Matt Little’s CD2 campaign at 6:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: Endorsed CD2 DFL candidate Matt Little will host a “Medicare for All Healthcare Forum” with Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal in Eagan at 10:00 a.m. Later, the duo will host a “Medicare for All Canvassing Launch” to support Little’s CD2 campaign in Apple Valley at 3:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild, GOP Rep. Roger Skraba and the Ely Chamber of Commerce will host a forum covering “the economic impact of Northland wildfires on tourism and other industries,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TOMORROW: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Ilhan Omar will host a rally for Flanagan’s Senate campaign in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: via MIRAC advisory, VERBATIM: “Starting at 10:00 a.m. at George Floyd Square, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) will lead ‘Roll 4 Justice 2,’ a protest on bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, and more to demand ‘No More ICE + Police Terror.’”

JULY 28: The MN Dept. of Health will host a public hearing on Aspirus Health’s closure of the Lake View Silver Bay Clinic on Tuesday, July 28 in Two Harbors at 6:00 p.m.

JULY 29: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community forum on the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health on Wednesday, July 29 in Faribault at 6:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: schools advocate Kim Lewis, attorney Jim Yarosh, music scribe Chris Riemenschneider

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Polls Preview GOP Endorsement Problems

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:12:10 GMT

TOP 10 Wx Day?

Twins lose. Lynx play midday. Beauty League tonight.

3M Open Pro-Am Today.

Ten years ago today, US Bank Stadium opened.

They say it’s a Top 10 Wx Day…

Just 12% of U.S. adults say four-year colleges and universities are doing an excellent (4%) or good job (8%) providing an affordable education, while nearly two-thirds (63%) say they are doing a poor job. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4pDeerc

Gracie Stockton is the new morning news anchor at WCCO Radio. She starts Monday.

Tomorrow Vance Boelter will be sentenced in the assassination of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the attempted killings of John, Yvette and Hope Hoffman.

Minnesota’s US House delegation voted along party lines on the continuing budget resolution last night. R’s voted Y, D’s voted N.

CNN’s Jake Tapper is in town and will report tonight on the dynamics of the US Attorney’s office during Operation Metro Surge. He was spotted at The Freehouse for lunch on Monday.

Sunday’s World Cup final drew 62.8 million U.S. viewers, a new record for soccer ratings. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/45hKgiS

Pete Hegseth says the Iran war has cost about $37.5 billion so far, but insiders say the actual cost is likely “much higher.” CBS: https://fluence-media.co/3TMpg18

One message from Northern Minnesota business – We’re still open, the smoke is cleared and you should come visit. Yes the BWCA is closed, but that doesn’t mean all visitors need to avoid the area.

National Wine and Cheese Day for those who celebrate.Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured DFLers Matt Little, Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Kaela Berg for the CD2 DFL primary debate. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yssTcu

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

Three weeks from today we should know the winners of the Minnesota primary races.

For the DFL Senate race the tightening means we are in toss-up territory. From the poll, the difference may be the youth vs. the seniors. The margins among older voters for Angie Craig is a more likely voting bloc, than the advantage among young voters for Peggy Flanagan. Where the voters turnout will also be a factor, will DFL primary voters that pushed Dayton-Walz over the line show up in Greater Minnesota?

The starkest possibility, which many Republicans are hoping for is that the endorsed candidates for Governor and Senate finish last. The lack of traction by Adam Schwarze in polls, and Kendall Qualls fumbling suggest that the GOP primary success for endorsed candidates is in serious jeopardy.

The other race to watch – the Attorney General’s race – guaranteed to be very close.

MN POLL: Via KSTP, the latest statewide poll for Minnesota’s top primary races and the attorney general race shows that there are few clear favorites right now, but candidates are seeing movement compared to one month ago. Results are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/45kW8R6

GOP GOV — Mike Lindell leads at 35%, gaining 8 points following his presidential endorsement. Speaker Lisa Demuth is at 26%, gaining 4 points since June. GOP-endorsed Kendall Qualls is at 11%, down 6 points from last month, while 22% are undecided and 5% prefer “another Republican.”
DFL SEN — Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are tied at 40% each, with 16% undecided and 4% preferring “another DFLer.” Flanagan is up 4 points since June, while Craig dropped 1 point.
GOP SEN — Michele Tafoya leads at 41%, up 5 points since last month. Royce White is at 10%, Tom Weiler is at 7%, GOP-endorsed Adam Schwarze is at 5%, and 28% are undecided while 8% prefer “another Republican.”
AG RACE — Attorney General Keith Ellison leads at 42%, down 2 points from June. Republican Ron Schutz is at 38%, up 2 points over last month, while 20% are undecided.

DEMOGRAPHICS: The KSTP poll shows that some candidates have significant gaps in approval between demographics. For example, Mike Lindell and Speaker Lisa Demuth are nearly even among voters over 65, but Demuth is the second lowest polling option among voters under 35. Michele Tafoya is near or above 50% support among men and voters over 50, but the contest has a fairly even split among voters under 35. Notably, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig are nearly tied across multiple demographics — Flanagan’s only significant advantages are voters under 35 (+4) and voters 50-64 (+9), while Craig’s strength lies in voters over 65 (+15).

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

THE FEED

VETTING: via Michael Brodkorb on X, VERBATIM: “Nate George’s campaign is currently scrubbing their website to remove inaccuracies and discrepancies in George’s claimed qualifications and credentials. Here’s what’s changed, and why it matters for a candidate running to be Minnesota’s fraud watchdog.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/45fMUWl

DFL AGENDA: via MN DFL advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, DFL legislators from the Minnesota House and Senate unveiled the Minnesota Values Project Policy Agenda 2027. The agenda is the result of input from Minnesotans across the state and will serve as the guiding vision for lawmakers when they return to the Capitol in 2027. … The agenda focuses on three key themes: delivering a more affordable life for Minnesotans; keeping Minnesotans safe and protecting their rights; and building a fair society where everyone can get ahead.” AGENDA: https://fluence-media.co/4wVF0gP

GOV RACE: Speaker Lisa Demuth announced that her campaign for governor was endorsed by the National Rifle Association and the MN Gun Owners Caucus this month. Demuth also received an “A” rating from the NRA. DEMUTH: “The NRA and the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus recognize that I’m the only candidate in this race who has consistently stood up for our Second Amendment rights. As governor I will continue to defend those rights for every law-abiding gun owner.”

HEALTHCARE: Via MinnPost, a look at how major DFL candidates are split between two healthcare proposals popular among Democrats: “Medicare for All” versus a “public option.” VERBATIM: “Jake Johnson, a Democrat seeking to represent southern Minnesota, [said] he supported ‘a strong public option.’ … The endorsed DFL candidate [in CD2], Matt Little, is a vigorous proponent of Medicare for All. … Rep. Kaela Berg [said] she supports the public option ‘and anything that gives people more health coverage…while we continue to fight for Medicare for All.’ … Sen. Matt Klein [said] he is a ‘firm believer that we need to get to universal healthcare’ and if elected to Congress would ‘support whatever bill advances that.’ But he stopped short of backing Medicare for All, saying he would prefer the implementation of the public option.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vIWVGm

FEDS

MEDICAID: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration on Tuesday said it was deferring more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California because of ‘suspected fraud and noncompliance.’ … But the federal government hasn’t provided ‘data or explanation on how the deferral amount was calculated or what it was based on’ to Minnesota, said John Connolly, the temporary [DHS] commissioner. … [Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.] didn’t specify in Tuesday’s announcement whether the new deferrals — $867.5 million in federal Medicaid payments to California and $199 million to Minnesota — are in addition to, or overlap with, earlier deferrals announced this year. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz didn’t provide concrete examples of fraud.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wZGPJK

MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Along with the payment deferrals, HHS announced it will broaden its exclusion authority. This expansion will allow both CMS and the HHS Office of Inspector General to remove providers from federal healthcare programs. In certain instances, providers may be permanently barred from returning to these programs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RLJsQg

PFAS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today filed comments in opposition to the efforts of the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency to roll back limits to PFAS-type ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water. The rollback means that public drinking water systems will not be required by federal law to test for certain of these chemicals, report how much of them are in public drinking water, or treat drinking water to remove these chemicals. … Ellison and a coalition of nine state attorneys general [argued] that this action is arbitrary and illegal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fMjh50

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

Subscribe now

CONGRESS

MED FRAUD: via Rep. Ilhan Omar advisory, VERBATIM: “The House unanimously passed a bipartisan bill led by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) to strengthen protections for injured federal workers against fraudulent medical providers and improve government accountability. The Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Act empowers the Department of Labor to suspend FECA payments to medical providers convicted of fraud.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rrutuv

CANCER: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to cut costs for cancer patients. Specifically, the bill would ensure cancer patients who are prescribed oral chemotherapy medication can access their drugs at comparable prices to other cancer treatments. Their Cancer Drug Parity Act requires health insurers to cover patient-administered (oral) cancer medications at the same cost-sharing level as traditional intravenous (IV) anticancer drug treatments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yOgvUC

TRADING: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig demanded that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigate President [Donald] Trump’s media company, ‘Trump Media & Technology Group.’ … In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, Rep. Craig pressed the Administration on its inaction following the announcement of ‘Truth API’ – a [subscription] offering Wall Street billionaires inside information on the President’s social media platform, Truth Social.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wWY1zr

ISSUES

WILDFIRES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Crews are making ‘real good’ progress fighting the fires burning in northern Minnesota, a national command team official said Tuesday. … The efforts have been aided by rain that fell overnight Monday. Still, high winds of up to 25 mph out of the north-northwest remain a concern for officials.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yAqDzW

EDUCATION: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has announced that 70 schools in 45 school districts across Minnesota will participate in a pilot program to test out a new kindergarten assessment. This assessment was approved by the Minnesota state legislature in 2023. … MDE officials say the purpose of the assessment is to observe students to see how they interact with the lessons, their teacher and the other students in the classroom, and to see if there is anything the teachers can change.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RJULIJ

SOLAR: via MPR, VERBATIM: “As Donald Trump rolls back support for clean energy, the solar industry is looking to former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty to woo Republicans. Pawlenty is about a month into his new job as CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, the national trade association for the American solar industry. … ‘In Washington, there is a scarcity of Republicans who are willing to embrace renewable energy in various ways,’ Pawlenty said. He said he plans on ‘updating’ Republicans on the economic advantages of solar, instead of emphasizing environmental benefits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wgo8RZ

METRO

HENN CTY: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt is calling for a larger facility to house jail inmates. ‘We’re finding ourselves in that position to have to house people in other counties,’ Witt said Tuesday, [and] moving inmates to other county jails is covered by Hennepin County tax dollars. … ‘We do need a bigger facility, and that’s unfortunate to say,’ Witt said.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yqgxSe

MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis City Council committee voted Tuesday to hold off on renewing the liquor license for Reign Event Center, where a mass shooting left nine people wounded Sunday morning. … Council members on the Business, Housing and Zoning Committee said they wanted to take a closer look at whether Reign is complying with the requirements to keep their liquor license. … Reign’s liquor license renewal will come up for further review at the Business, Housing and Zoning Committee’s Aug. 4 meeting.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gQM2yy

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “After a man tried unsuccessfully to cancel his apartment parking garage contract, police and prosecutors said Tuesday he went to the leasing office in St. Paul’s Highland Park and fatally shot three workers, including one who tried to escape out a window. … The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office charged [the suspect] on Tuesday with three counts of intentional murder, not premeditated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wb59bm

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS: Flint Hills Resources is celebrating summer with thousands of Minnesotans at local festivals and parades. Look for Flint Hills employees – along with their families and friends – as they show their hometown pride at many local celebrations, including Rosemount Leprechaun Days, Hastings Rivertown Days, Inver Grove Heights Days and Saint Paul’s Lowertown Sounds. For decades, Flint Hills Resources has supported programs, organizations and events that improve our quality of life in our communities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4wOkChw (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

STATEWIDE

FARIBAULT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Faribault police say a new summer unit focused on prevention and outreach is already making a difference in the community. This summer, the Faribault Police Department moved school resource officers to the street to boost crime prevention through investigations, mental health follow-ups and community engagement. … The program is in a pilot stage, and the department is seriously considering keeping the Impact Unit in place.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45e7OVR

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TODAY: Recipients of the 2026 JFK Profile in Courage Award will host a press conference discussing their letter to Minnesota’s congressional delegation “calling for increased congressional oversight of federal immigration enforcement,” per a release. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: Allina Health will host a ribbon-cutting event for the opening of a surgical and critical care center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at 5:30 p.m.

TODAY: The MN Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Women in Business conference at Target Field on Wednesday, July 22.

FRIDAY: DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild, GOP Rep. Roger Skraba and the Ely Chamber of Commerce will host a forum covering “the economic impact of Northland wildfires on tourism and other industries,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

FRIDAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

JULY 28: The MN Dept. of Health will host a public hearing on Aspirus Health’s closure of the Lake View Silver Bay Clinic on Tuesday, July 28 in Two Harbors at 6:00 p.m.

JULY 29: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community forum on the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health on Wednesday, July 29 in Faribault at 6:00 p.m.

BDAYS: Winthrop’s Tami Diehm, GOP operative Zach Freimark, Lindell campaign manager Rick Weible, comms guy Jeff Bakken

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Is Public Safety A Sleeper Issue?

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:24:19 GMT

COOLER TUESDAY

Twins lose. Lynx win.

Research released last week by Fluence Advisory client the Minnesota Business Partnership is featured in today’s North Star Insider by Ali Kaplan. A should read for anyone watching Minnesota’s mood. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/45f6ylm

Average gas prices in the Twin Cities climbed to $3.93/gal, while the statewide average is $3.87/gal. FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/4ffcTDq

We won the gold, but Donald Trump announced new 50% tariffs on certain Canadian products, including hockey equipment. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/4yucWm6

Nordstrom stepped up with a new suit for a groom to be after the Helix fire in St. Louis Park. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/4fKAEmS

Two of the U.S. troops killed this weekend have been identified: a 25-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/4yx3kqR

The NRCC outraised the DCCC in June, but the DCCC won Q2 overall. Meanwhile, 25 GOP incumbents — including Brad Finstad — were outraised by Democratic challengers. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3Rk24Xu

It’s National Junk Food Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured DFLers Matt Little, Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Kaela Berg for the CD2 DFL primary debate. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yssTcu

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

COMING SOON…

An early look at the Minnesota Military Museum which will open in September on Highway 10 near Camp Ripley. The families will no doubt stop on the way to the Brainerd Lakes area.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The neighborhood gun violence in the Twin Cities the past few days thrusts public safety back to the forefront of the news cycle – but it has been on the minds of Minnesotans as an election issue. The reality it’s been a sleeper issue in polling and conversations this cycle. The conversation seems to have moved to making public safety a budget priority to solve the problem rather than the polarizing conversations of 2020 and 2021.

It’s also a place where the loudest voices, aren’t aligned with most of the public. From last week’s drone debate to this weekend’s shootings – it’s not building confidence that the city is safer, or that the state has a plan to make it safer.

It also flies in the face of Minnesota’s greatest asset -our quality of life. In fact, fewer than 50 percent of Minnesotans are satisfied with public safety as part of the quality of life in the state.

Recent research shows that Minnesotans are harder on our metro area safety than the rest of the country. That’s likely because the feeling of safety had the harshest adjustment here compared to a Chicago, New York or Los Angeles – much less Milwaukee, St. Louis or Detroit since 2019.

The issue of crime in the Twin Cities, and Minnesotans reactions to it can be summarized by the very sharp shift in urban safety concerns, amplified by visuals starting in 2019 and rising through the pandemic and in the years that followed.

MinnPost tracked it from 2022-2024 as it rose and fell, but it may be emerging as an issue again in 2026.

Recent polling by the Minnesota Chamber put it in the top 5 “the biggest” issues facing Minnesota. A similar question tested in June in another poll has public safety as a top 3 issue and a top budget priority for Minnesota – ahead of education.

Public safety is a basic expectation of our government, and it’s a feeling issue – not a cost issue. Meaning the public is ok in general if money is spent on public safety.

Add to the polls, the shiny object of the Governor Tim Walz’s pardon of Tou Lue Vang – which the Governor thinks is about ICE and “safety” but everyday Minnesotans interpret as being “soft on crime”.

Trump is unpopular, health care is the top issue, but Democrats have headwinds on fraud in Minnesota and public safety could be a sleeper issue Republicans can try to get traction on.

VIOLENCE: Via WCCO-TV, three shootings in three days have left over a dozen injured and at least four dead in Minneapolis and St. Paul. VERBATIM: “Two mass shootings in Minneapolis over the weekend have residents, business owners and community advocates calling for solutions as concerns about public safety have grown across the city. … [Meanwhile], three people are dead and a police investigation is underway after a shooting in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vKwFvk https://fluence-media.co/4yupZUC

MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Violence prevention groups such as T.O.U.C.H. Outreach immediately went to work Monday morning. … At the same time, the city of Minneapolis has made very real progress on gun violence prevention over the past few years. For example, shots fired calls across the city are down 23 percent in 2026 compared to the latest three-year average.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4yyeQlE

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

THE FEED

SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders believes discontent with the political establishment [will] propel progressives into positions of power across the country — including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. … [Sanders] returned to Minneapolis on Monday to campaign for Flanagan. … Some of the heaviest hitters in the Minnesota DFL’s progressive wing — including Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Ilhan Omar and Attorney General Keith Ellison — came out to support Flanagan on Monday. FLANAGAN: ‘We got here, in part, because too many Democrats have been weak,’ Flanagan said to cheers from the crowd.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wXgDzp

GOV RACE: Footage of Pres. Donald Trump hosting a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell in Bedminster, New Jersey this past weekend was shared on social media. In one clip, Trump can be heard saying Lindell has “been my friend for a long time.” In another clip, Trump reiterated that Lindell has his “complete and total endorsement” in the GOP primary, adding that he has “no idea who the opponents are, but I know they’re not supposed to be very good.” TRUMP: “I guess they’re Republicans. People say, ‘Please, sir, don’t criticize Republicans.’ What I’m doing is saying [Lindell] is a great Republican and a great person.” CLIPS: https://fluence-media.co/4wR49ce https://fluence-media.co/3RJRARi

MN GOP: The Minnesota GOP posted a social media video promoting all five of the party’s endorsed candidates in major statewide races ahead of the August primary, saying they will “lead our state forward” because “Minnesota deserves leaders who take their oath seriously.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fpXXkm

SOCIAL: As of this morning the GOP video had less than 1,000 views on X, and the MN Republican Party Instagram hasn’t posted since July 24^th, 2025. The last post features Reps. Elliot Engen and Walter Hudson promoting “Pints and Politics”. There is no sign of a TikTok account for the Minnesota GOP. In 2026 campaigns must have an owned content strategy. Critiques of party’s are common, but it seems like the Minnesota GOP is missing the basics in an era where social media could make up some of the financial disadvantage they have.

TAKE: The reality is the most surprising primary outcome would be victories by Kendall Qualls and Adam Schwarze.

NEW AD: Rep. Angie Craig has a new ad for her Senate campaign titled “Minnesota Nice.” The ad features testimonials from eight local officials across Minnesota arguing that Craig will stand up to the Trump Administration and pharmaceutical companies. Officials appearing in the ad include Minneapolis City Councilor LaTrisha Vetaw, state Rep. Ethan Cha, state Sen. Judy Seeberger, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson and more. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vKxbtg

TURNOUT: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Absentee voting is almost a month underway for the Aug. 11 Minnesota primary, and early numbers show promising turnout. … Absentee ballot [requests] have already surpassed recent primaries at roughly 300,262. … Those numbers already top the 2024 primary at 286,263 total absentees, and the 2022 primary at 275,851 absentees. … On the first day of early voting, the Hennepin County Government Center saw 44 early in-person voters and has since averaged roughly 20 voters a day. Comparatively, in 2024, the first day of early voting drew 18 people.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4puYneb

STATE STUFF

MNLEG: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Could a legislative special session be on the horizon? … Minnesota’s Executive Council extended the state’s peacetime emergency for wildfire response another 30 days to Aug. 11, [but] under state rules, any extension beyond that would require approval from the Legislature. Some lawmakers are starting to ask if they could be called back next month if assistance is still needed after the emergency expires. … A wildfire extension could theoretically be handled in a quick, one-day special session, but in a contentious election year, it’s easy to imagine other political fights hitching a ride.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RozZ0Y

WILDFIRES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “State and federal authorities on Monday offered a mixed bag of hope and grim reality in the battle against wildfires. … Rain, more firefighters and a temporary reprieve from skies clogged with heavy smoke have helped, [but] officials continue to caution against complacency and warn this fire season will slog on into the fall. … The U.S. Forest Service estimates 63,000 acres burning now in northeastern Minnesota with another 8,400 across the border in Canada. Nearly 800 firefighters are battling blazes, close to double the number from last week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TMsZMb

FEED FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The government objected when a defendant in one of the Feeding Our Future fraud cases requested a new court-appointed attorney last year. … Prosecutors argued he should have been able to afford private counsel. But the court still granted [Abdirahman] Ahmed a new set of free attorneys. … 5 INVESTIGATES found Ahmed is far from the only high-profile defendant who has made similar claims. A review of federal fraud cases since the start of the Feeding Our Future investigation identified at least 34 people who told the court they could not afford to hire an attorney.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ffcrFe

SPEEDCAMS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Drivers speeding through highway construction zones in Burnsville and Braham, Minn., will be recorded on camera as part of a pilot the Minnesota Department of Transportation will launch in the coming weeks. Drivers caught going 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit won’t get a ticket, but they will get a sternly worded letter in the mail encouraging them to change their risky behavior. … The pilot gives MnDOT a chance to try technology it has never used and be ready to use it should the Legislature ever change Minnesota law to allow it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vDzvC8

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

Subscribe now

ECONOMY

TOURISM: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Much of the local economy in the Minnesota Arrowhead is driven by tourism revolving around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and general outdoor recreation. And as officials suggest that a fight with wildfires might go on for months, local businesses worry about a devastating lost summer season. … The three largest counties of the Arrowhead region — Cook, Lake and St. Louis — rely more heavily on outdoor recreation as an economic driver than the average Minnesota county. … The three counties have a combined economic output of $973 million just from outdoor recreation activity alone, [and] the industry supports over 4,200 jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bTt0UN

CANADA: Via MPR News, a look at how declining Canadian tourism is impacting northern Minnesota. VERBATIM: “In every county with a rural point of entry, jobs in the retail sector and the leisure and hospitality sector were down last year, according to [DEED]. … It’s impossible to determine how much of the decline in tourism-dependent jobs is tied to fewer international travelers, said Anthony Schaffhauser, the department’s regional analyst for northwest Minnesota. But, he added, ‘I think it’s fair to say that it didn’t help.’ … The number of personal vehicle passengers driving into Minnesota from Canada in March, April and May was higher than last year, but still below what they were in 2024.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fuRhSk

SANCTUARY: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “A federal judge has dismissed multiple lawsuits against Minnesota over so-called ‘sanctuary policies.’ … Judge Eric Tostrud has rejected the administration’s claims that local ordinances in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Hennepin County unconstitutionally block federal immigration enforcement. … The Justice Department must now decide whether to appeal.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yD155A

FED FUNDS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that a coalition of 24 states won a key ruling [from a judge] declaring that the Trump Administration illegally misused its regulatory authority to unlawfully pull billions of dollars in federal funding. … District Judge Indira Talwani [said] U.S. Office of Management and Budget [rules] do not give federal agencies effectively unfettered authority to revoke grants nationwide just because the federal administration claims it is shifting its focus.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hojEE4

TV MERGER: via ABC News, VERBATIM: “A federal judge on Monday ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to halt their $81 billion merger for at least two weeks, allowing states that are challenging the deal more time to see their case through in court. Twelve states, [including Minnesota], sued to block Paramount’s pending buyout of Warner last week — alleging that such a combination would ‘extinguish competition’ in Hollywood and lead to fewer choices for consumers. … [The ruling] opens the door to a potential preliminary injunction that the states are also seeking to effectively block the deal.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fePL7S

METRO

ST PAUL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The City of St. Paul is suspending the repair of hundreds of street lights hit by copper wire theft as the city weighs how to pay for the growing cost. In the last two years, the city has spent $2.5 million fixing damaged lights. City officials said hundreds of lights will remain dark while repairs are paused. Last year alone, the city spent $1.4 million on repairs after previously spending about $100,000 a year before the problem grew. … The Parks and Recreation Department plans to ask for more money in the 2027 budget, though officials said that is not guaranteed.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wZkufn

BAYPORT: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Bayport Mayor Michele Hanson, whose husband was sentenced to 90 days in jail after pleading guilty to a charge of hiding a corpse with the intent to conceal a crime, has announced her plans to run for re-election. … Hanson said she also would continue to work to represent the best interests of Bayport.” HANSON: “I’m not going to give up my job for something my husband did. I mean, that’s ridiculous to me. But if they don’t want me, they don’t want me. They can vote in November.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TbxEHn

STATEWIDE

GRAND MARAIS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “On a typical Sunday morning in Grand Marais, the line for World’s Best Donuts is out the door and around the corner. But over the weekend, that line all but disappeared. … Tourists stopped coming when the U.S. Forest Service closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Smoke from fire burning far west of the town has created hazardous air conditions. The closure comes at the peak summer season for World’s Best Donuts and many other businesses nearby.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44Gfkso

BEMIDJI: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement say that seven men were detained during a recent targeted operation in Bemidji. It was the second raid in a month targeting construction sites in the city that is still recovering from a storm last summer that caused extensive damage to homes and millions of trees. … [The] men detained are in custody pending further immigration proceedings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vzg9OB

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will host an “anti-corruption town hall” with the organization End Citizens United at 11:00 a.m.

TOMORROW: Recipients of the 2026 JFK Profile in Courage Award will host a press conference discussing their letter to Minnesota’s congressional delegation “calling for increased congressional oversight of federal immigration enforcement,” per a release. The event is at 10:00 a.m.

TOMORROW: Allina Health will host a ribbon-cutting event for the opening of a surgical and critical care center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at 5:30 p.m.

TOMORROW: The MN Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Women in Business conference at Target Field on Wednesday, July 22.

FRIDAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

BDAYS: housing leader Christopher LaTondresse, travel entrepreneur Andrea Mokros, Fargo – Moorhead chamber leader Shannon Full

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | A Different Tone in CD2

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:10:10 GMT

COOL AIR COMING

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup.

Two major shootings over the weekend in Minneapolis.

The Boundary Waters closure is extended to Friday, and enhanced burning restrictions begin today. DNT: https://fluence-media.co/4fuFV0J

Duluth on Saturday, Brainerd on Sunday skies were mostly clear and the air wasn’t tough to breathe.

Last night the moonrise and sunset on Gull Lake at Madden’s. In town to address the Minnesota Regional Ralroads today.

Anthony Edwards said the Timberwolves are not one of LeBron James’ top three choices for his next team. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/4pvWlKO

3M Open this week at the TPC Twin Cities, The Open winner Ryan Fox scheduled to be here.

The Stanley Cup will be in Eden Prairie Thursday at 10AM hosted by Jackson Blake.

At least four U.S. troops were killed in the Iran War this weekend. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/4yx3kqR

Peace to the family of long-time prep writer David La Vaque. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3TKCKuj

Sunday Take featured DFLers Matt Little, Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Kaela Berg for the CD2 DFL primary debate. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yssTcu

Happy National Lollipop Day!

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

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

CD2 TONE

TAKE: The CD2 primary is a contrast to the DFL Senate primary, but some of the issues are the same. Health care is the top issue this election season, and Medicare for All is the position that DFLers are flocking to which illustrates the influence of Sen. Bernie Sanders influence on the party, especially among primary voters.

The debate illustrated three candidates attempting to define themselves through biography, experience, and progressive credentials rather than sharp ideological contrasts or attacking each other.

The one issue that is a “non-issue” is contributions from supporters of Israel via bundling. As with the Senate race, the suggestion that AIPAC is contributing directly to candidates is simply not accurate. As with “Medicare for All”, the litmus test on Israel illustrates one of the major shifts that can foreshadow conflict within the Democratic party in DC if they have the majority.

Fmr. Sen. Matt Little emphasizes his roots in the district and is trying to drive a populist message, arguing that Medicare for All remains the only meaningful healthcare reform. He dismissed proposals for a public option as a political distraction and framed universal healthcare as both a moral and economic imperative.

State Rep. Kaela Berg continues to position herself as the working-class candidate in the race, emphasizing the financial pressures facing Minnesota families. She centered on making healthcare and higher education more affordable while leaning in with strongest criticism of ICE and current federal immigration enforcement policies.

State Sen. Matt Klein focused on his record as both a physician and state senator, pointing to his work expanding healthcare access and advancing law enforcement reforms. On foreign policy, Klein advocated for a two-state solution in Israel, presenting himself more moderate on the issue that is becoming a major division with the DFL.

Candidates found common ground on several issues and each expressed concern about the influence of money in politics, voiced support for campaign finance reforms—including expanded public financing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yssTcu

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

THE FEED

KLOBUCHAR: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Amy Klobuchar is doing what few Democrats seem to be doing in 2026: asking the business community for its support. After years of friction between Democrats and business groups over taxes, mandates and other regulations, Klobuchar is pitching a vision of DFL governance centered on economic growth. The senator argues Minnesota must attract more investment to reverse sluggish economic and population trends. … She has ruled out raising more taxes [and] enacting a moratorium on data centers. … If elected governor, Klobuchar will almost certainly see her economic positions tested by her party’s left flank.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4px4GOi

MN GOP: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Speaker Lisa Demuth and former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya each put an arm around the other and smiled wide last week as [they] posed for photos and rallied volunteers. … The pair lost their party’s endorsing contests, [but] they’re vying to buck the recent historical precedent and move on to the general election. … Demuth says Republicans need candidates who can appeal to voters in both August and November, which requires reaching beyond the base.” DEMUTH: “When people look at who’s a good candidate that can actually win and turn this state around, maybe people are looking at me for that, and probably some of the same people are looking at Michele Tafoya for that too.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fq2y6a

TRUMP: Republican Mike Lindell spoke to FOX 9 yesterday about his endorsement by Pres. Donald Trump in the gubernatorial primary. LINDELL: “I have talked to him since then, since the endorsement, and thanked him. That’s all I did. I said, ‘Thank you so much for believing in me, and for that I’m going to get the job done and help Minnesota become affordable again.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wo6USw

LINDELL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mike Lindell has spent years battling the Internal Revenue Service over a $6 million debt and had his personal MyPillow company wages garnished, according to a Star Tribune review of the Republican candidate’s sworn depositions. … While Lindell has been transparent about many of his financial troubles in recent years, there has been little scrutiny of the tax liabilities from his flop investment. … Lindell downplayed the debt and said the deduction was perfectly legal. He said he’s now engaged in productive negotiations with the IRS.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45brYjf

MORE: The Star Tribune also reported this weekend that Republican Mike Lindell is not currently registered to vote in Minnesota. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wjGdic

FIRES

ASSISTANCE: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the authorization of emergency assistance for areas of Crow Wing and Lake Counties that suffered damage caused by wildfires in May, and for areas of Stevens and Grant Counties that suffered damage caused by severe storms in June. … Funding and public assistance will aid in rebuilding public infrastructure damaged by the fires and storms in these areas. The total assistance will be determined once all damage assessments are complete.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vIoOhQ

BUSINESSES: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Business and civic leaders in northern Minnesota are trying to get the word out: Yes, the fires are bad, but many of us are fire-free — and open for business. … The entire North Shore of Lake Superior, for example, from Two Harbors through Grand Marais, has remained well away from any conflagration. Canoe camping is still open in parts of the Superior National Forest outside the federally designated wilderness, and Ely itself, while the base for firefighting operations, is not under any evacuation order. … St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay [said] ‘Northern Minnesota is still open. While these fires are serious, they’re burning in remote areas around the BWCA.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hnrD4h

BOATS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Resort owners and outfitters in Ely played a critical role this past week by using their motorized towboats to help evacuate canoeists from the lakes in and around the BWCA. … The boats are usually motorized aluminum fishing boats equipped with a rack that holds the canoes and gear above, and because they have motors, they’re not allowed in many parts of the BWCA [without] special permission from the Forest Service.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fHmQcK

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

Subscribe now

DC + MN

FRANKING: Via MinnPost, an analysis of how often Minnesota lawmakers are “franking,” or sending taxpayer-funded messages to the public. VERBATIM: “These outreaches to constituents are on the rise among members of Minnesota’s delegation in this election year. Last year, the eight members of the delegation received approval for 264 ‘unsolicited mass communications.’ Meanwhile, in the first quarter of this year, there were 162 franked communications, worth a total of nearly $200,000. … Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-7th District, released more franked communications of any member of the state’s congressional delegation. She produced 55 last year and spent about $51,000 to send another 50 in the first quarter of this year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R3M381

FED AGENTS: via New York Times, VERBATIM: “For well over a decade, the federal government has been telling local police departments to release the names of officers involved in shootings, saying that doing so increases transparency. … But the Department of Homeland Security is not taking that advice. It has declined to release the names of officers involved in high-profile killings. … The secrecy applies even when it comes to sharing information with other law enforcement agencies, [including] officials in St. Paul. … [DHS] said identifying officers would expose them and their families to serious danger.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fchiXH

MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is now on the front line of holding federal immigration agents potentially criminally liable for their actions. … Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriary said [because] ICE agents have killed men in Houston, Texas and Biddeford, Maine, Texas district attorneys have already reached out to Moriarty.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wcrxRB

HOUSING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “For decades, Twin Cities suburbs largely grew in one of two ways: neighborhoods of single-family homes or, less often, large apartment complexes along busy roads. Increasingly, city leaders are asking whether there’s something in between. … The idea is simple: allow duplexes, townhomes and fourplexes in neighborhoods where they have long been prohibited. … Supporters say it’s one way to help address Minnesota’s housing shortage. Critics worry the changes could alter the character of established neighborhoods without making homes significantly more affordable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w5KCoC

MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “At least 1,600 units of housing are in some stage of development in and near downtown Rochester, and the momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing. … The added apartments are being built as a growing number of people are seeking housing options and are willing to pay what are often higher rents downtown. The downtown population has grown from roughly 3,000 in 2010 to an estimated 4,400 in 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yutASz

MOVE: Sunrise Banks announced that Ethan McClelland will be its new vice president of government relations and regulatory affairs, replacing Rick Beeson at the end of 2026.

METRO

DAKOTA CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Dakota County traffic engineers know there is a problem with a heavily traveled and crash-prone roundabout in Lakeville [that] has seen nearly 300 crashes in the past two years. … Three new proposals are now being considered. One calls for leveling out the center median to allow drivers to better see what’s around the bend. … A second possibility would incorporate all of Option 1 plus a bypass lane. … The final option would return the intersection to how it was before the roundabout was put in. A traffic signal would govern drivers’ movements.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TeaMqI

ST PAUL: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “West Side residents are taking the first step toward renaming César Chávez Street, following allegations of sexual abuse by the longtime community leader. At the first of three listening sessions [last week], residents brainstormed ideas. … The West Side Community Organization will collect responses from the listening sessions, and allow neighborhood residents to vote on a name that they will forward to the mayor’s office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xci90L

SLP: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Residents of the Helix Apartments are still unable to fully access their apartments after a massive fire tore through their building on Friday. According to the city of St. Louis Park, fire crews are still observing the apartment to ensure Friday’s fire does not rekindle. At this time, the extent of damage to the building is still being calculated, but the city says 90 units on the west side of the building have been destroyed.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ppYRly

STATEWIDE

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A paused North Broadway Avenue development is up for Rochester City Council review to see if it can pick up where it left off. … While the zoning board denied the request, the developer is appealing the decision to the City Council, with the request expected to be considered Monday following a public hearing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4prTQci

ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The St. Cloud City Council, on Monday, July 20, will hold a public hearing on potentially expanding the Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) Housing Redevelopment Authority’s (HRA) power. Within its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, the EDA determined it is necessary to expand the HRA powers to include supporting any type of housing or housing components.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f8WxMu

LUVERNE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A crowd of more than 200 people gathered Saturday to celebrate this southwestern Minnesota city’s newest resident: a 65-foot-tall nutcracker statue that may be the world’s largest. … The opening of the not-so-miniature toy soldier Saturday was the culmination of years of effort to draw tourism to Luverne. … The project was funded via donations and grants, but the pandemic sent costs soaring, and construction issues led to delays. The statue ultimately cost $600,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fqk7mU

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TTODAY: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek will meet with Duluth business owners to “highlight the challenges and opportunities small businesses are facing,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TODAY: Protect Minnesota will host a roundtable on gun violence prevention in Maple Grove at 12:00 noon.

TODAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Attorney General Keith Ellison will hold a rally in Minneapolis on Monday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will host an “anti-corruption town hall” with the organization End Citizens United at 11:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: The MN Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Women in Business conference at Target Field on Wednesday, July 22.

FRIDAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: schools advocate Kim Lewis, attorney Jim Yarosh, music scribe Chris Riemenschneider

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Clearing the Air

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:48:49 GMT

FRIDAY FINALLY

Twins in Chicago vs. the Cubs this weekend.

Smoke is clearing.

The Wild’s 2026-27 schedule is out, with their regular season home opener on Oct. 3. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4h1re7N

The Twins’ 2027 schedule has their regular season home opener on April 2. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/457H6OF

Aer Lingus is discontinuing flights from MSP to Dublin, Ireland. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4fJrAO7

Minneapolis briefly had the worst air quality in the entire world yesterday. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4hnGiMO

In a primetime address, Pres. Donald Trump claimed that his own appointees were wrong about the 2020 election results. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4ftnjhE

Happy National Peach Ice Cream Day. The peach shake at client Chick-fil-A is very refreshing this summer.

Tune-in Sunday at 9AM for the CD2 DFL debate on WCCO radio.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured a preview of the CD2 DFL primary and Sec. Steve Simon discussing how federal changes could affect state elections. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pB3865

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

DAILY VISUAL

Via the MPCA today compared to yesterday.

Via Watch Duty yesterday’s fire spots compared to today.

TODAY

YESTERDAY

SMOKE: Via MinnPost, meteorologists say Minnesota’s smoky air could potentially last until August. VERBATIM: “There are hundreds of active fires in Canada, and forecasters predicted there would be 12 to 16 days of smoke in Minnesota from Canadian fires around the last week of July and the first week in August. … In the last five years, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota has issued more air quality alerts because of wildfires than ever before because of hotter and drier conditions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fgw9At

EVENTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Organizations and event planners are scrambling as wildfire smoke pollutes the air in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, which is being held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at St. Paul’s Harriet Island Regional Park, is still on — for now. Organizers said they were closely monitoring conditions. … But wildfire smoke [is] affecting other Twin Cities events.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vwhjKH

CANADA: Via MPR, Gov. Tim Walz discussed how Minnesota and Canada are cooperating to address the ongoing wildfires. VERBATIM: “Walz texted Ontario Premier Doug Ford late Tuesday night asking if Canada could help with rescuing two groups of Minnesota campers. … Canada, which is dealing with several wildfires of its own north of the BWCA, jumped into action, Walz said. ‘It took one call, and over the night all their forces were activated to go and rescue Minnesota campers.’ … He added that it was a little disorienting to think about.” WALZ: “I can pick up the phone and get a Canadian official to answer immediately. … It’s not quite as simple right now for me on the national level, which I think is unfortunate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fqkdeb

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

THE FEED

DHS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Shireen Gandhi, the former commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services, has resigned from the agency, effective Tuesday. … In a message to DHS staff last week, temporary DHS Commissioner John Connolly thanked Gandhi for her ‘remarkable leadership.’ … Gov. Tim Walz appointed her as the permanent DHS head in February. Less than three months later, Gandhi was dropped to deputy commissioner, swapping places with Connolly. … Gandhi faced intense scrutiny over DHS’s handling of fraud.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vU14HT

PERCEPTION: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Operation Metro Surge polarized the national perception of Minnesota, with younger people viewing the state more positively and older generations turned off by what they saw. … The Minnesota Business Partnership commissioned Morning Consult polls to find [that] 26% of people [said] they had a more favorable opinion of Minnesota compared with a year earlier, and 34% said their view was more negative. The surge and how residents reacted to it gave Gen Z (+21) and Millennials (+12) a more positive view of Minnesota compared with a year ago, while Gen X (-27) and Baby Boomers (-31) soured on the state. The younger poll respondents said that last winter’s events made them more open to moving here.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44DW66K

(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Business Partnership is a Fluence Advisory client)

WALZ PAC: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz’s new Small Town PAC raised more than $387,000 in its first fundraising period and reported about $238,000 cash on hand, according to its first federal campaign filing...” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4byh7Ub

MORE: Gov. Tim Walz announced “the first members of Small Town PAC’s 2026 slate” yesterday:
CD1 DFLer Jake Johnson, Iowa Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott and Pennsylvania Democrat Rachel Wallace. Via his announcement, WALZ: “These working-class leaders know their communities and are ready to fight
for the people who call them home.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wLyFV5

ENDORSEMENTS: Via Forum News Service, the party-endorsed candidates in several major races are lagging in fundraising behind non-endorsed challengers — Rep. Angie Craig is ahead of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in the DFL Senate primary, Michele Tafoya leads Adam Schwarze in the GOP Senate primary, and state Sen. Matt Klein is ahead of Matt Little in the CD2 DFL primary. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fm6iWi

CD5: Candidates’ Q2 fundraising reports for the CD5 DFL primary are now public, and Rep. Ilhan Omar raised $624,776 with $1,572,633 on hand. Latonya Reeves raised $10,346 with $3,579 on hand, while Julie Le raised $3,683 with $8,988 on hand. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/3TDO1fS

BATTLES

CRAIG: Rep. Angie Craig announced that she and 108 other members of the U.S. House sent a letter requesting the Trump Administration to shut down an ICE detention center in Texas run by CoreCivic — a company that Craig has frequently mentioned in her criticism of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan due to its donations to the Democratic Lt. Governors Association. Craig’s press release further added that Pres. Donald Trump owns stock in CoreCivic, according to recent financial disclosures. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fFYpwk

MORE: On social media, Rep. Angie Craig accused Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan of hypocrisy again due to donations received by the Democratic Lt. Governors Association. Craig called the DLGA, which is supporting Flanagan in the DFL Senate primary, a “dark money super PAC” because it has accepted donations from PhRMA, a pharmaceutical trade group, “including while [Flanagan] was chair.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4fH2Cje

FLANAGAN: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan made a social media post reiterating her support for “Medicare for All” after Rep. Angie Craig announced her support in the U.S. House for a public option via the Medicare-X Choice Act, as seen in Wednesday’s morning take. QUOTE: “I want to pass Medicare for All. I want to ban prior authorization. The insurance companies don’t. That’s why they’re backing Congresswoman Craig in this race.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3TFtCHj

MNGOV: Via Star Tribune’s Sydney Kashiwagi, GOP Rep. Tom Emmer “refused” to discuss Pres. Donald Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell in the Minnesota race for governor, and “he also would not say whether he agrees with Trump’s decision.” GOP Rep. Pete Stauber “also refused” to talk about the endorsement when asked. TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4poe7j7

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

Subscribe now

STATE STUFF

CYCLOSPORA: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota hasn’t yet been ensnared in a multistate outbreak of a parasitic infection called cyclosporiasis, but it’s already captured Minnesotans’ attention. … Minnesota has reported 41 cases of the parasitic infection so far this year. … However, the cases in Minnesota appear sporadic and public health investigators haven’t linked them to clusters of cyclosporiasis in Michigan, New York and other states that might be tied to specific lettuce or mixed greens products.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vAS1eu

FEED FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A key figure in the Feeding Our Future fraud investigation who fled the country after his indictment nearly four years ago is now in custody back in Minnesota after his arrest in Somalia. Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, 42, of Burnsville, was booked Thursday into the Sherburne County jail. … Eidleh remains held without bail ahead of a court appearance Friday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/459W9Hy

REAL ESTATE: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s housing inventory reached its highest point in seven years in June 2026. Both buyer and seller activity increased, with more homes for sale and more deals closing. … Pending sales throughout Minnesota jumped 8% year-over-year, while in the Twin Cities they rose 9.7%. … Meanwhile, new listings increased 11% across Minnesota and 10.5% in the metro, as the state ended June with 19,008 homes for sale, up 7.5% from last year. In the Twin Cities, inventory climbed 5.1% to 10,897 homes.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4f6ApCn

SPEEDING: via AP News, VERBATIM: “[Speeding] not only wastes money in gas and sends harmful emissions into the air, it barely saves you time, new research says. … University of Minnesota researchers analyzed 120 million vehicle trips across the United States. … They found that if drivers of light-duty, conventional internal combustion engine vehicles actually drove at posted speed limits, it could save an average of $22 million, based on fuel costs at the time, 6.7 million gallons of fuel and 57,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide every day. The researchers said that is comparable to taking about 5.5 million passenger vehicles off the road.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gIDRV8

CITIES

MPD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council rejected a drone pilot program that would allow the Minneapolis Police Department to contract with the controversial company Skydio. Council members were divided on the issue. … MPD already uses drones in some circumstances, but the pilot program proposed using drones as first responders for 75 days. … Members who supported the proposal said drones would help an understaffed city police force, [but] several members spoke passionately against the pilot [because] Spydio drones have been used by ICE.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f2UJVe

MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis officials say they will evacuate people from a dilapidated north Minneapolis housing development where 685 people now live in moldy, rat-infested, trashed apartments and townhomes. The Minneapolis City Council voted 12-0 Thursday to approve $2.5 million in emergency funds to help the residents of Heritage Park move and make crucial repairs. … It’s not clear yet how or when that will be done.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yJpGWr

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul City Council will host a public hearing at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to solicit feedback on Mayor Kaohly Her’s decision to clear the city’s three largest homeless encampments. … In addition to the public hearing, the council will host its own discussion of the mayor’s plan at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday during a meeting of its public safety committee. No public comment will be heard at that time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pucKzl

ACROSS MN

BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “At least one person who was working on a construction site at the SouthShore Hotel on Lake Bemidji on Thursday morning has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to the hotel’s owner, David Hanson, officers arrived on site…without the hotel’s knowledge, and the project’s general manager was unaware. … Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin [said] it was a targeted enforcement effort looking for specific individuals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R2I1wB

RED LAKE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Red Lake Nation citizens voted this week in elections for leadership positions, including tribal chairman and three district representatives. … Official results of the election were announced Thursday. Incumbent Chairman Darrell G. Seki Sr. held onto his position for a fourth term. … Incumbent Eugene R. StandingCloud will lead the Ponemah district. … Leading the Red Lake district, Clem H. May Sr. won with 61.47 percent of the vote. … Lisa R. Beaulieu received 58.73 percent of the vote for the Little Rock district representative.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44zhKJs

FALCON HGTS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “After University of Minnesota regents greenlit the sale of the Les Bolstad golf course to a developer for more than $30 million, we are getting our first look at what could take shape on its 141 acres. … The developer presented their initial, conceptual plans for the space before the Falcon Heights City Council and Community Advisory Committee. Right now, the plan includes up to 1,800 housing units, which includes apartments, senior, townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gIzVDQ

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TODAY: Congresswoman Angie Craig will host a roundtable with veterans.

TODAY: CD1 DFLer Jake Johnson will hold a news conference with fmr. Gov. Arne Carlson.

MONDAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Attorney General Keith Ellison will hold a rally in Minneapolis on Monday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m.

MONDAY: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek will meet with Duluth business owners to “highlight the challenges and opportunities small businesses are facing,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

TUESDAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will host an “anti-corruption town hall” with the organization End Citizens United at 11:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: The MN Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Women in Business conference at Target Field on Wednesday, July 22.

JULY 24: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

JULY 25: via MIRAC advisory, VERBATIM: “Starting at 10:00 a.m. at George Floyd Square, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) will lead ‘Roll 4 Justice 2,’ a protest on bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, and more to demand ‘No More ICE + Police Terror.’”

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: Rep. Cal Bahr, Thrify Traveler’s Kyle Potter, MPR Exec Duchesne Drew, GOP local leader David Sturrock, arts advocate Bonnie Marshall, St. Thomas’ Phil Esten, media guy Alberto Monseratte. SAT: DFL House Leader Zack Stephenson, Allina’s Kerri Gordon, organizer Javier Morillo-Alicea, Star Tribune’s Laura McCallum Bryan, Fox 9’s Paul Blume, House staffer Margaret Martin. SUN: Sen. Michael Kreun, professor Kathryn Pearson, fmr. First Lady Susan Shepard Carlson

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Cash and Smoke

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:04:21 GMT

HAZY AND HOT

Lynx win.

Sports Take: Ex-Gophers star takes NCAA to court, Suni Lee comes back home, a coaching mystery in northern Minnesota and (maybe) the next Joe Mauer. Coming early this afternoon.

A documentary film crew will follow Suni Lee’s return to gymnastics on the road to the 2028 Olympics. THR: https://fluence-media.co/4aWwmGp

The president wants ICE to continue stopping people in vehicles, contrary to a rule change earlier this week. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4fgfoUz

President Trump will address the nation tonight.

It’s National Dole Whip and National Corn Fritters Day…the State Fair can’t come soon enough.

Please forward this to friends if you think they’d like it.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.comBlois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured a preview of the CD2 DFL primary and Sec. Steve Simon discussing how federal changes could affect state elections. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pB3865

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

The smoke impact statewide is extreme, changing by the hour last night. The MISO (energy grid) operators have issued an alert asking consumers across the Midwest to voluntarily conserve electricity. Meanwhile, the BWCA wildfires are so large they may not be fully extinguished until snow falls. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4w5OohL

Once again, our senses have a new experience, including President Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell yesterday. Slow News Year ™️ is performing at peak capacity.

A nugget from a dinner last night with University of Minnesota grad and Morning Consult co-founder Michael Ramlet was the fastest growing coding language is – English.

Election’s always move fast, but this one will move faster – not because of the TV ads or candidates not debating, but because the ability to understand the electorate is changing nearly daily. To that end, it’s a whiplash to watch – so we’ll put our heads down and focus on conversations and the data and surveys to thread the needle on the mood of Minnesota.

For reference, the charades in DC and over amplification about the Middle East in Minnesota races should be a reminder that the noisemakers aren’t at the ball fields or the cabin where people talk about prices, polarization and their kids pediatrician – almost everything but the impending primary.

The next MNSider – the Primary less than a month out, will be released before Saturday.

Subscribe now

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

VISUAL AWARENESS

Via Watch Duty…the current fires in Northern Minnesota.

Via MPCA the current air quality map for Minnesota MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4hhQc2x

EMERGENCY: Gov. Tim Walz and the Executive Council voted yesterday to extend Minnesota’s current peacetime emergency by another 30 days to continue the state’s wildfire response. Via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Federal, state, and local partners [will] support fire suppression, evacuation efforts, and emergency response operations. … Extension of the executive order authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to provide personnel, equipment, and resources to assist with wildfire suppression and emergency response efforts for an additional 30 days.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w7wThe

REPORTS: The deadline to submit a Q2 campaign finance report to the FEC has passed, and here are the currently available fundraising totals for Minnesota’s federal candidates — more results will be published as they become public this week. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/3TDO1fS https://fluence-media.co/4vy3OdK

SENATE: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s cash on hand, which she did not previously announce, is $1,565,604 — she raised $1,397,854. Rep. Angie Craig has $4.8 million cash on hand and raised $2.65 million in Q2. Republican Michele Tafoya’s cash on hand, which she did not previously announce, is $2,080,632 — she raised $2,627,670. Republican Adam Schwarze raised $291,371 with $211,222 on hand. Republican Royce White raised $83,615 with $48,231 on hand.
CD1: GOP Rep. Brad Finstad raised $543,899 with $1,210,804 on hand. DFLer Jake Johnson raised $650,362 with $957,225 on hand. DFLer Alex Eaton raised $79,305 with $69,072 on hand.
CD2: Sen. Matt Klein raised $331K and has $519,999 cash on hand, DFLer Matt Little raised $175,498 with $254,789 on hand. DFL state Rep. Kaela Berg raised $109,390 with $56,637 on hand. Republican Eric Pratt raised $202,388 with $268,903 on hand.
CD3: DFL Rep. Kelly Morrison raised $258,745 with $413,021 on hand. Republican Quentin Wittrock raised $256,849 with $224,049 on hand.
CD4: DFL Rep. Betty McCollum raised $173,017 with $568,721 on hand. Republican Paul Xiong raised $22,737 with $3,687 on hand.
CD5: Republican John Nagel raised $357,662 with $48,430 on hand. Republican Dalia Al-Aqidi raised $112,469 with $31,853 on hand.
CD6: GOP Rep. Tom Emmer raised $1,321,794 with $4,535,592 on hand. Republican challenger Mike Foley raised $15,772 with $9,379 on hand. DFLer Doug Chapin raised $159,168 with $75,437 on hand.
CD7: GOP Rep. Michelle Fischbach raised $251,741 with $902,668 on hand. DFLer Erik Osberg raised $95,644 with $114,068 on hand.
CD8: GOP Rep. Pete Stauber raised $470,764 with $1,208,605 on hand. DFLer Trina Swanson raised $225,302 with $117,406 on hand.

WHITE: Via MPR, a closer look at Republican Senate candidate Royce White’s Q2 finance report. VERBATIM: “During the [quarter], he spent more than what came in: $112,000. So coming into July, that left him with $48,231. … Much of White’s spending was on fundraising itself, but his report shows the campaign’s appetite, too. His campaign spent just shy of $1,000 combined on several visits to Chipotle and Jimmy Johns.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fhXuRr

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

Subscribe now

THE FEED

GOV RACE: Speaker Lisa Demuth responded to the news that Pres. Donald Trump endorsed Mike Lindell for the Republican gubernatorial primary, as seen in lunch take. DEMUTH: “I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to partner with President Trump on a number of issues. … Under my leadership, House Republicans passed into law a number of welfare reforms that came from President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ … President Trump has put America first, and as governor I will put Minnesota first.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gGAy0C

MORE: Republican Mike Lindell spoke to MPR News about his endorsement from the president. LINDELL: “I didn’t ask him for his endorsement. … I wanted to get it based on merit, based on what I could do, [so] I’m really excited that he endorsed me. … Now I can concentrate. I’m not taking the primary for granted, but I want to concentrate now on getting out what I can do for Minnesota. This will raise a lot of funding. Right now we’re approaching $3 million, but this should up that so we can really hit the advertising to the marketing that I have planned to go against Amy Klobuchar.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w8H5WJ

WALZ: Via KARE 11, Gov. Tim Walz responded to the president’s endorsement of Mike Lindell during an unrelated event. WALZ: “That is where the party is at. … The president wants loyalty. So, folks in Minnesota will — Republicans will respond on August 11, I guess — and everyone else will get a chance in November.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4foj1rP

CD1: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Jake Johnson, a DFL candidate for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, rolled out a package of campaign promises and agenda priorities that he said would guide his decision-making if elected to Congress in November. … Consisting of promises to combat everything from fraud to runaway debt, Johnson is calling the document his ‘Taxpayer Protection Pledge.’ … Johnson said items on the list stemmed from frustration he shares with the public over fraud-related issues both nationally and statewide. A common refrain he’s heard from angry people on the campaign trail is that they want to be compensated for their lost tax dollars.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RmsOX4

MN GOP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell is a five-alarm fire for many in the GOP. The MyPillow CEO is widely seen as the worst candidate to take on U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. … Some Republican candidates for statewide offices privately fear Lindell will drag them down with him, or harm the GOP’s chances of winning legislative majorities. … [But] Trump’s endorsement has not always assured victory. A Trump-backed candidate lost a primary for governor in Iowa. In the South Carolina governor’s race, Trump endorsed a second candidate after his first choice stalled. Trump also endorsed two governor candidates in Arizona. … A GOP operative close to [Lisa] Demuth’s campaign was hopeful Demuth could win a similar dual endorsement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RBp8kw

MORE: Republican Mike Lindell responded to GOP Chair Alex Plechash’s criticism of his gubernatorial campaign, as seen in lunch take. Lindell told the Star Tribune that Plechash shouldn’t be the party chair, calling his handling of the 2026 state convention a “fiasco.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RBp8kw

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take had extensive initial coverage of Pres. Donald Trump’s endorsement in Minnesota’s GOP primary for governor. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4fr0ZFo

STATE STUFF

MEDICAID: via DHS advisory, VERBATIM: “The State of Minnesota is extending a pause on enrolling new Medicaid providers in 12 high-risk services for at least another six months. The freeze on new providers began on Jan. 30, 2026, in coordination with the Minnesota Department of Human Services beginning an effort to revalidate each of the nearly 5,600 providers. … ‘We still have a lot of work to do to verify the providers we have before we begin accepting new applications,’ said John Connolly, temporary commissioner of [DHS]. ‘If necessary, we can make exceptions to the moratorium.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w5N0M5

MED FRAUD: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Guilty pleas continue to pile up in a Medicaid fraud case tied to two interconnected companies that defrauded the state’s Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program. … Moktar Aden, owner of Brilliant Minds Services, pleaded guilty to wire fraud Wednesday in federal court, admitting his company billed more than $2 million for inflated hours and Medicaid services never provided. … The federal indictment for Brilliant Minds Services, one of the state’s top 10 HSS billers, also listed an interconnected company, Foundation First Services. … In all, the two companies received more than $2.5 million in Medicaid dollars between September 2022 and April 2025.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SYJftn

DST: Via Bring Me The News, a look at how federal efforts to make daylight saving time permanent would impact Minnesota. VERBATIM: “It would keep the time Minnesota uses following the ‘spring forward’ in the spring. The result would be later sunrises and sunsets throughout the winter. … Currently, at the winter equinox, Minneapolis experiences sunrise at 7:48 a.m. and sunset at 4:34 p.m. … Under the new rules, that would move to an 8:48 a.m. sunrise and 5:34 p.m. sunset. … This shift is even more pronounced in the northwestern part of the state. There, Moorhead would see its latest annual sunrise at 9:10 a.m.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f5lV5R

ISRAEL: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “House Democrats split nearly evenly on a Wednesday amendment to cut off U.S. aid to Israel, showcasing how the contentious issue is reshaping the political dynamics in the party. The amendment [was] spearheaded by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). … The amendment failed 104-314-10, with 103 Democrats voting in favor, 98 Democrats voting against, and 10 voting present. Massie was the only Republican who supported the amendment. … The 10 Democratic present votes [included] Betty McCollum [and] Kelly Morrison.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3T7Osis

MORE: DFL Rep. Betty McCollum issued a statement explaining why she voted “present” on Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to cancel all U.S. military aid to Israel. McCOLLUM: “I have long been a vocal opponent of the way the United States provides a blank check to the Netanyahu government. … However, I cannot support Mr. Massie’s amendment [because] it is so broadly written. As drafted, other foreign assistance — including vital assistance to Palestinians — could be cut off as well.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bK46H4

BLANCHE: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Senator Amy Klobuchar grilled Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, over several topics at a confirmation hearing Wednesday on Capitol Hill. Among the topics, Klobuchar questioned Blanche on immigration enforcement and election security. Blanche said he expects federal law enforcement to follow the law, and he’s not aware of armed agents at polling places.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bK70eW

ICC: via Rep. Ilhan Omar advisory, VERBATIM: “Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced a resolution calling on the United States to become a full member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and revoke sanctions and visa bans on ICC officials. The Congresswoman’s resolution comes days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to dismantle the ICC.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hf8O39

GOT ISSUES

E-CIGS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against the e-cigarette manufacturer Loon, claiming its products are designed to appeal to children. … The Attorney General’s Office is accusing Loon of selling nicotine products in flavors like ‘Cotton Candy’ [and] using kid-friendly characters to promote its vapes. The Attorney General’s Office also claims that Loon is being presented as ‘accepted for approval’ by the FDA, when it reportedly has not been authorized to market its products.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hdoLH9

STATE FAIR: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota State Fair has announced details about its annual hiring fair as it seeks to fill around 3,000 positions before the Great Minnesota Get-Together starts on Aug. 27. It’s offering on-the-spot interviews at its employment center, as well as during a job fair at the fairgrounds’ North End Event Center, which will take place on Wednesday, July 22.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gCnV6J

DAIRY: via MDA advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced it will gather public input on the socioeconomic impact of large-scale dairies in the state. Information will be gathered through two virtual meetings and an online form. The MDA is soliciting input after the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced they will not require an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for Riverview LLP’s proposed expansion of its existing West River Dairy facility near Morris, Minn.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bg9lOT

METRO

MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A group of about 150 community leaders, developers, artists and property owners announced a new brand campaign for the Minneapolis Warehouse District and a vision to transform the area into a ‘world-class entertainment and sports destination.’ … The public-private venture is being led by the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition, a nonprofit group of volunteers trying to rally investors, businesses and residents to drive momentum and growth in the Warehouse District.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fDNuTS

CRYSTAL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A Ramsey County judge gave the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) temporary ownership of The Terrace nursing home last week after the court verified concerns about staffing, resident safety and numerous citations. Since December, The Terrace, which is licensed for 85 residents and currently has almost 60, has received 63 citations over the course of 10 site visits.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fdr1M0

WASH/RAMSEY: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Recycling and composting food scraps just got easier for more communities in Ramsey and Washington counties. … Ten more Ramsey County communities and all of Washington County are now able to participate, with more rollouts to come. … The program is expected to roll out to St Paul and the rest of Ramsey County by the end of next year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Rb9f4b

ACROSS MN

SCSU: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud State University is delaying major demolition projects while it develops a long-term strategy [for] a planned transformation of the corridor connecting the school with downtown St. Cloud. The Minnesota Legislature approved $3 million this year to help demolish aging campus buildings. … While President Gregory Tomso called the funding a significant step forward, he said the university is at least a year away from beginning demolition as it evaluates additional funding opportunities and coordinates planning with the city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vxssuU

HERMANTOWN: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Charlie Berens, a comedian who has earned a national following for his Midwest schtick, struck a serious tone [during] an event hosted by Stop the Hermantown Data Center, a coalition of residents opposed to the construction of a 1.2-million-square-foot Google data center that the company hopes to construct in the southwest corner of the city. The event shared the perspectives of entertainers, residents and scientists who are all opposed to the project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gGKzLe

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A pair of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grants will provide more than $928,000 for Rochester to grow and maintain its urban forest. The funding includes a $500,000 DNR ReLeaf Community Forestry Grant and a $428,450 DNR Shade Tree Program Bonding Grant.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RBqFag

DAYBOOK

TTODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events today.

TODAY: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek will be answering press questions about June employment data at 10:00 a.m.

JULY 20: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Attorney General Keith Ellison will hold a rally in Minneapolis on Monday, July 20 at 5:00 p.m.

JULY 20: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek will meet with Duluth business owners to “highlight the challenges and opportunities small businesses are facing,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.

JULY 21: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will host an “anti-corruption town hall” with the organization End Citizens United at 11:00 a.m.

JULY 22: The MN Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Women in Business conference at Target Field on Wednesday, July 22.

JULY 24: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: Rep. Bidal Duran, Children’s Minnesota leader Lauren Gilchrist, WCCO Radio’s Dan Cook, attorney John Cairns, , fundraiser Trisha Hamm, Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene, attorney Rick Linsk, and one of the reasons this newsletter exists my HS social studies teacher John Fisher

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Fires, Ads + Primary Turnout

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:12:10 GMT

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE

England vs. Argentina today.

The Boundary Waters wildfire is over 12,000 acres in size and growing. KARE: https://fluence-media.co/3R9Eywg

Gas prices are rising again, with the statewide average up 16 cents over last week. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4vxEogh

ICE officers have been ordered to stop pursuing people in vehicles following two more fatal shootings. REUTERS: https://fluence-media.co/4wfhoUc

Disappointingly, the U.S. House passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/4aUWOQz

It’s National Gummy Worm Day! Celebrate a few days late at a new candy shop in town IYKYK…that soft opens this weekend.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Sunday Take featured a preview of the CD2 DFL primary and Sec. Steve Simon discussing how federal changes could affect state elections. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pB3865

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

Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Evacuations are expanding as the Camp Fire continues to grow in the Superior National Forest near Winton, pushing smoke toward nearby neighborhoods. GREENER: “It went from pretty much nothing to a lot of smoke, very quick,” said Winton resident Michelle Greener, who lives near Fall Lake. “We’ve been here for a number of fires, and I haven’t ever seen it grow like that.”.. Officials said the Camp Fire is now burning more than 2,800 acres. An evacuation order is in place near Greener’s location, and she said many of her neighbors have already left….The U.S. Forest Service said the Camp Fire has become its top priority, bringing in hundreds of firefighters and deploying water-carrying helicopters to slow its spread.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gF03PM

Via AP this morning, VERBATIM: “Heavy smoke from several large wildfires blazing in Canada and Minnesota is expected to engulf large swaths of the Midwest and Northeast U.S. this week, exposing millions of people to dangerous air pollution….Minnesota officials issued an air quality alert from Tuesday through Friday for areas including the Twin Cities metro area, Alexandria and Two Harbors, with very heavy smoke expected across the state’s northeastern corner as large wildfires spread. Air quality levels in Two Harbors, the Tribal Nation of Grand Portage and other regions in northeast Minnesota were expected to reach hazardous levels, making it unsafe for everyone.”

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

TURNOUT

TURNOUT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “[With a] primary election four weeks away, low turnout [is] likely. … In 2024, just under 13% of eligible voters cast ballots in the August primary. That was a big drop from the 19% to 23% who showed up in 2022, 2020 and 2018. … Carleton College political analyst Steven Schier [said] the low voter turnout could especially help candidates who already have high name recognition, like Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell; a lot of money, like DFL U.S. Senate candidate Angie Craig; or both money and name recognition, like Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/459gCw5

FORECAST: It’s important to note the 2024 primary didn’t have compelling races, and considering three competitive statewide primaries this year, our forecast total primary turnout will be over 1,000,000 voters for the first time in Minnesota history.

DFLSEN

MEDICARE: First in morning take, DFL Rep. Angie Craig is introducing a bill in the U.S. House to create a public option for health insurance. The Medicare-X Choice Act would “create a Medicare Exchange plan that would offer affordable health insurance options to families, individuals and small businesses,” per a release. The bill would also “permanently extend” the ACA subsidies that were not renewed by Congress last year, fix the so-called “family glitch,” and “provide funding for a national reinsurance program.” Co-sponsors include Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Mike Quigley (D-IL), while Sens. Michael Bennett (D-CO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) will introduce companion legislation in the Senate. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pnep9U

NEW ADS: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign launched a new ad on social media criticizing Rep. Angie Craig’s record on cryptocurrency, immigration and more. FLANAGAN: “We deserve better than a crypto, pharma, Big Oil-backed corporate Democrat. … Minnesota never caved to [Donald] Trump, and neither will I.” Meanwhile a smart reader pointed out that a new North Star Dawn supporting Craig and attacking Flanagan on housing fraud is using nearly the exact language from an online poll that was leaked last week.

FLANAGANAD: https://fluence-media.co/4fC4z0o NORTHSTARAD: https://fluence-media.co/455Co3U

Here’s the poll language:

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

Subscribe now

THE FEED

NEW AD: via RSLC advisory, VERBATIM: “The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is continuing its ‘States Don’t Wait’ campaign with the release of its second spot, ‘Pact.’ … The ad will be backed by a six-figure buy on digital platforms and will run statewide in Arizona, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, focusing on how state Republicans are funding police, cracking down on sanctuary cities, and keeping violent criminals off the streets.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4f42Roo

WALZ: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz said he wished federal immigration officials were ‘more focused on safety’ than talking points after the Trump Administration deported a Hmong man who received a state pardon for a decades-old felony sexual assault conviction.” QUOTE: “I guess the question I would ask is, ‘Did that make us any safer?’ … Picking them up and taking them out with no due process, it just seems unfair. If you think this person should have been gone, why didn’t you take them for the last 30 years?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x3sV9x

QUALLS: Via Minnesota Reformer, Kendall Qualls’ gubernatorial campaign declined to explain why Qualls posted a doctored social media image depicting a man — reportedly his former political director — with no head. VERBATIM: “Political director Terencio Safford recently resigned from his role in Qualls’ campaign for Minnesota governor, [but] the Qualls campaign says Safford was never paid. … A spokesperson with the Qualls campaign declined to explain why the picture of Safford’s [body] appears on Qualls’ personal Facebook page, stating the photo didn’t appear on a campaign account. Safford had worked with the Qualls campaign for about a month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bmgcWQ

TAKE: The unforced errors of the Qualls campaign are not going to build confidence in the final stretch of the campaign.

STATE GOV

DEED: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The nonprofit responsible for reviewing most applications for Minnesota’s $100 million Promise Act program says it is strengthening its oversight process as state officials seek to recover taxpayer money awarded to businesses that were not eligible for grants. … [But] under state law, NDC can keep up to 8% of the funds, amounting to $7 million, to run the program. … Although DEED oversees the Promise Act, the agency says it audits only 10% of the grants approved by NDC, leaving the nonprofit responsible for reviewing the vast majority of applications before grant money is distributed.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4w67Ivx

RESPONSE: via Speaker Lisa Demuth statement, DEMUTH: “Refusing to release grant applications for recipients of public dollars is unacceptable. This continued defense of incompetence and refusal to be held accountable needs to stop. … DEED must release all of the information being requested immediately, and those responsible for approving fraudulent grants and stonewalling the truth need to answer for their obstruction.”

OIG: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The person who will lead Minnesota’s new Office of the Inspector General won’t be known for months, but the salary of that person is coming into focus. The Compensation Council meets this week to discuss the pay rate for the closely watched hire. … The Department of Minnesota Management and Budget has recommended an annual base salary of $198,214. That would make it among the highest-paid positions in state government. … The office will have a base budget of about $6.5 million per year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gzZpTL

TAX FRAUD: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Four people have been charged with filing false or fraudulent individual income tax returns, with millions moving through a network of business bank accounts. The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced the charges Tuesday. … The defendants are accused of using the network of businesses to hide personal spending and to avoid paying taxes. Additionally, a significant amount of income reportedly came from public child care and nutrition programs.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vA0Khc

AG OFFICE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “After the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office shut down its Conviction Review Unit last month, a group of advocates for those believed to be wrongly imprisoned for crimes is calling on state leaders to restore funding for the initiative. The [unit] lost federal funding this year and had to shut down. … During a Tuesday event at the Minnesota Capitol, activists with several wrongful conviction groups expressed frustration with how suddenly the closure came.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3T0KZCm

GUN CTRL: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A closely watched lawsuit over a Minnesota trigger-device ban has been quietly closed. A district court judge struck down the restriction, [and] in May, the Court of Appeals upheld that ruling on the grounds that lawmakers passed it in an unconstitutional fashion. … Now, the deadline for state lawyers to appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court has passed, and final judgment has been issued.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gzZpTL

CATALYTIC: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Catalytic converter thefts have dropped drastically across the Twin Cities metro, including by 95% in New Brighton and Eagan, since a new law took effect on Aug. 1, 2023. … The [bill] made it much harder to sell catalytic converters, [and] scrap metal dealers who buy them illegally now face at least a misdemeanor charge and possibly a felony. … Police say it is rare for a law to have such an immediate and dramatic impact.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4plPdQR

METRO

MPLS: All of Mpls, a PAC that supports moderate DFL candidates in Minneapolis, received backlash on social media this week after sending an email to supporters that claimed state Sen. Omar Fateh was “a similar candidate” to Maine Democrat Graham Platner, who recently ended his U.S. Senate bid due to sexual assault allegations. Via the email, EXCERPT: “The downfall of DSA-backed Senate candidate Graham Platner over the past week was not surprising. … Minneapolis nearly found itself saddled with a similar candidate last year when the DSA promoted the scandal-plagued Omar Fateh for mayor. … It was too close of a call for our city. We need to do better to ensure the integrity of our electoral processes and expose the dysfunction and fraud.” EMAIL: https://fluence-media.co/4f1gkxg

RESPONSE: via Sen. Omar Fateh statement, FATEH: “The statements made in All of Minneapolis’ email from this morning are absolutely disgusting. It is this exact kind of harmful rhetoric that is driving the hatred and divisiveness in our politics. This is the latest example of a repeated pattern of discrediting and dehumanizing our elected leaders of color. … DFL Party Leadership cannot continue to stay silent on the blatant harm and lies spread by All of Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ynUPOE

ST PAUL: via SAP advisory, VERBATIM: “Somali American faith leaders, community leaders, and youth advocates gathered outside Saint Paul City Hall and the Ramsey County Courthouse for a press conference organized by the Somali American Partnership (SAP) to respond to recent public comments made by Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher regarding Somali youth and violence. … [Speakers] emphasized that leadership requires bringing communities into the conversation rather than speaking about them. … Former Minnesota State Representative Hodan Hassan [said] ‘We do not want rocks thrown at our young people. We want an invitation.’”

RESPONSE: GOP Rep. Tom Emmer praised Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher on social media for his recent comments on Somali gangs. EMMER: “It’s not racist to call out Somali gang violence. I’m grateful we have law enforcement leaders like Sheriff Fletcher who will stand up and speak out against this issue.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4vzHVuq

BUDGET: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis city leaders are grappling with a projected shortfall of up to $33 million as they put together the 2027 budget — putting them in a financial squeeze that could force some tough choices. … The city’s overall budget is about $2 billion; the general fund is projected to be $744 million next year. Mayor Jacob Frey is making decisions now about what cuts to propose and how much taxes will have to go up in order to balance the budget. But the projected shortfall means city officials may have to forgo new initiatives if they want to ease the pain for taxpayers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fzBFy2

HOUSING: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis city leaders including Mayor Jacob Frey are proposing $2.5 million to address livability concerns at Heritage Park, a north side development that includes public housing. … Erik Hansen, director of Community Planning and Economic Development, [told] members of the Minneapolis City Council about the emergency funding request and how the money will be spent. He said some funds will go towards repairs for units that have been damaged by water from leaking roofs, have mold and are infested by vermin. Hansen also said the funds will be used to relocate people. … The Minneapolis City Council will vote on the emergency funding proposal Thursday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w66fFx

ISRAEL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “In a Tuesday meeting attended by nearly 100 clashing protesters, the St. Paul Board of Water Commissioners voted to maintain its contract with an Israeli cybersecurity company that provides services to St. Paul Regional Water Services. For more than a year, organizers from Women Against Military Madness and other Palestine solidarity advocates have urged the city to cut ties with Waterfall Security Solutions. … [But] the group Keep Politics out of Water, which sat on the opposite side of the council chamber from anti-Waterfall protesters Tuesday, has advocated that Waterfall is the best option to address cybersecurity concerns.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w3X5JD

CHAMPLIN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “After battling for months about which version of Minnesota’s flag to display, the Champlin City Council has found a new way to compromise: fly no state flag at all. The northwest suburb was one of the largest cities to vote earlier this year to keep flying the old state flag. … [But] after months of packed meetings and bitter fights, the City Council decided to jump out of the hot water. The council approved a formal flag and banners policy that includes leaving the state flag packed away.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gA0k6F

DC

IRAN: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) announced her cosponsorship of the No Funds for Iran War Act, which would prohibit any taxpayer dollars from being used for military action against Iran. … The [bill is] cosponsored by 37 House Democrats, including 14 veterans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fkkuzi

ROBOCALLS: Forty-nine state attorneys general, including Minnesota’s, sent a letter to the FCC calling on the federal government to strengthen protections from telephone scams and robocalls. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yiYAoE

DIESEL: via Rep. Michelle Fischbach advisory, VERBATIM: “Representatives [including] Michelle Fischbach [and] Brad Finstad have introduced the Diesel Engine Flexibility (DEF) Act. This legislation provides 10 years of legal protection for companies that follow the EPA’s 2025 and 2026 guidelines, reducing unnecessary engine shutdowns caused by faulty DEF sensors while maintaining emissions protections.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rird4L

SETTLEMENT: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today joined a coalition of 42 attorneys general announcing a settlement with the bankruptcy trustee for 23andMe, resolving allegations stemming from a 2023 data breach. … Recovery is limited to $18 million that will be paid out of available bankruptcy funds immediately. Minnesota will receive $514,871 of this recovery.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4boDV8O

CYCLOSPORA: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is urging the CDC and FDA to reinstate funding and staffing for federal and state food safety programs to fight the currently uncontrolled Cyclosporiasis outbreak happening across the United States. Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by eating contaminated food or drinking water and can lead to severe dehydration, fatigue, and other health issues. So far, across the country, nearly 2,800 cases and 87 hospitalizations linked to this outbreak have been confirmed.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4fhMOCs

ICYMI: Yesterday’s health take featured additional coverage of the cyclospora outbreak. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4ylPkjv

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will hold an Emergency Executive Council meeting at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the latest information on wildfire conditions before the council votes on an extension of Executive Order 26-08, which would authorize state disaster assistance for an additional 30 days. Walz will receive a lifetime achievement award from a student leadership organization from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

JULY 22: The MN Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Women in Business conference at Target Field on Wednesday, July 22.

JULY 24: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: Rep. Ben Bakenberg, fmr. DFL Chair Mark Andrew, Timberwolves leader Jeff Munneke, civic leader Dan McElroy

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Tafoya Cash Total + New DEED Fraud

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:08:26 GMT

HEATED STATE

France vs. Spain today, seems like a battle we’ve seen before.

All-Star Game tonight, Joe Ryan most likely to represent the Twins. Buxton should take the rest.

Wolves will introduce Josh Green and LoMelo Ball today.

Erling Haaland’s souvenir from the US was a stuffed racoon. FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/4vx5mVo

Minnesota is now sitting under the “biggest heat dome on Earth.” BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/3T2DCu2

State flags are at half-staff until Saturday in remembrance of Sen. Lindsey Graham.

South Carolina’s governor appointed Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister to fill out the remainder of his term. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/44wslET

Oil prices surged after Donald Trump said the U.S. will blockade the Strait of Hormuz and charge a 20% toll. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/44uTuIl

Happy National Mac and Cheese Day.

For Cow Appreciation Day today, if you wear cow spots or a cow outfit to Fluence client Chick-fil-A today you can get a free sandwich.

Blois

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

Governor Tim Walz will have his first media appearance since Tou Vang was pardoned today, and since Maine candidate Graham Plattner dropped out. He’ll sign the liquor bill celebrating happy hour in senior living settings, but chances are the questions will be more pointed than the Governor feels comfortable with.

One of the lingering issues for the next Governor is what programs, especially grant programs funded by the 2023 legislature have issues with fraud or misuse, it’s expected that the flood of money toward DFL favored programs may linger as an issue when further reviewed. via KSTP, VERBATIM: “State officials are attempting to recover tens of thousands of dollars in the taxpayer-funded Minnesota Promise Act program after acknowledging three grants — including two previously identified by 5 INVESTIGATES — should not have been awarded… The acknowledgment comes months after Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, a chief author of the Minnesota Promise Act, defended the program following 5 INVESTIGATES’ initial investigation…Champion previously said there was “no fraud” in the program, called it “sensational TV” and later criticized the reporting during a legislative hearing, saying KSTP “has been wrong … and continues to be wrong.”…Combined, the three problematic grants total nearly $53,000. DEED noted that represents less than 1% of the funding awarded through the program. … Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, R-Fergus Falls, [is] questioning why DEED delayed releasing documents while the program remains under review by the Office of the Legislative Auditor.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aUxhHk

While we wait for Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s fundraising report, Republican Michele Tafoya announced that her Senate campaign raised over $3 million in Q2, “with over $2.62 million directly to her campaign,” per a press release. Tafoya did not announce her cash on hand, but it will be available when her finance report becomes public later this week. Tafoya’s campaign said this is a new record for a GOP Senate candidate in Minnesota, and she has “tens of thousands of grassroots donors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4piFR8B

SPENDING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “An onslaught of untraceable spending has poured into the Democratic race between Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, making the contest for U.S. Senate among the most expensive primaries Minnesota has seen. … To date, outside groups that must disclose their donors to federal regulators have spent more than $10 million on ads either supporting Craig or attacking Flanagan. Some of the funding for those ads has been funneled through a dark money group that doesn’t have to disclose its donors, however. Additionally, more than $2 million in spending on ads praising Craig has come from organizations whose donors are untraceable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Tj9ISp

MORE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Minnesotans are known for their niceness, but pleasantries are rare in the state’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary. … The increasingly bitter contest will be among the next races where progressive candidates are facing more moderate rivals. August primaries in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota will be another gauge of Democratic voters’ frustration with the establishment. The races across the Upper Midwest may also offer another test of the electability of hard-left candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hgUmro

DEMUTH: via MPR, VERBATIM: “It’s been oddly quiet in what is supposed to be a competitive GOP governor primary, but get ready for the big push. The Restore Sanity political group backing Lisa Demuth has [reserved] broadcast TV ads for the final month. According to documents filed with TV stations, they’re focused on her push to cut vehicle tab fees, ease property taxes and reduce state spending. … So far, we haven’t seen any mainstream TV ads from Kendall Qualls, Mike Lindell or groups backing them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pfdAja

MORE: Speaker Lisa Demuth announced an endorsement by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus yesterday, saying she “will always defend our Second Amendment rights.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4w5FDV4

AUDITOR: Via MinnPost, the GOP’s endorsed candidate for state auditor, Nate George, admitted to publishing campaign materials that contained false information about his credentials. VERBATIM: “In a Facebook post on June 29, George [had] put a green checkmark by his name because he is a ‘certified fraud examiner.’ … George’s campaign admitted that their candidate is not a certified fraud examiner, a claim that was also made in a June 15 Facebook post, [but] neither post has subsequently been taken down.” GEORGE: “While I publicly announced on June 8 that I was pursuing the Certified Fraud Examiner credential…I recognize that my later posts should have referenced the June 8 post and made it clearer that I was still competing the certification process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3T2BHFQ

EARLY VOTES: via MPR, VERBATIM: “We’re now about a month out from the primary election, and thousands of completed ballots are in the hands of election administrators. New figures on absentee voting through last Thursday show almost 14,000 ballots have been accepted. That includes 9,022 that were sent in by mail and 4,757 that were filled out in person.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pfdAja

Fluence Advisory has released its Insights memo on “The Next Legislature”. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aNNSMV

Sunday Take featured a preview of the CD2 DFL primary and Sec. Steve Simon discussing how federal changes could affect state elections. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pB3865

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

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

ECONOMY

The end of the fiscal year update from MMB, reads VERBATIM “The near-term outlook for U.S. real GDP has weakened since Minnesota’s Budget and Economic Forecast was prepared in February 2026. S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI), Minnesota’s macroeconomic consultant, now expects annual real GDP to grow 2.0 percent in 2026, 0.7 percentage points below the February forecast, followed by 2.3 percent in 2027, 0.3 percentage points higher than in February… SPGMI expects CPI inflation of 3.4 percent in 2026, up from 2.5 percent in their February outlook. SPGMI expects CPI inflation of 2.4 percent in 2027, down from 2.8 percent in their February forecast.”

MORE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The last few months of state revenue activity have produced higher tax collections than expected even as economic activity has been hampered. A quarterly budget report from the Department of Minnesota Management and Budget shows the state collected about $248 million more than forecast, about 0.7 percent, but that was largely attributed to timing of payments and changes in pass-through entity payments that might have otherwise come in later. Sales tax collections were pretty close to earlier estimates, but corporate tax receipts were down almost 10 percent. The report says higher oil prices this year are causing a drag on economic growth and consumer spending is ‘subdued.’ Inflation outpacing wage growth is also a concern.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pfdAja

MORE: Via MMB, the budget report for 2026. REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4gBOEAq

FEED FRAUD: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Abdirashid Bixi Dool pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud tied to the Feeding our Future fraud scheme. Prosecutors say he faked meal counts and rosters, leading to nearly $1.1 million in payouts. Dool faces up to 20 years in prison [and] must pay restitution and forfeit property in Pelican Rapids. … The plea agreement says Dool sometimes claimed more than 40,000 meals served in a week.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Rgp9u3

MED FRAUD: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office today secured the criminal conviction of Michael John Marick in Itasca County for wrongfully obtaining public assistance. Marick pleaded guilty of stealing nine and a half years’ worth of public-assistance benefits. … Marick’s actual monthly income was substantially higher than disclosed and consistently above the public assistance limits. The overpayment of benefits to Marick between April 2014 and September 2023 totaled $106,098.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Tzetas

VISIT: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

HOUSING

HOUSING: via CBS News, VERBATIM: “A landmark housing bill automatically became law at 12 a.m. on Saturday after President Donald Trump declined to sign it in protest of the Senate’s inaction on an elections bill. … The bipartisan bill, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, is the most comprehensive housing legislation in decades. The measure aims to increase housing supply and bring down costs. … The president’s decision put his Republican allies in Congress in a difficult position, depriving them of an opportunity to tout their efforts to address concerns about affordability.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4w27qpn

RESPONSE: via Sen. Tina Smith statement, SMITH: “The lack of affordable, decent housing in this country has been a major problem for working families for years, but with the 21st Century Road to Housing Act becoming law, we’re choosing a different path: Build more housing and protect the homes we already have from falling into disrepair. I am so proud that my provision to reform the Rural Housing Service and save thousands of affordable homes in rural communities is now law.”

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

Subscribe now

NATIONAL

TV MERGER: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. [by] Paramount. … The proposed merger would combine two of Hollywood’s five major film distributors and two of the five major basic cable companies. … The coalition has asked Warner Bros. and Paramount not to close the merger until after the judicial process concludes. If they do not agree, the coalition will be filing a temporary restraining order.” ELLISON: “Minnesotans deserve a fair and competitive marketplace, not one where a handful of giant corporations control what we watch, what we pay, and what choices we have.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fdzMFX

ICC: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday issued a new broadside in the U.S. fight with the International Criminal Court, announcing a diplomatic effort by the Trump Administration to dismantle the global tribunal. … His announcement comes after three of the court’s judges filed a lawsuit in New York last month against the Trump Administration. … The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute genocide and war crimes, [but] Rubio accused the body of being ‘backed and run by a powerful network of leftist nongovernment organizations, smug globalists, and hostile Third World governments.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fcZRon

RESPONSE: via Rep. Ilhan Omar statement, OMAR: “The ICC is an international court of last resort, intended to prosecute only the most horrific crimes – war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. … The United States should lead by example, not exempt itself. … If we respect human rights, uphold the rule of law, and hold ourselves to the same standards we ask of others, we have nothing to fear from the ICC.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bFtEVM

METRO

MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Jamison Whiting wants to bring peace to the Minneapolis City Council. … On a recent day, as Whiting made the rounds, he went out of his way to connect with council members he’s often at odds with over council votes. … Whiting, 32, entered City Hall optimistic that he and three other new council members could bring more civility to the council. … While he has cultivated relationships with even some of the most unsparing critics, Whiting is reviled by some progressives who say the new council member is just a yes-man for the mayor.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vvtwQ1

RAMSEY CTY: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County Fair returns this week after a six-year hiatus. … The fair kicks off its four-day run on Thursday with free admission, offering a mix of agricultural education, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The highly anticipated celebration was put on hiatus by pandemic disruptions and county coordination planning.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4yhQI6K

ACROSS MN

STEARNS CTY: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Stearns County officials are proposing a 7.14% property tax levy increase for 2027, roughly half of the 14.3% increase initially requested by county departments. … The preliminary budget, which will be presented to county commissioners [today], reduces the proposed levy through spending cuts, the use of nearly $3.9 million in reserve funds and other budget adjustments.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aPbrF3

MANKATO: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) hosted a roundtable discussion in Mankato with Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and southern Minnesota veterans, [discussing] how Congress can increase access to VA healthcare and enhance benefits. While in Mankato, Congressman Finstad and Secretary Collins also toured the Lyle C. Pearson Community-Based Outpatient VA Clinic and met with representatives of the Bravo Zulu House.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w8Y5fC

DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “In Duluth, technology concerns — including AI integration, budgetary strains, environmental impact and overexposure to screens — have become the most-discussed topic at School Board public comment sessions. … Community members have raised concerns about the detrimental effects it may have on learning and the cost of maintaining that technology. … [But] the technology budget accounts for a relatively small portion of the district’s expenses. Last year, general fund expenditures totaled just under $185 million. The technology budget accounted for less than $4 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fgoP6o

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will visit an assisted living facility for a ceremonial signing of the omnibus liquor bill at 9:00 a.m.

JULY 24: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: attorney Eric Swanson, comms pro Tim Post, golfer Ben Greve

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Klein Launches Ads in CD2

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:56:39 GMT

FIRES AND SMOKE

Twins win. Aurora lost Saturday and are done for the season.

Gov. Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to help fight ongoing wildfires in northern Minnesota. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4fdblZd

Residents are seeking a delay in Lydale Avenue project, and after the Hennepin Ave project we should scrap it all together. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4peIkko

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell confirmed he has pneumonia after weeks of absence. CNN: https://fluence-media.co/4eYSeDq

Hipcamp ranked a spot in Princeton, MN on its list of the top 50 best places to camp. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4yeBHCV

Sunday Take featured a preview of the CD2 DFL primary and Sec. Steve Simon discussing how federal changes could affect state elections. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pB3865

Today is National Rock Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

GRAHAM: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) died from a ‘brief and sudden illness’ on Saturday evening at the age of 71. … The Republican senator, who was well-known as a defense hawk, was in the middle of seeking his fifth term. … South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) can immediately appoint a temporary replacement to fill Graham’s seat until Jan. 3 of next year. … The senator’s death came after returning from a trip to Ukraine on the heels of a recess in the upper chamber. Lawmakers are expected to return for legislative business on Monday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SW37xa

RESPONSE: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar statement, KLOBUCHAR: “It was a shock this morning to find out that my friend Lindsey Graham has died. He was a man who loved his work, his country, and his family. … Lindsey Graham was the one who was willing to work with me (when so few would) on helping the Afghan refugees. … But mostly my fond memories of spending time with Lindsey [were] not about the ups and downs of his policy positions. It was about his love for the world, his loyalty to hard causes and his friends, and the pure joy he brought to life. I will miss him.”

MORE: Former state Rep. John Kriesel said on social media that South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham once encouraged him to run for U.S. Senate. Kriesel told Graham he did not want to run, but Graham reportedly responded: “That’s perfect. … We need people like you.” KRIESEL: “He took the time to listen to me and never seemed in a hurry to end the meeting. Regardless of whether someone agreed with his views, my impression was that he was a genuinely gracious man who made time for people.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4fxqB4o

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.

SPEAKING: If your association or group is looking for a speaker - contact me about presenting “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

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

CD2: State Sen. Matt Klein is launching a TV ad for his U.S. House campaign in CD2 today, saying in a press release that he is the first candidate in the race to do so. The ad, titled “Unlike,” contrasts Klein with Pres. Donald Trump and Health Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Via the ad, KLEIN: “Unlike Donald Trump or RFK Jr., I am a doctor. … I’ve actually cared for patients. And in the state Senate, I fought to protect them from cruel Medicaid cuts, greedy drug companies and corrupt politicians in Washington.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RwTzIw

THIS WEEK: The next batch of quarterly campaign finance reports are due to the FEC on Wednesday. Fluence tip sheets will share insights on these reports as they become public this week.

FUNDRAISING: The Minnesota Campaign Finance Board has released its report on changes to state election fundraising guidelines following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on coordinated party expenditures, as previewed in Friday’s morning take. EXCERPT: “The Board directed staff to count monetary contributions from political parties, and both monetary and in-kind contributions from terminating candidate committees, when applying the aggregate political party contribution limit. The value of in-kind contributions, including approved expenditures, from political party units will not be included when calculating the aggregate political party contribution limit.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4faLoJB

FOLK: The Anders Folk for Hennepin County Attorney campaign launched a new ad. Via news release, VERBATIM: Today, Anders Folk’s campaign for Hennepin County Attorney released its first ad, “My Job,” ahead of the August 11 primary. Folk, a lifelong Democrat, Marine, career prosecutor, and former Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, highlights the results he’s delivered as a federal prosecutor, his dedication to the rule of law, and commitment to safety and justice for Hennepin County residents.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ykgUh5

SENATE RACE: Rep. Angie Craig spoke to WCCO-TV about her Senate campaign yesterday morning. Notably, Craig said she expects the race to be close because she and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are both “very popular” with DFLers. CRAIG: “I think it is going to be a very close race. And I think that what you have is you have two elected leaders who are very popular with Democratic voters — that is true — and they’re having a tough choice.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pi8z9x

NEWAD: The Craig campaign released a new digital ad today “Republicans Want Flanagan”. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44YKgUL

ENDORSEMENTS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Endorsements may not make much of a difference when primary voters go to the polls Aug. 11 because informed voters have made up their minds, [but] there is one group of voters who could be influenced by an endorsement. … Studies show that if uninformed citizens can identify endorsers who share their interests, they can simply follow their recommendations. … There is one endorsement that still matters, though. The backing of President Donald Trump is still highly valued by GOP candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fsThLX

AI: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “It’s not clear how much campaigns are using AI, [but] Dr. Manjeet Rege, an AI expert, [said] AI is being used in elections more than people realize. … Sen. Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, an author of Minnesota’s AI nudification technology ban, said he would bet that taking a closer look at AI use in campaigns would be a bipartisan issue if lawmakers chose to revisit it. … Several high-profile campaigns — Angie Craig, Michele Tafoya, and gubernatorial candidates Kendall Qualls and Lisa Demuth — did not provide details to Forum News Service about whether they use AI. … Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, who has championed many of Minnesota’s AI laws, [said] it’s ‘unsettling’ to spot it.” MAYE QUADE: “You don’t want someone to look at something of yours and be unsettled by it, if you want them to vote for you.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vrnYpE

PARDON: Speaker Lisa Demuth responded to the news, seen in Friday’s lunch take, that Minnesota sex offender Tou Lue Vang was deported by the federal government despite his recent state pardon. DEMUTH: “Tim Walz tried to help this child predator evade the consequences of his horrific actions, and Amy Klobuchar refused to call out this outrageous maneuver. … We should not be pardoning child predators. I’m not sure why this is a hard concept for Tim Walz and Amy Klobuchar to understand.”

MORE: Sen. Amy Klobuchar rejected Speaker Lisa Demuth’s assertion that she supported pardoning Tou Lue Vang in a statement to WCCO Radio. KLOBUCHAR: “As a former prosecutor, I have not supported pardons for sex offenders and would not have voted for this pardon.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4f6LX7q

ICYMI: The latest saturday send covered political fallout from Tou Lue Vang’s deportation, federal election monitors in Minnesota, and more. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4aKLUwS

VISIT: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

HOUSING

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

Subscribe now

THE FEED

CHILDCARE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Advocates [launched] a grassroots campaign to make childcare free or low cost for all children from birth to age 5 in Minnesota. The campaign calls on the Legislature to fund the effort, arguing that making childcare a public investment [would] significantly lower costs for families. … In recent years, Minnesota legislators have earmarked some $2 billion to help boost childcare worker wages and ease the financial burden on operators to address the child care crisis. The Childcare for All effort is working now to build grassroots support by hosting community events and planning lawmaker meetings.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4voxDgs

FEED FRAUD: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The recent capture in Somalia of the alleged number two player in the Feeding Our Future fraud marks a major step in the case, [but] now comes the hard part: getting Abdikerm Eidleh over to the United States. Doing so is no guarantee, according to legal and political experts. … The United States and Somalia have no extradition treaty with each other, which would govern how the process works.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wFFwzj

WATER: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A new state report found flaws in a program that rewards Minnesota farmers who protect water quality. … The report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor [said] the Minnesota Department of Agriculture certified some farmers into the program who didn’t meet all the standards but had agreed to do so in the future. However, sometimes those farmers approved on ‘contingencies’ still didn’t comply years later. … For example, one farmer received six years of program benefits but never complied before his certification was suspended. The report also says the program’s effect on water quality is not clear.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aRMxEJ

MORE: Via Office of the Legislative Auditor, the report on the water quality program. REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4w3l2AG

BURBS

ANOKA-HENN: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “The Anoka Hennepin School Board meets Monday night for the first time since the district rejected a petition from a group of parents wanting to get a referendum on the November ballot. More than 3,000 parents in the Anoka-Hennepin School District want voters to consider paying more in property taxes to avoid school staffing cuts. … District spokesperson Jim Skelly [said] the matter could come up at the meeting but it’s not on the agenda, and per state law, the board faces an August 11 deadline to place a question on the ballot.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3QPjc7h

SLP: Via KSTP, business owners in St. Louis Park say a $30 million road construction project is significantly dampening their revenue. VERBATIM: “[Dennis] McKissic has run his barbershop, A Barber’s Touch, for twelve years now. He says business is down 70% because customers are having a tough time getting there. … The city doesn’t have a compensation fund for these businesses. But there are several programs that provide no-cost marketing assistance. … Construction is expected to continue until November.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QR2VyJ

ACROSS MN

NISSWA: via Echo Journal, VERBATIM: “Andy Schaefer, co-president of Schaefer’s Foods in Nisswa and current Nisswa Citizen of the Year, announced [that] he is running for mayor of Nisswa. … Mayor Jennifer Carnahan [has] previously announced she will seek re-election as mayor.” SCHAEFER: “I’m running for mayor because I believe our community is ready for a fresh start and positive headlines. … With accountable leadership and a shared commitment to progress, we can build a stronger, more united community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SO8gr8

DULUTH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A burned out building, vacant lots and empty storefronts scar Duluth’s downtown First Street, with some of the ugliest blocks in the waterfront city. But scattered among them are bright spots, like a popular juice bar and a new coffee shop. The city hopes to seize on fresh energy there to transform about a dozen of its blocks into a ‘slow street,’ fashioned to calm traffic and make it easier for walkers, shoppers and cyclists to share the space. Leaders say it will be a springboard to new housing, businesses and parks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fexKp4

CASS CTY: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “As Minnesota’s population continues to age, Cass County is expected to see an increasing demand for services that help older adults remain independent. In a presentation [to] the Cass County Board, Lori Vrolson, Central Minnesota Council on Aging executive director, said the Council on Aging serves a 14-county region and more than 180,000 residents age 60 and older. … Cass County is already among the oldest counties in the agency’s service region with approximately 35.4% of the county’s residents being age 60 or older, compared with about 22.9% statewide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Tvfhx4

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TODAY: 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.

TODAY: DFL Sen. Aric Putnam will hold a town hall in St. Cloud at 6:00 p.m.

JULY 24: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: WCCO Dave Harrigan, business guy Korey Bannerman, media pro Amanda Oleson, fmr. Ramsey Commissioner Carlos Mariani

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

saturday send | Immigration Split Screen + Simon v. Feds

The Daily Agenda — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 14:01:08 GMT

SWEATY SATURDAY

Twins lose. Lynx play at noon.

Country Club Music festival in St. Paul, and a hot one ahead.

The latest Harris Poll finds that American’s want a “better town, not a bigger moonshot”. Three-quarters of Americans (76%) still believe innovation will play a major role in building the nation’s future. Yet, even more (81%) say corporate rhetoric about innovation feels disconnected from real-world problems. HARRIS: https://fluence-media.co/4hcRBay

One thing to be mindful during this heat spell, is that the Drought Monitor reflecting data as of Tuesday, ahead of significant later-in-the-week rains, shows 29% of the state remains in drought, 11% severe. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo

The NYT announced this week it was building its first local newsletter in Minnesota – we always welcome competition, but please share this newsletter with your friends and family so that we can compete with the big kids.

This morning from the Wall Street Journal - Does raising money at the DNC matter if Chair Ken Martin has new Congressional majorities ? WSJ: https://fluence-media.co/3QRXMGB

Today the nation celebrates the Minnesota State Muffin. Enjoy it with coffee.

Tomorrow at 9AM, on WCCO Radio– tune-in to Sunday Take. Stay cool.

Blois

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.

Sunday Take featured Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan discussing her Senate campaign, her time in state government and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SBPx1V

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

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

The takeaway from the latest Fluence Advisory Memo: The Next Legislture finds that 85 percent of returning lawmakers have only served under one Governor – Tim Walz. That shapes up to be a major change no matter who is next Governor. Walz was more deferential to the legislature than most state CEO’s. What does it mean? What happens under a Trifecta 2.0 and Who will be the next caucus leaders?

Find all that and more in the memo, a good summer weekend read. HERE: https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/

SPLIT SCREEN

The split screens of the 2026 election was amplified further yesterday when the federal government announced it had deported the pardoned immigrant Tou Lue Vang. The state pardon by Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Chief Judge Natalie Hudson is a headscratcher for so many DFLers.

Of course the DFL and independent pushback against Operation Metro Surge drives much of the 2026 energy, there are certain lines that are politically sacred – and giving any grace to a child molester is a dark line for most Minnesotans.

The Tue Vang case contrasts the DFL’s amplification of ICE agents at schools, something DFLers can expect amplify in key MN House races. Meanwhile, every poll shows that fraud, and then health care are the top issues of the election. Public safety and education trail those two issues. Tou Lue Vang. The state pardon by Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Chief Judge Natalie Hudson is a headscratcher for so many DFLers.

Both angles of this view of Metro Surge will be all over TV ads in coming weeks. Especially the Attorney General’s race.

VISIT: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

SIMON v. FEDS

Now the actual administration of the election, via the Star Tribune this morning VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division will send election monitors to Minnesota for the 2026 primaries and a handful of other states into areas where the agency claims it has seen “problems” in recent elections…The decision comes as the federal government has recently retreated from its longstanding role of helping states safeguard elections and prepare for emerging threats ahead of Election Day.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pgf78Q

This comes at the same time that via the NYT VERBATIM: “The Trump administration has forced out the three remaining members of an independent, bipartisan commission that supports states in administering their elections, the White House confirmed on Thursday. The move comes as President Trump seeks to cast doubt on the outcome of the upcoming midterms and impose control over how ballots are counted…Mr. Trump terminated, effective immediately, Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland, two members selected by congressional Democrats to serve on the Election Assistance Commission, and accepted the resignation of a Republican member, Christy McCormick.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w0hgrR

A letter from Lauren Bethke the General Counsel at the Secretary State’s office, VERBATIM:” I write in response to your July 7, 2026, letter. Minnesota has always complied with, and will continue to comply with, federal election laws. Minnesota’s election laws, which are largely codified in Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 200, 201, 204B, 204C, and 206, as well as Minnesota Rules, Chapters 8200 through 8255, meet or exceed the requirements of those laws. And while the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (OSS) does not have authority to enforce the state’s election laws, OSS regularly provides guidance to local elections officials on procedures in accordance with applicable laws…In addition, the OSS has provided your office extensive information regarding Minnesota’s compliance with federal elections law, including its applicable list maintenance procedures (see attached) almost a year ago. To date, the Department of Justice has not asked any questions nor provided any basis to suggest those practices violate federal elections law.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4gQM75x

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

Subscribe now

A PLAN?

One issue that the next Governor and legislature can’t ignore is that Minnesota is aging, and its not clear there is a plan to deal with the family strain, workforce challenges and access to care that the growing older population will require.

That said the access issue is statewide, and the “Sandwich” generation is growing with kids and parents that both need care.

That’s why the Long Term Care Imperative is hosting roundtables across the state, we’ve been to Duluth, Cold Spring and Bemidji. You can see the maps by legislative district – and the difference between Greater Minnesota and the metro. LISTEN:

https://fluence-media.co/LTCIIsMNReady

(DISCLOSURE: The Long Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence Advisory)

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Qualls Faces Questions

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:45:11 GMT

FRIDAY HEAT

Twins lose, host the Angels this weekend. Lynx play New York tomorrow at noon.

Aurora playoff game tomorrow.

Wall Street Journal finds that less than half of Americans say capitalism is working well, down from 60% a decade ago. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4gr3Q39Happy National Sugar Cookie Day.

Happy National Pina Colada Day!

Sunday Take at 9AM on WCCO…and next week the CD2 DFL Primary Debate.

Happy National Pina Colada 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.

Sunday Take featured Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan discussing her Senate campaign, her time in state government and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SBPx1V

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

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

QUALLS: via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Republican candidate for governor Kendall Qualls is running for Minnesota’s highest office while continuing to lead a nonprofit he founded to promote many of the same political and cultural causes that define his campaign…The overlap has prompted questions from a former adviser and finance experts on whether Qualls has adequately separated his campaign from TakeCharge, the tax-exempt organization he launched in 2020 in opposition to the notion that racism is deeply embedded in American society… Federal tax filings show that TakeCharge paid Qualls and his wife, Sheila Qualls, just over $1 million between 2021 and 2024. That total accounted for nearly 32% of Take Charge’s spending during that period…The nonprofit’s largest apparent donor has also contributed to Qualls’ political campaigns. OSMEK: “He is using (his office) as a staging platform,” said David Osmek, a former state senator and advisor to Qualls who left the campaign last December. RESPONSE: “TakeCharge is not affiliated in any manner with Kendall Qualls’ campaign for governor,” a campaign spokesman said. “Everything he is doing is perfectly legal.”…Qualls is far from the first politician to work at a nonprofit and face the challenge of walling off his political activities. And the federal ban on election activities by tax-exempt nonprofits is rarely enforced.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4faxebJ

Here is a copy of the complaint against Qualls by Osmek. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wvzgdf

CAMPAIGN$: The Minnesota Campaign Finance Board held a special meeting yesterday to deal with the recent Supreme Court meeting that changed the ability of candidates and political party units to coordinate. The board decided that it would not enforce state laws, and allow some limited cash coordination and allow unlimited in-kind support. Candidates who sign the public subsidy would still have limits based on the agreement. Candidates who don’t sign the subsidy agreement would not be limited. We’re waiting for the document from CFB and will post when we have it.

DFLSEN: The Democratic Lt. Governors Association has launched a new TV ad supporting Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign. Titled “Bankrolled,” the ad focuses on Rep. Angie Craig’s donors and voting record, calling her a “DC insider” who is “bankrolled by Trump donors, crypto, and AI tech billionaires.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4viQNV1

SENATE RACE: After Maine Democrat Graham Platner dropped out of the U.S. Senate race due to sexual assault allegations, Rep. Angie Craig’s campaign began linking Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to Platner on social media. Craig’s campaign account shared an ActBlue fundraising page organized by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders that says, as of Thursday evening, it will split a supporter’s donation between Platner, Flanagan and Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. However, another part of the page says it will split funds between two recipients: Flanagan and El-Sayed, with Platner removed. Sanders, Flanagan and El-Sayed all called on Platner to drop out this week. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4yfSLs5

MN GOP: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Republican strategists say President Donald Trump’s influence over the state party remains strong heading into this year’s primary and general elections, even though he has never won Minnesota. … Amy Frederiksen, a Minnesota GOP strategist and former Minnesota Senate majority leader, [said] the intensity of Trump’s support at campaign events is unlike anything she has seen in state politics. … [But] she was more measured on how much that enthusiasm will translate into Republican wins in November, citing economic headwinds, the conflict with Iran and the toll of high-profile immigration enforcement actions in the state.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4voWd0Z

HOSPITALS: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “During 2025, adverse health events in Minnesota’s hospitals declined for the first time since 2019, according to the Minnesota Department of Health’s latest report — but more of those events resulted in serious injuries or deaths. … From early October 2024 to early October 2025, Minnesota’s hospitals and surgical centers reported 589 adverse health events, down from 624. … Events resulting in serious injury (244) and death (20) increased over the previous report year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vQjeLa

Over 25,000 visits so far, and now a refresh of the Fluence Election Tracker.

VISIT: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

THE FEED

FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Two of the 15 defendants accused of stealing federal [childcare] program money back in May have pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges. Fahima Egeh Mahamud, 50, of Minneapolis, and Jillaine Mertens, 42, of Hamel, each entered guilty pleas. … Mahumud is accused of taking $5.5 million in taxpayer money through her daycare, Future Leaders. … Prosecutors say Mertens collected more than $400,000 in fraudulent claims across three childcare centers in Ramsey, Rochester and Kasson.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vXRkNv

MORE: Via KARE 11, one of the women who pleaded guilty to fraud, Fahima Egeh Mahamud, had “received more taxpayer money than any other childcare provider in 2025,” including legitimate providers. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44qyhPI

DHS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A new lawsuit accuses Minnesota human services leaders of dismantling an in-home disability care program that families and providers say more than 3,000 people rely on. Providers and clients in the Family Residential Services (FRS) program met [for] a town hall with state lawmakers about ongoing provider closures. They said the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) did not listen to their concerns and is now being sued. … Sen. Bill Lieske, R-Lonsdale, [is] starting work on a new bill for the next legislative session.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44Sq9HR

SETTLEMENT: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Along with 35 other states and the District of Columbia, Minnesota has reached a $36.5 million settlement with CVS Pharmacy over allegations that the Rhode Island-based company deliberately overbilled government health care programs when filling and refiling prescriptions for insulin pens. Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Thursday that Minnesota’s share of the multi-state settlement is more than $850,000, with around $400,000 going back to Minnesota’s Medicaid program.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f6uGLr

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

Subscribe now

MPLS

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A line of campers stood to either side of St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and City Council Member Molly Coleman at the newly-refurbished South St. Anthony Park play area and courts. … Community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the remodeled playground, singles tennis court and futsal court, as well as picnic tables and sidewalks. … Parks and Recreation fully replaced a former tennis court with a combination basketball and futsal court, a first for the city. The site hadn’t had a major makeover since the 1990s.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44lnA0Q

UPTOWN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Business owners in Uptown are begging Minneapolis officials to help postpone a major county road project along Lyndale Avenue, noting they are still recovering from two years of road construction along Hennepin Avenue that shut 67 shops and cost the area an estimated $50 million in lost revenue. … Four of the five city council members who serve on the committee voted in favor of the reconstruction project despite businesses’ outcry against it. The full City Council will vote on the measure on July 16.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pljT52

BURBS

COTTAGE GROVE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey has temporarily relinquished his duties as mayor as he recovers from spinal decompression surgery. Bailey, who was injured in a car accident in November, underwent surgery on July 6. … Council member Justin Olsen is serving as mayor pro tem until he returns. Bailey said Wednesday that he could be off anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on his recovery.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f5s1lh

EDINA/SLP: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Loud train noise overnight prompted a study to explore making several crossings in Edina and St. Louis Park ‘quiet zones,’ but it will cost millions. A new study found it would cost about $10 million to upgrade 16 crossings in St. Louis Park and about $7 million to upgrade seven crossings in Edina. … Chad Millner, engineer and Public Works director for the City of Edina, [said] city leaders are still discussing possible next steps. … Millner said taxpayer funding is possible, but any decision would depend on city leaders and who is affected.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4yfrzcQ

ACROSS MN

FARIBAULT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Faribault city leaders have agreed to give a data center developer more time to complete the added environmental review for its massive project. The city council voted [this week] to extend the supplemental environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for Archer Datacenters to March 31, 2027. … The city said the extension will allow Archer Datacenters to gather project-specific information rather than relying on early conceptual plans.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fsPhuU

PINE ISLAND: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Thursday’s info session sponsored by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce was billed as an opportunity to set the record straight on the highly contentious issue of data centers. … Representatives from Google, Xcel Energy, the Pine Island government and Ryan Companies all [participated]. All are major players are in the data center project in Pine Island, [which] is currently on hold. … During the hour-long discussion, panelists highlighted how the ‘spread of misinformation’ has made it difficult to keep the community informed about the project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vl9F5O

(DISCLOSURE: Xcel Energy is a Fluence sponsor)

DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Interim City Administrator Karla Culhane is likely to drop ‘interim’ from her title. The Duluth City Council is expected to approve a contract on Monday that elevates her from the temporary position. Culhane took the city’s top job [in] February. Culhane said it was important she started in an interim role ‘to make sure it worked for the city and it worked for me.’ Now, she said, she’s confident continuing in the role.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SVlTVl

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TODAY: U.S. Rep. Angie Craig will visit St. Cloud for a small business roundtable with state Sen. Aric Putnam at 9:30 a.m. Later, Craig will visit Little Falls for a “canvass launch” with state Senate candidate Tara Killen at 5:30 p.m.

TODAY: via Families Over Billionaires, VERBATIM: “At 12:00 pm, Families Over Billionaires and state partners will bring the Who Pays? Bus Tour to Mankato. The event will lift up local stories on the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) one year after its passage.”

MONDAY: 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.

MONDAY: DFL Sen. Aric Putnam will hold a town hall in St. Cloud at 6:00 p.m.

JULY 24: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: Emmer staffer Tayor Reaves, KARE 11’s Matt Kummer. SUN: MNGOP comms leader Rachel Aplikowski, House candidate and MCEA comms guy Aaron Klemz, retiring Rep. Paul Torkelson

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Fair Food + Fraud Talk

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:49:54 GMT

FAIR FOOD THURSDAY

First, the Minnesota State Fair NEW foods, including a new treat from Blue Barn. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4gomoRA

Lynx win. Cheryl Reeve becomes the most winningest coach in the WNBA.

Twins win with a walk off. They play a day game today – if you don’t want to work.

Today in Sports Take - A radical idea for the playoff-contending Twins, remembering columnist Doug Grow, soccer injustices and more in today’s Sports Take. Coming this afternoon.

The Catholic Church is considering the canonization of the first saint from Minnesota. FORUM: https://fluence-media.co/4aEDozs

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has ended his Senate campaign, allowing the party to replace him. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/4aEDUxo

Oil prices are up and stocks are down worldwide after Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is “over.” AP: https://fluence-media.co/4pccsNr

Happy National Sugar Cookie 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.

Sunday Take featured Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan discussing her Senate campaign, her time in state government and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SBPx1V

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

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

GOPGOV: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “As they compete for the GOP nomination in an August primary, Minnesota’s Republican governor candidates are promising to slash state spending. They’ve committed to hefty tax cuts, too…With financial constraints and, for now, a closely divided Legislature, those budget-related ambitions could be easier said than done…Not long after former healthcare executive Kendall Qualls locked down the Republican Party’s endorsement for governor, he pledged a massive tax cut if he wins the race. QUALLS: “Under my administration, we’ll deliver a $9 billion fraud rebate,” Qualls said in a June campaign video, citing a former federal prosecutor’s figure about potential fraud over almost a decade. Criminal cases so far have not alleged that level of loss…Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said she’d do it, too — and stresses she has already done it as part of negotiations in the narrowly split Legislature. DEMUTH: “When we set the budget going forward, we reduced state spending by $5 billion,” Demuth said at a recent campaign press conference at the Capitol. “We look forward to doing even more.”…Minnesota’s overall budget size did fall between the budget before she became speaker and the one after. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44TE9Ba

DFL: via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “State Sen. Heather Gustafson hears a lot about President Donald Trump when she knocks on doors in the northeast suburbs…But the Vadnais Heights Democrat is also hearing about another issue: fraud. GUSTAFSON: “‘Are we going to clean things up or what?’” Gustafson recalled some voters asking her. “‘What’s your plan to get this under control?’”…While Democrats nationwide are riding a wave of anti-Trump sentiment into the November midterm election, DFL candidates in Minnesota are having to convince voters their party has gotten serious about a sprawling fraud crisis in the state…Four out of five voters surveyed in a June Minnesota Poll expressed some level of concern about fraud in the state’s social services programs. More respondents said they trusted Republicans than Democrats to address the problem…In Anoka, GOP state Sen. Jim Abeler said fraud is a frequent topic of conversation among independent and Republican voters. People are angry that taxpayer money has been wasted while they’re feeling the pressure of the economy, he said….Voters have been clear about who they blame for the problem, Abeler said.

ABELER: “It’s pretty universal that they’re blaming the governor and the administration,” he said. “Nobody is saying the Republicans caused the fraud.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vpHAum

SENATE RACE: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “An already heated race for U.S. Senate is heating up more as two Democratic candidates continue to clash over outside spending and TV ads. … In a press conference [yesterday], Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan called on U.S. Rep. Angie Craig to answer for a ‘flood’ of outside spending while touting the grassroots nature of her own campaign. Flanagan claimed $12 million in outside spending from political action committees in support of Craig has made this the most expensive primary in Minnesota history. … The heat comes just ahead of the second round of campaign finance reports for federal elections.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fqmuXR

RESPONSE: via Rep. Angie Craig statement, CRAIG: “I’ve run in five competitive races in Minnesota and in every one of them Super PACs have come after me. I never once called a press conference to cry about it. If you think this is bad, wait until Republicans come after you for the fraud issues in Minnesota. There is too much at risk in our nation to not just say it: Peggy Flanagan could lose this Senate seat for Democrats.”

SPENDING: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s campaign finance regulators have a special meeting [today] to assess the possible state impacts of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on party coordination with candidates. … The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board will discuss whether Minnesota law is also implicated. Expenditure limits for candidates who take public campaign subsidies is one discussion point. Independent expenditures by party committees are also being examined. The 10 a.m. hearing will be available remotely.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aKdSZt

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)

VOTER REG: The Office of the Legislative Auditor has released a program evaluation report on Minnesota voter registration. EXCERPT: “The Office of the Secretary of State (OSS) and individual counties share voter registration responsibilities. While we found that OSS has largely established adequate procedures for processing and maintaining voter registration records, we found some instances in which counties did not update records accurately. We make several recommendations to counties, OSS, and the Legislature to improve aspects of the voter registration system.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bvAgpG

RESPONSE: via Sec. Steve Simon statement, SIMON: “We are proud the report found our office has established the appropriate procedures for counties and that counties have performed their work with a nearly perfect record of accuracy. … There is always room for improvement, and we accept and agree with the few recommendations provided by the OLA to improve our work and have already begun to bring them into implementation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eTE5Hu

PAID LEAVE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s paid leave program has paid out far more than it has brought in so far. … In its first six months, the state paid out $598 million while bringing in $344 million through a new wage tax known as ‘premium payments.’ … DEED [said] another $70 million is available for benefit payments, left over from a $688 million one-time startup fund. … There appeared to be a funding gap between the benefits paid out and the money to cover them as of the beginning of July. However, DEED has not directly addressed this.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aGMxr7

MORE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “An early spike in applications for the state’s new paid leave program has since tapered off, and applications by the end of the year may match up with pre-launch estimates, according to [DEED]. … DEED is currently working with an actuary and the agency will announce new 2027 payroll tax rates by the end of the month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eUfvXa

Over 25,000 visits so far, and now a refresh of the Fluence Election Tracker.

VISIT: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

THE FEED

MEDICAID: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The fight between a Minneapolis home care company and the state over suspended payments is headed to federal court at the state’s request. This is one of several lawsuits against the Department of Human Services (DHS) over payment suspensions due to suspected fraud. … What happens in this case could affect a number of providers facing similar payment suspensions. … State and federal court records show at least a dozen providers have sued the state over withholding Medicaid funds due to what the state calls credible allegations of fraud.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44kMTA4

TRUMP: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Somali American and Muslim community members in Minnesota are raising concerns about safety and Islamophobia after President Donald Trump posted a video showing children at a St. Paul kindergarten graduation ceremony, including several young girls. … At a press conference at Minneapolis’s Karmel Mall on Wednesday, [leaders] said the repost amplified online narratives targeting Minnesota’s Somali and Muslim communities and has left families concerned about the safety of children and schools.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h37rVh

MORE: Children’s entertainment star Ms. Rachel shared a message to “the kindergarteners in Minnesota” for her 5.1 million Instagram followers, saying “hijabs are beautiful” and “every child deserves kindness.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4gMpa3p

PREGNANCY: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) led nearly 80 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) and the Democratic Caucus in demanding the immediate reversal of the Trump Administration’s cancellation of 53 active Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP) grants, totaling $68 million in funding — including one awarded in Hennepin County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vTlpOh

HIGHER ED: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “An expanded federal grant program is opening doors for Minnesotans seeking fast-track training for in-demand careers, but options are limited for now. Hennepin Tech and Lake Superior College are the only Minnesota schools currently submitting Workforce Pell Grant programs for approval. … Most Minnesota colleges are holding off on offering Workforce Pell Grants, citing uncertainty about meeting the strict federal requirements.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vTf4lF

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

Subscribe now

STATE

HEALTHINSURANCE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “A new analysis shows insurers in the marketplace are proposing a second straight year of double-digit premium hikes. Affordable Care Act insurers have submitted their proposed rates to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, with the final numbers to be released October 1. … ‘The proposed rates are from 10% to around 13% increases,’ Julia Dreier, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, said.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pdyeAf

AI: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A former leader at Mayo Clinic is suing the hospital system, alleging the Rochester-based health care provider recklessly cut corners to stay competitive in the fast-moving field of AI research. Traci Tamiko Eto, Mayo’s former director of research operations, claimed she was wrongfully terminated last year after raising concerns that lax safety standards could result in AI tools that make faulty medical decisions or fail to protect the privacy of medical records. … Specific allegations in the lawsuit include that Mayo researchers tried to cover up or ignore research results showing that the health system’s MAYA digital assistant tool had a 67% error rate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vXj0lE

MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “[The] lawsuit requests a jury trial [and] the following relief: back pay, front pay and lost benefits, damages under the ADA and False Claims Act, litigation costs and other monetary relief.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ycnyWE

STP

HOMELESS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The city of St. Paul will begin systematically dismantling its most sizable homeless encampments on Aug. 5, beginning with the gathering on Fish Hatchery Road by Pig’s Eye Park. … Additional sites will be cleared out on a rolling basis after that, according to St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her’s office, which noted two overdose deaths this year, reported sexual assaults and a series of tent fires had created unsafe conditions at encampments throughout the city.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fptDrk

HOUSING: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity [was] showcasing five affordable homes under construction Wednesday in St. Paul’s Greater East Side. Called ‘The Heights,’ the project is Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s largest affordable housing project in Minnesota. The organization plans to build 147 homes on the 112-acre former Hillcrest Golf Course.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pffq3J

SPPD: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry joined FOX 9’s All Day on Wednesday to discuss a number of topics. … He addressed violence involving Somali gangs, how St. Paul uses drones, their non-fatal shooting investigative unit and how they approach traffic stops. … Henry encourages people to come to St. Paul for summer events, saying it’s safer with more people in it.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wweSc7

TREES: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul City Council’s long-awaited tree preservation ordinance has been overshadowed [by] questions for well over a year, with homeowners and tree advocates at times burrowing into technical details. … On Wednesday, more than a year after the original tree preservation ordinance proposal was undercut by pointed public feedback, the city council hosted a public hearing on a wide-ranging new policy meant to govern how contractors will replenish the city’s tree canopy when municipal work replaces trees in public boulevards.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4guIrpJ

ACROSS MN

BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “While 24 chapters of law were passed [this session], an effort in windstorm recovery for Beltrami County from June 2025 was not included. … Darrin Lee [of] Flaherty & Hood, which provides comprehensive legal and legislative support to local governments in Minnesota, detailed the aftermath of the 2026 legislative session and how it will impact Beltrami County during the Beltrami County Board’s work session. … ‘Unfortunately, I feel like the governor pulled the rug out from under us,’ Lee said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ybsCdP

ROCHESTER: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A Wisconsin-based developer is in talks to bring a stadium to Rochester. The Rochester City Council on Monday approved an exclusive negotiation agreement with Landmark Development for the potential transformation of the Silver Lake Power Plant and surrounding land into a new mixed-use district. … The [proposal] envisions new indoor and outdoor sports venues alongside a mix of retail, dining and entertainment attractions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eT3kcX

AUSTIN: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Torrential rain led to flash flooding in parts of southern Minnesota on Wednesday, forcing the closure of a stretch of Interstate 90 for the second time in less than a week. The city of Austin was particularly hard-hit by this latest round of heavy rain. The National Weather Service said the city had received between 3 and 5 inches of rain as of about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, with more falling. ‘Water is fully over the roads in many low areas,’ the Austin Police Department reported.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f3vjp9

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: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TODAY: Representatives from Xcel Energy, Google and the Pine Island City Council will host a public information session on data centers with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce at 8:00 a.m.

(DISCLOSURE: Xcel Energy is a Fluence sponsor)

TODAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and more will attend the grand opening of Opportunity Crossing in Minneapolis at 10:00 a.m.

TODAY: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Hilltop Mayor Terry Wiggin will host a CD5 town hall in Columbia Heights at 6:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: U.S. Rep. Angie Craig will visit St. Cloud for a small business roundtable with state Sen. Aric Putnam at 9:30 a.m. Later, Craig will visit Little Falls for a “canvass launch” with state Senate candidate Tara Killen at 5:30 p.m.

TOMORROW: via Families Over Billionaires, VERBATIM: “At 12:00 pm, Families Over Billionaires and state partners will bring the Who Pays? Bus Tour to Mankato. The event will lift up local stories on the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) one year after its passage.”

MONDAY: DFL Sen. Aric Putnam will hold a town hall in St. Cloud at 6:00 p.m.

JULY 24: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will host a rally in St. Paul on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: Compeer’s Perry Aasness, labor guy Bernie Hesse, reporter Dave Campbell and we remember organizer Mike Kennedy on his heavenly birthday

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Election Security Concerns for State

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:45:37 GMT

RAINY WEDNESDAY

Twins win. Lynx at Connecticut tonight.

The Timberwolves have reportedly “thrown the kitchen sink at LeBron James,” hoping he’ll come to Minnesota. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/3R7wmwe

The Twin Cities Marathon will be held later in October starting next year to give the event a “better shot at ideal weather.” MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4vLVB6s

The U.S. launched new strikes on Iran following more Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4eQRcJt

Happy National Freezer Pop 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.

Sunday Take featured Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan discussing her Senate campaign, her time in state government and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SBPx1V

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

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

ELECTIONSECURITY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM:” By this point in a typical election year, federal intelligence officials would have briefed Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and other election officials on emerging threats to the November election…Simon would have joined federal agencies in rehearsing responses to worst-case scenarios, from foreign cyberattacks and bomb threats to severe weather on Election Day…Instead, with four months until voters head to the polls, Simon said those briefings and trainings never happened. Now, some of the worst-case scenarios election officials are preparing for involve the Trump administration. SIMON: “The federal government itself is now the potential obstacle — or even the instigator,” Simon said. “That’s what’s different this time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yfkIjW

VOTER ROLLS: via ProPublica’s Andy Mannix, VERBATIM: “The Department of Justice is threatening to prosecute election officials across the country for failing to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls, an escalation of the Trump Administration’s attempts to prosecute election fraud, according to letters obtained by ProPublica. … Maine and Minnesota are among the states that confirmed receiving the letter.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4wA1ELC

EARLY VOTES: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The first look at absentee voting ahead of Minnesota’s primary shows plenty of interest, but so far only a small number of completed ballots. … 287,664 [ballots] were applied for through the first week of early voting, which opened on June 26. Through last Thursday, only about 2,500 ballots were submitted for eventual counting. Most of those were people who went to a polling place to fill out their ballot. More than half of the submitted absentee ballots are in Hennepin County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ePerUn

GANGS: via Fox 9, VERBATIM:” A spike in violence over the July 4 weekend has Ramsey County’s sheriff urging the community and law enforcement to address growing Somali gang activity across the metro… Sheriff Bob Fletcher said the first step is calling out the problem and working to get a handle on it…According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the recent effort is not about targeting the Somali community, but about helping save young Somali boys who are choosing a gang life that is becoming increasingly dangerous… Over the July 4 weekend, several shootings and a homicide were linked to Somali gangs…On Wilson Street in Minneapolis, a Willmar soccer coach was killed in what authorities say was Somali gang violence. Officials say the problem did not start there, and the violence has been escalating…Fletcher described a gathering at Juice Time in Arden Hills where about 300 Somali kids were present, including some involved in gangs.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44OI0zp

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “For us, at CAIR-MN, it’s why prevention, intervention, and family engagement and sustained investment in youth must be central to any sort of long-term solution.”..Adding the messaging could have been handled better: “To say that there’s a Somali gang problem that requires [raising] the stakes and squash this before it … becomes a, you know, a larger issue. I think [that sort] of framing is, is particularly dangerous.”..He’s not alone; Minneapolis City Council Vice President Jamal Osman says he was “dismayed and deeply disappointed” about Sheriff Fletcher’s comments. You can read the full statement below.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fnYVPk

AD SPENDING: Via MPR, details on political advertising during the U.S. vs. Belgium game in the World Cup. VERBATIM: “FOX 9 was able to charge a premium for ad time given the heavy expected viewership. … Senate candidate Angie Craig, a DFLer, plunked down $32,500 for a single 30-second spot. … Craig will get three spots for $36,000 later this week during games in which the U.S. team is not a participant. Her primary rival, DFL Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, has purchased her first ad time, but none of the spots were due to run before, during or just after the U.S.-Belgium game. North Star Dawn PAC, which is backing Craig’s run, bought a pregame ad and paid $6,000 for that slot.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ePerUn

NEW AD: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has launched her first TV ad in the Senate race, titled “Lead the Fight.” Flanagan contrasts herself with Rep. Angie Craig in the ad, saying she will support the interests of working people. FLANAGAN: “Craig voted with Donald Trump more than any other Minnesota Democrat. … This is about who’s on your side. And I’m with you.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3R7sRpA

GOV RACE: Republican Kendall Qualls’ gubernatorial campaign issued a statement calling on Speaker Lisa Demuth and Mike Lindell to publicize their proposals on taxes and participate in “a statewide TV debate.” STATEMENT: “We have no idea where Kendall’s opponents stand on some of the most important issues and concerns of Minnesota voters. … Kendall has been clear that he will cut personal income taxes, business taxes, property taxes, and state fees. … What will Lisa Demuth and Mike Lindell do to permanently lower the burden on families?”

BERG: Later today, the Bernie Sanders aligned Our Revolution will endorse Kaela Berg in the CD2 DFL primary.

KLEIN: via release from the Klein for Congress campaign, “Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters (MPFF), the union representing more than 2,000 professional firefighters, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers across the state, endorsed Dr. Matt Klein for Congress in Minnesota’s Second District.”

NOTE: Fundraising reports in this race will be a strong look at how well positioned candidates are for the primary.

NUCLEAR: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s next governor could play a pivotal role in deciding whether the state ends its 32-year ban on new nuclear power plants, a proposal that has drawn renewed attention amid rising energy demand. … The debate has become a top energy issue in the governor’s race, with all three leading Republican candidates saying they support repealing the moratorium. … [Amy] Klobuchar’s spokesperson said she is supportive of the study the Legislature approved this year and ‘is open to a change to the moratorium.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rm2dcQ

(DISCLOSURE: Xcel Energy is a Fluence sponsor)

Over 25,000 visits so far, and now a refresh of the Fluence Election Tracker.

VISIT: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

THE FEED

NATL GUARD: via AP News, VERBATIM: “National Guard deployment to Washington, D.C. has ballooned, [but] a contingent from Minnesota sent for the 250th is set to depart early. … Minnesota is set to withdraw its Guard members Saturday, earlier than the planned July 23 return. In a statement, Air Force Maj. Nathan Wallin, deputy state public affairs officer for the Minnesota National Guard, attributed that to ‘the successful conclusion of festivities.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4viHsg6

H-2A: via Rep. Michelle Fischbach advisory, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach [is] an original cosponsor of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. This legislation modernizes the H-2A agricultural worker program, delivering labor flexibility and financial predictability to agricultural producers. … The [bill] includes several reforms specifically designed to alleviate the agriculture workforce constraints, [including] extending the length of H-2A temporary worker definitions to 350 days.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3R2MP4P

HOMELESS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is attempting [to] cap funding for permanent housing projects. … Attorney General Keith Ellison and a multistate coalition argued in a lawsuit filed today in federal court [that] HUD’s actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act for, among other things, failing to proceed with notice-and-comment rulemaking and being arbitrary and capricious. They ask the court to declare that the challenged conditions are illegal and block HUD from implementing them.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pszWOB

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

Subscribe now

ISSUES

DRUG FEES: via MPR, VERBATIM: “After a federal judge blocked an anti-price gouging drug law, Minnesota has to pay up. Minnesota’s budget agency is seeking permission from top lawmakers to pay more than $600,000 in legal fees to the Association for Accessible Medicine. The group represents drug manufacturers and sued over a 2023 state law meant to prevent dramatic price increases for generic drugs. … As part of a connected settlement, the Attorney General’s Office agreed to pay the group’s legal costs — and now must cut the check by mid-November to avoid interest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ePerUn

FRAUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Commerce fined a company and its owner for repeatedly misleading up to 1,000 Minnesotans about health insurance coverage. The department said it fined Seguro Medico and its owner, Arthur Walsh, $150,000 after Minnesotans complained they believed they were buying comprehensive health insurance. Investigators found Walsh and Seguro Medico repeatedly violated Minnesota insurance laws.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ybqAun

WIND: via North Star Policy Action, VERBATIM: “At the end of April, the federal government effectively halted the development of more than 250 onshore wind energy projects across the United States by failing to complete routine national security reviews. … Four of these stalled projects will directly impact Minnesota. [We estimate] pausing these projects puts 1,200 construction jobs at risk. … Taken together, these four projects account for $1.6 billion in total investments that could be lost.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4f7T9QM

BEER TAX: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Summer cocktails cost a little more in Minnesota than most other states. Alcohol taxes vary dramatically from state to state, meaning the same can of beer, glass of wine or fancy cocktail can cost significantly more depending on where you order it. Minnesota has the 11th highest taxes on beer, 17th highest on wine and 19th highest tax on spirits.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44O3D2P

METRO

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Efforts to get a question on St. Paul’s November ballot surrounding maintenance rights for residential tenants have fallen about 300 voter signatures short, though organizers still have about two-and-a-half weeks to make up the difference. On Wednesday, the St. Paul City Council is scheduled to adopt a report from Ramsey County Elections finding that the ballot petition to add a tenant ‘Right to Repair’ ordinance to the city’s legislative code lacks sufficient valid signatures. … [But] the initiative has until July 25 to submit additional signatures and reach the goal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SO9q5U

MPLS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Northside Minneapolis residents are planning to speak out at a city council committee meeting Wednesday against the testing of a proposed ‘Drones as First Responders’ program over their neighborhood. The program would allow the Minneapolis Police Department to launch a drone immediately after a 911 call to survey the scene before first responders arrive. Activist Marvina Haynes says this isn’t the solution [and] it’s an issue of trust and privacy.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4wzwx2L

RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County board unanimously approved a salary increase for county manager Ling Becker on Tuesday. The decision, effective Aug. 1, increases Becker’s salary from $267,500 to $283,550. It includes the 3.5% wage increase that county staff received in 2026 for standard cost of living plus 3% for performance pay.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vTGVT1

ACROSS MN

ELK RIVER: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Elk River City Council voted [to] reject changes to a city ordinance that would have allowed a new data center. … The project would be smaller than hyperscale data centers proposed in other Minnesota communities, [but] many Elk River residents have expressed strong opposition. Elk River has two existing data centers that don’t conform to the city’s current zoning rules, which don’t allow data centers in any zoning district.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vmDSl4

ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “A 244-unit apartment development near County Road 74 is set to move forward after the St. Cloud City Council approved a mixed-use project [this week]. City officials say it will help meet a pressing need for housing. … The project includes five apartment buildings with market-rate units on roughly 17 acres, along with land reserved for future commercial development. The council approved the project in a 6-member vote.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yeOwNy

SHERBURNE CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[Sherburne] County leaders are vying to be among the first in the country to potentially house a nuclear reactor at a shuttering coal plant, specifically Sherco in Becker. … But before any substantial planning takes place, officials say the state needs to repeal its 32-year ban on new nuclear power projects. Legislators made progress toward that goal this session by approving $500,000 to study the possibility of building new nuclear plants in Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4b0Ujwj

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TODAY: Sec. Steve Simon will visit an elections office in Washington County to watch local elections officials conduct a public accuracy test of voting equipment ahead of the primary.

TODAY: The Somali American Partnership will hold a press conference in Minneapolis at 9:30 a.m. advocating for “unity, dignity, and the protection of all children” following the “public targeting and politicization of Somali students” online, per a press release.

TODAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will hold a press conference at 10:00 a.m. calling on Rep. Angie Craig to “answer for the unprecedented level of outside spending for her campaign,” per a release.

TODAY: The Office of the Legislative Auditor will release an evaluation report on Minnesota voter registration at 12:00 noon, followed by a presentation to the Legislative Audit Commission at 1:00 p.m.

TODAY: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and state Rep. Emma Greenman will host a session on “protecting the right to vote in CD5” at 4:00 p.m.

TODAY: DFL Sen. Steve Cwodzinski will participate in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence in the Minnesota Capitol at 5:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: Representatives from Xcel Energy, Google and the Pine Island City Council will host a public information session on data centers with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce at 8:00 a.m.

(DISCLOSURE: Xcel Energy is a Fluence sponsor)

TOMORROW: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and more will attend the grand opening of Opportunity Crossing in Minneapolis at 10:00 a.m.

TOMORROW: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Hilltop Mayor Terry Wiggin will host a CD5 town hall in Columbia Heights at 6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY: via Families Over Billionaires, VERBATIM: “At 12:00 pm, Families Over Billionaires and state partners will bring the Who Pays? Bus Tour to Mankato. The event will lift up local stories on the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) one year after its passage.”

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.

JULY 13: DFL Sen. Aric Putnam will hold a town hall in St. Cloud at 6:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: lobbyist Robert Freeman, stylist Laura Clairborne

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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

morning take | Walz-Smith and the Platner Mess

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:29:05 GMT

SUMMER TUESDAYS

Severe weather overnight near Detroit Lakes.

Skill beats POTUS phone calls. US loses to Belgium.

Lynx lose too. The Aurora won’t host the semi-final.

About one-in-five adults oppose banning those under 16 from using social media. And roughly a quarter are unsure, according to the survey conducted May 26-June 1, 2026. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/4vIAXEi

Rain and possible flash flooding could hit most of Minnesota tonight. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/4y74kl9

It’s National Dive Bar Day – send me your favorites across Minnesota.

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.

Sunday Take featured Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan discussing her Senate campaign, her time in state government and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SBPx1V

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

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

First in morning take, Rep. Angie Craig raised more than $2.6 million in Q2 with over $5 million on hand, which is “her strongest quarter to date,” according to a press release. Craig’s campaign added that 96% of donations were $100 or less and she had over 10,000 new donors last quarter. Craig released her numbers early, but more federal fundraising reports will be publicly available next week.

Next and more important than fundraising is the absolute gaslighting our political leaders continue to platform. Democrats want to focus on Trump, to avoid chat about fraud and Republicans want to focus on Somali’s and fraud so you avoid paying attention to the economy.

Meanwhile Minnesotans are questioning both.

From President Donald Trump’s post about Somali children in a charter school, to Gov. Tim Walz eager endorsement of Graham Platner, the two major parties have proven that power is more important than character or principle. The trend now stretches years, not days and raises massive questions about the lengths that they will go to, or the lack of scrutiny they will do on their own before they belly up to the bar looking for one thing – power.

via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump posted a video Monday morning on Truth Social showing a kindergarten graduation at Gateway STEM Academy, a public charter school in St. Paul. … Trump’s original post included no comment, but he later reposted commentary from an account called ‘End Wokeness’ which noted every girl in the video was wearing a hijab. Gov. Tim Walz responded Monday afternoon on social media, saying Trump was ‘attacking’ the students.” WALZ: “The President of the United States is attacking a group of kindergartners because of the clothes they wore to school.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SQIRwQ

TAKE: Minnesota Republicans should continue to be pressed hard about President Trump’s posts and comments about Minnesota. The difference is Trump is elected, and Platner wasn’t. Plenty of Republicans tried to stop Trump, but he won regardless as unbelievable as it is. The playbook for Democrats shouldn’t be to also ignore flawed candidates.

Republicans are already playing defense after Operation Metro Surge, the economy and Trump’s popularity. The difference is that Republicans stick with Trump, including Rep. Tom Emmer. Emmer’s recent comments about Somali’s acclimating match the feelings of many Minnesotans, and make others cringe. He should be asked to further elaborate. They also represent a change for Emmer, who once led the Congressional Somalia caucus in 2015. What changed for Emmer?

As Mike Lindell, Kendall Qualls, Lisa Demuth, Adam Schwarze and Michele Tafoya run – they too should be asked about the Emmer and Trump comments. Afterall, Somali-Minnesotan’s vote and event 2022 GOP candidate for Gov. Scott Jensen and now candidate for auditor courted the Somali vote.

Sometimes in sports, they say that a team didn’t win, but the other team lost. In 2024 Democrats lost by misjudging the Biden situation and trying to sell something voters weren’t buying on the economy. Like the Smith quote, it’s about winning for both parties. Republicans might lose in 2028, but until then Trump is in office.

Meanwhile in Maine, via Axios, a growing number of Democrats across the nation, including several in Minnesota, are calling for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to drop out due to sexual assault allegations. VERBATIM: “Maine was Democrats’ best opportunity to flip a Senate seat. Now, it has become [Chuck] Schumer’s worst nightmare. … Under Maine law, Democrats have until July 13 for Platner to withdraw. If he does, the state party would have two weeks to choose a replacement nominee. … Platner denied the allegation but indicated he is weighing the future of his campaign.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aGdyei

MORE: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig are calling for fellow Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner to drop out of the race in Maine following new sexual assault allegations. Sen. Tina Smith also sent a statement to the Star Tribune calling for Platner, who she previously supported, to drop out.

CRAIG: “These allegations are deeply disturbing and troubling. I am heartbroken for the brave women who came forward and shared their stories. Graham Platner should end his campaign and under no circumstance should he be Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4vRmmqn

FLANAGAN: “I believe Jenny. Graham Platner should not be Democrats’ nominee for U.S. Senate.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4wxTS4U

SMITH: “In the face of these serious allegations, it seems clear to me that Graham Platner cannot continue his run for the Senate. With so much at stake, stepping down now is the right thing to do. It would be impossible to address these serious charges while also running one of the most demanding and important Senate races in the country.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4y9qDH5

Via Republican Sen. candidate Michele Tafoya

REWIND: via Gov. Tim Walz on April 30th via AP from Sen. Tina Smith on June 12th

TAKE: There’s one word for endorsements by Minnesota leaders in the Maine Senate race. Judgement. Do they have it?

Democrats can’t take the high ground against President Donald Trump and Republicans if they continue to have their own massive judgement issues. Trump has shown who he is, and Democrats try to claim some sort of moral superiority on issues and endorsements. The track record is troubled.

It begins with Gov. Tim Walz standing outside of the White House on July 3^rd, 2024 proclaiming President Biden was his candidate. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vPml6b

When American’s saw with their own eyes that Biden couldn’t perform, Walz doubled down, only to be named the running mate just a month later. He did it out of blind loyalty and that’s a political flaw.

At the same time, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips was questioning without fear the risks of losing the Presidential race and Rep Angie Craig was right behind him.

The Sen. Tina Smith-Walz duo was trashing Phillips, but they never came clean. Did they ever say “Dean, you were right”? Can they admit mistakes? Walz has shown he can’t.

This year, Walz flew to Maine the day after his gubernatorial colleague Gov. Janet Mills dropped out of the US Senate race against Graham Platner. Eager for the endorphins in a friendly crowd, Walz jumped at the chance to appear with Platner. Did he or his team pause and think that perhaps they should heed caution? That was April 30^th. Last night Walz said Platner shouldn’t run.

Why? The reality is that your constituents in Minnesota – the people you serve have no stake in the Maine Senate race – so why jump in? There is no reason, except trying to be relevant, feeding our own attempt at having influence.

In this case the warning signs were loud – but like Biden, the Minnesota “king-makers” wanted a voice in Maine, meanwhile Minnesotans have issues they want addressed. See fraud polls.

Sen. Smith went all in, with the AP on June 12^th proclaiming the real answer that Democrats can’t escape – “Democrats want to win”. That’s the problem, winning before ensuring that those people who are elected should serve. She said the quiet part loudly – DFLers have decided they will win at all expense – just like Trump.

That’s where they have ceded the high ground. Minnesota Republicans have ceded it too, to the President. So who will be the leader who says what needs to be said – even if it offends the party?

For Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, her claim that all is well with her relationship with Gov. Walz, and her lack of calling out the administration’s handling of fraud, should be looked at much closer. They aren’t the only ones, Secretary of State Steve Simon, and Auditor Julie Blaha at no point questioned aloud the handling of fraud by Walz-Flanagan.

2026: Here’s the challenge Democrats face this year – fraud is the top issue on the minds of Minnesota voters in EVERY poll. DFLers have to date ignored it and the same passive approach that led to massive issues with Biden and Plattner are the kryptonite they may face on fraud.

Clearly Sen. Amy Klobuchar knows it’s a major issue, so does. Rep. Angie Craig. There’s no more time to reserve judgment on Walz and fraud, because the constituents you hope to serve believe it’s as serious an issue as the economy – maybe more.

Finally, Platner’s rise was fueled by the same playbook as Flanagan’s. An endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and the rising DSA wing of the party. He’s also supported by the Democratic Lt. Gov Association – they main outside money supporting Flanagan. Time for much tougher questions - starting here and with more debates.

Over 25,000 visits so far, and now a refresh of the Fluence Election Tracker.

VISIT: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

THE FEED

THREATS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A Hugo woman accused of making threats against Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth has pleaded guilty to a criminal charge against her. Rachel Marie Welsch, 43, pleaded to one count of threats of violence on Monday. … The Minnesota State Patrol began investigating voicemails Welsch had left with Demuth’s office starting in January. … Over time, the messages grew more intense, with Welsch allegedly calling Demuth a ‘traitor’ and referencing firearms, bulletproof glass and shooting lessons. … Welsch is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 10. She faces a maximum prison term of five years.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fqbyIP

RESPONSE: via Speaker Lisa Demuth statement, DEMUTH: “I’m grateful to members of law enforcement and the Washington County Attorney’s Office for taking these vile threats seriously and ensuring that justice is being served. Threats against any public official are unacceptable and must be taken seriously, especially in the light of the horrific political violence that took place last summer. I sincerely hope that the consequences in this case will dissuade future threats.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eJEoog

EMS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In conversations with numerous emergency medical service providers in Hennepin County, they shared stories of a deeply distressing year for the Twin Cities, from the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School to the widespread impact of Operation Metro Surge. In response, some say they feel pushed to the brink and are calling for new leadership, staffing ratios aligned with increasing demands and greater investment in mental health supports.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vlr12H

MOVE: Brooks Johnson is the new politics editor at the Star Tribune. Brianna Bierschbach has returned to reporting.

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

Subscribe now

TARIFFS

TARIFFS: via Reuters, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration [has] proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on 59 countries and the European ‌Union over allegations they failed to curb trade in goods made with forced labor. … The proposal would help rebuild U.S. President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs, struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in February. … The tariffs on the 60 economies will cover 99.4% of goods imported to the United States.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4w7VEKh

RESPONSE: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and a coalition of 21 other states are urging the Trump Administration to change course and drop the Trump Administration’s latest [tariff] plan. … Ellison and the coalition argue that this latest round of tariffs is illegal, outside the scope of the authority Congress gave the USTR, and unsupported by evidence.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aDe24O

METRO

DATA CENTERS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Following the denial of a temporary use permit in May, data center operator Eagan Capital has now filed suit against the city of Eagan regarding its data center moratorium, arguing that the one-year pause passed by the City Council in February exceeded the city’s authority. … [They] argued that electricity demand is regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and asked the court to block enforcement of Eagan’s data center pause.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4y8gzOC

TRANSIT: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “After a year of Metro Transit ridership declines, passenger volume increased by 2.2% in March, April and May, compared to the same period in 2025. … Metro Transit’s new E Line, which runs from Southdale Center to the University of Minnesota, saw twice as many riders as expected in its first six months. Meanwhile, traffic volumes on Minnesota roads fell 0.1% in May compared to a year before, according to the Federal Highway Administration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rm2UCU

STRIKE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Dozens of hospice nurses at Allina Health are on strike Monday, as they push for a contract and pay raises. The group of 65 hospice nurses work in homes and nursing facilities around the Twin Cities metro area. … A spokesperson for Allina Health says they’re disappointed that the union chose to strike. … Nurses plan to go back to work Tuesday after the one-day strike.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44zIJoh

ACROSS MN

ANOKA-HENN: Nonprofit group Parents for Good announced that it “received communication from” the Anoka-Hennepin School District regarding a petition for school funding ballot questions, and the district reportedly rejected the proposal. STATEMENT: “We are very disappointed with this response. More than 3,000 community members signed this petition because we believe Anoka-Hennepin voters have the right to decide the future of our public schools. … The community worked through the legal petition process, and it’s now the district’s responsibility to give our community the opportunity to vote. … Parents For Good is committed to seeing this through.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gqDYEv

NEW HOPE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The city of New Hope has reversed course on a new pool policy that had some feeling frustrated. KARE 11 reported last week the New Hope pool would be closing to the public at 5 p.m. daily. … In an update Monday, the city announced they have discontinued this policy. … Some other changes at the pool will continue, including a bag inspection for people who are entering. The changes were implemented last week after what the city described as a verbal confrontation that briefly turned physical.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4veT2bU

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events today.

TODAY: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek will host a virtual media availability about the first six months of Minnesota’s paid leave program at 9:30 a.m.

TODAY: Pastors, imams and rabbis with Faith in Us will host a press conference at the Capitol to advocate for voting rights as part of a “National Day of Clergy Action.” The event is at 10:30 a.m.

TODAY: Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, Rep. Esther Agbaje and Rep. Fue Lee, all DFL, will host a joint town hall for SD59 in Minneapolis at 5:30 p.m.

TODAY: Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, Rep. Jeff Backer and Rep. Tom Murphy, all GOP, will host a joint town hall for SD9 in Dalton at 6:00 p.m.

TODAY: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is hosting a Zoom event with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith at 7:00 p.m.

TODAY: Sen. Scott Dibble, Rep. Jamie Long and Rep. Katie Jones, all DFL, will host a joint town hall for SD61 at 7:30 p.m.

TOMORROW: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will hold a press conference at 10:00 a.m. calling on Rep. Angie Craig to “answer for the unprecedented level of outside spending for her campaign,” per a release.

TOMORROW: The Office of the Legislative Auditor will release an evaluation report on Minnesota voter registration at 12:00 noon, followed by a presentation to the Legislative Audit Commission at 1:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and state Rep. Emma Greenman will host a session on “protecting the right to vote in CD5” at 4:00 p.m.

THURSDAY: Representatives from Xcel Energy, Google and the Pine Island City Council will host a public information session on data centers with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce at 8:00 a.m.

(DISCLOSURE: Xcel Energy is a Fluence sponsor)

JULY 13: DFL Sen. Aric Putnam will hold a town hall in St. Cloud at 6:00 p.m.

We won’t ask for “membership” to list your BDAY, and we won’t have pledge drive but you can support the Fluence work by paying for premium content.

Subscribe now

BDAYS: Sen. Aric Putnam, attorney Nate Mussell, dean of MN politics Wy Spano

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.

Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com

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