Today marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11. Never Forget.
Conservative media figure Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a speaking event in Utah. ABC: http://fluence-media.co/3IjluHl
A Reuters poll finds that Donald Trump’s overall approval rating has climbed to 42%, but his handling of the economy has dropped to 36% approval. POLL: http://fluence-media.co/4mYI4Er
Kiril turned down a huge offer – never take the first offer.
JJ McCarthy was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Sports Take features the essay that Howard Sinker hoped he wouldn't have to write on the Twins disastrous season and what needs to be done to restore the team's credibility for 2026 and beyond. He's also intrigued by Minnesota quarterbacks, the WNBA playoffs and a few other things. Watch for Sports Take this afternoon.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
From Charlie Kirk to Gov. Tim Walz today’s morning take with Vineeta Sawkar this morning on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/41OFtEn
A VERY good listen…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
AUDIENCE: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.
TAKE: Twenty-four years ago we united as a country after we were attacked. Today we are attacking ourselves, our own people. What has been an uncivil war of words, is shifting to a civil war of violence. The republic and democracy are at risk.
The poster behind my desk since 1992 reads “Censorship is UnAmerican”, and it’s a principle that I will not compromise on. As a college newspaper editor I pushed back against “hate speech” rules as a danger to the First Amendment. Here we are 33 years later, plenty of hate speech that laws and rules haven’t changed. If Minnesota wants to be the place of change, EVERY one of us has to pause before we type or speak with anger.
As we enter a year of a Governor’s race, may we qualify candidates based on their ability to offer a vision of a future and not an attack on the other side, or an overamplification about issues that are designed for clicks or endorphins rather than solutions.
It starts with the top, and there is only so much this newsletter can do, but via radio and newsletter I’m resolved to have a measured, thoughtful and balanced view of issues that our state and nation face. So at the top of our state, and the top of our nation – it’s time to adjust your sails. The best leaders are reflective, wise and measured. Most of all they are accountable for their words, and actions. If you can’t do that , step aside for someone who can be.
VIOLENCE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, has died after being shot Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University. … Kirk’s killing follows other instances of political violence in the United States in recent months, including the assassination of a Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband in June. … Kurt Braddock, an assistant professor of public communication at American University, says little is known yet about the shooter or the motive. But he says it can’t be ignored that polarization and the normalization of violence have become threaded through U.S. politics.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nu8Vbi
MORE: Via Star Tribune, Charlie Kirk was scheduled to bring his “American Comeback” speaking tour to the University of Minnesota on Sept. 22 — just 11 days from now. An eyewitness claims that Kirk was shot as he was discussing mass shootings, including the Annunciation attack in Minneapolis. READ: http://fluence-media.co/3VbzPIJ http://fluence-media.co/4m45oix
MORE: Via state Sen. John Hoffman and family, STATEMENT: “America is broken, and political violence endangers our lives and democracy. The assassination of Charlie Kirk today is only the latest act that our country cannot continue to accept. Our leaders of both parties must not only tone down their own rhetoric, but they must begin to call out extreme, aggressive and violent dialog that foments these attacks on our republic and freedom. We also call on leaders of both parties to take immediate action to prevent gun violence. Our prayers are with the Kirk family, our state and our country.”
(DISCLOSURE: Fluence Advisory is providing media support for the Hoffman family)
SCHOOLSHOOTING: Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Betty McCollum also shared thoughts on a school shooting in Colorado that happened at around the same time yesterday, with Walz simply saying “Enough.” McCOLLUM: “My heart goes out to those who have been wounded. Students shouldn’t have to live in fear of a shooting taking place in their school. Congress must act to pass common-sense gun safety laws NOW!” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4npqTLW
BLAHA: via MPR, VERBATIM: “State Auditor Julie Blaha says she's keeping her options open for a bid for another office as she closes out her term over the next year and a half. Blaha [said] she’ll go where she feels needed, although she ruled out a campaign for governor.” QUOTE: “I’m keeping my options open. I’ve always said, ‘Hey, I’ll just go where I’m needed.’ And I’m not sure in a year where I’m going to be most needed, but I’m watching for that.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3V8FpvB
WALZ: We could share stories from other media about Walz planning to announce his re-election plan next week, but we had that in yesterday’s morning take. Thanks to our readers for already knowing he was running again before those “big” newsrooms verified it.
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UMN: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Picketing continued at University of Minnesota campuses across the state on Wednesday as hundreds of custodians, maintenance staff and food service workers remain on strike. The university said some dining locations are closed or on limited service while the strike is underway, and that custodial services are also reduced. … The strike also affects the Crookston, Duluth and Morris campuses, as well as some other university facilities across the state.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46d6Vgq
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[This] is the first Teamsters strike since the union was created at the U in the 1970s. Gus Froemke, a spokesman for Teamsters Local 320, said the strike will likely stretch through the end of the week or into the weekend after the Teamsters turned down the U’s final contract offer. No date is set for negotiations to restart.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4mYFGgX
UMC: via Grand Forks Herald, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Crookston is on track to have its highest enrollment year in history, according to university projections. The campus’ growth over the years has shown an upward trend in steady enrollment increases, according to UMC data. … The school's enrollment peaked during 2014-2015 at just under 1,880 students, the release said, and is projected to pass that number in 2025. The official census will be announced in October by the Board of Regents.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/41QdSTf
DESPITE THE CHALLENGES OF RURAL HEALTH CARE, ESSENTIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING TOP CLINICAL CARE: According to the latest report from Minnesota Community Measurement, a statewide resource on health care quality, costs and equity, Essentia ranked as a high performer with 19 of 20 clinical quality metrics scoring above statewide averages. According to Dr. Maria Beaver, chief quality and patient safety officer at Essentia: “This is a testament to the amazing care provided by all our clinical care teams and all our colleagues who support them.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dCxy1D (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
EPSTEIN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Rep. Michelle Fischbach was forced to cast another vote on deceased sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein from her perch on the House Rules Committee on Tuesday. … Fischbach and the rest of the Republicans on the committee all rejected committee Democrats’ attempt to advance Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna's bipartisan bill that would compel the federal government to turn over the long-awaited Epstein files. … Fischbach has had to cast several other Epstein related votes on the Rules Committee, which has already shown signs of potentially becoming a political liability for her. … Even though this vote ultimately failed, the issue doesn't look like it's going away for her anytime soon.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3VFYLbw
MORE: via Politico, VERBATIM: “GOP Rep. Thomas Massie is on his way to notching the 218 signatures required [to] force a floor vote on his bipartisan legislation to release Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Newly sworn-in Democratic Rep. James Walkinshaw, who won a special election in Virginia Tuesday night, signed the petition late Wednesday. … [It] needs only one more House member’s signature to clinch 218, [and] a Democrat is expected to win the Sept. 23 special election.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46vDR53
POT: via an OCM press release, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz signed the second Tribal-state compact authorized under state statute. The agreement outlines how the state of Minnesota and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe will promote a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship to regulate cannabis. … More information about the compacting process — including copies of signed, executed cannabis compacts — can be found on the Office of Cannabis Management's Tribal Compacts website.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45ZUPbJ
MORE: Here is a copy of the compact with the Mille Lacs band of Ojibwe. READ: https://fluence-media.co/47ybtjP
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)
TEST SCORES: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “A decade-long slide in high schoolers' reading and math performance persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 12th graders' scores dropping to their lowest level in more than 20 years, according to results released Tuesday. … Minnesota educators are racing to reverse these sliding math and reading scores impacting students and districts all across the country. Minnetonka Public Schools superintendent David Law tells [WCCO] that the state has identified materials schools should use to improve reading.” LAW: “We're just at the front end of a major shift in how we address reading in public education. Every school district has trained every teacher, and all districts are currently in the adoption process for new materials. That should see an uptick in how students are performing in our schools. It takes a little bit of time.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3VbsKrG
CYBERSECURITY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “For the first time in its history, the Mounds View Public School District will ask voters to approve a $10 million technology levy. … School district leaders in Minnesota are growing increasingly worried about threats from hackers trying to gain access to sensitive student data. In Mounds View, for example, [officials] said hackers attempted to gain access to the district’s network more than 60,000 times in one month alone. … [Cybersecurity] grants are capped depending on the size of the school district. The largest districts in the state — like Mounds View — can only receive up to $105,000. … Without a dedicated funding stream, districts are left asking taxpayers to foot the bill.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/46enVTD
CABINET: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today convened his cabinet at Pine Bend Elementary School in Inver Grove Heights to spotlight his goal to make Minnesota the best state for children and families. The Governor was joined by the state children’s cabinet, state agencies, and education leaders and partners to highlight Minnesota’s investments in pre-kindergarten, literacy, and universal school meals. … Today’s meeting focused on connecting with educators and students and learning about school-based pre-K, expanded literacy efforts, and universal meals.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4ntnDz7
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)
DASHBOARD: via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Today, Mayor Jacob Frey announced the full launch of the City’s Mayoral Dashboard, a first-of-its-kind public tool providing regular updates on several of Minneapolis’ top priorities. The interactive dashboard tracks progress in the areas of crime, recruitment and retention, climate action, public health (opioid response), economic inclusion, and homelessness response. … By providing easy-to-read charts, maps, and trends, the tool empowers residents to see how their tax dollars are being put to work and measure progress across the city.” SEE: http://fluence-media.co/42glONO
JUDGE: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “The Governor’s Office today announced they are accepting applications for the chief administrative law judge position at the Court of Administrative Hearings. The Court of Administrative Hearings (formerly known as the Office of Administrative Hearings) is an administrative court that holds fair and impartial hearings in contested cases involving challenges to government action or workers’ compensation disputes. The court also exercises general supervision over state agency rulemaking. The chief administrative law judge must be learned in the law and is appointed by the Governor for a term of six years. … Application materials are due by 4:00 pm on October 8 and should be addressed to Governor [Tim] Walz.”
HOCKEY: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the bipartisan Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, which they cosponsor, has passed the Senate. The legislation will award three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. … In April, the House of Representatives passed this legislation, which was led by Representative Peter Stauber (R-MN) and co-sponsored by the entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation. The amended bill now returns to the House for another vote before heading to the president’s desk.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47DK3cj
MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Hopes are fading for a neighborhood group to transform a former industrial site in south Minneapolis into an urban oasis of agriculture. For years, the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) has sought to purchase the former Roof Depot property from the city to prevent the site from being used as a water and sewer maintenance facility and instead have it privately redeveloped as an eco-friendly indoor farm. EPNI’s plan to purchase the site for $11.4 million has hinged on securing half of the money from the Minnesota Legislature. … Now, with a year-long extension on an agreement to buy the property coming to a close, city staff notified EPNI leadership they will have to reject the group’s $10.2 million counteroffer.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42kXomh
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education has approved new contract agreements with the teachers union for 2025 to 2027. … The agreement — approved by the school board at a Tuesday night meeting — was the first in more than 20 years to be reached ahead of a new school year and without mediation. It is retroactive to July 1, 2025. … Under the agreement, licensed staff, such as teachers, receive a $1,820 pay bump effective July 1, 2025, and an additional $180 effective Jan. 1.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45ZGMTB
BURNSVILLE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The woman who bought the guns that her romantic partner used to kill three first responders in Burnsville last year was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison. Ashley Dyrdahl pleaded guilty in January to federal charges of purchasing guns for Shannon Gooden, who was ineligible to have firearms because of an assault conviction. Dyrdahl admitted to illegally purchasing five weapons in all, but prosecutors pledged to drop three of the straw purchasing counts. Dyrdahl, 36, also agreed to appear in public service announcements about straw purchasing.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3KeDL9c
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)
HUDSON: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Hudson School Board heard from parents and teachers as the district considers possible closings to ease a budget shortage. The school board is in the process of deciding whether to possibly shutter Willow River and/or Houlton Elementary Schools. … The district told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that they’ve cut staffing, but with declining school enrollment, state assistance not keeping up with inflation, plans need to be made for shortfalls ahead. According to district data, the estimated savings for closing Willow River could be more than $2.1 million per year, while at Houlton Elementary, the savings are around $1.6 million per year.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3VNwcZC
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Rochester Public Schools is expected to collect an additional 6.5% in taxes in 2026, which would represent an added $6.5 million. The Rochester School Board heard a presentation about the preliminary tax levy on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and is expected to vote on it Tuesday, Sept. 23. They will then certify the final levy later in the year. If approved, the preliminary tax levy would increase the total amount the district collects from local property owners from $98.9 million in 2025 to $105.3 million in 2026.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4me92X7
BELTRAMI CTY: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “Beltrami County began working on its 2026 preliminary budget earlier than usual to draft a set of parameters to follow and now has a proposal awaiting board approval. This includes up to 42% worth of cuts to community services like Paul Bunyan Transit, area libraries — Bemidji and Blackduck — and the Beltrami County Historical Society. The cuts serve to offset more than $1.2 million in cost shifts from the federal and state governments. … The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners is set to vote on the preliminary budget during its next meeting, slated for Tuesday, Sept. 16. The 2026 preliminary budget, alongside a tax levy, must be approved by the end of September.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4mXI47x
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
US ATTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Attorney Daniel Rosen had sailed through a relatively smooth process to become Minnesota’s next U.S. Attorney, but the final steps of his confirmation could be held up indefinitely in the U.S. Senate by recent opposition from top Democrats. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have blocked Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Senate Judiciary Committee chair, in attempts to confirm Rosen and nine other U.S. attorney nominees unanimously in the Senate. Confirming U.S. attorneys was once a relatively quick and bipartisan process in the Senate, but Democrats point to what they view as precedent set by Vice President JD Vance as the basis for their objection.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41NdKE3
SD46: St. Louis Park city council member Lynette Dumalag has filed a committee to challenge Sen. Ron Latz for his seat. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/45WuUBE
24A: via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “Byron scientist and former school board member, Heather Holmes, announced her bid for Minnesota House District 24A Tuesday night. Holmes will run in hopes of representing parts of Olmsted and Dodge Counties. The seat is currently held by Republican Duane Quam. Holmes previously ran for the seat in 2024 but lost.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46aTltW
FARM BILL: via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says passing a skinny farm bill before the end of the year is a priority. Minnesota Republican Brad Finstad tells Brownfield about 70 percent of legislation that makes up the farm bill was included in this summer’s reconciliation package.” FINSTAD: “We accomplished quite a bit in the reconciliation bill, but there is still around 30 percent that has to be done. So getting back here (to Washington, D.C.) this fall and finishing some very crucial things that need to be finishing (is a priority).” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mRWOEV
TODAY: Minneapolis City Council members Robin Wonsley and Elliott Payne will host a press conference after the council adjourns its Thursday meeting. The duo will discuss their vote on changing the MPD’s off-duty work policies, per a release.
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.
NEXT WEEK: via an MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis) will host a special town hall meeting on Tuesday, September 16 at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) in Minneapolis to help people in his district understand how the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting their lives now and into the future.” The event is at 6:15 p.m.
THIS MONTH: via MN Health Plans, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Council of Health Plans expects a final announcement soon from the state’s Department of Commerce about health insurance rates for Minnesota’s individual market and small businesses. Lucas Nesse, president and CEO of the Council, will be available to provide a statement and/or comments about the Commerce Department announcement. This announcement is due on or before October 1st.”
BDAYS: housing advocate Anne Mavity, lobbyist Joe Bagnoli, GOP insider Jill Vujovich-Laabs
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take from now to the future is in memory of Melissa Hortman her accessibility, leadership and commitment to public service.
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