Vikings play the Bears tonight.
Twins won!
Children’s Minnesota released its last Annunciation shooting victim from the hospital. At HCMC, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas remains in critical condition. MPR: http://fluence-media.co/4p6tDzn
Annunciation victim Fletcher Merkel was laid to rest Sunday. Over 1,400 people attended the funeral. Fletcher was described as “All gas, no brake.” Take that into your week and life. STRIB: http://fluence-media.co/4gbdtRr
USA Today’s nominations for the nation’s best corn maze include Sever’s Fall Festival in Shakopee. LIST: http://fluence-media.co/3KbIZCA
An NBC News poll shows 78% of Americans, including 67% of Republicans, support the use of vaccines. POLL: http://fluence-media.co/463bU4F
A CBS News poll finds that 4 in 10 Americans have lowered their purchasing because of tariffs. Meanwhile, 70% of Republicans and 29% of Independents say Americans should be willing to pay higher prices on goods to support Donald Trump’s trade agenda. POLL: http://fluence-media.co/4gdjqgE
A teacher, and a police officer. A DFLer and a Republican on Sunday Take A discussion with GOP Rep. Jeff Witte and DFL Sen. Steve Cwodzinski on how the state should move forward after the Annunciation Church mass shooting. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3V1bEg9
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DFL: It might be a significant week for the future of the DFL.
House DFLers are reportedly meeting today to elect a new leader. The race is between Leader Jamie Long and Rep. Zack Stephenson. The leader will have a challenge of keeping the caucus together in what is expected to be a tied House after the special election next Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz has a fundraiser. That could be a sign of his re-election plans. Members of “Walz World” have been meeting nearly daily over the past several weeks including sometimes multiple times a day. Sources say that Gov. Walz is not convinced that he should run again, however supporters and staff believe that he’s the DFL’s best chance. As I wrote after FarmFest, the Governor may not want to run, but the pressure to run could convince him that his campaign cash on hand, and the GOP field make the unprecedented third-term key to his political future.
If Walz doesn’t run, DFL Chair Richard Carlbom’s job will become more challenging as it could mean open seats for Governor, US Senate, Attorney General, Secretary of State and Auditor. Those races and the battle for control of the House and Senate would be expensive for even the cash rich DFL political machine. Republicans, who have struggled to compete financially would have a different story to tell funders and be able to potentially raise more money than the past few years.
If DFL shake-up happens, don’t forget about the tensions between the DSA wing of the party and the state party – it will play out more loudly into 2026.
MARTIN: The Democratic National Committee posted a half-hour video of a conversation between Gov. Tim Walz and DNC Chair Ken Martin in Minneapolis on Aug. 26. The pair discussed Pres. Donald Trump and the effect his policies are having on Minnesota. WALZ: “Where are the ‘don’t tread on me’ people? You are being tread on every single day. … We see rural hospitals preparing to close down. We see rural nursing homes that don’t understand how their finances are going to work over the horizon. … The most successful thing [Trump] has done is grift off the American people.” WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4phiaNG
FATEH: Minneapolis mayoral candidate and state Sen. Omar Fateh released a statement accusing the Star Tribune of working on a story about his wife that is “manufacturing a scandal where there is none.” Fateh gave few details, but he indicated the upcoming report is related to his wife’s business dealings and the state’s fraud investigations. QUOTE: “My campaign team has provided the Star Tribune with ample proof that an exploratory business has never operated to this day, never billed DHS, never served a single client, and never received a dime of state or federal funding, as well as documentation that my wife left that business well over a year ago — as it never operated.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42ac3Re
MORE: Sen. Omar Fateh was interviewed by left-leaning outlet The Nation this weekend about his campaign for Minneapolis mayor and his thoughts on the state DFL revoking his endorsement. FATEH: “This was a political decision and not one that was based on facts presented to the committee. … No matter what happened that day, the outcome would’ve been the same, and we would’ve ended with our endorsement. Our campaign out-organized the competition.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46fSvMD
NOTE: Fateh has still not done regular local interviews, he’s invited to be on Sunday Take next week.
PUBLIC SAFETY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A deadly crash in Minneapolis renewed bipartisan calls from state lawmakers to create stricter penalties for people who flee police and endanger the public in the process. The call for change, led by Sen. Julia Coleman, R-Waconia, directly followed a high-speed chase and crash that killed two women and injured a 6-year-old boy. … Coleman on Saturday said she’s been working on such legislation since the 2022 Minnesota Legislative Session and plans to propose the bill again in 2026. … Sen. Judy Seeberger, DFL-Afton, on Saturday said the bill has her support.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4m0Obqt
WALKOUTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Students across Minnesota staged walkouts Friday to demand legislative action on gun violence following the Aug. 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. … Thirty-seven schools in the state were expected to participate in the walkout, in addition to walkouts in other parts of the country. … Also on Friday, a coalition of faith leaders and advocates held a news conference at the Capitol to call for an immediate legislative special session to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. … Students gathered inside the Capitol to listen to speakers.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IaDCmE
SECURITY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Catholic parishes across the Twin Cities are locking their doors, hiring security guards and reshaping routines to keep worshippers safe in the aftermath of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. … The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis issued new safety guidance, urging leaders to work closely with law enforcement, tighten visitor protocols and consider a stronger security presence. … Minneapolis-based Unparalleled Security has received nonstop calls from churches and schools in the Twin Cities requesting guards and other safety measures since the Annunciation shooting, owner Christopher Forest said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/464Ij9v
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EPSTEIN: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Congress returned from its summer recess [last] week and lawmakers immediately resumed their fight over how best to comply with public demands for more information about Jeffrey Epstein. Democrats lined up to sign a ‘discharge petition’ [that] would force the consideration of a bill mandating the release of all files in the case of the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. Minnesota’s Republican lawmakers have not signed the petition, which, thanks to the support of three House Republicans, is just two votes shy of the 218 needed to compel a vote on the House floor. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-8th District, said he backed the efforts of the Trump Administration and GOP congressional leaders instead. … Minnesota’s Democratic lawmakers have signed the discharge petition. ‘It feels like there’s a cover up,’ said Rep. Betty McCollum, D-4th District.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46ohnTw
REDISTRICTING: Via KSHB, Sen. Amy Klobuchar visited the Kansas City area this weekend to advocate against Republican plans to redraw Missouri’s congressional districts before the 2026 elections. Klobuchar and other Democrats accused the GOP of gerrymandering and said it’s an issue of national importance. KLOBUCHAR: “By dividing this up three different ways and hacking up this great city — a city that is thriving, and where a congressman has done so much for you — it diminishes the power of this city.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4gcNglt
EMPLOYMENT: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Federal Reserve Bank of New York says the unemployment rate for recent college graduates has fluctuated this year between 4.8% to 5.8%, which is the highest unemployment rate since 2015. That rate is higher than the overall unemployment rate, which has been a steady 4% this year. … U of M Career Services executive director Sara Newberg said one indicator [she] and her team use to gauge the job market is to count the number of companies who are signing up for their fall career fairs on campus.” NEWBERG: “We're down just a little bit, I would say 10% across all sectors. I think we're just seeing employers who are a bit more cautious in an environment that is uncertain.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3I7Kdy8
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)
DEBT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Medical debt lawsuits across Minnesota have surged to the highest level in five years, according to a new analysis. … [It] found that the number of medical debt lawsuits filed in Minnesota dropped significantly during the pandemic, but they have now surged back to pre-pandemic levels. Lawsuits filed for overall consumer debt, including debt from unpaid medical bills, auto loans and credit cards, are also increasing — not just in Minnesota, but across the country.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4giTr7G
PRISONS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesotans in prison are growing old — fast. Nearly 1 in 5 people incarcerated in the state is over 50, a figure that’s more than tripled since 1999. The oldest is 93. Thirteen others are in their 80s. A decade ago, Minnesota ranked among the states with the highest annual per-capita prison health care costs. Those costs have more than doubled, to $16,273, since then. Prison health care costs have increased 45% in the past three years. … The changing prison demographics have placed intense pressure on a system ill-equipped to manage chronic illness, geriatric care and end-of-life services.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/482aFnp
UMN: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “More than 1,400 service workers across the University of Minnesota’s five campuses could strike after they rejected the university’s ‘last, best and final’ offer on a new labor contract. The Teamsters Local 320, the union representing cooks, groundskeepers and other service workers, urged their members to vote down the offer. … ‘A system-wide strike remains an option as we maneuver through the next several days and talk to members,’ said Brian Aldes, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 320, in a statement announcing the vote results Friday. … The union said to avoid the strike the university must raise wages at least 3.5% a year, [but] federal budget cuts and rising costs have strained university budgets across the country.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4ni7RXH
SCHOOL MEALS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “New [federal] sugar restrictions aimed at certain breakfast items like yogurt, cereal and flavored milk went into effect in July, prompting many Minnesota schools to revise menus for breakfast, which is free for all students. The new rules are part of the initial phase of regulations that will, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, limit sodium in school meals and limit added sugars to less than 10% of all weekly calories in school meals.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4giYfde
SUMMER SAVINGS: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “Home cooling can account for about half of your summertime electric bill. Here are five simple, effective ways to boost energy efficiency in your home and save money.
1. Ceiling fans cool you, not the room.
2. When away, adjust your thermostat.
3. Hot air belongs outside.
4. Cook smarter to stay cooler.
5. Let nature dry your clothes — plus, your chores can wait until evening.”
(SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
METRO TRANSIT: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “More security guards and uniformed fare-checkers will soon roam Metro Transit buses, trains and stations as the agency tries to woo back riders concerned about safety. The Metropolitan Council has approved a $57 million, two-year contract that will add nearly round-the-clock security guards and Transit Rider Investment Program, or TRIP, agents at more of Metro Transit’s busiest — and most troubled — transit stations. Those include the Snelling Avenue Green Line station, the Brooklyn Center Transit Center and the Uptown Transit Center. More personnel will also roam train cars and stations in St. Paul’s Hamline-Midway neighborhoods and a handful of other locations.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46exa6l
DISASTER AID: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the authorization of emergency assistance for areas of Minnesota following storms and flooding that caused significant destruction earlier this summer. … Heavy rainfall on June 13 caused flooding in Big Stone, Freeborn, and Kandiyohi Counties, causing significant damage to public property. Funding and public assistance will aid in rebuilding public infrastructure following the storms. The total assistance will be determined once all documentation and recovery work has been completed.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nhRRoD
TRIBES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A crowd of approximately 300 gathered Friday morning in the Lower Mall of the Capitol grounds to honor what is said to be a historic moment in Minnesota. Flags of the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state were raised for the first time at the Capitol grounds and will fly permanently at the new Tribal Flag Plaza. State leaders such as Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan spoke alongside tribal leaders at the opening ceremony. … Construction on the Tribal Flag Plaza began earlier this year as a part of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board’s first phase of the Capitol Mall Design Framework.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3V57uUp
LGBTQ: via CNN, VERBATIM: “In the wake of the Minneapolis Catholic church shooting, senior Justice Department officials are weighing proposals to limit transgender people’s right to possess firearms, according to two officials familiar with the internal discussions. The talks [were] described as preliminary in nature…but Justice Department leadership is seriously considering whether it [could] declare that people who are transgender are mentally ill and can lose their Second Amendment rights to possess firearms. … Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law School, [said] ‘This precedent being used against trans people could be used against veterans with PTSD. It’s a slippery slope.’ … Of the more than 5,700 mass shootings in America [since 2013], five shooters were confirmed as transgender.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3HMchqX
RESPONSE: via the National Rifle Association, STATEMENT: “The NRA supports the Second Amendment rights of all law abiding Americans to purchase, possess and use firearms. NRA does not, and will not, support any policy proposals that implement sweeping gun bans that arbitrarily strip law-abiding citizens of their Second Amendment rights without due process. … The Second Amendment isn’t up for debate.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3V1rXtk
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Firefighting crews worked for hours before they were able to contain a blaze that engulfed several commercial buildings Sunday morning in northeast Minneapolis. The fire, which was reported around 4 a.m., began at an abandoned multi-story commercial structure. … The fire quickly spread, leading to the partial collapse of several nearby buildings. Its cause remains under investigation.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/487rihB
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The results of a yearlong update to Rochester’s comprehensive plan will be presented for final approval Monday. … The plan, which was developed in 2018 to envision city growth through 2040, serves as a guide for future policy decisions. [This is] intended as the first of what are expected to be routine five-year updates. … Among the changes is an update to how much land could be considered for industrial development in and around Rochester. … Developers have expressed a desire for larger parcels, citing a lack of identified sites meeting their needs in and around Rochester.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3V5GXGv
ST CLOUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Officials in St. Cloud are considering whether to raise the city’s tax rate next year to fill what its mayor says are funding gaps for maintenance and reserves. Jake Anderson, who took office in January, presented his first proposed budget to the city council last month. He called for a shift in budgeting philosophy from his predecessor, longtime St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis. During Kleis’ nearly 20-year tenure, the city operated under a strategy of relying on economic growth to grow revenue and avoid tax increases, Anderson said. But the city hasn't kept up with repairing buildings and replacing equipment and technology, he said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/487mPvl
UNDISTURBED LAND: One of the largest undisturbed natural areas in the Twin Cities metro area is the Pine Bend Bluffs in Dakota County. Situated along the Mississippi River, these hundreds of acres owned by Flint Hills Resources are a key migration corridor for millions of songbirds and 40% of North America’s waterfowl and shorebirds. Collaboration among Friends of the Mississippi River, Great River Greening and Flint Hills Resources volunteers help to restore this natural area to pre-settlement conditions. The Pine Bend Bluffs has earned Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Certification since 2001. The site recently earned gold certification, making the Pine Bend Bluffs currently the only gold certified site in Minnesota and the first ever in the metro area. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4241cZ2 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
CASS LAKE: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The Cass Lake Rural Volunteer Fire Association's building is in a tight situation — literally — and the need for a larger, cleaner fire hall is apparent. Cass Lake Fire Chief Robert Jaspers has raised over $1 million of a $5.4 million goal to construct a new fire hall. He's applied to more than 60 grants and has been in contact with state representatives to secure congressional funding. … In August, he was notified that the department would not receive congressional funding this year, leaving the department well short of its goal. … [But] Jaspers plans to continue applying for grants, host different community fundraisers and make one final push for congressional funding in 2026 before considering other options like repairing or remodeling the current fire hall.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4gdJ4Su
WAITE PARK: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “Construction on ISD 742’s new multipurpose indoor athletic field is expected to begin in spring 2026. Voters approved a referendum in April allowing the district to build the new facility and make improvements to Apollo High School. The facility, which will be located on the Apollo High School grounds, is estimated to cost $15 million. … The district expects to start receiving bids on the project in January and February 2026. … Construction will last a year, running from spring 2026 to spring 2027.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3JP4XLL
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
FED: via CNN, VERBATIM: “Stephen Miran, the White House economist President Donald Trump nominated to the Federal Reserve’s top ranks, just got an earful about the importance of the central bank’s independence — just as the Trump administration actively defends removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook from her post. The Senate Banking Committee held a hearing [last week] to consider Miran’s nomination to fill a vacant seat on the Fed’s Board of Governors. … Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said, ‘Given the nature of your current role and your expressed concern in mind for insulating the Fed board members from the day-to-day political process, I just don’t understand how your nomination doesn’t break the rule or the goal that you’ve set out yourself.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m0Rz4m
GUN CTRL: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Why didn’t Democrats ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines when they controlled the Legislature? In 2023, Democratic lawmakers had bills to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines as well as new requirements that guns be stored safely and reported lost or stolen in a timely manner. Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, introduced an assault weapons ban in 2023 but DFL leaders didn’t forward the legislation for a hearing. He said Democrats for a long time have been scared to talk about gun control and are worried about their reelection prospects if they take a stand on stricter gun measures.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gtATlf
TRADE: via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Farmers and farm groups met with USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg [last week]. Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad hosted a roundtable in New Ulm, Minnesota and says Linderberg heard concerns that were expressed during the August recess ‘in regards to the current climate and whether it’s the price or the trade talks or the upcoming crop that we have.’ He tells Brownfield the undersecretary was asked about what to expect on the trade front.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42eyNQ3
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will receive a regular briefing from the Minnesota National Guard.
WEDNESDAY: via an MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Aric Putnam (DFL–St. Cloud) will host a panel discussion on safe schools and safe communities on Wednesday, September 10, from 6:30 – 7:30 PM. … It will provide an opportunity for residents to share their perspectives, ask questions, and engage in an open dialogue about how to keep St. Cloud schools and neighborhoods safe.”
SATURDAY: Rep. Ilhan Omar announced she will host an in-person town hall in Robbinsdale at 11:00 a.m. this Saturday to “provide an update on my work in Congress, discuss the services my office can provide, and answer your questions,” per a release.
BDAYS: community relations pro Kirstin Sersland, business guy Jimmy Beltz, real estate leader Chris Sherman, fmr. GOP Chair Tony Sutton, communication veteran Megan Ryan, asphalt advocate Abbey Bryduck, pr pro Jenni Bowring, Star Tribune’s Jill Burcum. SAT: CNN’s McKenna Ewen, Greater MSPs Matt Lewis, SUN: soccer scribe Adam Belz, fmr. Mpls Mayor Betsy Hodges, Education advocate Brandon Rettke, Ed MN’s Chris Williams, DC Policy pro Meredith Raimondi, union pro Jennifer Munt
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
BDAYS: fmr. Strib columnist Neal St. Athony, St. Paul leader Kathy Lantry, mom of Molly – Connie Coleman
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