The Daily Agenda: Morning Take

morning take | Trump Numbers, Walz in Austria

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:11:29 GMT

RAINY MORNING

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

Lynx win. Twins win.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s National Fudge Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s the economy…______

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

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

Subscribe now

DRIVING THE HEADLINES

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

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON…

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

HEALTH

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

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

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

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

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

METRO

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

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

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

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

ACROSS MN

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

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

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

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

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

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

morning take | Ads, Polls and More...

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:06:48 GMT

SUMMER MONDAYS

Such a nice weekend, warm days and cool nights as a reminder why we live and work here.

Next Saturday the Special Olympics opening ceremony at US Bank Stadium – The motto “Cheer Like a Champion”

Twins win. Lynx host Portland tonight.

Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup, and Knicks with the NBA title.

Now we wait for hockey season again. The World Cup will fill the void for a bit.

The U.S. and Iran say they have agreed to a new ceasefire deal, but details are scarce and Israel has not commented yet. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4uUUcJP

UFC hosted at the White House yesterday to celebrate the president’s 80th birthday, but Reuters finds that only 16% of Americans think it was “appropriate.” POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4vNu6Ji

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

It’s National Foam Party Day which seems aggressive for Monday.

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.

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

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A new poll this morning, VERBATIM: “U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has a significant lead in the race for governor over her potential Republican opponents, illustrating the Democrat’s continued strength as a statewide candidate in Minnesota…The results of The Star Tribune/KARE 11/Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication Minnesota Poll show Klobuchar polling well with independent voters, complicating Republican hopes to win the governor’s race for the first time since 2006 by capitalizing on frustration with fraud in state government.

MORE: via the Star Tribune, “Democrats have an early lead in the U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith…About half of voters polled said they would back a Democrat running for U.S. Senate while 41% said they would back a Republican. Importantly, Democrats had an edge with self-described independents.”

The full results are here: https://fluence-media.co/3QkBOvy

The real measure of the Governor’s race this week? Fundraising totals will come out through May 31.

This morning the Craig for Senate campaign releases its first ads. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vcFLBK

Restore Sanity PAC released a new 2-minute video of support for Speaker Lisa Demuth’s campaign for governor. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e98pNZ

Over the weekend Rep. Cedrick Frazier won the DFL endorsement for Hennepin County Attorney. Frazier will face others in the race including Ander Folk. Via statement from Frazier, VERBATIM: “We are building the largest coalition ever assembled for a countywide race in Minnesota. I look forward to carrying this momentum into August and November. Voters are making it clear that they don’t want to go backward. We must keep pushing forward.”

The DFL did not endorse for Hennepin County Sheriff.

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

REMEMBERING

HORTMANS: Sunday marked one year since the assassination of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Officials and advocates from across the state and the political spectrum paid tribute to the Hortman’s yesterday.

DFL: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz remembered the Hortmans as ‘kind, hopeful, and dedicated.’ … Rep. Angie Craig wrote that Minnesota has had a hard year as a state, and ‘it’s impossible to not feel her absence.’ … Sen. Amy Klobuchar called on Minnesotans to keep the Hortmans in their memory today and to ‘do something good.’ St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her released a statement saying she’s still filled with ‘immense sadness,’ while Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the best way to pay tribute to her is to ‘continue the work she devoted her life to: serving others, treating people with dignity, and building a Minnesota where everyone can thrive.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4emEnFb

GOP: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, said he’s usually bad at remembering dates like birthdays and anniversaries, but this one has been ‘a specter in my mind’ as it approaches. ‘Because of the tragedy, because of how visceral it is, because of how close it hit,’ he said. … ‘I was hopeful that the rhetoric could be toned down, but that hasn’t been, in my opinion, what we’ve experienced in our state, yet. But I believe that is still what needs to happen,’ said House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fM0588

CHILDREN: The two children of the Hortman family, Colin Hortman and Sophie Hortman, spoke to WCCO-TV for their first joint interview. They discussed how the assassination impacted them, how they want their parents to be remembered and more. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xzEJRY

PUBLIC SAFETY

BOELTER: Via KSTP, U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen disputed reports that the U.S. Dept. of Justice had fully ruled out a death sentence for Vance Boelter, explaining that it was only taken off the table because Boelter pleaded guilty. ROSEN: “The direction that we had was that we will not seek the death penalty provided that Mr. Boelter enters into the plea agreement. … [Boelter] was certainly death penalty eligible, and we would’ve prevailed. … [But] when you have a defendant who is prepared to plead guilty to consecutive life terms plus, to ensure that he never sees freedom again in his entire life, that is an opportunity that we just could not pass up.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xk80Qt

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take featured additional info on Vance Boelter’s guilty plea. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4fCuPZb

HORTMANS: Sunday, June 14 will mark one year since Melissa and Mark Hortman’s passing. Via FOX 9, Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith honored the Hortmans’ legacy with speeches in Congress yesterday. VERBATIM: “Klobuchar stood in front of a family portrait of the Hortman family as she spoke about the victims of the shootings. … [Smith] highlighted the good Melissa did during her time in the Minnesota legislature, including passing the bill for free school lunches and much more.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4v1m7bH

REVIEW: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said after attending [Vance] Boelter’s plea hearing [that] an after-action review is underway and nearing completion regarding the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman. … The review is being conducted through the International Association of Chiefs of Police. … The cost of the study is being shared by Brooklyn Park, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the cities of New Hope and Champlin, where Boelter showed up at the homes of lawmakers.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eB7QfY

SECURITY: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A year out from the political assassination of one of their colleagues, Minnesota lawmakers are honoring her memory [by trying] to prevent future tragedies. … State legislators approved new funding to keep new security in place at the Capitol. They’re also adding new threat response measures as menacing and often violent comments directed at them have surged. … State public safety officials said the new tools will help them root out and address potential risks sooner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4voLdSd

TRANSIT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Metro Transit police are increasing their presence across the system this summer as ridership grows and calls for service continue to rise. The agency said riders are noticing improvements as more officers, Community Service Officers, TRIP agents and security staff are deployed across trains, buses and stations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xq8Gn4

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

CD + MN

WALZ: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz bounded onto the stage in Portland, Maine last month to applause and campaign music, [demonstrating] the current paradox of Walz’s political life. … Nationally, Walz remains a popular Democratic surrogate whose next move is the subject of constant speculation. In Minnesota, his political influence is no longer in high demand. … Walz skipped the DFL state convention in Rochester last month, and he has yet to endorse Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s bid to succeed him. … Walz has said he would endorse Klobuchar if asked. So far, it seems she hasn’t.” QUOTE: “I tell people, ‘Look, if it’s good to campaign with me, campaign with me. If it’s good for you not to know me, that’s good too.’ … That is simply the way it is.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xt8eEF

SENATE RACE: Speaking to Semafor, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer would not say who his preferred candidate is in Minnesota’s upcoming DFL primary for U.S. Senate. VERBATIM: “[Schumer] did not choose sides in the interview between Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is more antagonistic to Schumer’s leadership. He simply said his party would win Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43wFTQi

BALLOTS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Postal Service has issued a new rule that could impact Minnesota’s mail-in and absentee ballots ahead of this year’s midterm election. It offers states a dire choice: give the USPS lists of all voters who would receive mail ballots or risk losing the ability to mail those ballots. More than 1.3 million Minnesotans voted by mail or absentee ballot in the 2024 election. … Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who has resisted Trump Administration requests for information about state voters, said the president does not have the authority to make unilateral changes to election laws.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oB0rRq

EARLY VOTING: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Upper Midwest Law Center announced [that] they are suing Minneapolis to ensure election judges will staff early voting locations. The lawsuit alleges Minneapolis is only hiring bipartisan election judges for Election Day, not for the 18 days of early voting. … The petition is headed straight to the Minnesota Supreme Court and petitioners are asking for a decision before the general election.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eJq4fe

JUDGES: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Theresa Bea, Nicole Blissenbach, and Sean Cahill as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District. These seats will be chambered in Minneapolis in Hennepin County. … Bea will replace the Honorable Laurie J. Miller. … Blissenbach will replace the Honorable Bev Benson. … Cahill will replace the Honorable Edward T. Wahl.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uzDNdi

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Several Minnesota agencies may soon get new leadership after the end of Gov. Tim Walz’s term early next year. However, at least one of those agency leaders will still have a prominent role in Hennepin County [after] Walz appointed the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, [Nicole Blissenbach], as a Fourth District judge.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vJfDxZ

STATE STREAM

UMN: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The U of M is considering raising tuition across its campuses starting in the fall. It’s part of a bigger budget issue, with the school also looking to make $44 million in cuts and maybe sell a century-old golf course. On Friday, the Board of Regents got an earful about the cuts during public comment. … For in-state undergrads, the tuition increase would be 3.8%, [while] out-of-state students would pay a 4.5% percent increase. … A final vote on the tuition increase is expected at a special meeting on June 26.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eGd2iG

ICE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Federal immigration agents descended on a housing development in Bemidji [last week], detaining several people. … Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince confirmed the operation took place [and] did not involve any local law enforcement or city staff. … Republican State Rep. Bidal Duran said he had spoken with ICE and claims he was told it ‘was a targeted enforcement operation focused on specific individuals with prior removal orders or other immigration violations.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eple5O

FERTILIZER: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Nitrogen fertilizers used by Minnesota farmers are typically produced abroad and rely on fossil fuels, [so] for the past two years, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has offered grants to ag co-ops interested in investing in green fertilizer manufacturing. But so far, they haven’t been able to find competitive applicants. … Starting up a domestic fertilizer industry in Minnesota could help provide farmers with local, price-stable fertilizer options.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fHzbyd

WEATHER: via MDA advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has expanded the Minnesota Ag Weather Network (MAWN) with three new weather stations in East Central Minnesota. The stations — located in Isanti, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs counties — add important coverage in an area where producers have needed more localized environmental data. … All new stations are expected to be fully operational by the end of the growing season.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e5NU4M

ACROSS MN

TRANSIT: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Metro Transit is seeing more people riding buses and trains as gas prices climb, with four straight months of growth this spring. … Ridership was down 5% in January compared to the previous January, but then rebounded with a 3% increase in February. March saw a 2% rise, and both April and May posted 3% gains.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4osHgc8

BLUE LINE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The controversial Blue Line Extension project is still years away from starting service, but the cost continues to increase. Already estimated at more than $3.2 billion, the budget has again been revised up by $336 million. … The new total projected cost [is] just shy of $3.6 billion. … Service was previously slated to begin in 2030, but the latest update from the Metropolitan Council says major construction isn’t expected to finish until 2032, with revenue service not starting for another year after that.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vajUux

HOMELESS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities homeless shelter leaders say they are under constant strain amid an escalating affordable housing crisis. CEO of People Serving People Hoang Murphy says a persistent lack of affordable housing and reduced federal aid have left family shelters operating at peak capacity. … He says local shelters need more support from the city to be able to continue their work.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4uFBg1b

EDINA: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A major bridge construction project in Edina is set to wrap up after a months-long delay. The City of Edina recently announced that the Vernon Avenue and Highway 100 Interchange project will finish later this month, [and] the opening will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 25. … [Work] was delayed into 2026 because crews ‘struck a buried power line’ that wasn’t expected to be there.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aOQkCB

CHISAGO CTY: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Teamsters Local 320 members who work for Chisago County have been on strike since May 1. On Saturday, that means workers have been striking for 43 days. … The county’s striking employees are divided into two groups: health and human services workers and government center professionals. … The strike will soon surpass one of the longer [public sector] strikes in recent history, [which] was 45 days in 2023, when Hastings Public Schools food service workers were on strike.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vmazQg

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A proposal to issue up to $70 million in bonds to support financing a roughly 250-unit affordable housing project in northwest Rochester will be considered Monday. The Rochester City Council will be asked to approve the bonds, which were provided by the state earlier this year to support the planned project.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4osI2WA

BLACKDUCK: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[Blackduck] has had a Police Department since 1910, [but] with just one squad car, a part-time police chief and one part-time officer, the city of 800 people north of Bemidji is calling it quits on its Police Department. Council members voted unanimously on the closure [last] week, becoming the latest in a long line of Minnesota cities to make the move. Since 2016, around 40 police agencies have closed in the state. It’s a trend most pronounced across rural areas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vbepvJ

RUSH CITY: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A canteen strike started at Rush City prison [last week]. More than 100 men serving time at Rush City are boycotting the canteen to protest conditions. At a press conference held by advocates yesterday, Hannah Spaid said her loved ones serving time at Rush City are often locked in their cells for more than 20 hours a day, they have limited access to medical care and rehabilitative programming and gangs monopolize prison phones. … Advocates and incarcerated men say their complaints haven’t led to change, necessitating a strike.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eJq4fe

OTTERTAIL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Child care access tops the list of challenges for working parents and business owners, [but] a solution is brewing in Ottertail, a lakeside town of 707 people. … Four independently operated child care businesses opened their doors in two new townhomes just down the road from Ottertail’s two-block main street. Each business eventually will take as many as a dozen children. The $1.2 million project more than doubles Ottertail’s child care capacity and provides a model for solving this long-vexing problem in rural Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aPU1Ie

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BDAYS: Rep. Paul Anderson, photographer Chris McDuffie, First Lady Gwen Walz, ag leader Amber Glaeser, environmental leader John Curry, lobbyist Jennifer Breitinger, conservative advisor Lonny Leitner, attorney Matt Pelikan

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

morning take | Texts with Melissa

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:58:14 GMT

USA GAME 1

Twins lose. Canes win and lead the series 3-2.

Team USA’s first game in the FIFA World Cup is tonight at 8:00 p.m.

Current and former MN United stars are playing for New Zealand, Panama, Colombia and Canada in the World Cup — but not the U.S. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4ehdJxp

Emerson finds that 55% of U.S. voters are interested in following the World Cup, but interest is sharply divided by age — 82% for 18-29 and 40% for 70+. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4onmN8R

Pew Research asked Americans to name the best president of the last 40 years — the top three were Barack Obama at 36%, Ronald Reagan at 21% and Donald Trump at 19%. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4gcnkIr

Tomorrow is Free Park Day for all 72 state parks and recreation areas.

Happy National Peanut Butter Cookie Day.

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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.

RADIO: Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

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. bloisolson@gmail.com

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A year ago, we had no idea how waking up Saturday AM would change Minnesota. It still feels surreal, and the feelings seem to be rushing back this week. Being in the courtroom yesterday with the Hoffman family added to the images and memories of a nightmare of public service.

A few legislators have posted text messages on the guidance and words Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman sent them. Tonight on TPT’s Almanac Mary Lahammer will interview Patrick Murphy the Chief Clerk of the House about the behind-the-scenes stories of the late Speaker. All of it is worth the reflection, but also the reminders of lessons that we can take from Melissa.

In an era of some elected leaders, who seek higher office or serve spending less time on relationships, Melissa rarely didn’t engage. She was responsive and at many times wanted transparency that the budget negotiations didn’t provide.

Hortman and Speaker Lisa Demuth were guests on the Sunday Take just before the budget was passed last Spring. A civil thoughtful discussion, providing access before the budget was passed and explaining how the deal got done. It is the relationship and mutual trust that it brings that those seeking higher office – especially this year could learn from.

Here’s the Sunday Take episode six days before she and Mark were assassinated. She appeared jointly with Speaker Lisa Demuth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4e62c5l

The texts with Melissa reveal how responsive she could be to help shed light on the process, or her political views and personality.

It didn’t mean there was a “deal” it meant that Hortman understood the role of the media and journalists who covered the process. The trust was formed when she swore at a constituent and was worried about blow back, and we met via phone. She asked what she should do. I explained that men had been swearing in public office for years, and she shouldn’t worry about the words but rather the tone and intent. For the readers here, the listeners on the air and the tipsters who text. Even the public officials that call, that trust helps the entire process. As 20 percent plus of the legislature turns over, remember that relationships matter, and they take time to build. Take the time, have the public debate, and don’t shy from answering tough questions if you’re running or serving. We need more trust, and as I often say “transparency = trust”.

A peek into a couple text exchanges with Melissa and myself.

The first one was after that final Sunday Take appearance when I asked her if House DFLers holding out was a good idea or led to the delay in the session.

A few others were at critical moments including when Sen. Tina Smith announced she wouldn’t run again, in the days before the election that made the tie a reality, and reflections of negotiations when the Senate was controlled by Republicans. Note the dates.

On Sunday Take, at 9AM on WCCO Radio we’ll recall the events of last year and hopefully tell some more stories.

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

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RACES + REVENUE

SENATE RACE: The photo of GOP Rep. Tom Emmer hugging DFL Rep. Angie Craig, seen in yesterday’s morning take, is already being used for attacks by Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign. After Craig posted on X that “experience matters” in the Senate, Flanagan shared Emmer’s photo with the caption: “Experience like… being the only Minnesota Democrat to vote with Tom Emmer on the Laken Riley Act?” Craig then responded directly to Flanagan: “If you think this photo means anything more than the GOP praying to face you in the general because you’re a weak candidate due to the fraud scandal — you’re not ready for the job.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4xplcn0

SOS RACE: via Chip for SOS, VERBATIM: “George ‘Chip’ Tangen has qualified to appear on the general election ballot for the office of Secretary of State. To qualify as a third-party candidate, Tangen needed 2,000 eligible voters to sign his candidate nominating petition. … Tangen [is] endorsed by the Libertarian Party of Minnesota.” TANGEN: “For too long, Minnesota legislators and secretaries of state have ignored the interests of voters who are political independents. Our ballot access laws and rules make it overly difficult for alternative candidates to get onto the ballot. As a candidate for Secretary of State, I’m going to raise those issues front and center so that voters have more choices in future elections.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4fGE4HH

CD1: via Jake Johnson, DFL candidate in CD1, JOHNSON: “This summer, we’ll be holding an in-person town hall meeting in every county across Minnesota’s first congressional district. … [Rep.] Brad Finstad hasn’t held a single in-person town hall in four years. … That’s why I’m visiting all 21 counties this summer to hear directly from the people of southern Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xo2coN

REVENUE: via MMB advisory, VERBATIM: “Net general fund revenues totaled $2.101 billion for the month of May, $50 million (2.4 percent) more than forecast. Net receipts from individual income tax for the month were higher than forecast, while corporate franchise tax net revenues, general sales tax revenues, and other tax revenues were less than forecast. For fiscal year 2026, year-to-date receipts are now $29.592 billion, $98 million (0.3 percent) more than forecast.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43PpnuZ

MEDICAID: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services on Thursday said it’s restoring payments to more than 2,000 Medicaid providers after cutting off [3,400] providers in programs considered high risk for fraud. … Most of the dis-enrollments were due to incomplete paperwork, state officials said. … Providers have 60 days to appeal decisions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4up4S2N

MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The state human services department [lifted] payment suspensions for those service providers who submitted appeals by Tuesday, June 9. ‘Additionally, DHS is allowing providers an additional 24 hours to submit their claims for this warrant cycle,’ the notice reads, extending the claims submission cut off to 11:59 p.m. on Friday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4utItBm

PUBLIC SAFETY

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take featured additional info on Vance Boelter’s guilty plea. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4fCuPZb

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CD + MN

DEFENSE: via House Democrats, VERBATIM: “Republicans on the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee today advanced their 2027 funding bill during a closed meeting. The bill sets the Pentagon budget at more than $1 trillion – the largest in U.S. history and a $234 billion increase over 2026. … The bill provides $1,072,210,299,000, which is equal to the [Trump] Administration’s request.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qkqtvj

RESPONSE: via DFL Rep. Betty McCollum statement, McCOLLUM: “Pouring over a trillion dollars into the Department of Defense will not keep Americans safe if it requires us to mortgage our nation’s students, our future workforce, and our strategic diplomatic efforts to pay for it.”

SCREWWORM: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar urged the Trump Administration on Thursday to hire more veterinarians and marshal a robust response to the flesh-eating fly species that has crossed the southern border. … In Klobuchar’s letter, signed by 20 Democratic colleagues including Sen. Tina Smith, the senator called for more research on the production of sterile flies, which can neutralize New World screwworm. Scientists say the worm does not endanger the U.S. food supply, but could infect and kill cattle. It could become a pocketbook issue for consumers if a constrained supply of cattle re-inflates the price of beef.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S2jzvu

IMMIGRATION: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Inside the Whipple Federal Building on most weekdays, the immigration court is quietly enacting President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts, [with] 118 hearings scheduled [in one] day. … Advocates say immigration judges, including those in Minnesota, are being saddled with higher workloads and that immigrants seeking asylum are facing bigger obstacles as the executive branch, which controls the immigration court system, seeks to meet their stated goals of deporting a million people a year and attempting to address the backlog of more than 3 million cases in the country’s immigration courts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eHgUz1

PROFILING: via ACLU-MN, VERBATIM: “The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota today announced that it is seeking dismissal of Hussen v. Mullin, the lawsuit filed to stop federal immigration agents from unlawfully stopping, arresting, and racially profiling Minnesotans. … The Hussen v. Mullin plaintiffs have filed administrative claims with the federal government, and once that process is complete, they will return to federal court to resume their fight for accountability.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xqpSZP

MPLS

FLOYD SQR: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to deny a contract with the Minnesota Agape Movement to develop the Peoples’ Way, sending plans for a new building in the square back to the drawing board. It also agreed to waive a special tax for property owners, as construction in the square begins. … City council member Soren Stevenson represents the area. He urged the council to waive the fees, [arguing] ‘You can’t do something for the community and then charge them for it.’ … Stevenson said he’s in talks with Mayor Jacob Frey to make up the money with city funds in next year’s budget.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vOdlxU

SELF-DRIVING: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Some Minneapolis council members introduced plans Thursday for regulations on autonomous vehicles. … City council members introduced the proposal as Waymo prepares to launch service in Minneapolis as soon as this fall, according to city leaders. … Minneapolis City Council Member Robin Wonsley led the introduction Thursday and outlined the next steps to build a legislative policy by 2027. … Wonsley said a priority is protecting rideshare drivers and community members.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aKMtXc

UPTOWN: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “More housing is coming to Minneapolis in the form of a new apartment building. The new building in Uptown is called ‘Seven Points.’ … Doran Companies and Northpond are behind the new project, with leadership taking part in a groundbreaking ceremony. … The apartment building will include 228 units across five floors. … Completion is anticipated for the fall of 2027.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4opqgno

(DISCLOSRE: Northpond is a client of Fluence Advisory)

ACROSS MN

UMD: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents will convene Thursday and Friday to discuss potential cost increases for the coming year, and the University of Minnesota Duluth is not immune. … University of Minnesota students are facing a 3.8% tuition hike that will impact every campus in the university system. Additional increases in room and board costs and student services will increase costs on the Duluth campus by 4.6%, or an estimated $1,206 per student.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ekMaDu

UMR: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved plans to expand local university lab and classroom space in the Discovery Square complex. The $10.38 million University of Minnesota Rochester expansion project is expected to start this summer, with new facilities available in the fall of 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fFQL5J

OUTAGES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Utility crews continued chainsawing their way through downed trees and branches Thursday to restore power to several thousand homes and businesses in central Minnesota, well over a day after severe storms. … Alexandria-based Runestone Electric Association said Thursday morning that an estimated 3,000 members remained without power. That number dropped to about 2,000 as of midday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eD2jFJ

BWCAW: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Less than a week after the U.S. Forest Service announced a campfire ban in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) due to wildfire risks, the restrictions have been lifted. A ban on campfires, grills, and charcoal or wood-fire stoves went into effect on June 6 due to dry conditions. Officials with the Superior National Forest issued a notice on Thursday that restrictions will be lifted [today].” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PVZczp

DAYBOOK

TODAY: COPAL and the Immigrant Defense Network will host a summit on “rising threats facing immigrant communities and democratic participation across the Midwest,” per a release. The event is in Minneapolis at 9:00 a.m.

TODAY: Therapists at LynLake Centers for Wellbeing will host a press conference in Minneapolis celebrating their recent vote to unionize with SEIU Healthcare and announcing next steps. The event is at 9:00 a.m.

TOMORROW: ISAIAH will host a kickoff event for its “Childcare for All MN” campaign in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 13 at 12:00 noon.

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BDAYS: Fluence Media’s managing editor Mike Maybay, weather man Paul Douglas, comms pro Brooke Worden, Building Association leader James Vagel. SAT: operative Kenza Hadj-Moussa, host and entertainer Jim Cunningham SUN: retired lobbyist John Knapp, public safety insider Leah Palmer

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.

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

morning take | A plea and a hug

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:09:04 GMT

WORLD COMEBACKS

Twins win. Knicks have an amazing come back and now lead 3-1.

World Cup starts today. NHL Finals Game 5 tonight.

COMING LATER: Sports Take’s World Cup preview. Good reads and a good guide to the soccer spectacle. Also, some WNBA fans need to grow up and a big save for men’s college hockey. Coming this afternoon.

Hybrid vehicles are in such high demand that some models cost more used than new. TRIBUNE: https://fluence-media.co/43uNDSR

Oil prices are rising amid renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. REUTERS: https://fluence-media.co/4xqTu9y

YouGov finds that 29% of Americans approve of how Pres. Donald Trump is handling the economy, with 57% thinking the economy is getting worse while 14% say it’s improving. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4eEk2vx

Happy National German Chocolate Cake 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.

RADIO: Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

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. bloisolson@gmail.com

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A trip north yesterday on 169 gave a peek into the billboard messages of red counties including one urging “Christian conservative” voters to not skip the midterm, and another from the Mille Lacs County GOP pushing a return of the previous Minnesota flag. The return trip came with news of the federal court hearing today to the accused killer of Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and the attempted murder of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette and daughter Hope.

The next news release was the Minnesota Republican delegation calling on Gov. Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison to resign after the Congressional report on fraud.

Then the shiny object of the Emmer-Craig photo. If only a photo of two members of the Minnesota delegation hugging wasn’t a troll, but if activists understood the authentic bipartisan relationships that it takes to work for our state. There was a recent report of boos when a leader touted bipartisanship at a political convention.

Party over principle hasn’t served our state and our country well in recent years. Until that changes, photo trolls that get clicks are more important than policy for both sides.

The other tensions playing out in the economy related to the election, labor and litigation create a stream of news that most people need a break from. Pacing the consumption of news is important, especially this week. Keep reading but find your breaks if you’re in the vortex. We will take ours over July 4^th.

It’s also a reminder that today’s news should not in any way overshadow or steal the opportunity to reflect and remember on the incidents of last year, including the memory of Melissa and Mark, and the trauma for the Hoffman’s. There’s still a tone problem, and a divide that legislators feel after the fear they also feel is an anxiety that will play out for years to come. That’s a tough way to govern and lead.

Stay centered today.

MOOD: While mentioned before, the party activist purity test this year is against insiders and bipartisanship. That’s why the photo flex from Emmer creates a narrative that makes the Flanagan campaign drool. That said, party over principle hasn’t served our state and our country well in recent years. Until that changes, photo trolls that get clicks are more important than policy for both sides.

EMMER: GOP Rep. Tom Emmer posted a photo of him hugging DFL Rep. Angie Craig to social media yesterday with a caption calling her his “friend,” buzz that Emmer is trying to boost Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign because he thinks Flanagan is less likely to win. QUOTE: “She’s one of the few Democrats who’s willing to work across the aisle to get important legislation like the Laken Riley Act across the finish line! We will miss you around here, Angie.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4uxsja9

MORE: via Star Tribune’s Sydney Kashiwagi, VERBATIM: “Rep. Angie Craig tells me [Tom] Emmer posted this to boost Peggy Flanagan in the Senate race and that his press team was in the room ready to take a photo of them interacting. This post comes after Craig got into a heated exchange with Emmer earlier this year on the House floor. … Craig said the reason they were smiling is because she made a joke to him about whether she put him in the knee scooter he currently uses, in a nod to their floor fight.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4xqMCck

TAFOYA: via WCCO Radio, Chad Hartman interviewed Michele Tafoya. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xgCJh3

TAKE: It is undeniable that Republicans would like to face Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in November rather than Rep. Angie Craig. Craig is a more tested, and moderate candidate than Flanagan. The Republicans have their own challenge in the primary, where many DFLers would rather face Adam Schwarze than Michele Tafoya. Afterall in 2024 Republicans voted for Royce White in the primary.

FRAUD: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) led Minnesota Congressional Republicans in sending a letter to Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison urging them to resign following the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s recent report on the committee’s investigation into Minnesota’s fraud scandals.” EXCERPT: “As members of the Minnesota Republican delegation, we believe the confidence necessary to effectively govern has been irreparably damaged. We therefore urge you to resign from office immediately.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/4aGFeiZ

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

INDECISIONS

MEDICAID: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ decision to disenroll the majority of providers in 13 different Medicaid programs may turn out to be more of a weekslong [disruption] than an indefinite crisis. … A department spokesperson [said] providers who appeal their disenrollment can get funding reinstated during the appeals process, [but] DHS has discretion on whether to keep paying. … Also, all disenrolled providers can bill Medicaid for services rendered up to the point of disenrollment. … Individual providers and associations that lobby on their behalf say this news comes as a relief, but their situation is still a mess.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aHMSts

MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Any providers who submitted an appeal by June 9 will have their payment suspension lifted by the end of the day on June 11. … ‘It’s a nice gesture,’ said Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, who sits on the Senate Human Services Committee. ‘The whole process has been a disaster from the very beginning.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v50uHF

AUTISM: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The vast majority of Minnesota’s autism service providers have applied for provisional licenses under a new law aimed at bringing greater oversight. … The Department of Human Services received applications from 433 service sites out of 481 that could have applied, the agency said. … Some of those sites were not expected to apply because they were disenrolled or perform testing or administration functions that do not require licensure, the agency said. Just eight sites that are active and have billed [DHS] in the past six months did not apply for a provisional license.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xqFYmo

MENTAL HEALTH: via NAMI advisory, VERBATIM: “NAMI Minnesota is sounding the alarm over newly issued federal Medicaid regulations that will make it significantly harder for people with mental illnesses to maintain health coverage, putting thousands of Minnesotans at risk of losing access. … Medicaid, known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota, is the largest payer of mental health services in the state. … NAMI Minnesota will continue working with state leaders, advocates, and community partners to identify ways to reduce harm and preserve access to care.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vKvU60

CONGRESS

STUDENT AID: via Rep. Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and House Republicans passed the No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026, legislation to stop fraud in student aid. The bill ensures only real students receive aid by establishing fraud detection systems to identify suspicious applications before aid is disbursed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QuHt29

OPIOIDS: via Rep. Kelly Morrison advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the bipartisan School Access to Naloxone Act, which would help ensure access to naloxone and that school personnel are trained in administering lifesaving medication to students in the case of an opioid overdose.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SyfxuJ

CANCER: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced their bipartisan legislation, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act, unanimously passed the Senate. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans’ Affairs to conduct a comprehensive review across departments of ongoing research that could help us better understand and respond to the increasing number of women being diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for women.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qv6ESa

UNIONS: via Rep. Pete Stauber advisory, VERBATIM: “This week, Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) Faster Labor Contracts Act passed the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that when workers vote to form a union, employers are not allowed to drag out negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oigd3g

INSURANCE: via Sen. Tina Smith advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), the lead Democrat on the Senate Housing Subcommittee, released a new report, Bold Solutions to the Home Insurance Crisis. It examines the nationwide crisis of rising home insurance costs, the role of climate-change-driven extreme weather events, and policy solutions that would tackle this affordability crisis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49RD6EX REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/4giM2H8

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PRIMARIES

PRIMARIES: Via MPR, only five of the 20 Minnesota House primaries this year feature incumbents running for reelection, and none are in competitive districts. GOP Rep. Josh Heintzeman, GOP Rep. Tom Murphy, GOP Rep. Dawn Gillman, DFL Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley, and DFL Rep. Mohamud Noor face intraparty challenges in August. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3PXgc8q

ICE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Attorneys for Gregory Morgan Jr., who is facing two charges of assault, have requested to be tried in federal court. … The defense team is arguing that Morgan, who was operating as an ICE agent at the time of the alleged incident, is entitled to have his trial take place in federal court due to his federal agent status. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty previously said she expected the case to move to federal court, but state prosecutors would still lead the case.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gdapGj

FBI: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “A man wanted by the FBI for his role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme surrendered peacefully. … U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen held a press conference Wednesday to announce that Said Abdullahi Ereg, 47, was taken into custody by federal law enforcement after returning to the United States from Kenya. Rosen said that Ereg communicated through counsel his intentions to return to the U.S. one day after Vice President JD Vance listed him as one of the FBI’s most wanted. The FBI and Homeland Security then facilitated his travel.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4onZGer

INTERNET: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Internet services had been cut off without warning for [people] in southern Minnesota after local provider Radio Link Internet filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. … The company halted its business operations, suddenly leaving an estimated 400 customers without internet around midday last Monday, and prompting an investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office. In the week since Radio Link’s closure, the state has received 25 complaints from consumers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uYx4L7

SETTLEMENT: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today announced a $4.87 million multistate settlement with GS Labs that resolves claims that the testing company overcharged patients, unlawfully charged administrative fees, and failed to deliver timely COVID-19 test results. … Minnesotans that were harmed by GS Labs’s testing practices will receive $442,847.50 in restitution through the settlement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43ommS3

METRO

FSTILLWATER: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “[Stillwater] police started cracking down on parking violators in early April. City officials in 2023 changed parking fees in city-owned lots and on-street parking spaces east of Main Street, but waited until new signs and ticketing technology were in place to begin serious enforcement. … City officials say charging for parking is intended to improve turnover and availability, helping visitors find spaces more easily while reducing congestion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vFoBwc

RAMSEY CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Power outages across the state are affecting building operations in Ramsey County following a bout of severe weather. Ramsey County said services have been impacted, requiring multiple buildings to remain closed on Wednesday. … The buildings include the Plato Building, which houses multiple county offices, including Public Health, Emergency Management and Veterans Services.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vI39a1

ACROSS MN

RPS: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “As Rochester Public Schools tries to balance a number of different needs among its buildings for the years ahead, the district has presented a portfolio of proposed changes that would include merging schools, renovating facilities, and decentralizing some programs that have long existed at a single location. … Although the projects would be funded through a myriad of different methods, their overall cost would be an estimated $44 million, which comes on the heels of the district announcing more than $8 million in budget cuts.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4otat76

HOFFMAN: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Residents of Hoffman, Minnesota remained without power Wednesday evening after overnight storms brought dangerous straight-line winds that caused significant damage. … The city of around 700 residents in west-central Minnesota was still without power as efforts continued to clear debris. … The city confirmed that high winds are believed to have caused the derailment of a Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway, around 20 cars of which are believed to have left the tracks.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4olGb5T

BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The Bemidji Planning Board discussed a spectrum of housing topics during a regular meeting [this week], revoking one Beltrami County Housing & Redevelopment housing permit before approving the initial stages of a Northwoods Habitat for Humanity housing project. … The plot is zoned as residential, and NWHFH plans to use the land to develop additional affordable housing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4okRGdO

DAYBOOK

TODAY: via news advisory from some members of the Minneapolis City Council, VERBATIM: “City Council Members will hold media availability following the City Council meeting to answer questions and talk about actions taken at the meeting like law enforcement agency agreements ordinance, resolution opposing congressional funding for ICE & CBP, George Floyd Square construction assessments, and Heritage Park legislative directive.”

TODAY: Sec. Steve Simon will visit Dodge, Steele and Waseca counties to meet with local election officials and attend a United Way event before heading to Rochester to present Excellence in Election Awards to local officials there, per his office.

TODAY: The Upper Midwest Law Center has a press conference today announcing a “Minnesota Supreme Court petition involving Minneapolis early voting procedures ahead of the 2026 election,” per a release. The event is at 9:30 a.m.

TODAY: Dēmos and People’s Action Institute have a virtual media briefing on their new report, “Solving the Affordability Crisis,” which examines “the connection between democracy and affordability,” per a release. The event is at 10:30 a.m.

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will interview candidates for three vacancies in the Fourth Judicial District

TODAY-TMRW: COPAL and the Immigrant Defense Network will host a summit on “rising threats facing immigrant communities and democratic participation across the Midwest,” per a release. The event is in Minneapolis on Thursday and Friday, starting at 9:00 a.m. both days.

SATURDAY: ISAIAH will host a kickoff event for its “Childcare for All MN” campaign in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 13 at 12:00 noon.

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.

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BDAYS: GOP National Committeeman AK Kamara, DFL operative and insider Alana Petersen, realtor Mark Hronski, Republican consultant Billy Grant

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

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

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

morning take | The Pace of 2026

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:11:04 GMT

MIDWEEK MINDFULNESS

Overnight storms might have awakened you. Hope everyone is safe. Here is the Xcel Energy outage map. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4gbAZzy

Lynx win. Twins lose. Aurora wins. Stanley Cup tied 2-2.

Parts of Minneapolis were locked down and evacuated due to a standoff, but no injuries were reported and the suspect is in custody. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/3RYZKoG

Esquire ranked Half Time Rec in St. Paul as one of the nation’s 14 best bars. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4eiQByJ

Polling data from The Argument indicates that Minnesota’s 2026 elections could favor Democrats by 10 points. In 2024, Democrats led by 4 points. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4uu5nsl

Even after years of buzz, the use of cryptocurrency has remained fairly stable in the United States. Today, about one-in-five U.S. adults (19%) say they’ve invested in or used a cryptocurrency. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/4uWRPqx

The U.S. launched new strikes on Iran after an Army helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz. The helicopter’s crew was rescued. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4dYVmyz

Happy National Frosted 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.

RADIO: Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

SPEAKING Lobbyist and trade associations that are killing time waiting today, let me know if you want me to speak to your summer and fall events about the “Signals vs. Noise” of the election. bloisolson@gmail.com

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

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A mindful midweek reflection. The primaries across the country and the news cycle of Minnesota, even since January 5^th begin to make “Slow News Year ™️” in a daily cycle that yesterday had me honestly checking if there was a full moon. There wasn’t. Even peeling away the culture of social media trolling, the lack of self-awareness among the loudest voices – and the media’s coverage of them wonder “What are we even doing here?”

The most politically damaged in traditional scenarios are winning or doubling down after they have failed. The outliers are further outside the middle than ever, and the mere suggestion of something creates a hyper reaction from media. As a click-minded publication – the hunger for the clicks can clearly cloud judgement of credibility. I’m being click bait resistant more than ever.

The era of distrust seems to move at a speed that ignores the ability to pause, critically think, discuss and decide. Instant opinions can be dangerous, so letting things play out is best in a year that has filled the content limit like fishing in a bucket.

How do you the readers want coverage to pace this year? email: bloisolson@gmail.com

TONE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Ten months after his parents were assassinated, Colin Hortman met privately with members of the Minnesota House to deliver a message that some lawmakers needed to hear again…Hortman hoped his visit to the chamber where his mother once presided would help slow the growth of vitriolic political rhetoric. Legislators who had vowed to soften their tone after the June 14 killing of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were again trading partisan attacks this spring as they debated immigration and school safety…But the broadsides continued in the weeks afterward, showing how quickly politicians abandoned their calls for civility after the Hortmans were killed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4exCreh

AI: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “One campaign ad stirring up controversy is what some view as an AI-generated deepfake attack ad against Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, who is running for U.S. Senate…Experts say this raises some questions that have yet to be tested… FOX 9 spoke with Manjeet Rege, the Director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence and Professor and Chair of the Department of Software Engineering and Data Science at the University of St. Thomas, who helped break down some tips to look out for to spot a deepfake video. Rege says look for duplicates in the background or rough edges on objects….”If I would pick two things, it would be the gaze. The gaze is the same, it is not moving. I’m also looking a little below the camera, not exactly at the camera. And the other is the speed, the rate at which I’m speaking and my tone of speaking,” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e0LJ2s

SENATE RACE: Minnesota Jobs Coalition’s John Rouleau spotted that official accounts for the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association and Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner both posted the same message supporting Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign yesterday. Platner’s post has since been deleted — Rouleau speculated that the same staffer likely has access to both accounts and posted to the wrong one. TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4ejrMmn

CD2: Teamsters union leaders will announce today are endorsing State Rep. Kaela Berg in CD2. VERBATIM: “Teamsters Joint Council 32 announced their endorsement of flight attendant, State Representative, and candidate for Congress in MN-02 Kaela Berg. … A union flight attendant for more than 22 years, [Berg] has held leadership positions within her union and served as Director of the Minnesota Fair Trade Coalition.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uotLeU

DEBATE: Sen. Matt Klein, Rep. Kaela Berg and fmr. Sen. Matt Little have been invited to participate in a debate on WCCO Radio for the CD2 DFL primary.

GOP ADS: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Republican side of the U.S. Senate contest hasn’t made it to the TV ad stage yet, but it will before long. Former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya has placed her initial ad reservations. For now, those 30-second spots won’t start until the week of July 20 and continue through the leadup to the Aug. 11 primary. … So far, endorsed Republican candidate Adam Schwarze hasn’t locked in any time. Outside groups could also opt to get involved, as has happened on the DFL side.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43qZp0t

PRIMARIES: Via MPR, six incumbent members of the Minnesota Senate — three Republicans and three DFLers — will face primary challenges this year: GOP Sen. Paul Utke, GOP Sen. Nathan Wesenberg, GOP Sen. John Jasinski, DFL Sen. Susan Pha, DFL Sen. Ron Latz and DFL Sen. Omar Fateh. There are 16 Senate primaries overall — 10 DFL, six GOP. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/43qZp0t

TRACKER: Follow all the races in Minnesota on the Fluence Election Tracker HERE: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

3RD PARTY: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Steve Patterson, [an] Austin, Minnesota businessman, faced the longest of long odds in his run for the state’s top political office as a third-party candidate. But Patterson is a bit of an idealist and wasn’t afraid to try. … At the very least, Patterson and his running mate, JT Thompson, thought they could garner enough signatures to reach the ballot in November. It was not to be.” PATTERSON: “Some people were very nasty to me. It’s hard when people use political parties as their identity, and it’s part of their core make-up as a person. It’s really hard to get them to be open-minded to new things.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uoKTBu

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

HEALTH CARE

MEDICAID: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Thousands of Minnesota Medicaid service providers lost funding after the state’s revalidation process ended [and] many providers are appealing, but families and organizations face uncertainty as paperwork issues and system problems persist. … GOP Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar said, ‘To just shut off the spigot and terminate everybody, that means you put all the good providers in the bad apple bag, and that’s wrong.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43mO8hR

MORE: via KARE 11’s Jennifer Hoff, VERBATIM: “[At] a press conference where about 10 providers pleaded their cases, many say they have a clean reputation and did nothing wrong. … The lawmakers there are calling on the governor to create an incident command center and a dedicated 800 number now to help providers.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ew8hbo

RURAL HEALTH: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A health care clinic in southern Minnesota announced layoffs affecting 10% of its workers. … The decision means about 100 people will lose their jobs at Mankato Clinic, effective immediately. … There are no plans to close any of the clinic’s 12 locations, and no physician roles were eliminated, [but] the layoffs on Tuesday add to a trend of declining health care access in southern Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ur6F7K

UMN: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that the University of Minnesota, Fairview Health Services, and University of Minnesota Physicians (M Physicians) have reached the agreements necessary to cement and operationalize the new 10-year partnership between the parties announced in January 2026. The University of Minnesota and M Physicians have reached a final agreement that secures M Physicians as the sole faculty practice group of the University of Minnesota Medical School–Twin Cities Campus, among other items.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vErhu6

MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Key elements of the agreement include a $1 billion investment from Fairview in its medical facilities on the University of Minnesota campus, along with $50 million in annual funding for the medical school. As part of the deal, the parties will explore a new program to support physicians practicing in greater Minnesota. The U’s Board of Regents, along with the boards of directors for Fairview and M Physicians, will meet Friday to vote on the agreement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v13y7D

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Notably, the term ‘University of Minnesota’ will be removed from the U’s massive teaching hospital in Minneapolis. The agreement signals more distance between partners whose disagreements have often spilled out into the public. Fairview will provide less guaranteed money than in the past to the U Medical School, and the university will no longer have three people on the Fairview board of directors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xljGlJ

NATIONAL

CHINA: via Grand Forks Herald, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Defense [has] added Cirrus Design Corp. to a list of ‘Chinese military companies’ operating in the United States. The Duluth company, which has a manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, joins a list of 188 companies prohibited from contracting with the department. … Cirrus falls under the umbrella of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC), which manufactures both airliners and military aircraft. … The Defense Department listing carries no immediate sanctions, though it could carry consequences for the aircraft manufacturer in the future.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gb98zu

USDA: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The USDA [is] consolidating offices across agencies, moving many workers out of Washington, D.C., and other locations into select hubs. … In Minnesota, the USDA lost 21% of its 1,800 employees between fiscal year 2025 and 2026, coinciding with the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. It was the hardest hit of the federal agencies operating in the state. The agency’s presence in Minnesota is dwindling further as the administration demands workers from a variety of agencies, including the [FNA], relocate to hubs like Indianapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ey2VMP

ICE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Federal prosecutors dropped charges against Juan Carlos Rodriguez Romero, a St. Paul man who immigration agents shot at on Dec. 21. The agents on the scene and the Department of Homeland Security accused Rodriguez Romero of ramming agents with his car, though agents’ stories contained contradictions. … Department of Justice officials filed a motion asking a federal judge to dismiss their case against Rodriguez Romero, citing insufficient evidence.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4v6xsY0

CITIZENSHIP: Via Star Tribune, the Minnesota resident whose citizenship is under scrutiny by the federal government, seen in yesterday’s morning take, is also a convicted fraudster who was part of the Feeding Our Future scandal and awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in 2023. Denaturalization is a rare occurrence, but GOP Rep. Tom Emmer has proposed legislation to make it easier to revoke citizenship from anyone convicted of fraud. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYdXLb

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

METRO NEWS

MPD: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “The attorney representing a whistleblower within the Minneapolis Police Department says more could soon come out about the alleged misconduct of former Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. Chris Madel told WCCO Radio [that] his client has faced continued retaliation for bringing damaging information to light. … The 32-page lawsuit has not been filed in court. Madel says that decision is ultimately up to his client, who has not been named, but the allegations are damning.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xC1vbV

ANOKA-HENN: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Some parents with students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District are well on their way to gathering enough signatures to put a levy on the ballot this fall. The nonprofit called Parents for Good hosted a petition drive Monday night in Anoka. Co-founder Sheighlyn Berbig says the group has gathered about 1,000 signatures. … The board has been split in the past about whether to support a levy. Berbig says it would help the district as it faces a $6 million deficit and has already laid off at least 75 employees.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Sfo6ul

INVER GROVE HGTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Nearly 60 units of affordable senior housing are coming to Inver Grove Heights. The Dakota County Community Development Agency and the city of Inver Grove Heights recently broke ground on Crestview Pointe, a new senior living complex that will offer one and two-bedroom units for people who are 62 and older. … Crestview Pointe is expected to open in late summer of 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4upr90m

ACROSS MN

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Continued concern about fire department response in a growing Rochester is expected to fuel a request for federal support to help fund 15 new firefighters, even as concern about future local cost is being voiced. … [Rochester’s] 9.2 firefighters per 1,000 residents falls short of the 10.3 seen in Fargo [and] 14.9 in Duluth. Some council members, however, said the estimated $2.5 million for maintaining 15 firefighters after the potential federal grant ends could be too steep.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4utULdk

MANKATO: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The sound of bulldozers, hammers and saws will fill the air where church bells once rang out and nuns sang hymns as construction work begins this week on new, affordable single-family homes on the grounds of the Our Lady of Good Counsel campus in Mankato. … Construction on eight of those homes is expected to be completed and the houses will be available to new homeowners by fall. Three additional single family homes will be built in 2027.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ot84sX

STEARNS CTY: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Stearns County human services leaders are bracing for a wave of state and federal public assistance changes they say will increase workloads, create confusion for recipients and make it harder for some residents to maintain health care and food assistance benefits. Human Services staff briefed the county commissioners on Tuesday, June 9, about coming changes to Medicaid and [SNAP], outlining the effects on recipients, county staff and local taxpayers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xa5vzU

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Minneapolis City Council members and labor advocates will host a press conference announcing a proposal for “regulating business licensing for

commercial operation of autonomous vehicles,” per a release. The event is at 2:30 p.m.

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will chair a meeting of the Board of Pardons.

TODAY: Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Ilhan Omar, both DFL, will co-host a “tele-town hall” on Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: The Upper Midwest Law Center has a press conference today announcing a “Minnesota Supreme Court petition involving Minneapolis early voting procedures ahead of the 2026 election,” per a release. The event is at 9:30 a.m.

TOMORROW: Dēmos and People’s Action Institute have a virtual media briefing on their new report, “Solving the Affordability Crisis,” which examines “the connection between democracy and affordability,” per a release. The event is at 10:30 a.m.

THURS-FRI: COPAL and the Immigrant Defense Network will host a summit on “rising threats facing immigrant communities and democratic participation across the Midwest,” per a release. The event is in Minneapolis on Thursday and Friday, starting at 9:00 a.m. both days.

SATURDAY: ISAIAH will host a kickoff event for its “Childcare for All MN” campaign in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 13 at 12:00 noon.

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: health care lobbyist Kelly Wolfe, St. Paul leader Tom Whaley, business guy Greg Daniel, activist Dan McGrath, communicator Melissa Champine

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 | Fraud Report Amplifies Warnings

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:14 GMT

63 DAYS

Air quality alert today – but cooler temps coming in a few days.

The Primary is 63 days away and the General Election is 147 days away.

Lynx host Dallas and Paige Bueckers tonight. Twins in Detroit.

Last night an early look at the race developing in CD1 between Rep. Brad Finstad and Jake Johnson for MNSider subscribers. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/49OqNJu

Average gas prices fell to $3.97/gal in Minnesota, the first dip below $4 since late April. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4xib0wA

The White House is restarting efforts to block state AI regulations, which would affect Minnesota. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4g8BQkw

The FIFA World Cup begins this week in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Howard Sinker will share why there are no games in Minnesota, why that’s probably a good thing, and all you need to know about schedules, watch parties, and how to watch games in the comfort of your own home. Watch your inbox for sports take this Thursday.

Primaries in Maine, South Carolina, Nevada and North Dakota today.

Happy National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie 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.

RADIO: Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

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

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NARRATIVE DEVELOPMENT

GOV RACE: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar pitched her housing plans for the state on Monday. … Klobuchar’s proposals include reforming permitting processes and streamlining building codes to reduce delays and build more homes faster, with an emphasis on rural Minnesota. She wants to make the existing State Housing Tax Credit permanent and launch a Rural Housing Loan Fund to incentivize more housing investments. … The DFL candidate also pitched using vacant state land for housing, banning price-fixing algorithms and creating a ‘No Wrong Door’ network that would make rental assistance easier to find.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xmgaaY

SENATE RACE: Rep. Angie Craig’s Senate campaign has begun an effort to tie Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to the planned ICE detention facility in Appleton, as seen in yesterday’s morning take. VERBATIM: “The Department of Homeland Security is planning to re-open the Prairie Correctional Facility owned by ICE contractor, CoreCivic. CoreCivic is one of the largest private prison contractors in the United States – operating nearly a dozen ICE detention facilities already. CoreCivic previously donated thousands of dollars to the Democratic Lt. Governor’s Association (DLGA). The DLGA has used that money to prop up Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43pRsZv

FRAUD: Following the release of a report covering Minnesota’s fraud scandals by Republicans on the U.S. House Oversight Committee, as seen in yesterday’s lunch take, Vice Pres. JD Vance announced that he has referred the report’s allegations to the U.S. Dept. of Justice “for criminal investigation.” The report accuses Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison of neglect in addressing fraud. VANCE: “Minnesota state officials are not above the law, and if they facilitated fraud, lied under oath about what they knew, or harassed and intimated [sic] whistleblowers, they must face justice.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4ukhiJv

MORE: Via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “The report cites testimony from former Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead, who states she would regularly brief Gov. Walz’s chief of staff on concerns of fraud starting at the beginning of her tenure in 2019. However, it’s not clear if those reports ever made it directly to the governor…Former DHS Commissioner Tony Lourey also testified he briefed the governor’s chief of staff about fraud in a child care program in 2019. However, during testimony in March, Gov. Walz said he couldn’t recall details about that briefing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QqyK0V

RESPONSE: via a Gov. Tim Walz spokesperson, QUOTE: “Gov. Walz is glad to see fraudsters are going to prison. If the committee is concerned about corruption, they should investigate why President [Donald] Trump continues to let fraudsters out of prison.”

ICYMI: Yesterday on WCCO Radio, Attorney General Keith Ellison with Tom Hauser. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xiXRU0

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will hold a ceremonial bill signing with authors and advocates.

FILING: via Office of Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “On June 8, 2026, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State announced the certification of candidates for all federal and state offices for the August 11, 2026 State Primary Election. Lists of candidates who have filed for are available electronically from the Candidate Filing website. … Candidates for local offices that do not have primaries can file for office from July 14, 2026 until July 28, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q4wT1K

TAKE: For both DFLers and Republicans, the housing plan from Sen. Amy Klobuchar and the report from Congressional Republicans play into the “narrative development” that they will try to leverage in the November election. Klobuchar is attempting to break-through with a vision of the future of Minnesota. Republicans want fraud to be the issue of the year, and there are excerpts from the report that ads will amplify into November. In the Governor’s race the narrative tension will be - do Minnesota voters believe Klobuchar would treat fraud differently and is Minnesota’s economic future something the voters believe Republicans can be trusted with. Remember these updates when things get more engaged after the 4th of July.

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

CITIZENSHIP: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Department of Justice has filed a complaint to revoke the citizenship of a Minnesota man they say misrepresented his identity to gain citizenship. … The 54-year-old man tried unsuccessfully to gain citizenship to the U.S. from Somalia under the name Liban M. Degel. … Degel then allegedly reapplied for citizenship as Abdikadir Ali Kadiye and was naturalized in 2012. The complaint alleges the man misrepresented himself [because] he did not say he’d been previously denied citizenship and ordered to be removed under another name.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4umQFU0

REDISTRICTING: via Axios, VERBATIM: “Democrats are taking the fight over future House maps down ballot, with the super PAC Forward Majority planning to spend $30 million on two dozen state legislative races this year. They’re betting that as few as eight state house races could help determine who controls redistricting for six U.S. House seats ahead of 2028. … Forward Majority predicts that eight races in five states — Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — could help determine control of legislative chambers representing roughly 42 million Americans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QpT8zf

MN FEED

HOSPITALS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “While Hennepin County Medical Center emerged from the legislative session as an obvious winner, Greater Minnesota hospitals are dividing limited spoils. … The [aid] amounts aren’t remotely close to what hospitals need to sustain services in Greater Minnesota, said Rick Ash, CEO of United Hospital District in Blue Earth. ‘If you divide that by all the hospitals, that money is going to go pretty quick,’ he said. … Senators approved $115 million for it before a reconciliation process with the House hacked down the amount to $30 million. … [Meanwhile], lawmakers infused [HCMC] with $205 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uZrdFe

MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The leaders of [HCMC] say they’ll put their money where their mouths are and get to work restructuring finances. WCCO spoke with Hennepin Healthcare CEO Dr. John Cumming about how they’ll work to make sure a financial crisis doesn’t happen again. … Their next big task is how to deal with $1 billion in Medicaid cuts they face over the next ten years. They hope to ease the bleeding now, then get a new long-term plan.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4egtAMR

STRIB: Following the Star Tribune’s recent announcement of layoffs, Alpha News reported that its lawyers spent weeks “engaged in talks with the ownership of the Star Tribune related to Alpha News’ purchase of the paper, including the negotiation of a non-disclosure agreement,” but the talks fell through. However, a spokesperson for Star Tribune owner Glen Taylor denied this. QUOTE: “Glen Taylor has never been interested in selling the Minnesota Star Tribune to Alpha News and is committed to keeping the Strib strong and independent long into the future. As communicated last week, Glen is exploring placing the Minnesota Star Tribune under foundation ownership.” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4dXO1iJ

EDUCATION: GOP Chair Alex Plechash issued a statement in response to the news that Minnesota’s education ranking has dropped to 21st in the nation, as seen in yesterday’s lunch take. PLECHASH: “This is a trend that has plagued Minnesota under Tim Walz, and now Amy Klobuchar needs to answer whether she would continue the same failed agenda. … The question for Amy Klobuchar is simple: when a school is failing a child, does she stand with the parent or with the bureaucracy?” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SsDtja

DRIVERS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A group of employees with a national airport catering company say a new operating protocol is putting worker safety at risk at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Catering truck drivers and other employees at LSG Sky Chefs [said] they were told last year by management that trucks would only be manned by one driver, known as single operator catering or SOC. Previously, two drivers were assigned to one truck. Employees say the decision has made them feel less safe at work.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYGAbc

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METRO NEWS

ST PAUL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis has received national attention for its 2040 housing plan. But St. Paul is also a laboratory for housing policy. The capital city has experimented with rent control and loosening zoning rules. … The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis helps track how those policies are playing out in St. Paul, [but] the story that emerges from the data is mixed. … St. Paul’s 2023 zoning changes (allowing duplexes, triplexes, etc.) are already showing early signs of boosting development. … [However], rent control reduced development. … Falling apartment values have led to landlords paying about 27 percent less in property taxes since 2022. Meanwhile, homeowners are paying more.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4egkyPX

PLYMOUTH: Plymouth City Council member and deputy mayor Clark Gregor is running for mayor. Via his announcement, GREGOR: “I’m running because the challenges ahead — especially housing affordability — demand experienced, decisive leadership, and I’m ready to provide it.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/3PMClWY

MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Two of the best Mississippi River views of Minneapolis, hidden at dead-ends of the largely industrial riverfront, are now connected to downtown and the North Side. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board recently celebrated the opening of a new stretch of trail. … It’s a relatively short section of new pavement — just 1,000 feet — but it completes a route that’s both practical and symbolic, a link between the city’s expansive park system and the North Side.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ecgtfA

ACROSS MN

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Among a handful of other potential changes to its programs and facilities, Rochester Public Schools has proposed merging the two elementary schools of Hoover and Churchill into a single building. The district released a report on its proposal ahead of a study session of the Rochester School Board, which will be held at 5:30 p.m. [tonight]. … According to the district’s proposal, it would cost approximately $3.54 million to make modifications to the buildings for the various needs that the different programs have.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uqpl7x

FARIBAULT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled that the city of Faribault didn’t have enough information about a proposed hyperscale data center when it decided the project didn’t require a more thorough environmental review. … City officials decided that a more exhaustive environmental impact statement, or EIS, wasn’t needed. The nonprofit Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy filed an appeal challenging that decision. … The appeals court agreed [with MCEA], saying the city failed to take a ‘hard look’ at the environmental impacts before making its decision.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dWGu3N

LITTLE FALLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls [sees] community members and plot owners frequently complain about the upkeep: tall weeds around headstones, grass grown over grave markers and downed trees left untouched for weeks. Simmering beneath the maintenance issues is scrutiny of the management of the cemetery’s operations. 5 INVESTIGATES uncovered dead board members, a big raise for the cemetery’s caretaker and an attempt to get taxpayer money to pay for it.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vBKdJN

DAYBOOK

TOMORROW: Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Ilhan Omar, both DFL, will co-host a “tele-town hall” on Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: ISAIAH will host a kickoff event for its “Childcare for All MN” campaign in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 13 at 12:00 noon.

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BDAYS: Winthrop’s David Aafedt, radio guy Adam Sprenger, Rochester leader Kathleen Harrington, fmr. Sen. Melisa Lopez Franzen

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.

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

MNSider Brief: An Early Look at CD 1

Blois R Olson — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 02:59:46 GMT

The First Congressional District has historically been one of Minnesota’s most independent minded. Republicans have held it since 2018 when Gov. Tim Walz ran for Governor.

The 2022 new alignment and Rep. Brad Finstad’s incumbency show that the district is a little more Republican without Rice County and Northfield.

That said, teacher Jake Johnson has created early buzz and some notable fundraising totals. Before the Q2 fundraising totals come out - what does the data say about the Democrats chance of an upset?

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morning take | Counting Cash in the Senate Race

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:53:58 GMT

MONDAY MOOD

Extra energy required on Summer Monday’s.

Twins lose. World Cup starts this week.

A rainy and stormy week ahead.

The Timberwolves unveiled their new uniforms for next season. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4fs6Pb2

The FIFA World Cup kicks off this week. Team USA’s first match is Friday at 8:00 p.m. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/3RR5Pn7

Niche ranked Woodbury Math & Science Academy as the state’s top public high school. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4ogD6nJ

State of the Nation ranked Minnesota 1st in the U.S. for overall quality of life. On the same list, Iowa is 3rd, South Dakota is 7th, Wisconsin is 8th and North Dakota is 9th. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4vu2ed6

Sunday Take featured a recap of post-convention dynamics and CD1 DFL candidate Jake Johnson discussing his campaign priorities. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4easFO8

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CAMPAIGN CASH

SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[Lt. Gov. Peggy] Flanagan may have the party’s backing and post-convention momentum heading into the August primary, but [Rep. Angie] Craig has a significant financial advantage in the tight race. … [However], Flanagan also benefited from outside groups backing her Senate run in the lead-up to the endorsement convention. She was boosted by Clear Voice Minnesota, a PAC that’s spent more than $271,000 on ads. … A PAC aligned with the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association also committed $2 million in advertising for Flanagan. … Craig has the backing of the Civic Progress Fund, which committed more than $2.4 million to the race; the Center Forward Committee, which has pledged more than $1.2 million; and Minnesotans for Progress, which is supporting her with more than $672,000.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e7zbVx

MORE: There will be a major surge in ad spending this week in the DFL Senate Race including spending from the DLGA, Minnesotans for Progress and North Star Dawn.

JUDGES: via MPR, VERBATIM: “There are only three judicial seats among the 122 on the ballot where more than one candidate will be listed. Notably, the two state Supreme Court justices on this year’s ballot – Associate Justices Sarah Hennesy and Paul Thissen – had no one file against them. Same goes for the five Court of Appeals judges who must get voters’ OK for new terms. … Minnesota has so far bucked the trend of expensive and partisan judicial elections.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xeUuNK

GOP: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Former president of the Minnesota Senate and longtime GOP delegate Dave Osmek says he’s leaving the Republican Party [due to] last weekend’s state convention. … Osmek was a state senator for ten years and served as the Senate President for a year. He also was the 2022 GOP state convention chair.” OSMEK: “It’s time for [conventions] to go. It’s a relic — and I think, by the way, Democrats have the same problem. The system is now being corrupted by small pockets of individuals with very loud voices and threatening behaviors.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fxsDSM

DFL: Via Briana Rose Lee, operations director for Rep. Ilhan Omar’s reelection campaign, a sign of division at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale fundraising dinner over the weekend. QUOTE: “I keep thinking about the Mondale dinner last night, and I need to say something. [Lt. Gov.] Peggy Flanagan is our ENDORSED candidate. It was absolutely shameful that all three electeds who spoke did not mention her by name. ‘Elect a democratic woman to Senate’ was insulting. I’m still mad.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4ebibxU

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COURTS

BOELTER: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A DOJ spokesperson said that the death penalty is completely off the table in the case against Vance Boelter, the suspect charged in the murder of former Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, regardless of whether he pleads guilty to all state and federal charges. … The death penalty decision had previously been in the hands of former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. After her resignation, that decision fell to Todd Blanche, who took over as acting Attorney General. The DOJ spokesperson says leadership is in agreement that the death penalty is not applicable.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vwzBMe

(DISCLOSURE: Fluence is assisting the Hoffman family with media support)

AGENT: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz (DFL) says the process of returning an ICE agent arrested in Texas in connection with the shooting of a Venezuelan man in north Minneapolis this winter is underway. Walz says he made a formal request to Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) [last] week to have Christian Castro sent back to the Twin Cities to face assault charges in Hennepin County District Court.” WALZ: “We do this all the time, it doesn’t get in the news. This one is a little more high-profile. Our expectation is they will follow through — there’d be no reason not to.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3RWJjJs

PRISON: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Appleton’s private prison posted job openings for warden and security positions [last] week as the federal government continues to eye the facility for immigration detention. Although prison owner CoreCivic hasn’t finalized a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the company was named by the agency [last week] in a post seeking a contractor to hold detainees.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QnHNzE

BWCAW: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Forest Service told lawmakers at a Senate hearing [that] it doesn’t have a plan to complete a further review of a proposed copper-nickel mine in the watershed of the Boundary Waters. … Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said the agency hasn’t determined its next steps for approval of the proposed Twin Metals mine. … Responding to questioning from Sen. Tina Smith, Schultz said the Forest Service will review an environmental impact statement completed by the Biden Administration in 2022. … But Schultz said there is no plan to evaluate the environmental impact of a sulfide-producing mine in the Boundary Waters watershed or a timeline of the review of the work that has been done.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uq1uEN

MN FEED

511: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Drivers accessed the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s 511 traveler information website nearly 12 million times last year to check out everything from traffic speeds to road construction. … But the site can be quite cluttered. Such features as electric vehicle charging stations, open rest areas and road restrictions for truckers can be hard to find. All that is about to change. In its first refresh in five years, MnDOT is piloting a new-look 511 that could go live by fall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ui4R0v

WILDFIRES: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Just as firefighters are nearing full containment of the Birch Bay Fire near Ely, two more wildfires were detected on Saturday in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. The U.S. Forest Service says there is a new fire near the east end of Lac La Croix, about 22 miles east of Crane Lake, and another fire east of Look Lake, which is about 11 miles east of Crane Lake.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43STQYN

PFAS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A long-awaited plan to manage a massive underground plume of PFAS chemicals in the eastern Twin Cities area has been released, but it’s unclear how the state might fund the hundreds of millions in recommended work, or when a plan would be finalized. … AECOM estimated the system would cost between $227 and $404 million to build. Annual operations and maintenance could tally between $12.3 million and $82.8 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oh8kLA

DNR: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Beginning June 9, the DNR is launching the first phase of its electronic licensing system with the fishing and hunting license module. The new system will offer outdoor aficionados the ability to purchase their licenses through a mobile app, online, or in-person from a license agent. It will also provide customers three options to keep it on them at all times, with a paper copy, PDF or stored in the app.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oeWCAX

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STATE STUFF

THERAPY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “It’s no secret that the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey have a rocky relationship. … To try to bring peace to City Hall, the city last fall hired a consultant for up to $1.4 million for a range of services designed to help the council, mayor and his cabinet work better together. The services include leadership development, strategic planning and executive coaching. The city’s three-year contract with Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a Wisconsin company, began in October. … They resumed [a retreat] last week, with sessions Thursday and Friday that included 10 of the 13 council members along with Frey and his cabinet of three.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vDrRII

MPD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In late April, Minneapolis city attorneys received a document alleging that a high-ranking veteran officer within the Minneapolis Police Department had been punished by his superiors for providing damaging information to a law firm investigating the conduct of Police Chief Brian O’Hara. … The document [is] a draft 32-page lawsuit never filed in court but obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune. … City officials denied that they have engaged in whistleblower retaliation against any employee and pushed back on the veracity of the document.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xkw9X8

MPS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s third-largest school district has faced steep deficits and enrollment challenges for years, but Minneapolis leaders have averted the unpopular move of closing any schools — until now. School board members are bracing to take that controversial step this fall even amid fierce opposition. … The school board is due to sign off on a new $1 billion budget for 2026-27 requiring it to erase a $39.7 million shortfall. … On Tuesday, it is expected to take the next step in a so-called ‘transformation process’ [by] directing Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams to recommend restructuring options this fall tied to enrollment-boosting measures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PK8tuk

GRAND OLD DAY: Flint Hills Resources is thrilled to be this year’s sponsor of the Grand Old Day parade. Flint Hills employees, families and friends will be showing their Saint Paul pride as they hand out giveaways alongside one of the Pine Bend refinery’s fire trucks. New this year, Flint Hills Resources engineers will demonstrate how science is really fun (and tasty) at the Future Innovators Zone. Kids can learn how to make their very own ice cream at home. Be sure to stop by on June 7! LEARN MORE: Grand Old Day (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)

ACROSS MN

WASH CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Three men have filed to be the next sheriff of Washington County, prompting a primary election in August. The candidates on the Aug. 11 ballot are: Jeremy Bolen, who’s worked for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years, and lives in Cottage Grove; Henry Mathia, who’s worked for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years, and lives in Woodbury; and Stillwater Police Chief Brian Mueller, of Lake Elmo, who has 28 years of law enforcement experience, and previously worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xaEQDf

COLUMBIA HGTS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The Columbia Heights City Council is poised to cancel contracts for all 12 Flock cameras used by the city’s police department and remove the devices at its meeting on Monday. … A primary concern from residents was the potential for camera data to be shared with outside agencies, particularly in relation to Operation Metro Surge. Council members say they are trying to balance public safety needs with privacy, civil liberties, and community trust.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4et7OXp

GRANT: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Grant City Council has hired Lacey Smieja to be the city’s new administrator, clerk and treasurer. The council voted unanimously [to] hire Smieja, who previously served as city clerk/treasurer in Motley, Minn. … Smieja’s first full day on the job is June 15, but she has been training with current interim city administrator Kristina Handt since May 21. Handt, a longtime area city administrator, had been in the position since November.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RSW0oF

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will meet with H.E. Dr. Petra Schneebauer, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the United States.

TODAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a community forum on the proposed acquisition of North Memorial Health by Sanford Health. The event is in Robbinsdale on Monday, June 8 at 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Ilhan Omar, both DFL, will co-host a “tele-town hall” on Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: ISAIAH will host a kickoff event for its “Childcare for All MN” campaign in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 13 at 12:00 noon.

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BDAYS: advocate Jenna Grove, nonprofit leader Annie Stanoch, radio pro Shannon Knoepke, health care leader Jennifer DeCubellis

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.

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

morning take | New Poll in CD 2 DFL Race

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:46:39 GMT

FRIDAY FUN

Twins lose. Lynx win. Tomorrow the Aurora and The Lynx Play.

Campfires are temporarily banned in the Boundary Waters. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/4x9VgeR

Why isn’t Minneapolis hosting World Cup games this summer? A lack of money after the 2018 Super Bowl, insiders say. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4ueOOkg

Only 0.5% of WW2 veterans are still alive today — Minnesota is home to around 1,200. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4otcfFn

A parasite that attacks livestock has returned to the U.S. for the first time in 60 years after DOGE shut down prevention efforts. FORBES: https://fluence-media.co/4dZrS2k

TC Pride, the parade and festival is the last weekend of June.

It’s National Donut Day – here’s a DeRusha Take. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43RANhu

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.

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

Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

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CD2 POLL

Back from vacation… Governor Tim Walz will attend the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s 2026 Leadership Conference and Legislative Convening and hold a ceremonial bill signing for the 2026 Bonding Bill.

CD2: State Sen. Matt Klein’s campaign for U.S. House released an internal poll of the DFL primary in the 2nd Congressional District. The poll found that 51% of voters “cannot rate any of the candidates,” and none of them had a significant advantage in name ID. As such, a 39% plurality of voters were initially undecided, with DFL-endorsed Matt Little at 26%, Klein at 19% and state Rep. Kaela Berg at 16%. After hearing more info about the candidates from the Klein campaign, Little jumped to 32%, Klein rose to 31%, Berg hit 25% and 12% remained undecided. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4vmZJt8

ENDORSEMENT: The state GOP’s Executive Committee voted unanimously that Chair Alex Plechash “did not have the authority to release the gubernatorial candidates from the pledge to abide by the endorsement” this week, meaning that endorsed candidate Kendall Qualls “is the only one who will receive party resources.” Notably, Plechash voted in agreement with the rest of the committee. PLECHASH: “Following the unanimous vote of the State Executive Committee, myself included, this matter is settled. … I fully realize that my earlier statement created confusion.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/43gqrrs

MORE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Chair Alex Plechash [previously] said that GOP candidates for governor did not have to abide by their pledges to drop out of the race if they were not endorsed. … Speaker Lisa Demuth cited the GOP chairman absolving the pledge as the ‘number one factor’ as to why she was continuing onto the primary. … Demuth’s campaign [hasn’t said] what this means for her decision.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vuZZ9A

AUDITOR: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In the auditor’s race, Republicans endorsed combat veteran and Braham Mayor Nate George, [while] former state Sen. Scott Jensen — the party’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee — fell short of the endorsement. But [Jensen] filed for the August primary anyway, saying that had always been his plan.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e5nZsC

AI: Via KSTP, details on the legality of using AI-generated “deepfakes” in campaign ads after Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan accused a PAC of doing so, as seen in morning take. VERBATIM: “A state law passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 bans ‘deepfake’ ads in elections within 90 days of when early voting begins. The law prohibits altering any video, photo or audio ‘that is so realistic that a reasonable person would believe it depicts speech or conduct of an individual.’ … So far, two challenges to the state law have been filed but remain tied up in court, including one by Elon Musk. … No challenges have been filed regarding a specific ad, [but] a spokeswoman for the Flanagan campaign says, ‘We have spoken to legal counsel about options.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dQWeFu

GOV RACE: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “A Republican state lawmaker on Thursday said she was forced to drop her bid for governor after a last-minute switch-up from her running mate. Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, said in a June 4 statement that the decision not to file for governor was ‘not by my choice.’ She said her running mate, state Rep. Elliott Engen, R-Lino Lakes, [dropped out] roughly four hours before the 5 p.m. filing deadline. … Bennett said her running mate told her he had ‘potential options in a different state.’ … Engen said in a statement that Bennett is a ‘terrific servant leader’ [but] his running was not in the best interest of his family.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xaQpKC

36A: Via Star Tribune’s Walker Orenstein, GOP Rep. Elliott Engen has dropped out of his reelection bid in House District 36A after filing to run on Tuesday. The expected final matchup will be Republican Sebastian Stoss versus DFLer Jim DeMay in November. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4o6tAn3

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DHS

MEDICAID: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “As the Department of Human Services (DHS) is reexamining [Medicaid] programs to crack down on fraud, a group of disability organizations is now calling the state’s revalidation process ‘rushed’ and ‘poorly managed.’ … They say DHS’s shortened timeline punishes legitimate and longstanding providers, while creating instability. … The state typically does revalidation efforts every three to five years. This shortened process included redeploying nearly 170 state workers. … The disability groups are now calling on DHS and lawmakers to immediately reinstate providers that submitted required documentation and are awaiting final review, establish an expedited appeals and payment process, [and more].” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QiSTWF

MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Rhonda Burnap was met with some startling news when [DHS] terminated her workplace’s Medicaid billing status. ‘We are law-abiding, correct-billing, legitimate providers that are doing our best to follow all the rules and regulations,’ said Burnap, chief operating officer of EA Therapeutic Health. … Family Service Rochester (FSR) encountered similar issues, said Scott Maloney, executive director.” MALONEY: “I can appreciate that the state’s wanting to take responsibility and root out fraud. But many of the organizations that have not been revalidated are not involved in fraud.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g1Cj87

CONTEXT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The state was reviewing [providers] in its quest to protect programs against fraud and keep federal funds flowing after the Trump Administration threatened to hold back money. … Only a small number of [providers] were referred for further fraud investigations, and all can appeal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4enRAyK

RESPONSE: via Julie Ring, executive director for the Association of Minnesota Counties, STATEMENT: “Counties are actively responding to questions from clients and even providers who have been disenrolled. We appreciate the engagement with DHS during this process and counties are committed to working in partnership with DHS to ensure continuity of care for all Minnesotans statewide.”

ICYMI: Yesterday’s health take featured extensive coverage of DHS’s Medicaid provider purge. Out of nearly 5,600 providers, 2,061 were revalidated, 3,411 were disenrolled — 61% of the total — and 59 were “referred to the department’s Office of Inspector General for further review.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RNVTLe

NOTE: Individuals pushed off of Medicaid are sure to present to local hospitals for uncompensated care. Either way there’s a bill due.

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

STATE STUFF

BWCAW: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Congress is considering another measure to help a controversial mining project near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. A budget bill that would re-grant crucial mineral leases to the Twin Metals mine was voted out of committee [and] is expected to go to the floor of the House in the coming weeks. If passed, the bill would require the Department of the Interior to reissue two federal mineral leases to Twin Metals in Superior National Forest. … Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., said she is committed to trying to remove the language when the bill comes to conference committee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dQYufZ

USPS: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig (D-MN-02) re-introduced her bill to hold the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) accountable for unacceptable mail delivery service. Her Postal Delivery Accountability Act would require USPS to notify customers of undelivered and partially delivered routes by zip code, keeping Minnesotans informed of when they can expect their mail to be delivered or delayed. … Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vzt8R4

ICE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Andrea Pedro-Francisco, a 23-year-old asylum seeker who has been pleading for medical treatment for a large ovarian cyst since being arrested by immigration agents in Minnesota in February, was unexpectedly released from a Texas detention center. … [Rep. Angie] Craig, who represents the Twin Cities suburb where Pedro-Francisco lives, has been trying for months to pressure ICE to release her. Ultimately, it was Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith who was able to secure her release through a phone call with a top DHS official.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4endpi2

CHURCH: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “St. Paul’s decision not to charge demonstrators is raising questions about whether the case should have been handled outside City Hall. St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao on Wednesday declined to file state criminal charges against dozens of demonstrators who disrupted a Jan. 18 service at Cities Church. Among them was Jamael Lundy, who is married to City Councilmember Anika Bowie. The case has drawn questions because the city attorney is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e3BV6i

ACROSS MN

HENN CTY: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County paramedics and EMTs have overwhelmingly voted no confidence in their chief. The union is calling for new leadership, citing ongoing staffing issues and concerns about department culture. Hospital administrators say they are listening to employee concerns, but the chief has not commented publicly.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uXP2gW

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “With the goal of boosting small business growth and economic development projects, the St. Paul City Council has agreed to allow Ramsey County’s new Economic Development Authority to dip into county housing dollars intended for the capital city. … The county’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority is expected to raise some $14 million from the levy this year, generating about $7 million for housing development within St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e6Q5ns

DULUTH: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “For years, fewer than half of Native American students at Denfeld [High School] graduated. That number started to rise a few years ago, and this school year, it jumped 12 points to 74 percent. That’s well ahead of the statewide average for Native students. Native students make up 13 percent of Denfeld’s student body. For students of two or more races…the rate jumped 15 points to 88 percent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e9F8kZ

ELY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “[The] Birch Bay Fire northwest of Ely is 30% contained, officials say. … On Thursday, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office lifted all evacuation zones, but is still urging residents to use extreme caution when traveling as firefighters and heavy equipment are still in the area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vyecTd

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Via Minneapolis Fed, Regional Outreach Director Erick Garcia Luna will host a webinar discussing results from the spring survey of construction firms across the Ninth District. The event is at 9:00 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4wFjTjv

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will host a ceremonial signing event for the $1.2 billion infrastructure bonding bill at 12:00 noon. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her will attend.

TODAY: Advocates with the GFS Community Visioning Council will hold a press conference calling on the City of Minneapolis to stop construction at George Floyd Square until they have addressed “community concerns,” per a release. The event is at 1:00 p.m.

TONIGHT: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis tonight at 6:00 p.m.

MONDAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a community forum on the proposed acquisition of North Memorial Health by Sanford Health. The event is in Robbinsdale on Monday, June 8 at 6:00 p.m.

JUNE 13: ISAIAH will host a kickoff event for its “Childcare for All MN” campaign in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 13 at 12:00 noon.

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BDAYS: lobbyist Elizabeth Emerson George, attorney Jason Topp, Commerce official Peter Brickwede

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

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

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

morning take | The AI Election

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:00:14 GMT

TODAY’S REALITY

Twins lose. Knicks win. Lynx tonight.

Sports Take later today.

An early signal of Trump’s Midwest challenge? – His endorsed candidate for Governor in Iowa lost the Republican primary.

The Senate has eliminated ballroom funding, and the House passed a War Powers Resolution against the Iran War – there’s signs of shift in the mood of Republicans in DC related to President Trump’s agenda. The Midwest may be the place where the economy drives voters away from Republicans this fall.

People named Ryan will try to set a record for the most people with the same name on a rollercoaster at the Mall of America. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/4vrB2eW

This weekend is Twin Cities Pride….Gallup finds that the share of Americans who think gay relationships are “morally acceptable” has dropped to 62% after peaking at 71% in 2022. Support is at 81% among Democrats, down 4 points; 64% among Independents, down 8 points; and 35% among Republicans, down 21 points. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/3RMx9mp

Today is National Cheese Day…tomorrow a Donut List.

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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.

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

Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

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STATE OF THE DFL SEN. RACE

First in morning take, via poll memo the Craig for Senate campaign, VERBATIM: “Polling among likely voters in Minnesota shows both Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan with strong leads in a hypothetical matchup against Republican Michele Tafoya. However, fraud is the top concern among general election voters and one negative message linking Flanagan to it evaporates her lead over Tafoya, putting Minnesota’s Senate seat at risk… A negative message linking Flanagan to fraud is incredibly damaging, and

moves the U.S Senate race into a toss-up. Flanagan’s 7-point lead vanishes and she becomes tied with Tafoya (47% Flanagan / 47% Tafoya / 6%. Undecided) after voters hear a single message about her role. Fraud messaging..is a particularly large liability among Independents, who shift from supporting Flanagan by 7 points to supporting to favoring Tafoya by 3 (44% Flanagan / 47% Tafoya / 9% undecided). MEMO: https://fluence-media.co/4vxeERG

MORE: via “State of the Race” memo from the Craig campaign, VERBATIM: “As voters have learned more about the candidates, Craig has taken the lead in the Democratic Senate primary. 43% of primary voters would vote for Angie Craig today, compared to 42% who would vote for Peggy Flanagan. Another 13% of voters remain undecided.” MEMO: https://fluence-media.co/4uSeT9X

NAVIGATING AI

AI: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and her Senate campaign staff have accused the North Star Dawn PAC of using an AI-generated deepfake of Flanagan in a TV ad supporting DFL rival Rep. Angie Craig. The Flanagan campaign said the ad is “possibly illegal” under a 2023 state law banning AI deepfakes in election materials. The Office of the Sec. of State says political deepfakes are illegal if they are shared “within 90 days of an election” — the general election is 152 days away, but the DFL primary is 68 days away. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4x8g7iI LAW: https://fluence-media.co/4o7cxRK

MORE: The North Star Dawn TV ad featuring a realistic animation of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is available to watch online. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4x3HElD

RESPONSE: via Rep. Angie Craig’s campaign, STATEMENT: “The Congresswoman has been consistent that she does not support the use of A.I. in political ads. She has also co-sponsored legislation that would prohibit deepfakes. The Lt. Governor’s complaints are meant to distract from the fact she accepted millions of corporate dollars as chair of the DLGA.”

TAKE: It’s the AI Election. A new and unknown era of AI and politics. We are in an era where words and framing on an issue like AI by the loudest voices to cast fear or suggest that something is worse than it might be. A new era of misleading political ads, fear about the tech infrastructure we need to support the future, and an energy and resource shouting match that misses a policy discussion about the future economy.

The ad above is a good case study – the Flanagan campaign calls it a “Deep Fake”, which makes it seem more sinister than the content of the ad. Minnesota has a law against “Deep Fakes” and AI, but is animation AI? Caricatures and manipulated images have been in political ads for decades. For this case it is hard to differentiate. That said, it raises questions and should spark a discussion about what is AI? What is a “Deep Fake?”. Voters and media will try to figure it out, meanwhile it is likely that the courts will be involved soon.

Thoughtful discussions seem impossible in this environment – and in the heat of a very contested campaign. That said, overdramatizing the situation may lead to a “boy cries wolf” environment about AI in political ads, so if there was a truly troubling “Deep Fake”, it may not be taken as serious in future situations.

For instance, using someone’s voice with face dialog in an ad to mislead would seem to be more of a “Deep Fake” than just animation. To think about this at the scale of a US Senate race is one thing – but the more dangerous space is a legislative race or a local municipal election where discovering it or getting the ad stopped would be daunting.

Some of the reporting from the Flanagan news release, frames this as “Flanagan Campaign Says” which is fair, but we owe some education, explanation of the Minnesota law, and hopefully some legal guidance of what is a “Deep Fake” and what is just the historical manipulation of your opponent in a negative ad. It’s also a good moment to remind us – just because someone says it doesn’t make it true.

The issues of AI, from data centers and energy infrastructure is in the noisy era of overamplified activists, but we have to find our way to an common understanding that the future is coming fast, and messaging the issues with fear, will only slow our progress which only postpones the inevitable.

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ELECTION FEED

PRIMARIES: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Last weekend’s tumultuous DFL and GOP state party conventions have prompted some Democrats and Republicans to again consider scrapping the way Minnesota chooses political candidates. … Only eight other states [endorse] candidates at state party conventions. … There is talk of abolishing endorsing conventions and moving up the date of Minnesota’s primary election, now scheduled for Aug. 11, to an earlier date, perhaps in June. Making those changes would need the approval of the state parties and the Legislature. But pressure for that change is building. … ‘[Party] endorsements do not produce the most electable candidates,’ said Blois Olson, a political analyst. … [But] attempts to eliminate the endorsement process would result in ‘blowback’ from certain organizations that field delegates, including unions and hardline ideological groups.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ufgMMQ

ENDORSEMENT: Via WCCO-TV, a look at how much a party endorsement impacts election results. VERBATIM: “The party endorsement’s success rate, specifically for electing Minnesota’s governor, hasn’t gone well. It started in the 1980s when Democrat Rudy Purpich won the gubernatorial race without the endorsement. Republican Arne Carlson would do the same years later. Jesse Ventura, the pro wrestler turned Independent, needed no help from either party to be elected governor. And the two most recent DFL governors, Mark Dayton and Tim Walz, both won over voters in the primary and November despite missing their party’s endorsement.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dQnofK

CHILDCARE: Activists with ISAIAH announced they are launching a statewide advocacy campaign for universal childcare in Minnesota. The campaign, “Childcare for All MN,” supports free or low-cost childcare for all families with children up to the age of 5, among other demands. A kickoff event will be held in Minneapolis on June 13, with the first of multiple virtual info sessions beginning today at 12:00 noon. WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/3Q1dnD1

47B: DFL Rep. Ethan Cha will face a contested race for reelection in House District 47B after Woodbury City Council member Kim Wilson collected enough signatures to file a run as an Independent. Wilson, a self-described conservative, said in a Facebook post that she is running as an Independent because she is an “independent thinker” who will not be “whipped” by party leaders. WILSON: “Being an independent conservative means I can vote my conservative values without having to be subjected to party beliefs. … I am an independent thinker, not afraid to stand alone on an issue, and I am certainly not going to be called into some office and be ‘whipped’ into a vote for the sake of the party.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fIOve3

SD65: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The attention to the GOP convention pause in the name of Derek Chauvin isn’t abating. … The person who pushed for the Chauvin recognition identified himself as ‘Rocco’ from Senate District 65. Campaign filings yesterday included a ‘Rocco (No Last Name)’ as a Republican state Senate candidate in the same district. The St. Paul district is heavily DFL, so there is little chance Rocco will win, but it does push this into the lap of the GOP state Senate caucus.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xnENnI

FILINGS: Forum News Service has a list of every candidate who filed to run for a statewide office, along with notable candidates who did not file before the deadline. EXCERPT: “Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, who was running for governor, did not file for the office after little traction over the GOP convention weekend. She also did not file for her House seat, 23A. Patrick Knight, another GOP candidate, and independent candidate Brad Kohler also did not file.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4uPBEeJ

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STATE STUFF

IRAN: via CNN, VERBATIM: “The House passed a resolution on Wednesday to limit President Donald Trump’s war powers in Iran, a significant rebuke to Trump and his handling of the conflict. … The vote was 215 to 208 with Republican Reps. Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson crossing party lines to support the resolution. … The [resolution] must be approved by both chambers. … A House Democratic aide who has been involved in the effort to pass the war powers resolution told CNN they believe the resolution would be binding and it would be a legal matter to work that out.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49GoGY3

MORE: DFL Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith both expressed support on social media for passing the House’s war powers resolution in the Senate. KLOBUCHAR: “Good — now let’s pass it in the Senate and get this done.” SMITH: “Now it’s our turn.”

RESPONSE: via Rep. Betty McCollum statement, McCOLLUM: “Democrats were finally joined by enough Republicans to assert Congress’s constitutional War Powers authority. … The President should work with the international community to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Iran nuclear materials issue and open up the Strait of Hormuz. I call on the Senate to immediately take up and pass this resolution.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fqSAU0

PRIVACY: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison yesterday joined a coalition of 18 Attorneys General and agencies to oppose the Securing and Establishing Consumer Uniform Rights and Enforcement over Data Act (SECURE Data Act), a proposed federal data privacy bill. … The coalition sent a letter to Congressional leaders calling on them to reject the SECURE Data Act, and respect privacy protections that Minnesota has already granted to their residents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fkCX0e

AMTRAK: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “The Borealis train service between Minnesota and Chicago recently celebrated its two-year anniversary to mostly positive reviews. … Ridership has exceeded expectations, says Chris Meyer, Chair of the Great River Rail Commission. ‘Ridership has been over 416,000 passengers in the first two years, and what the estimate was in the beginning was like 155,000 a year,’ Meyer said. … But Meyer says they also have a wish list going forward. ‘We would really love to get newer cars and/or higher capacity for the train,’ she said.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4o9JFsg

HEALTH CARE

HCMC: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In May, a massive legislative bailout bought time for the region’s largest safety-net hospital, [HCMC]. But it didn’t fix the underlying causes of its troubles, high among them the skyrocketing cost of providing care to people who can’t afford it. … For HCMC, financial assistance has become an almost impossible burden. The cost to the hospital of what is called ‘charity care’ not only has risen to unsustainable levels in recent years, but has far outpaced what other hospitals in the state have spent. And as the number of uninsured Minnesotans rises, the hospital finds itself in an increasingly untenable position with no simple solution in sight.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vtTfbT

RURAL CARE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Rural health care facilities in Minnesota are grappling with the implications of the failure of state legislation last month that was meant to strengthen a critical discount drug program. … Multiple rural, critical access hospital leaders told MPR News that while imperfect, 340B has become a lifeline. These facilities serve a large percentage of patients on Medicaid and Medicare, which pay low reimbursements to hospitals, making it difficult for them to break even. The revenue earned under 340B allows them to keep the lights on.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43yDhl3

LEGISLATORS STEPPED UP FOR HCMC, BUT MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED FOR RURAL HOSPITALS: Savings from the 340B drug program help local hospitals sustain access to cancer treatment, specialty services, and technology investments in rural communities. While drug companies continue to raise prices and rake in profits, rural hospitals will be forced to stretch limited resources even further if legislators don’t step up to strengthen the 340B program. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4v5Qo8Q (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)

MEDICAID: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota state officials are feeling pressure from the federal government, working to revalidate thousands of Medicaid providers who operate in programs that are at high-risk for fraud. It’s led to the termination of services at thousands of locations. Some of those places tell WCCO they’ve done nothing wrong, and now their clients are suffering. … [Clients are] struggling to find housing as the state puts Medicaid providers under intense scrutiny, revalidating more than 5,000 locations to root out fraud.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dYgzY3

BENEFITS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court reversed a lower court’s ruling Wednesday, establishing a new precedent for how first responders can qualify for death benefits. … Before this ruling, the state required proof that the first responder faced ‘nonroutine’ stressful or strenuous physical activity within 24 hours of dying. In Wednesday’s ruling, the Minnesota Supreme Court established that emergency responses like domestic disputes or traffic stops can be considered ‘nonroutine,’ even if the officer frequently handles them.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fIUeR5

DAYBOOK

TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events.

TODAY: ISAIAH will host a virtual info session for their upcoming “Childcare for All MN” advocacy campaign at 12:00 noon.

TOMORROW: Via Minneapolis Fed, Regional Outreach Director Erick Garcia Luna will host a webinar discussing results from the spring survey of construction firms across the Ninth District. The event is at 9:00 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4wFjTjv

TOMORROW: Advocates with the GFS Community Visioning Council will hold a press conference calling on the City of Minneapolis to stop construction at George Floyd Square until they have addressed “community concerns,” per a release. The event is at 1:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: lobbyist Kris Amundson, fmr. Sen. Kathy Saltzman, fmr. reporter Brian Lambert, PR and sports legend Dave Mona

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.

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

morning take | Battle for MNLEG Shapes Up

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:29:12 GMT

SLOW NEWS YEAR ™️

Just a few stories from yesterday, interim police chief, Demuth running, Star Tribune layoffs…we try to keep up.

Twins win. Golden Knights win. NBA Finals start tonight.

Scott Pelley fired from 60 Minutes. Spencer Pratt and Karen Bass will face off in the LA general election.

The catch-and-release state record for lake trout has been broken twice this season. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/43cf7MQ

At least three children were injured when a school bus crashed into Hamline University. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/4o21bP4

The U.S. Coast Guard is trying to find out who stole a Twin Ports lighthouse beacon. KARE: https://fluence-media.co/43cBq51

The new acting head of U.S. spy agencies has no prior experience in intelligence work. NBC: https://fluence-media.co/4o4eBKg

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

Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

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GOP SPLIT SCREEN

From April 28^th WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “This is one of the greatest applause lines at Republican events is to go back to the old flag, especially in races for governor,” Olson said. “I’ve said for months that races, none of these races are going to be won or lost by a debate over the flag. But I do think this is very telling of the mood of Minnesota. And the reason is because it’s the latest piece that many Minnesotans feel was forced upon them by government.”

NEWS…

STRIB: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Star Tribune will cut its workforce by 15% through buyouts and layoffs. … Chief executive Steve Grove also signaled a potential new ownership structure, [aiming] to place the Star Tribune under foundation ownership. … The Star Tribune employs around 495 people and the cuts will be made across every department. The newsroom has just under 200 journalists and will decline to about 175. … Jeff Day, a reporter and co-chair of the Star Tribune’s guild, said the union, which represents most of the newsroom, would be looking for ways to fight this decision.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QlnanH

According to a memo from publisher Steve Grove, VERBATIM: “These layoffs will affect teams across the company, including the newsroom. However, journalists who focus on news gathering (including reporters, photographers and videographers) are not among the affected groups… We’re making this decision because it is necessary to position us for growth as a digital media company. For the past three years, we’ve been sprinting towards a new future. Today, we have more digital revenue sources than we’ve ever had before, and they’re growing. We have twice as many digital subscribers as print, and most of our revenue now comes from digital products and services. We’ve grown digital subscriptions by over 25%, after several years of stagnation before that.”

Impacted employees will be told this morning, and there will be a companywide townhall (virtually) today at 12 noon.

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THE MNLEG BATTLE

TRACKER: The Fluence Election Tracker is fully updated with current filings. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

FILING: The filing period for 2026 campaigns ended yesterday, but candidates can still withdraw from their races until Thursday.

PRIMARIES: In the House there will be 11 DFL primaries and 10 Republican primaries. In the Senate there will be 11 DFL primaries and 8 GOP primaries.

NORACE: DFLers have a candidate in every legislative district, and Republicans lack candidates in 17 House seats and 4 4 DFL-held Senate seats.

REMATCHES: Via MPR, here are some of the closest Minnesota House and Senate races from 2022 and 2024 that will be repeated this year with the same candidates. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/3PQ3isJ

SD3: Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL) vs. Andrea Zupancich (GOP). Hauschild previously won 50.8% to 49.1%.
SD41: Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL) vs. Rep. Tom Dippel (GOP). Seeberger previously won 50.3% to 49.6%.
35B: Rep. Kari Rehrauer (DFL) vs. Steve Pape (GOP). Rehrauer previously won 50.5% to 49.2%.
48B: Rep. Lucy Rehm (DFL) vs. Caleb Steffenhagen (GOP). Rehm previously won 50.4% to 49.5%.
54A: Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL) vs. Aaron Paul (GOP). Tabke previously won 49.95% to 49.89%.

36A: Via Star Tribune’s Walker Orenstein, GOP Rep. Elliott Engen has filed to run for reelection, setting up a primary against Sebastian Stoss, the Republican-endorsed candidate in District 36A. Engen had previously been running for state auditor, but dropped out. Jim DeMay is the DFL candidate in the race. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3SglXyw

RESPONSE: via Sebastian Stoss’s campaign, STATEMENT: “It is disappointing after previously announcing he would not seek reelection in House District 36A, Elliott Engen has decided to primary the endorsed Republican candidate, which will damage the Republican party and enhance the chances of the Democrats taking control of the State House. … It is therefore incumbent upon Elliott Engen to do the right thing and withdraw his primary challenge immediately.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eiuQjD

SD10: Little Falls business owner Deb Holthaus is running in Senate District 10 as a Republican. Via her announcement, HOLTHAUS: “I want to leave our district in a better place at the end of four years. I will work to pass legislation that is important to our district. I will listen to the constituents and community leaders and my work in the legislature will reflect the district and the conservative values we have here.” WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/3PE3sn3

SD25: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “DFL Reps. Kim Hicks and Andy Smith and Sen. Liz Boldon [will face] GOP challengers with last-minute filings. … Brad Trahan, a professional search recruiter [and] one-time Rochester mayoral candidate, filed to run in House District 25A and will run against Hicks. … Wes Lund filed to run in House District 25B, setting up a rematch [with] Smith. … John Howie filed to run in Senate District 25 and will run against Boldon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RMZ9Gu

SENATE RACE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “GOP-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate Adam Schwarze says his campaign is centered on restoring common sense and helping President Donald Trump advance his policy objectives. The former Navy SEAL spoke with [MPR] and said Republican candidates who win the party’s endorsement have a strong record of advancing, even when they face primary challengers. ‘No candidate who has ever earned the support of the grassroots has ever gone on to lose the primary to a D.C. candidate,’ Schwarze said, referring to challenger and former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya. … He said he is a more reliable ally to the president than Tafoya is.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PQ3isJ

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take had extensive coverage of Speaker Lisa Demuth filing for the GOP gubernatorial primary and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s pick for interim police chief. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49B8U0H

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

STATE STUFF

POLICE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A proven program aimed at filling Minnesota’s depleted police force has been paused after failing to secure additional funding this legislative session. Since 2024, [ICPOET] has supported more than 50 law enforcement agencies in helping more than 100 people seeking a new career in law enforcement join their forces. … With budgets much tighter last session, lawmakers who support it say there just wasn’t enough to go around. … Rep. John Huot, D-Rosemount, [said] ‘I was proud to do this bill. I will do it again. It’s unfortunate that we were not able to find the funds.’ … Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River, [said] ‘I hope it can be funded by the next legislature.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4eg10MN

SUMMER JOBS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota teens face a tougher summer job market this year, with unemployment nearly double last summer’s level. According to [DEED], teen unemployment in Minnesota is 13.2%. … Most teens work in food service and accommodation, [and] those industries, along with entertainment and recreation, have slowed recently. However, there is an influx in demand for childcare and summer camp workers compared to recent summers.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uciNcE

CIVIL LAW: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison has authored a new article in the Minnesota Law Review [arguing] that civil law is an effective and often underutilized tool to improve public safety. In his article, titled ‘Preventing Harm at the Source: The Case for Regulatory Justice,’ Attorney General Ellison discusses how civil law, including consumer-protection law, can be used to hold corporations accountable when they facilitate criminal harm.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dKnWUe

MED FRAUD: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A man convicted of stealing Medicaid money in Minnesota is no longer on probation, even though he still owes nearly $1.7 million in restitution. Records show he made only minimum monthly payments, and authorities say it is unlikely he will ever pay back the full amount. … The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office argued [the man] should have remained on probation until he paid back more of what he stole, [saying] this is a prime example of why the state’s restitution laws need more teeth.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/437pTUH

PARDON: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Department of Homeland Security and Republican lawmakers are criticizing a recent decision made by the Minnesota Board of Pardons. … Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson voted to pardon Jai Vang’s aggravated robbery conviction from 1994. Vang was 18 at the time and served four years behind bars. … In his pardon application, he ‘vowed to change his life’ after his release. He’s a father now and says he helps families cope and mourn their lost loved ones during funeral rituals. … DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a written statement, ‘It’s absolutely insane that Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota sanctuary politicians would pardon this violent criminal illegal alien.’” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uLn0Vw

FT SNELLING: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The official posting of more than six dozen cases to be heard in one session marked a stunning shift in court procedure that immigration lawyers and advocates had for weeks feared would reach the Fort Snelling court after being tried in other jurisdictions. The innovation of the ‘mega’ hearing had finally arrived in Minnesota. … Fort Snelling has now joined immigration courts in Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. in cramming as many as 100 or more respondents’ initial hearings into one block of time, often with little notice of the change being given to immigrants. A disproportionate number of those in mega hearings are unrepresented by lawyers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fhL8dH

CHARGES: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul City Attorney’s Office will not file charges in a protest at a St. Paul church that resulted in federal charges against dozens of people, the city attorney said Tuesday. … St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao said they conducted ‘a thorough review of the evidence submitted by law enforcement’ [and] ‘the current evidence is insufficient to meet that standard for criminal charges under Minnesota state statutes.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oa0PGm

ACROSS MN

WASH CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Washington County voters will vote this November on whether to approve a tax increase to renew a program to protect the county’s waterways and conserve undeveloped land. The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted 4-1 to approve a ballot question that, if approved, would authorize the county to sell $40 million in general obligation bonds over the next two decades to fund the county’s Land and Water Legacy Program.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dUmrBG

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Nine candidates are [running] to become Rochester’s next mayor. … The nine candidates for mayor are business owner Benjamin Zastrow, local artist Ayub HajiOmar, health coach Jerrod Lucker, business owner Joe Powers, clinical psychologist Jess Garcia, former Rochester City Council member Molly Dennis, NAACP Branch President Walé Elegbede, IT engineer Valmik Patel and business analytics consultant Axe Abdimadid Ahmed. In addition to the mayoral race, a primary is expected in the Ward 5 Rochester City Council race. Incumbent Shaun Palmer is being challenged by statistical programmer Ruchi Gupta and social work student Acacia Ward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aofYOi

VADNAIS HGTS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Vadnais Heights leaders think the city needs some help communicating as it faces a public vote petition from upset taxpayers. They’re unhappy with the city’s plan to build a new $33 to $37 million fire station instead of renovating the existing one, and are circulating a petition to force a public vote on the bonding issue. The city administrator recommended hiring both an attorney and a PR firm.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uPjjOT

SANDSTONE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A beloved, deteriorating high school built from this region’s signature stone stood near the center of the town for decades, abandoned. The old Sandstone High School’s roof partially collapsed and grass grew inside. … [But] its new, transformed life starts in mid-June. Minneapolis real estate development company Jillpine, which specializes in historic properties, is in the final stages of a $17.7 million project to turn the once-abandoned structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, into 32 rental units of workforce housing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uaDbKY

DAYBOOK

FRIDAY: Via Minneapolis Fed, Regional Outreach Director Erick Garcia Luna will host a webinar discussing results from the spring survey of construction firms across the Ninth District. The event is at 9:00 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4wFjTjv

FRIDAY: Advocates with the GFS Community Visioning Council will hold a press conference calling on the City of Minneapolis to stop construction at George Floyd Square until they have addressed “community concerns,” per a release. The event is at 1:00 p.m.

FRIDAY: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4ehO614

NEXT WEEK: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a community forum on the proposed acquisition of North Memorial Health by Sanford Health. The event is in Robbinsdale on Monday, June 8 at 6:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: ambassador Sam Kaplan, radio host Sam Sansavere, labor guy Brad Lehto

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

morning take | Deadline Day for Filing

The Daily Agenda — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:05:09 GMT

FILING DAY

Ten weeks from today the Minnesota primary. Primary Senate debate invites went out last night – one for each party.

RIP to Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Twins win. Lynx win.

Average gas prices are dropping, but still above normal — $4.12/gal statewide and $4.17/gal in the Twin Cities. FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/4x3H9I8

Gov. Tim Walz is on day six of nothing on his public schedule.

War in the Middle East could lead to pricier summer vacations in Minnesota. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4vldtV9

Pres. Donald Trump will visit the Eau Claire, WI area on Friday to promote his agenda. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/43GW1yB

Happy National Rocky Road Day…yes the ice cream.

Send your donut nominations, for Friday being National Donut Day - there is likely a list.

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Here are the two MNSiders from the weekend, with insight from the conventions.

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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

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The deadline to file for state offices is today at 5:00 p.m. Speaker Lisa Demuth and her running mate Ryan Wilson will hold a news conference at 11 expect them to file and run in the primary. GOP Chair Alex Plechash decision to issue a statement on the endorsement seems suspicious and defeatist to the process that the party (and the delegate activists) have held sacred. T

The term “electability” was a dirty word for the GOP delegates over the weekend, and apparently for some DFLers. However, that’s exactly the reason Demuth and Michele Tafoya feel compelled to run in the primary. It’s another reason why the shift to the June primary will be tough to pass – because the activists will push back, and legislators are self-serving to keep the caucuses.

The anti-establishment vibe is strong in each party, look at the DFL over the weekend and the pushback against arguably the most successful DFLer in Minnesota in electoral politics in 20 years.

From data centers to the DC insiders, the power that DFLers have and GOPers want is being challenged by people who are trying to tear down the candidates who have been successful and frankly tested. They want to try untested candidates – for the sake of rebelling or losing?

Sigh - it would have been such a good year for a well-funded independent in the Governor’s race.

It’s a reminder that the Signal vs. Noise framing for 2026 is critical for the media to be mindful of in coverage. Just because someone makes noise, doesn’t make it mainstream nor the consensus of the populous.

KSTP was the only Twin Cities TV station with a reporter at the conventions, MPR was the only radio station from the Twin Cities. The Star Tribune at both, and the Pioneer Press can use their partnership with Forum to have coverage. That’s a much smaller pool than historically has covered conventions – which also could be a sign, that the endorsement represents so few voices – that the media doesn’t think it matters either.

The performative awards aren’t handed out on election day, instead we spend too much of the campaign highlighting them and distract from deeper coverage of issues. The handlers have begun to stock up on the bubble wrap, but asking harder, deeper questions about the issues that Minnesotans are thinking about daily will make for a more driven discussion that helps voters.

In 2017 then DFL Chair Ken Martin told me he was building a new model to ensure that the party held the Governor’s office – that winning was his top job. At the GOP debate in Morris and through the convention the candidates have talked about winning when convincing the activist they were the right candidate. The challenge is they make moves that put them on defense, they lean into unpopular issues and ultimately just as they try to convince the activists they can “win”, the activists ignore “electability” which means they lose.

The noise, or candidate created content - feeds the algorithm and deserves a lot more scrutiny throughout the cycle. In the meantime, keep pacing yourself.

70 days until the August 11^th primary.

ENDORSMENT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash said that while the party stands by its endorsed candidates, tech issues over the weekend caused confusion and chaos, and he opened the door for candidates who didn’t get endorsed to continue their campaigns.” PLECHASH: “Because of the unusual circumstances and the confusion caused by the disruption, I believe it is appropriate to make clear that any gubernatorial candidate who agreed to abide by the endorsement, should not be treated as bound by that pledge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dYZFIQ

KLOBUCHAR: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “While backstage at the [DFL] convention Friday night, Sen. Amy Klobuchar loudly declared her frustration and said she was going to abandon the convention after delegates nominated a 26-year-old progressive activist. … Klobuchar would go on to overwhelmingly win the party endorsement on the first ballot with 68%. But that came after [progressives] nominated Kobey Layne. … Klobuchar expressed outrage to her staff and said that she was going to forgo the convention rather than go through additional speeches and a Q&A, according to the sources who could clearly hear what she was saying.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fpVRTz

FUNDRAISING: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Republican Party is postponing a major fundraiser scheduled for this week until after the August primary. … The annual Lincoln-Reagan dinner is meant to be one of the GOP’s biggest buckraking events, [and] former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin was supposed to headline the June 5 event. … Sources familiar with the decision to delay the dinner tell Axios that donors’ frustration with the endorsement for [governor and U.S. Senate] played a role in the last-minute change of plans. … A date, location and program for the [fundraiser] will be announced soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RxWqkl

MORE: In an email to supporters, GOP Chair Alex Plechash blamed a “scheduling conflict” for the delay, adding that he expects former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will still attend. PLECHASH: “By moving the dinner to the fall, we will be able to gather after the primary with our full slate of Republican candidates standing together — united, energized, and ready to win in November.”

TAKE: It may have been that they can’t fill the room with divided primaries where candidates and donors don’t want to boost party resources before the primary.

LINDELL: MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell filed his candidacy for the GOP gubernatorial primary and announced his running mate will be Phillip Parrish, a fellow Republican candidate for governor this cycle. Lindell said in his announcement that by having Parrish join his ticket, “the two best gubernatorial candidates are joining forces.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4uUnBEz

ICYMI: Premium subscribers can access MNsider briefs covering even more details from the state conventions this weekend. SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49sOqHs SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4uCDEql

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

https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

EXPECT: Via MPR, a list of some things to watch for as Minnesota’s primary season heats up. VERBATIM: “In either Republican Party race, [Pres. Donald Trump’s] endorsement carries huge stakes. In a primary, it could be even more powerful than the party endorsement. But it also could be a liability in the general election given the mood of the electorate and the president’s low approval ratings. … For Democrats, the immigration issue remains a point of campaign friction, and incidence of fraud is also something to keep an eye on as more reports and criminal charges emerge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x1Xe0Z

MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As we shift into primary mode, expect the candidates to do less persuading at local party events and run what looks like a more traditional campaign. [Angie] Craig held roundtables over the weekend, while [Peggy] Flanagan plans to hit the road and start campaigning with the whole slate of DFL-endorsed candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dVw6I3

FLANAGAN: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan scratched out her signature on the proper forms, plunked down an endorsed check for $400 to cover filing fees, and officially became a candidate for the U.S. Senate on Monday. … Flanagan was joined by a number of supporters Monday morning, the group chanting her name.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vkjLUZ

SD7: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Longtime Hibbing School Board member Kim McLaughlin is running for Minnesota state senate. McLaughlin, a Chisholm native, filed to run [as a DFLer] in the race for District 7. … McLaughlin previously ran for the District 7 seat as a write-in candidate in 2022. The seat went to Republican Sen. Rob Farnsworth. Farnsworth has also filed to run again.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uEObkU

STATE GOV…

MEDICAID: via Fox 9, The Brief:

Thousands of Minnesota Medicaid providers may have lost funding after a rushed state review deadline Sunday.
· Many providers say they submitted paperwork but were still cut off and are now appealing.
· The state has not provided updated information or interviews about the situatio

The review was triggered when the federal government withheld $2 billion in Medicaid funding to Minnesota over fraud concerns. The state was forced to quickly check about 5,500 providers in 13 high-risk programs in just five months—a process that usually takes most states two years. As of last Wednesday, only about 1,000 providers had passed…FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard tried to get answers from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, but the agency declined interviews and did not provide updated data about the review process. READ: https://fluence-media.co/43Hs9C9

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Data shows just over 1,000 providers have been approved, and just over 1,000 have been disenrolled from federal funding. The questions now center on the more than 3,300 providers still listed as pending. The state says those providers are either in screening, need additional review, or have not replied to the state.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fS1f1I

TAXES: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Small businesses across the state will see relief after lawmakers voted to restore and extend Minnesota’s pass-through entity tax election through 2027. The PTE tax option was originally enacted in 2021. … After it expired Dec. 31, 2025, small businesses that had previously opted in saw their federal tax burden increase. … In 2024, about $2.05 billion in pass-through entity tax credits were claimed on 66,300 returns, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. A similar number of returns is expected in tax year 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dS0xjX

FIREFIGHTERS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has a firefighter shortage problem, and it could end up costing you more money. Fire chiefs across the state say they’re struggling to fill empty slots, whether it’s a full-time unit or a volunteer department. … Minnesota has the second highest number of volunteer firefighters in the country, with anywhere from 90% to 97% being volunteers in any given year. … Taxpayers here are paying less than half the national average for fire protection because of so many volunteer firefighters, [leading to] the possibility of raising taxes to provide more fire coverage.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RKzTRc

IMMIGRATION

LEGAL FEES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A federal judge has ordered the government to pay $15,800.17 in attorney’s fees for a man who says ICE agents fractured his skull when they arrested him earlier this year. … Judge Donovan Frank said the circumstances in this case warranted compensation for legal fees.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vhs43P

SURGE: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced appointments to the Governor’s Council on Recording the Truth of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS on Minnesotans. … The Council will gather testimony, data, and firsthand accounts to ensure people’s experiences are documented, preserved, and heard. The Council will also develop recommendations to help prevent future harm and support the state’s long-term recovery. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and The Advocates for Human Rights each appoint one member.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aocknE

MORE: Notable members of the governor’s new council addressing Operation Metro Surge include former Judge Peter A. Cahill, who presided over Derek Chauvin’s trial; former Eagan Police Chief Roger New; and Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4aocknE

ASYLUM: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s federal immigration court has rejected asylum applications in record numbers since President Donald Trump returned to office, new data shows. … The Fort Snelling Immigration Court has resolved nearly as many asylum cases since Trump’s reelection (~7,500) as during the entire Biden Administration (~8,500). Under [Joe] Biden, the court granted asylum in around 13% of cases, [but] since 2025, the court’s approval rate has dropped to under 2%. … Nearly 2,200 asylum-seekers have abandoned their claims since Trump’s reelection, compared with the roughly 900 who did so during Biden’s four years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43GCUEN

ACROSS MN

WOODBURY: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Embattled former DFL state Sen. Nicole Mitchell appears to be taking steps toward another run for office [after] the Woodbury Democrat resigned following her conviction. … A disclosure on NicoleMitchell.org now reads ‘Prepared and paid for by Nicole Mitchell for Woodbury City Council.’ That quiet update, along with a series of recent photos and appearances, is fueling speculation. … Filing for Woodbury City Council races opens in July.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o2KUcN

MPD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The resignation of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara last week comes at a time when the city is deep into a yearslong effort to reform the [MPD]. … Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said there’s been some progress by the city. But some of the same issues her agency outlined when their findings were announced four years ago continue to be a problem, especially regarding leadership.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RGZlXP

ELY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Firefighters and aircraft are responding to a wildfire in the Superior National Forest 8 miles northwest of Ely on Monday evening, according to St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay. Called the Birch Bay fire, it has covered about 25 acres. Evacuation orders are in place. … Several crews are on the scene, including emergency officials from Ely, Babbitt, the Forest Service, Morse-Fall Lake and DNR Eagles Nest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4udyU9I

HOPKINS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Students at three Hopkins Public Schools were placed in a ‘secure hold’ Monday before administrators announced classes would wrap up for some at 2 p.m. due to a ‘potential threat.’ … Admins confirmed all students and staff were safe at the time of release, and the district was actively working with local law enforcement to investigate.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ffjdeq

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

LOOKING AHEAD

FRIDAY: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: Minnesota legend Lou Nanne, Blaine Mayor Tim Sanders, Republican activist Dave Hughes, MNCUN’s Mara Humphrey, Explore MN’s Lyndsey Hanson

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

morning take | Outside $ launches for Craig

The Daily Agenda — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:24:28 GMT

PRIMARY LAUNCHED

Needed rain, turning on the dehumidifier.

Twins lose. Lynx in PHX tonight.

50 Best named Diane’s Place in Minneapolis as one of North America’s top 50 restaurants. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4dPLgjD

Sunday Take recapped the GOP state convention with candidates Kendall Qualls, Adam Schwarze and Mike Lindell in Duluth. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/432x94b

About six-in-ten Americans say countries around the world, including the U.S., will not do enough to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Among Democrats, this share has increased from 51% in 2022 to 69% in 2026. PEW: https://fluence-media.co/3PUcjRl

A record-high 56% of Americans rate moral values in the U.S. as “poor,” up 12 percentage points from last year, and 80% say moral values are “getting worse,” up 14 points. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4dLO3sw

It’s National Game Show Day…which is your favorite from your younger years?

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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.

Here are the two MNSider’s from the weekend, with insight from the conventions.

SAT: https://fluence-media.co/49se3rS

SUN: https://fluence-media.co/4u5nHIc

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POLLS + PACS

The call to go to a June primary is loud from insiders in both political parties after the weekend. Between the process at the conventions (hours of rules fights), and time it takes on a beautiful weekend suggest that in our world of faster and easier, the political convention doesn’t fit in everyday Minnesotan’s lives.

Republicans will likely test the primary stronger than ever before, in possibly two races as Speaker Lisa Demuth has until 5PM Tuesday to decide if she’s going to challenge endorsed candidate Kendall Qualls and Mike Lindell in the primary. She reportedly talked with supporters last night.

Having two women in the primary could change the undefeated streak for the GOP endorsed candidates in primaries. The presence of SuperPAC’s will be more significant in Minnesota races than ever before. One question in our language – what’s a PAC, versus a Super PAC. Hmmm.

The anti insitutuion sentiment was a common thread of the loudest voices at each convention this weekend. It aligns with the anti-AI, anti-corporate sentiment of populism that seems to dominate the narrative of our politics this year.

State candidates had a fundraising deadline yesterday – reports are due June 15^th, which means that we will not have a clear picture of the fundraising battle in the Governor’s race for Republicans until a few weeks before the primary.

FIRST: via news release this morning from North Star Dawn, a PAC supporting Rep. Angie Craig for Senate. VERBATIM: “A new poll from Global Strategy Group shows Rep. Angie Craig surging in the democratic primary for Minnesota’s open U.S. senate seat, with the race now in a dead heat…The latest results show Craig with a slight edge leading 43-42, with momentum rapidly shifting in her favor. Another 13% of voters remain undecided as the contest escalates into the summer. This is the first public poll to indicate Craig has taken the lead… A 53% majority of voters select Craig as the candidate who will do the better job of standing up to Donald Trump and holding ICE accountable, with only 43% choosing Flanagan. MEMO: https://fluence-media.co/4uHZSXZ

Here’s the ad North Star Dawn launched against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan this weekend. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4u5qAIU

ENDORSED: The following candidates were endorsed by their parties at state conventions this weekend:

GOVERNOR: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DFL) and Kendall Qualls (GOP)
US SENATE: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (DFL) and Adam Schwarze (GOP)
SEC OF STATE: Sec. Steve Simon (DFL) and Tad Jude (GOP)
ATTY GENERAL: A.G. Keith Ellison (DFL) and Ron Schutz (GOP)
AUDITOR: Zack Filipovich (DFL) and Nate George (GOP)

GOP GOV: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Republicans spent almost a half-day and needed 10 ballots Saturday to endorse former health executive Kendall Qualls for governor. … He surpassed the 60 percent threshold in a head-to-head showdown over the lone remaining opponent, House Speaker Lisa Demuth. … Qualls will still have to [win] an August primary, with MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell pledging to move forward. … Demuth had vowed to abide by the party endorsement. But on Saturday, she objected to the voting process [and] raised questions about the integrity of the electronic voting technology. … Qualls said [it] was a pretext for Demuth to bypass the endorsement process and move to a primary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vkvZNh

MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Mike Lindell helped engineer [Kendall] Qualls’ victory. … After [he] was forced to drop out, Lindell urged all his supporters — more than 20% of the convention delegates — to support Qualls. Lindell argued that Qualls is, like him, an outsider candidate. Lindell was quoted as saying he wanted to block [Lisa] Demuth from getting the nomination.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uK2Hbf

MORE: GOP gubernatorial candidate Patrick Knight confirmed that he is abiding by the endorsement and dropping out as he had previously pledged. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4uHOFa9

CLICKERS: Both parties reportedly experienced technical issues at their conventions this weekend, but Speaker Lisa Demuth and Kendall Qualls made the GOP’s voting “clicker” problems a major part of their closing arguments.

DEMUTH: “Election integrity matters, even when it comes down to something as broken as a system as this. Election integrity matters. There is no confidence in what is happening.”
QUALLS: “The corrupt St. Paul swamp, the establishment we’ve been talking about, want to protect themselves. … They can play with all the shenanigans and all the things they want. These clickers were working for all day yesterday for every candidate.”

GOP SEN: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “After six rounds of balloting that eliminated other candidates, including former NBA player Royce White, the endorsement went to former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, who received the support of nearly 63% of the GOP delegates. … Michele Tafoya [said] her campaign will continue moving full speed toward the August primary election. But that carries some risk: a non-endorsed GOP candidate has not won a Republican primary since 1994. … Losing the endorsement has cost Tafoya the support of the state Republican Party, [but] she’s backed by the NRSC, which could pour millions of dollars in the race.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PYJrr8

DFL GOV: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar [got] her party’s endorsement this weekend at the state convention with overwhelming support — though there were a few progressive holdouts. After one round of voting, [delegates] backed Klobuchar, a fourth-term senator, with 67.6% support. Also on the ballot was Kobey Layne, who received roughly 27.6% of the vote. The rest were uncommitted. … Layne called on the Democratic Party to live up to its stated progressive ideals and do more to fight corporate interests.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ej8qhl

DFL SEN: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Delegates at the party convention in Rochester enthusiastically endorsed [Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan] by acclamation on Saturday afternoon. … Sen. Tina Smith, whose seat Flanagan is running for, stood on stage to endorse her. … The endorsement was shaping up to be one of the bigger battles of the 2026 election year, but Rep. Angie Craig announced days before the convention she’d skip the convention and take the race to the primary. … That move was not popular among many of the DFL faithful in Rochester.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49AukLo

TRIBUTES: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “At the Minnesota GOP convention, delegates held a moment of silence for convicted murderer Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd in 2020 and who continues to serve his prison sentence. At the Minnesota DFL convention, tribute was paid to Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark just under a year after they were assassinated.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sd3D9t

ACTIVISTS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Leaders in both parties grappled all weekend with a familiar question: Energize the people already in the room, or find a way to reach the people who weren’t? That tension was especially visible in Rochester, where more than half the delegates were attending their first DFL convention [due] to Operation Metro Surge. … The parties also face the challenge of converting convention enthusiasm into a coalition broad enough to win in November — and of uniting activists whose priorities do not always align.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dFD45g

MORE: via Faith in MN advisory, VERBATIM: “168 Minnesotans across race, faith, and class participated as Faith in Minnesota delegates at the DFL State Convention to shape candidates and the party around The People’s Agenda, a set of issue priorities including affordability, universal and lifelong care, affordable housing, divestment from human rights abuses and genocide, and more. … Faith in Minnesota volunteers wrote and ratified this agenda after a listening campaign of one-on-one and small group meetings with over 10,000 Minnesotans.” AGENDA: https://fluence-media.co/4o7Pgzq

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THIS WEEK: The list of candidates running in statewide primaries will become finalized later this week — the filing period ends tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. and the withdrawal period ends Thursday. Early voting for the August 11 primaries will begin June 26.

CD1: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “An unpopular war in the Middle East. A president with underwater approval ratings. Households squeezed by soaring costs. And a public school teacher with a thin political background makes a bid for Congress. Those were the conditions that existed in 2005, the last time a DFLer pulled off an upset victory over a GOP incumbent in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Back then, the challenger was Tim Walz. … Today, it is Jake Johnson who is trying to repeat history. … [But] what’s different from two decades ago is that the district Johnson is running in is more conservative [than] the one Walz won.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e0hXcZ

SENATE RACE: Via Huffington Post’s Jennifer Bendery, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan compared Rep. Angie Craig to her Republican counterparts during a recent press call, saying she thinks Craig is similar to GOP candidates Adam Schwarze and Michele Tafoya because they all accept corporate PAC donations. FLANAGAN: “[Craig is] funded by the same corporate interests who are rigging the economy against working people and supporting Donald Trump’s ballroom. … This campaign has always been about ‘the many versus the money.’” TWEETS: https://fluence-media.co/4a52XZX

MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “A look at their personal finances shows vast differences between former sportscaster Michele Tafoya and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze. Tafoya [has] reported that she and her husband’s assets were valued at between about $17 million and a little more than $33 million. … Meanwhile, Schwarze’s financial disclosure report listed absolutely no income, assets or liabilities. [His] campaign said Schwarze’s sole income is a military pension, which was not disclosed. The campaign also said Schwarze does not own a home but rather [rents] his residences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QcYCgA

DC + MN

MEDICAID: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Sunday was the deadline for Minnesota to complete the revalidation of thousands of Medicaid providers in ‘high-risk’ programs as the state fights with the federal government over about $2 billion in funding. Earlier this year, state leaders announced an effort to revalidate more than 5,500 providers. … As of last month, state officials said only 550 providers have had applications approved, site inspections completed and been re-enrolled.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dYGzCQ

IMMIGRANTS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Local food and hospitality leaders are demanding immigrant work permits to address severe labor shortages. Community advocates gathered [to] share how this year’s immigration enforcement has driven up food prices, strained small businesses, and caused widespread instability for essential workers. … Advocates say that easing the work permit process is only the first step toward repairing the industry-wide damage caused by Operation Metro Surge.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3PYMO1g

ARREST: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “A federal immigration agent charged in the January shooting of a Venezuelan man during Operation Metro Surge was apprehended in Texas on Friday after a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest. … ICE agent Christian Castro, 52, was arrested by Texas Rangers and agents with the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General. Investigators with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) were also on the scene for the arrest.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vmkm8N

MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Both Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty welcomed the arrest. … Both of them acknowledged that federal authorities may attempt to move the case to federal court, but Ellison says Minnesota prosecutors would still retain control of the trial.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3RTpFxW

SEIZURES: via CAIR-MN, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations [is] filing a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of Twin Cities labor organizer and ICE divestment advocate Janette Zahia Corcelius. The lawsuit alleges that border agents [had] violated the First and Fourth Amendments when they unlawfully seized Corcelius’ property and searched her cell phone at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. … They seized all of the political literature in her possession. … The agents offered no explanation for the seizures and no timeline for the return of her property.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vpnwZA

ACROSS MN

MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Depending on who’s talking, Uptown is either falling apart, coming back or simply changing into something new. What many residents and business owners do agree on, however, is that it’s not the same. … Restaurants have closed while new businesses have opened. Apartment buildings have risen while older storefronts have emptied out. Young residents are moving in, attracted by lower rents and walkability, while business owners are trying to convince people to spend money there. Taken together, today’s Uptown is in the middle of a reboot.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uGzMVg

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Macalester College will open a new 224-bed residence hall powered by geothermal and solar energy in 2027. The planned five-story building at Grand Avenue and Macalester Street in St. Paul will primarily serve juniors and seniors at the college as part of its new three-year residence requirement that begins in the fall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uPlthy

MOORHEAD: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Shows at Moorhead‘s Bluestem Center for the Arts are being scuttled for the summer after concert promoter Jade Presents announced it will shut down this week. The announcement puts many shows in the region on hold. … Concerts already scheduled at Bluestem and the UP District Festival Field ‘will not be moving forward,’ according to the announcement. … Bluestem Center for the Arts is owned by Fargo Public Schools and the City of Moorhead, but was booked and operated by Jade Presents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dTRSvM

ROSEMOUNT: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota National Guard formally opened its renovated Rosemount armory [last week], capping off a more than $32 million project. … The Guard’s space was designed to serve about 350 soldiers. However, at the time of construction, it mostly served the needs of male soldiers. The modernization of the space allows support for more than 500 soldiers, including spaces for males and females, as well as enhancements for the changing needs of the Guard’s different units.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/436G0Ss

OLMSTED CTY: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The number of public assistance fraud investigations has been on the rise in Olmsted County, [but] it’s not necessarily due to there being more fraud. It reflects an increase in county resources focused on the issue. … Even with a single investigator, Olmsted County was exceeding the state’s general expectations. … [Now], the county’s two-person investigation team anticipates more cases will be reviewed and a deeper dive taken into each.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x15ZZc

LOOKING AHEAD

TODAY: Gun violence prevention advocates will host an “accountability action” at the Capitol for “calling attention to lawmakers who blocked progress on gun violence prevention legislation,” per a release. The event is at 3:30 p.m.

JUNE 5: Via Minneapolis Fed, Regional Outreach Director Erick Garcia Luna will host a webinar discussing results from the spring survey of construction firms across the Ninth District. The event is at 9:00 a.m.

JUNE 5: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

JUNE 8: Attorney General Keith Ellison is hosting a community forum on the proposed acquisition of North Memorial Health by Sanford Health. The event is in Robbinsdale on Monday, June 8 at 6:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: HOFer Tony Sanneh, attorney Jason Tarasek, cable leader Melissa Wolf, lobbyist Tom Poul, nonprofit advocate Tom Weaver, CD5 GOP candidate Dalia al-Aqidi

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

MNSider Sunday Send: Clicker Chaos + Flanagan's Message

Blois R Olson — Sun, 31 May 2026 13:55:20 GMT

Good morning from Duluth where a walk by the lake is a good counter to the chaos of conventions, and the year we’ve already had.

The Spurs are going to the NBA finals. Twins lose. Aurora wins.

Republican endorsees Adam Schwarze and Kendall Qualls are guests on Sunday Take at 9AM on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive2

Filings for state offices close this week, which will give us a good sense of the top legislative races. Follow along on the Fluence Election Tracker. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker

It’s National Smile Day – which is every day.

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From Rochester, issues with minor electronic voting in the State Auditors race had DFLers re-registering. That didn’t prevent Zack Flipovich from winning the endorsement, and Rep. Dan Wolgamott coming in third.

DFLers also endorsed Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for US Senate.

The DFLers leave Rochester later today “mostly” united. Its clear that the Loud Left is going to stay noisy, but momentum and money are on DFL with Trump’s weight and divisive primaries holding back Minnesota.

In Duluth, drama-com of a Saturday, the MN GOP endorsement race the speed of voting devices screeched to a halt when “irregularities” in balloting were discovered with Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Kendall Qualls were locked in a tight race that could have gotten to “no endorsement”. It’s as if spoiler Mike Lindell, was partially validated in his deep conspiracy about voting technology as he departed the convention.

The two US Senate primaries will now may be joined by a Republican Gubernatorial primary that is more crowded and more controversial than the bitter US Senate primaries voters will be following int August.

Analysis and nuggets for paid subscribers below.

MNSider Saturday Send: Dispatch from Duluth + Rochester

Blois R Olson — Sat, 30 May 2026 13:36:06 GMT

From Duluth, where Republicans used clickers after motions for paper ballots your Saturday morning take for MNSider members.

In Rochester, the rules fight didn’t get endorsements started until after 8PM.

I’m in Duluth, because we have endorsement battles here, in Rochester DFLers don’t have any contested races except for Auditor where the race between Zach Flipovich, Adam Jennings and Rep. Dan Wolgamot.

The pick of Ben Scheirer by Sen. Amy Klobuchar fit Klobuchar perfectly, but the safety of the pick can be defined by how little of a record Schierer has as a fmr Mayor.

We should learn Mike Lindell’s running mate – will it be Royce White? That’s a cringe moment for most Republicans at the convention, but 20 percent will cheer loudly.

State Rep. Elliot Engen quietly withdrew in the race for Auditor, instead he’ll be Rep. Peggy Bennett’s running mate. If successful he’d be the youngest and first Gen Z Lt. Gov in the country.

Today, the endorsement battle for Governor which will have at least 5 ballots.

Deeper dive into yesterday, and a GOP Gov preview below.

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Happy National Water a Flower Day.Blois

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morning take | Could Klobuchar be blocked?

The Daily Agenda — Fri, 29 May 2026 12:21:13 GMT

DULUTH BOUND

Twins lose. Lynx play tonight.

Games will also be played in Rochester and Duluth this weekend. We will have special updates including video coverage of ballots in the US Senate and Governor’s races for our MNSider subscribers.

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Last night Kendall Qualls won the GOP straw poll, so it could be a long day for the endorsement tomorrow. Today US Senate endorsements in both parties.

Who will Klobuchar pick? See below.

Two-thirds of the top-spending PACs in the current House primary cycle are affiliated with Israel, AI or cryptocurrency. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4eb11l6

Officials say it will take three years to replenish U.S. stockpiles of munitions used in Iran. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4wSVx5S

The fresh air and coffee in Duluth hits different, which will be a good thing this weekend.

Happy National Coq Au Vin Day.

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The DFL will hold its 2026 convention in Rochester this weekend, while the state GOP has its convention in Duluth. Both parties will decide endorsements for statewide races, including governor, U.S. Senate, secretary of state, attorney general and state auditor. The DFL convention runs from 1:00 p.m. today through Sunday, while the GOP convention starts at 8:00 a.m. today and ends Saturday.

DFL GOV: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[Sen. Amy] Klobuchar is expected to face a contingent of delegates who are uncommitted in the governor’s race. Some 6,700 activists voted ‘uncommitted’ in the DFL’s February straw poll for governor, though Klobuchar still easily won with more than 22,000 votes. We’ll see just how big a contingent this will be [today] when delegates endorse a gubernatorial candidate. … Some delegates have questioned Klobuchar’s engagement with party activists, [asking] Klobuchar to engage more with Democrats in the metro, whether through town halls or inviting people to meet with her.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49uXn2V

MORE: Speaking to the Star Tribune, two DFL activists — Modi Hammarstedt and Maureen Dunaway — explained why they are not supportive of Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s nomination for governor. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nWj8i4

HAMMARSTEDT: “She’s too middle-of-the-road, too much trying to appease both sides. That’s not what we need when we’re appeasing a side that lies, makes stuff up, engages in illegal activity.”
DUNAWAY: “I feel like she’s being shoved at us as the only possible choice. … She has not felt present to people who are living here [in the metro] and dealing with what was going on here, particularly during Metro Surge.”

NOTE: Some more leftist groups are making news on the eve of the convention that they have demands of Klobuchar, and have the votes to block an endorsement. A very long shot scenario is that Klobuchar does not get endorsed – and is blocked by the noisy and DSA aligned delegates. If that happens, Klobuchar will solidify her middle lane positioning in the race.

Last night the MNSider Brief on what Republicans need to anticipate coming out of the convention weekend. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4uyTgLy

NAMES: Sources suggest that Ag. Commissioner Thom Petersen is not Klobuchar’s pick for Lt. Governor. One dark horse name would be fmr. Duluth Mayor Don Ness, another is Mayor of Brooklyn Center Hollies Winston. It is clear that the Team Amy strategy is to be very tight lipped.

GOP GOV: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The three likeliest candidates to win the [GOP governor] endorsement are House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring; Kendall Qualls, an Army veteran and former health care executive; and Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO. … Lindell stands out among Republican candidates as a longtime loyal servant of President Donald Trump, [but] Demuth won the statewide straw poll for Republican governor at precinct caucuses in February.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nYLCYu

MORE: GOP gubernatorial candidates who plan to run in the primary if they lose the endorsement include Mike Lindell, Phil Parrish and John Krhin. Meanwhile, Speaker Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls and Patrick Knight have committed to abiding by the endorsement.

DEBATE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Republican candidates for governor debated in Duluth on Thursday night to kick off a high-stakes weekend for the party as it tries to break a nearly two-decade losing streak in statewide races. … Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman Kendall Qualls and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell are the leading candidates in the race for governor. They were joined at the debate by John Krhin, Patrick Knight and Phil Parrish. … Several candidates criticized [the OIG bill], one of Demuth’s key accomplishments meant to stop fraud. But outside that, there [was] little in the way of contrast and direct criticism of other candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vmqTjX

DFL SEN: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Rep. Angie Craig [has] made the calculus that aggressively shifting her efforts to a different, much larger pool of Democratic voters who may be more open to her pragmatic type of politics – those who will cast ballots in August’s primary – will reinvigorate her campaign. … Without the DFL Party endorsement, which will now default to [Peggy] Flanagan, Craig will not have access to state party money. … [But] Jacob Rubashkin of Inside Elections is among the analysts who are not counting Craig out.” RUBASHKIN: “She has formidable fundraising chops and significant financial resources. … [But] she’s actually never had to run in a Democratic primary before, so she’s in unfamiliar waters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fLqDpQ

GOP SEN: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The Republican Senate race is a three-way contest among Adam Schwarze, Michele Tafoya and Royce White. Party insiders give Schwarze the edge for the endorsement, but Tafoya is expected to continue to the primary regardless of the outcome. … Tafoya’s broadcasting career could be an asset in a primary race, though her appeal to convention delegates remains an open question.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aiYJhp

FLINT HILLS FAMILY FESTIVAL: Kick off the summer in downtown Saint Paul with the Flint Hills Family Festival on May 29-30, one of the largest and longest-standing events of its kind. The Festival offers free fun for people of all ages in Rice Park and Landmark Plaza, with performances and activities that provide something for everyone, along with world-class shows inside the Ordway for just $8! Now in its 26th year, this year’s Festival lineup includes Cirque Mechanics: TILT!, NOOMA: an opera for babies, and Click Clack Moo! More than one million people have experienced the Festival, including hundreds of thousands of students who have visited on field trips during the Festival’s School Days. Join us this year! LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dhpdBM (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)

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NEWS STREAM

PREDICTIONS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Kalshi is suing the State of Minnesota over a law [that] bans prediction markets. … Kalshi’s lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims Minnesota is violating the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by infringing on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) ‘exclusive jurisdiction.’ … The lawsuit also claims that the law violates the company’s First Amendment rights.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4u38XK4

VOTER DATA: via MPR, VERBATIM: “An ongoing legal dispute over federal access to Minnesota voter data has state officials here [urging] a judge to heed rulings in similar cases in Wisconsin and Maine. … The Department of Justice wants Minnesota (and many other states) to turn over voter rolls, [but] lawyers for Secretary of State Steve Simon contend that information is private. … In a new filing, Simon’s attorneys point to rulings last week that sided with states making a similar argument for withholding the data. … A decision on Minnesota’s motion to dismiss the DOJ lawsuit could come at any time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49qG7vD

GLUTEN: via Rep. Betty McCollum advisory, VERBATIM: “Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced the Celiac Safety Act to strengthen food labeling law and protect the roughly 3 million Americans with Celiac Disease. The legislation is the first proposal in Congress to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate the inclusion of ‘gluten-containing grains’ as a major food allergen, ensuring manufacturers label the inclusion of all gluten-containing ingredients in products made available to the public.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S8WI0Y

MPLS

MPD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis police rarely responded to immigration-related emergency calls during Operation Metro Surge, even as the department spent $10 million on overtime and standby pay preparing for unrest that largely never materialized. … The low response and high payouts have city leaders questioning what drove the police department’s hefty personnel spending, including $22,000 in overtime to an officer who claimed overtime for 32 days straight.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dC7Mwb

MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis now needs a new police chief at the same time that the city’s Office of Community Safety, formed following the murder of George Floyd and tasked with overseeing MPD, faces troubles of its own. The office, led by Commissioner Todd Barnette, has come under recent scrutiny from Council members questioning if Barnette should be replaced and if the office is anywhere near achieving its goals.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nWjl4B

CHIEF: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Following the resignation of former Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the acting chief has made her first public statement, saying the operations of MPD will continue without interruption. Acting Chief Katie Blackwell did not talk directly about the sudden departure of O’Hara, but said MPD ‘manages unplanned events’ regularly.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4u7O54n

MORE: KSTP confirmed that former MPD Chief Brian O’Hara will not receive severance pay following his resignation this week. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ecib1C

ACROSS MN

OAK GROVE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The City of Oak Grove is suing Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and Anoka County election officials for the right to use paper voting rosters in the 2026 general election. The Upper Midwest Law Center shared the lawsuit Thursday on behalf of the city. … Officials blocked the city from using paper rosters, stating the county controls roster format in state and federal elections. The lawsuit alleges that Anoka County officials threatened city election personnel with criminal prosecution if they did not follow the county’s guidelines.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vlbn7Y

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Following a two-week delay, the St. Paul City Council has seated Melanie McMahon as the new director of the city’s department of Planning and Economic Development, as well as Ia Xiong as the new director of the Department of Safety and Inspections. … McMahon’s appointment was put on hold on May 13 following objections from Council Members Cheniqua Johnson and Anika Bowie.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dQ07Jv

ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “While some businesses in Rochester are flourishing, others are struggling with rising costs, construction and the lingering effects of ICE. … Matt Varilek, the [DEED] commissioner, visited Rochester this week as part of a statewide tour to promote DEED’s ‘Choose Minnesota’ initiative. Varilek hosted a roundtable discussion with Rochester Mayor Kim Norton and three Rochester business owners. … All three business owners cited [ICE’s] actions in the past winter as directly harming their businesses.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wTPXQC

LOOKING AHEAD

JUNE 5: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: Rep. Cheryl Youakim, fmr. St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano, lobbyist John-Paul Yates, pr guy Brian McClung

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.

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

MNSider Fluence Brief: The Governor's Race

Blois R Olson — Fri, 29 May 2026 03:29:21 GMT

Minnesotans look at their candidates for Governor differently, and in 2026 Minnesotans have serious concernce about the direction of the state.

The vision for the future attached to a plan for economic growth should central to the conversation.

The party convention’s this week will let us know the early themes and potential match ups.

Blois

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KLOBUCHAR vs ?

Sen. Amy Klobuchar will get the DFL endorsement this weekend for Governor, and we’ll learn her Lt. Gov. pick in the coming days. She has been one of the strongest DFL candidates statewide since she ran statewide in 2006. She has frustrated Republicans and been protested by DFLers including during her 2020 run for President.

There will likely be some objections to Klobuchar at the DFL convention, but she won’t have a primary, and she will run hard. She is carrying baggage that the Walz administration has created as the gubernatorial candidate, but she will work to shed it quickly.

The biggest test for Republicans starts this weekend. Will they nominate someone who can provide a future vision of Minnesota that competes with Klobuchar?

What’s at stake for the Republicans this weekend below…

morning take | Contended Conventions

The Daily Agenda — Thu, 28 May 2026 12:03:49 GMT

AMERICA, HAVE YOU HEARD?

Twins lose.

Premium MNSider content previewing DFL and GOP US Senate races last night. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4fJWdnU

Minnesota’s summer outlook: definitely drier than normal, possibly warmer than normal. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/4dNMCK6

Morris Day and The Time say they will not perform at the White House’s “Freedom 250” concert, disputing the organizers’ announcement a few hours earlier that they were booked. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4e91HY9

A 26-year-old was fatally shot in Shakopee during a prayer service. KARE: https://fluence-media.co/4nQn97y

The White House is considering a plan to keep international travelers out of major airports in “sanctuary cities,” which could include Minneapolis. REUTERS: https://fluence-media.co/49KXJ5J

Rep. Angie Craig is on WCCO Radio this morning at 7:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive2

Today is National Hamburger Day.

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Gov. Tim Walz has nothing on his public schedule today but he didn’t have Olympic athletes visiting the Governor’s Residence last night on his schedule either, however they were there. Photo via Phil Drobnick

GOP: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Republicans will gather in Duluth this weekend to attempt to resolve a problem that’s eluded them for two decades: How to win a statewide race here…The party is working to come out of the political wilderness and sizing up a formula that can help them notch November wins in open races for U.S. Senate and governor, among others…That question about the best path has stirred disagreements, with some Republicans pursuing an uncompromising platform aligned with President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, others say taking a more moderate approach could be more palatable to the political middle this fall.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nUNql3

USSEN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Angie Craig built her career winning over swing voters. Now, she has to win over Democrats. … Craig wants Democrats to see her as a battle-tested pragmatist: progressive enough for the party base, but moderate enough to win swing voters who have drifted away from Democrats nationally. … Craig is quick to note that prominent Democrats — including Gov. Tim Walz — have lost the party endorsement and still gone on to win the primary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wTkZZ5

MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race got a pre-convention jolt Wednesday when Democratic Rep. Angie Craig announced she would bypass the state DFL endorsement process entirely and go straight to a primary against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. … Flanagan was seen as the favorite and is now a virtual lock to get the [endorsement]. … As Craig filed for the primary ballot Wednesday, she said [that] the endorsement process ‘just doesn’t reflect the full scope of the party that we are and the purple state that we have become.’ … Flanagan’s campaign was quick to declare victory. ‘If you can’t show up and face your own party, then you’re not ready to face Republicans,’ Flanagan said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nUfbu1

Premium MNSider content previewing DFL and GOP US Senate races last night. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4fJWdnU

Tonight, premium subscribers will receive the Governor’s race weekend preview. SIGNUP:

CD2: Star Tribune’s Sydney Kashiwagi tweets that U.S. Rep. Angie Craig had two CD2 candidates, state Sen. Matt Klein and state Rep. Kaela Berg, stand behind her at yesterday’s press conference. DFL endorsed candidate Matt Little was not there. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/49qd0Zm

MPLS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is facing questions from the City Council following the abrupt resignation of Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who was determined to have interfered with an independent investigation. … Despite those investigations, Frey nominated O’Hara for a second term earlier this month, when the latter [probe] was still pending. [Elliott] Payne and others argued Wednesday that Frey’s failure to disclose allegations and investigations to the City Council — against O’Hara or any other city employee — inhibits the council’s ability to perform oversight duties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4f6R0q6

RESPONSE: Via FOX 9, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded to City Councilors’ criticism that he nominated former Chief Brian O’Hara for a second term despite the ongoing investigation. FREY: “I don’t make decisions based on rumors and anonymous complaints because that would mean making decisions based on optics, not facts. I took action promptly after receiving the investigative report with substantiated findings. … But decisions this serious have to be grounded in facts, evidence, and completed investigations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4wP5HEx

SETTLEMENT: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey selected Brian O’Hara as the city’s next police chief in the fall of 2022, in large part because of O’Hara’s experience navigating police reform efforts in Newark, New Jersey. … The city entered into a state settlement agreement in 2023 with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. … [But] that work, which has been ongoing for more than three years, is now in limbo after the abrupt resignation of O’Hara. … The ability to navigate the state settlement agreement will be a key component in the interview process for chief candidates in the coming months.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3PpZ0rW

O’HARA: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Former Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara highlighted ‘significant progress’ within the department in his first public statement since his resignation. O’Hara, in a statement released through an attorney, also said he was ‘proud to serve Minneapolis’ and now plans to return to his family in New Jersey.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vzd5mj

ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take had more reactions from the Minneapolis City Council regarding the police chief’s resignation. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4dyvaL0

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

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NEWS STREAM

PARDON: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “For the second time this month, the Minnesota Board of Pardons has unanimously granted a pardon for a noncitizen facing potential deportation. The Board of Pardons — comprised of Gov. Tim Walz, Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson and Attorney General Keith Ellison — held a special meeting on Wednesday to pardon Jai Vang, a 49-year-old Laotian man who was convicted of aggravated robbery in 1994, when he was 18 years old. Vang served a four-year prison sentence for his crime and hasn’t committed any other criminal offenses since then.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4uBk0Ll

NURSING HOMES: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Thousands of nursing home employees are set to get $400 and $200 checks courtesy of the state of Minnesota. … It was prompted by an indefinite delay in the implementation of a first-of-its-kind Minnesota law that would set wage standards specifically for the nursing home industry. … The state planned to use federal Medicaid dollars to help nursing homes meet these new wage standards, which required federal approval. … But the Trump Administration [has] yet to approve this use of taxpayer dollars.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49q9oGM

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

IRON RANGE: via IRRR Board, VERBATIM: “At today’s Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Board meeting in Eveleth, more than $10.7 million in projects were reviewed that grow new businesses, modernize infrastructure and public facilities, increase the housing inventory, support communities and pre-K-12 schools, expand higher education and advance future mining operations. … [Also], the FY27 IRRR budget was approved.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4nWJMr4

SIGNED: Gov. Tim Walz announced that he has signed the final bills of the 2026 legislative session, addressing bonding projects, grooming in schools, IT upgrades, the READ Act, numerous omnibus bills and more. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/43xIppc

DC

FED FUNDS: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Rochester celebrated a trio of federally-supported projects, drawing all three of the city’s congressional delegates to town. Starting with a groundbreaking for the latest update to the Rochester International Airport, city staff also highlighted new plans for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and the pending opening of the city’s newest roundabout, [with] federal support covering at least a third of each project’s cost. … U.S. Sen. Tina Smith [attended] along with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49TAq9G

VETERANS: via Rep. Kelly Morrison release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) announced her legislation to end veteran homelessness. … Morrison’s Housing for All Veterans Act will take Minnesota’s success nationwide by guaranteeing housing vouchers to all low-income veterans to prevent and end homelessness. … The Housing for All Veterans Act is the U.S. House companion to U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Senate bill of the same name.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PNzVHh

SOCIAL MEDIA: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined a nationwide, bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in opposing the federal Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (“KIDS Act”), H.R. 7757, arguing the bill would weaken states’ ability to protect children online. … The coalition sent a letter to leaders in Congress warning them that the KIDS Act would broadly preempt state laws addressing online harms to minors, including social media harms, obscenity, social gaming platforms, and artificial intelligence chatbots.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S62W1D

USPS: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is calling on the United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General David Steiner to reconsider their recent policy changes that plan to lower service standards and eliminate end-of-day mail collection at most of the nation’s post offices, particularly in rural areas, disrupting service for local newspapers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49W3dKI

MORE: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced the introduction of legislation designating the post office located at 200 1st Avenue SE in Austin, Minnesota, as the ‘John Madden Memorial Post Office.’ John Madden [was] born in Austin in 1936.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dzERZB

ACROSSMN

FOND DU LAC: via UMN advisory, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are moving forward with the return of the Cloquet Forestry Center land, wholly located within the Fond du Lac Reservation. The effort is enabled by provisions in the state bonding bill. … Several administrative and governance steps remain before the land transfer is finalized. These include administrative action by the State, continued coordination between the University and the Band on implementation and operational agreements, followed by review and action by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents related to the transfer process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PQ110t

CRYSTAL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Roughly 22,000 people in Crystal are dealing with a 15.87% property tax increase this year after a 16% increase last year. … Crystal Mayor Julie Deshler said the city’s savings were low after years of some of the smallest property tax increases in metro suburbs. She said unexpected costs for a new city pool, a new police department and rising wages added pressure. City Manager Adam Bell said the city had been expecting another increase of 12.6% next year, but leaders are now considering a lower number.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4dwEqze

VIRGINIA: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Essentia Health will expand its emergency department at its Iron Range hospital as rural health care services in northern Minnesota decline and more patients with serious needs are funneled to it. The Virginia, Minn., hospital serves as a regional health care hub and its emergency department treated about 13,500 patients last year — roughly a 13% increase from two years prior.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vefuCn

(DISCLOSURE: Essentia Health is a Fluence sponsor)

BLOOMINGTON: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Citing ongoing maintenance and safety concerns, the city of Bloomington will be removing a familiar landmark with no concrete plans for what will replace it. The Bloomington Clock Tower will be coming down at some point this year. … The cost to repair and restore the tower is said to be substantial, and outweighed the clock’s useful life. The city did not give a specific timeline for the clock tower’s removal.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dCvpVu

ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced Wednesday she plans to appoint Ia Xiong, a licensed engineer and career public servant with a background in transportation infrastructure, as the next director of the Department of Safety and Inspections. She replaces Angie Wiese, [who] will remain with the department in an administrative leadership role.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4u5eS1h

LOOKING AHEAD

TODAY: CD2 candidate and state Rep. Kaela Berg will officially file to run for U.S. Congress in St. Paul at 1:45 p.m.

TODAY: Senior staff members from Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign will preview the DFL convention on a press call at 2:15 p.m. Note that Flanagan herself will not participate.

TODAY: DFL Sen. Aric Putnam will hold a campaign kickoff for his reelection bid in St. Cloud at 5:00 p.m.

TODAY: Americans for Prosperity MN will host a debate for Republican gubernatorial candidates on Thursday, May 28 in Duluth at 6:00 p.m. — one day before the party’s endorsing convention. KSTP’s Tom Hauser will moderate the debate.

TODAY: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar will host a town hall with state Rep. Jamie Long, Edina Mayor James Hovlund and Minneapolis City Councilor Linea Palmisano in Minneapolis at 6:00 p.m.

FRI-SUN: The DFL will hold its 2026 convention in Rochester this weekend, while the state GOP has its convention in Duluth. Both parties will decide endorsements for statewide races, including governor, U.S. Senate, secretary of state, attorney general and state auditor.

JUNE 5: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5. The event is at 6:00 p.m.

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BDAYS: Rep. Huldah Hiltsley, hockey writer Jess Myers, lobbyist John Kavanagh

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

MNSider Fluence Brief: A US Senate Race Battle

Blois R Olson — Thu, 28 May 2026 03:49:45 GMT

It’s convention weekend in Minnesota. The Republican convention has more compelling competition, but the set-up in both the DFL and the GOP create a race to August for an open US Senate race.

For each party, its a test of their activists versus the power brokers. The DC candidates versus the local grassroots. THe edge of the right, versus the electable for Republicans, and for DFLers a tested candidate versus a candidate stepping out of the shadow of Gov. Tim Walz.

The race is on, and we’re here to analyze and follow along.

Hope you enjoy, the begining of weekly premium content through November.

Blois

Blois - bloisolson@gmail.com

TWO PARTIES, TWO BATTLES

News Wednesday that Rep. Angie Craig was bowing out of the DFL endorsement shouldn’t have been a surprise, but a sign that the DFL’s endorsement will once again be tested and in a major way for Minnesota voters to decide. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has run a strong race, however she will face a major test unlike anything she’s faced against Craig in the primary.

Testing the endorsement, is something both the GOP and DFL will likely deal with as we we enter the convention weekend of 2026.

Craig taking the race to the primary was always the plan, as a reminder fmr. Gov. Mark Dayton was once not allowed into a convention. He won the primary.

For Republicans, Michele Tafoya will possibly test the endorsement against front runner Adam Schwarze, who faces Royce White, Tom Weiler, and latecomer Mark York who will seek the Republican endorsement this Friday.

Now how does the race break down, and what role will President Trump play.

morning take | Cops, Courts and Confidence?

The Daily Agenda — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:16:08 GMT

SHORT WEEK…

Twins win. Vegas sweeps Colorado to go to the Stanley Cup.

TX AG Ken Paxton, endorsed by President Trump defeated Sen. John Cornyn in Texas.

Bari Weiss announced that The Free Press plans to host a “Supper Club” in Minneapolis. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4nSfypa

Newly released FBI files include details on a UFO sighting by Anoka police officers. FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/4nSaocM

This morning Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan at 8:20 and Councilmember Michael Rainville and Robin Wonsley will be on together on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar at 7:20. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive2

Here’s my take on the O’Hara resignation with Vineeta Sawkar this morning on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4f6ugGI

Happy National Grape Popsicle Day….it’s also National Flip Flops Day.

Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com

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A hot start to summer, another big Minnesota story, the content doesn’t stop. The resignation of Chief O’Hara has all the elements to captivate alleged sexual stories, personalities, politics. It might also have more news stories coming. Another distraction to the important work of rebuilding confidence, commerce and public safety in Minneapolis.

The Minneapolis City Council should be challenged to present the profile of the next Chief that they want – rather than just being the critics of Mayor Frey’s decision. The far left in Minneapolis hasn’t put forth a compelling or clear vision of public safety for six years, so what a better chance than now.

The race for Hennepin County attorney, a new Chief, and a new Governor will shape the policy and reputation of the region – a critical element for confidence for those who care deeply about the state and the region but feel ignored.

At 1:30 today, Minneapolis City Council members, including: Council President Elliott Payne, Minority Leader Robin Wonsley, Council Member and Chair of Public Health, Safety and Equity Committee Jason Chavez will hold a news conference to discuss the resignation of Chief Brian O’Hara.

MPD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara has resigned from the Minneapolis police department following an investigative report with ‘concerning substantiated findings’ that were to result in discipline and possible termination, according to an internal email by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. … ‘I informed the chief I would be disciplining him up to and including discharge, and he resigned. I have accepted his resignation,’ Frey said. … Frey said Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell will serve as interim chief.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vchefA

MORE: Via internal communications obtained by numerous reporters, Mayor Jacob Frey explained why Chief Brian O’Hara was facing disciplinary action. O’Hara was being investigated for allegedly having an intimate relationship with a city employee, which was not substantiated — but during the investigation, Frey said O’Hara deleted contact information from his phone and told other city employees about the situation. Frey added that O’Hara’s “interference risked the integrity of the investigation and constitutes a significant breach of trust.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4e6AoxF

Two different rulings on data centers yesterday create another facet of tension between developers, cities and environmental activists. via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota judge has ordered developers of a hyperscale data center near Rochester to temporarily halt construction until a lawsuit over the project’s environmental review can be heard. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy [had] sued developer Ryan Cos. and the city of Pine Island, arguing that the environmental review of the data center known as ‘Project Skyway’ was inadequate. … In a separate lawsuit filed by MCEA, a Dakota County judge ruled Tuesday in favor of the city of Lakeville over its approval of an environmental review. … The review didn’t name the project, but MCEA speculated it was a data center.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fJUnDu

Meanwhile, in Lakeville “In its order, the Court found that the City appropriately followed the requirements for an AUAR by evaluating development scenarios for anticipated light industrial and office park uses. … The Court noted that no specific end user or project had been identified for the property when the AUAR was prepared, and that the City evaluated development scenarios as part of its planning and zoning process.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S36qSA

MORE: Lakeville officials say no specific project was identified in this case, but the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy claims on its website that “internal city communications showed” the development “was intended to be a data center.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wSRp5Y

NOTE: The interference of litigation on nearly every large development in mining, tech, ag and other new projects by MCEA is becoming a nationally known barrier of investment in Minnesota.

SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As she heads into the DFL Party’s endorsing convention this weekend in Rochester, [Peggy] Flanagan has emerged as the favorite to win the party’s backing, a development that wasn’t a foregone conclusion when she entered the race. Flanagan had never run statewide on her own or faced a significant challenge in her previous legislative runs. … But the backlash to Operation Metro Surge energized progressive activists and gave Flanagan and her supporters an enduring line of attack against [Angie] Craig, who — with her establishment backing and a proven track record of winning in a battleground district — initially looked like the candidate to beat. … Former state House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, who has endorsed Craig, said [Operation Metro Surge] ‘fundamentally changed the nature of this election.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vwUtDt

CONVENTION: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The expected 2,600 delegates and alternates who will converge on Rochester [for] the DFL convention at Mayo Civic Center will arrive in a jazzed and ready-to-do-battle frame of mind, DFL leaders and party activists say. … There is an expectation that the DFL convention will be a full house, said party Chairman Richard Carlbom. One measure of the party’s enthusiasm and energy? Many of the 1,200 alternates who have the option to attend are expected to show up. Typically, not many do.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uyGSex

OMNIBUS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Court of Appeals handed down two decisions regarding whether the 2024 omnibus bill [violated] the state constitution’s rule that legislation must have a single subject. In both cases, the appeals court affirmed a district court judge’s ruling, noting that prior state Supreme Court cases declined to invalidate entire pieces of legislation that violated the single subject rule. … As a result, Minnesota’s ban on binary triggers is no more, because the courts have ruled it didn’t belong in the omnibus bill. But a ban on for-profit health insurers contracting with state agencies was ruled valid because the judges said it fit within a bill related to the operations and finances of state government.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nUdBIX

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SD24: Fmr. Rep. Nels Pierson wins GOP endorsement in the open seat being vacated by Sen. Carla Nelson.

STATE STUFF

READ ACT: The state Dept. of Education has finally published a report to the legislature that was due on Dec. 1, 2025. The report covers progress on implementing the READ Act, and KSTP says it was published five days after they asked MDE officials about its whereabouts. VERBATIM: “Bobbie Burnham, assistant commissioner for the Office of Teaching and Learning at MDE, [said] simply building the infrastructure needed to gather the information required in the governor’s report took time. It’s meant to provide both lawmakers and parents information about how different districts are using the READ Act.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/430rXhb KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/49nX9ur

NOTE: Deadlines for reports from state government required by the legislature have consistently slipped. Chatter among those who follow the administration closely believe that the next Governor will have to restore a discipline on deadlines and accountability in many areas of state government.

FINALLY: The state Dept. of Natural Resources announced that its long-anticipated digital licensing system for hunting and fishing will finally go live next month. VERBATIM: “The [DNR] will launch the first phase of its modernized electronic licensing system on June 9 with the fishing and hunting license module. … The existing licensing system will be in use until 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 1, when information from the old system begins moving to the new system. … Phase two of the launch will happen at a later date with the recreational vehicle and watercraft titling and registration module.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4a9VqJi

MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s new system was initially supposed to launch in March 2025, but the state delayed that because of persistent issues. … The DNR [said] it has met all of the success criteria for the project and addressed the other concerns highlighted by OLA [audits] to be ready for the system’s launch.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e6uQDl

FERTILITY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Birthrates are declining, yet many families who want children can’t afford fertility care. Many states require insurance to cover it, but a bipartisan push at the State Capitol to bring that requirement to Minnesota failed again. … Lawmakers and advocates said the Minnesota Building Families Act came closer to passage this year than ever before. But concerns about the cost of a new health insurance mandate at a time of already-rising premiums, as well as religious opposition, stood in the way.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dLN9MC

RAW MILK: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota advocates continue to push to broaden the use of raw milk products, despite their latest string of legislative failures. … During this year’s state legislative session, another attempt to update various dairy standards failed to advance. Minnesota Republican Senator Andrew Lang says it’s a fight he supports, [and] in future legislative sessions, state lawmakers who support the move will continue to look for alternatives to loosen current dairy restrictions.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4dLs2dn

SIGNED: Via Office of the Governor, Gov. Tim Walz signed a number of bills yesterday addressing social media protections for children, egg donations, the permanent school fund, public safety, withholding payments for fraud allegations, cannabis supply chains, health and human services, and more. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4u95IAU https://fluence-media.co/4tTESfL

DC

FRAUD: via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “A handful of Democratic state attorneys general said Tuesday that expert officials from their offices were denied access to a major White House anti-fraud meeting convened by Vice President JD Vance and attended by Republican AGs. … Democratic attorneys general in California, New York and New Jersey said at a press conference later Tuesday that officials from their states were not allowed to attend the anti-fraud meeting. New York Attorney General Letitia James said officials from Minnesota, Massachusetts, Maryland and Nevada were also turned away.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tTNiUp

MORE: Via WCCO-TV, Attorney General Keith Ellison was not part of the roundtable in Washington, D.C. and had not planned to attend, citing short notice and unequal partisan treatment from federal officials. However, Ellison did send a staffer from his office. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/43y9UPu

PREDICTIONS: Pres. Donald Trump criticized Minnesota and other states on Truth Social for trying to regulate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, saying the federal government “must protect” the industry. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is a strategic advisor for Kalshi and a major investor in Polymarket. TRUMP: “It is critically important that the CFTC’s exclusive authority over Prediction Markets is maintained, and that they will thrive. … We cannot have SCUM like Chris Christie, Letitia James, Tim Walz, and JB Pritzker setting the rules! … It is a major Industry, and we must protect it.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/3S2vadE

(DISCLOSURE: Sports Betting Alliance is a client of Fluence Advisory)

ICE: via CBS News, VERBATIM: “The Department of Homeland Security’s top lawyer on Tuesday directed [ICE] attorneys to aggressively pursue administrative fraud cases against immigration lawyers accused of filing false asylum claims, the latest step in the administration’s push to speed up removals. … While the directive does not create new penalties, it signals that ICE lawyers will begin to use existing administrative enforcement tools more frequently to crack down not only against migrants accused of submitting fraudulent applications, but also against the lawyers who represent them.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42X6Zjm

ACROSSMN

ST LOUIS PK: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Employees at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park have come to a tentative agreement with the hospital days before they were set to strike. … The agreement includes increases in time-off benefits, wage increases, seniority rights, meal coupons for extra hours and grievance and arbitration rights, according to the announcement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dzCeHk

OAKDALE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Tanners Lake Park in Oakdale is scheduled to get a $2.1 million makeover next year, and city officials are asking residents to weigh in on the improvements. They’re hosting a ‘walk and talk’ for residents to learn more about the project. The event, which will be held 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, will include walking tours of the park.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PN09Ka

ACROSS MN

WASH CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Washington County voters this fall could be asked to support a $40 million referendum question on the Nov. 3 ballot to conserve land and protect water. … The measure, if approved, would result in a property tax increase of approximately $25 a year for the average homeowner, according to county officials.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Rxhjfg

ALBERT LEA: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Albert Lea City Council was wrong to prevent a cannabis microbusiness from setting up shop in the southern Minnesota city last summer, the state Court of Appeals ruled. … The court [said] the council broke its own ordinance and arbitrarily rejected an application from Jacob Schlichter, owner of the Smoking Tree, but the future of the business remains in question after the court declined to force the city to issue a business registration.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4tYXaMS

MENDOTA HGTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Mendota Heights will receive $4 million in state funding for its proposed Municipal Campus project as part of the bonding bill. … Early city estimates have put total costs for the proposed 49,000-square foot complex at $33.5 million, which city leaders have said is necessary to replace the aging facility where the city houses its governmental and law enforcement operations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S0lyQE

PLYMOUTH: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A school bus company based in Plymouth has announced 125 layoffs after losing a contract to provide services to a nearby district. First Student in Plymouth informed [DEED] that it would be permanently closing its facility [on] July 31. … The closure is ‘due to the loss of a contract with Wayzata Public School District.’ The positions impacted include bus drivers, dispatchers, technicians, a location manager, and a location safety manager.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wPGERK

LOOKING AHEAD

TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will chair a special meeting of the Minnesota Board of Pardons and host a series of ceremonial bill signings with authors and advocates.

TODAY: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek will meet small business owners in Rochester to discuss “the challenges and opportunities small businesses are facing, and how Minnesotans can help,” per a release. The event is at 9:00 a.m.

TODAY: The IRRR Board will host a special meeting in Eveleth at 9:00 a.m.

TODAY: U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison will announce legislation to end veteran homelessness at a 1:00 p.m. press conference. Morrison’s bill is the House companion to Sen. Tina Smith’s Senate bill.

TODAY: U.S. Rep. Angie Craig will have media availability in St. Paul at 2:30 p.m. before she officially files to run for U.S. Senate.

TOMORROW: DFL Sen. Aric Putnam will hold a campaign kickoff for his reelection bid in St. Cloud at 5:00 p.m.

TOMORROW: Americans for Prosperity MN will host a debate for Republican gubernatorial candidates on Thursday, May 28 in Duluth at 6:00 p.m. — one day before the party’s endorsing convention. KSTP’s Tom Hauser will moderate the debate.

TOMORROW: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar will host a town hall with state Rep. Jamie Long, Edina Mayor James Hovlund and Minneapolis City Councilor Linea Palmisano in Minneapolis at 6:00 p.m.

JUNE 5: via Minneapolis Fed, VERBATIM: “Twice a year, regional economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis survey construction companies to gauge the sector’s performance and overall outlook. … Join Regional Outreach Director Erick Garcia Luna for a webinar discussing results from the spring survey of construction firms across the Ninth District.” The event is at 9:00 a.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4wFjTjv

JUNE 5: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will speak at the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner in Minneapolis on Friday, June 5. The event is at 6:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/4ehO614

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BDAYS: Delta’s Jeff Davidman, morning take’s Kyle Hampel, retired media guy Don Shelby, labor guy Jon Tollefson

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