lunch take | Federal Charges in MN Housing Fraud Case + Walz Wasn't 1st Choice for Running Mate
9.18.25
There are more countries in conflict than at any time since World War II, yet a global survey finds 73% feel safe walking alone at night – the highest level since Gallup first asked the question in 2006. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3K72uwm
U.S. Bank Stadium this morning announced Ed Sheeran will play there next summer. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4pBmmrN
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4nALNHZ
Sunday Take featured DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger and GOP Rep. Danny Nadeau discussing how they want to move forward with a special session as purple district legislators. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4gxlhNy
Blois
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Fluence Advisory hosted a cannabis forum on the “State of Cannabis in Minnesota including an interview with Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management Eric Taubel.
VP PICK: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Former Vice President Kamala Harris says she would have picked Pete Buttigieg as her running mate last year but America wasn't ready for the pairing, according to an excerpt of her new book. Harris writes in an excerpt of ‘107 Days’ published Wednesday in The Atlantic that former President Joe Biden’s transportation secretary was her ‘first choice,’ adding that he ‘would have been an ideal partner — if I were a straight white man’ . . . She picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate after his attack line against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, then-Ohio Sen. JD Vance — ‘These guys are just weird’ — spread widely. They ultimately lost.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mjif0F
JOBS: Via DEED, VERBATIM: “Minnesota employers added 5,900 jobs in August, strong growth that defied a nearly-flat employment picture on the national level, according to new data from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota’s growth equated to a 0.2% increase in jobs in August, compared to effectively flat employment for the United States as a whole. Minnesota also added nearly 1,100 workers to its labor force. The unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.6%, compared to 4.3% nationally, and the labor force participation rate is at 68.1% compared to 62.3% nationally.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3I88Cnw
NEXT WEEK: Via Citizens League, VERBATIM: “Citizens League is proud to host a 2025 Minneapolis Mayoral Candidate debate on Friday, September 26. This debate is presented in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and the Minneapolis Downtown Council, and will be co-moderated by Mary Lahammer, Political Reporter & Anchor, Twin Cities PBS; and Blois Olson, Sunday Take Host, WCCO Radio and CEO, Fluence Media.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/46JrEd6
FRAUD: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Federal prosecutors announced charges Thursday in connection with an investigation of the state’s embattled Housing Stabilization Services program . . . Eight defendants are being charged for their role in the fraud scheme, [acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson] announced. The defendants, he said, identified vulnerable individuals, many of whom were being released from drug or alcohol rehabilitation facilities.” THOMPSON: “They signed them up to receive housing stabilization services to purportedly help them find stable housing, and then they billed Medicaid for services they did not actually provide.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48pKRBV
MORE: WCCO-TV’s Caroline Cummings quoting Thompson via X, THOMPSON: “These programs have been abused over and over to the point where the fraud has overtaken the legitimate services.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3Vo2Jpa
BACKGROUND: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “HSS was established in 2020 as a means of connecting vulnerable adults with housing. The state estimated its annual operating cost to be around $2.6 million, but five years later, providers are billing the program upwards of $100 million per year. The FBI executed a series of search warrants related to the program back in June as federal authorities looked into providers who were billing for services that clients never received. An affidavit filed at the time attested that HSS was designed to be ‘an easy-to-obtain benefit’ that ‘has shown to be uniquely vulnerable to fraud.’ Since then, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced plans to end HSS entirely.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nAjBou
BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)
MINNEAPOLIS: Via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “Some Minnesota State Troopers are now patrolling Minneapolis streets. This came at the request of Mayor Jacob Frey and city leaders who are trying to get a grip on mass shootings that have rocked the city in recent weeks. Police Chief Brian O'Hara says he's grateful for the extra patrols that began on Wednesday.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/47PFXhl
ENCAMPMENT: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “After seven people were shot, one of whom may not survive, a Minneapolis city attorney asked Judge Thomas Conley for an emergency court order to prevent developer Hamoudi Sabri from re-opening the homeless encampment that drew the gun violence. ‘I don't know how we're defining irreparable harm, but someone dying seems pretty close to it to me,’ Minneapolis City Attorney Sharda Enslin said. … Judge Conley wants [to wait] until Monday to make his decision, so he asked Sabri to verbally agree not to reopen the encampment. … ‘I will,’ Sabri finally said.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/41ZkMpl
INFLATION: Senator Tina Smith talked with Bloomberg TV about Wednesday’s Federal Reserve announcement as well as what she’s hearing from Minnesota companies about what’s fueling inflation. SMITH: “They did their best to buy in as much as they could early, hoping to avoid the impact of tariffs, because they’re the ones that are gonna end up paying it. And also, consumers were, you know, buying that iPhone in February rather than waiting until November because they thought it was likely that it might cost a lot more. So that creates some distortions in the economy that we haven’t felt the full brunt of yet.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gq6N1G
CANADA: Via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The evolution of the United States’s longstanding trade relationship with its northern neighbor is top of mind for Consul General of Canada to the U.S. Beth Richardson . . . ‘Well, the elephant in the room —I come to you, as diplomats would say, at a very interesting time,’ Richardson said to St. Cloud community members and business leaders in the Granite Innovation conference room. The recent and dramatic shift in U.S. trade policy has created an undercurrent of uncertainty for Canadian and American businesses, she added. Richardson addressed tariffs placed on Canadian goods, how U.S.-Canada trade relationships might change and what it could mean for consumers at a St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce event on Wednesday, Sept. 17.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gxUkJF
SD43: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “One day after longtime Minnesota Senator Ann Rest announced that the 2026 legislative session would be her last, a Golden Valley lawmaker has announced his desire to take her place. State Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley, announced on Wednesday his candidacy to serve Senate District 43. That district includes all or parts of Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nCeNyX
WALZ: The Minnesota Jobs Coalition sent out a release this morning in response to this week’s announcement from Governor Tim Walz that he’s seeking a third term. From Executive Director John Rouleau, QUOTE: “Minnesotans are beyond tired of Tim Walz’s act and he refuses to see the writing on the wall. Walz wrecked Minnesota’s economy, put illegals in front of hardworking taxpayers and tried to make Minnesota a sanctuary state, greatly weakened our public safety, chased businesses and families out of state for good, and embraced a radical and woke agenda.”
ST PAUL: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter felt he inherited a downtown with strong momentum that could make his dreams of skyline-defining development a reality when he took office in 2018. Then more pressing issues came to dominate his focus: Rebuild roads. Reduce homelessness and homicide. Close off abandoned buildings. Downtowns across the country struggled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as empty office towers plummeted in value. But St. Paul’s comeback has seemed more challenging than most.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ps1cfo
MINING: Via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) hosted the second annual ‘State of the Range’ on Tuesday at the Iron Trails Motors Event Center in Virginia. Many of the speakers focused on what is being called a downturn in mining after many challenges they have faced, from the idling and layoffs at Cleveland Cliffs to the potential regulations to be imposed by the MPCA.” QUOTE: “Many of you in this room tonight, or your family members, friends, and neighbors, were a part of those layoffs,” said IRRRB Commissioner Ida Rukavina. “All of us in this room are in some way impacted by this mining downturn.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48mNep2
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS: The Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount is a landmark like no other – the tall columns and bright lights can be seen from miles away. Generations of workers have helped operate, maintain and transform the refinery, making it one of the nation’s most innovative and efficient energy facilities of its kind. This year, Flint Hills Resources celebrates 70 years of dedicated employees at the Pine Bend refinery who have produced the fuels that help move us forward. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
KIRK: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Turning Point USA event scheduled for this Monday at the University of Minnesota will still go ahead, despite the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk last week in Utah. In an announcement Wednesday, the conservative youth organization confirmed that the ‘American Comeback Tour’ event at the Northrop Auditorium will proceed as planned. It will be presented by Michael Knowles, a host for right-wing media company The Daily Wire, and feature a ‘candid conversation about conservative values, followed by a live Q&A session.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Kfbmjr
RHETORIC: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “No one should be exposed to political violence, [DFL Rep. Luke] Frederick said Tuesday before signing a pledge to reject rhetoric that incites it. … Majority in the Middle, a civic engagement nonprofit, came up with the pledge in response to [Melissa] Hortman’s slaying. Lawmakers were invited to sign it during an event in Mankato. … Frederick supported the goals behind the pledge, while pointing out its limitations. Nothing is binding about the document, and saying ‘we should work together’ doesn’t address the undercurrents causing division. With any special session, Frederick said he fears it would devolve into political theater.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nBCW90
MORE: Via Star Tribune, GOP Rep. Erica Schwartz was expected to sign Majority in the Middle’s pledge against violent rhetoric, but she told event organizers she could not attend because of a schedule change. READ: http://fluence-media.co/46vGov7
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
POT: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “The Rise dispensary in Eagan was buzzing Wednesday morning for the grand opening of its adult recreational cannabis business. The big picture: Minnesota's legal recreational weed rollout picked up steam this week with 15 stores opening, including nine in the Twin Cities. That includes seven Rise outposts and eight Green Goods dispensaries. Both of those companies have been operating for several years as the state's two medical marijuana providers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VoCuPw
FLOUR AD: Via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “George Johnson discovered the side of his house was harboring a secret Gold Medal Flour advertisement. Now, he’s fighting to preserve it. Johnson, who lives in south Minneapolis in a 110-year-old house, was updating his home when he unveiled the ad. The integrity of the historic ad faces the challenge of time and weather, and not to mention, Johnson’s home is not weatherized either. The expensive preservation work and renovations stands between Johnson’s want to share the advertisement with the community.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ijg67e
ENTREPRENEURS: Sahan Journal talked with East African women in the Twin Cities about their mobile cafe businesses and the challenges they faced. QUOTE: “They [government agencies] have [processes] for food trucks, restaurants, or for temporary shops, but [not specifically] for a mobile cart,” [Chaltu Hassan] said. “Figuring that out took a very long time. I felt like I was being thrown to different people. ‘Oh, ask this person; oh, ask that person; oh, call this number, fill out this application; actually, no, this is the wrong application, fill out this application.’ I felt like I might as well just give up. I was able to find information through calling the Minnesota Department of Health. Even then, depending on the county you live in, the rules are different.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IhNwTI
POY: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “In a year with an uncertain economy, Robert (Rob) Vischer propelled the University of St. Thomas forward by effectively serving as an academic, business, and community leader. Vischer, who became the university’s president in January 2023, is TCB’s 2025 Person of the Year. On Oct. 24, one of Vischer’s major 2025 accomplishments will take center stage in St. Paul. Named for lead donors Lee and Penny Anderson, a new multi-purpose arena with a $175 million price tag will open.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Vqgxzt
DET-TRONICS: Via Bloomington-based Det-Tronics, VERBATIM: “Det-Tronics is pleased to announce the appointment of Johannes Mario Kahlert as the new President of Det-Tronics. In addition to his leadership of Det-Tronics, Mario will join the Spectrum Safety Solutions Executive Leadership Team and will be based at the Det-Tronics global headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gyaBhy
TOMORROW: Via Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, VERBATIM: “As the clock ticks down on Federal Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) for solar projects by year’s end, the Governor’s Office and local nonprofits will celebrate the success of a new community solar installation and investment project at Celtic Junction Arts Center in St. Paul with an event called ‘Soaring Forward with Solar’ on Friday, September 19, 2025. During the event, homeowners, nonprofits and faith communities will be urged to act before those Federal subsidies terminate December 31, 2025.”
THIS FALL: Via MplsStPaul, a guide to fall events. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/42zg95B
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
STATE FAIR: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Nadia Cakes made its big state fair debut this year, partnering with Bridgeman’s Ice Cream on a treat called ‘The Land of 10,000 Cakes.’ The dessert is a concoction of three cupcakes (chocolate bliss, crème brûlée, and pistachio) paired with Bridgeman’s Butter Brittle ice cream and topped with a cherry. If you didn’t get a chance to try it at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, you’re in luck. Nadia Cakes is selling the parfait all month long at its stores in Maple Grove and Woodbury.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4nv8SvM
BDAYS: Fluence Advisory partner Paul T. Anderson, WCCO Radio’s Henry Lake, St. Thomas hoops coach Johnny Tauer, fmr. Sen. John Hottinger, lobbyist Jeremy Estenson, public affairs pro Tyler Verry
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