Back to school for the rest of the state today, and a dark cloud overhead.
Walz announcement expected soon, but may wait a week or so.
Lynx win. Twins lose.
Northern Minnesota could see its first snow of the season this week. BMTN: https://fluence-media.co/46hMqQQ
What does it mean to be a Delta tech op? STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4paiptV
Spotify shared the top five “songs of the summer” for Minneapolis, with “Ordinary” by Alex Warren at number one. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4n9oeWA
MinnPost asked State Fair goers about their hopes for Minnesota. The top responses: more jobs, more money and more unity. READ: http://fluence-media.co/461hT8y
Sunday Take featured Republicans Kendall Qualls and Rep. Kristin Robbins discussing their campaigns for governor at the State Fair. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4g3PEuv
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Sunday Take was live at the State Fair as GOP Rep. Keith Allen and DFL Sen. Doron Clark discussed their lifelong friendship and how to bridge political divisions. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3HuzoGl
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SPECIAL SESSION: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz is mobilizing for a potential emergency legislative session on gun proposals after a school shooting. … The Democratic governor posted on social media Friday that ‘it’s time to take serious action at the State Capitol to address gun violence.’ But he provided few details about when that could take place or what measures would be up for discussion. … Aides said Walz has been calling lawmakers about what might be done ahead of the 2026 session, which doesn’t convene until February. … Any special session could be dicey because the political layout of the Legislature remains closely divided. Republicans will have at least a share of House control, which is currently in the GOP’s favor 67 to 66 pending a Sept. 16 special election. … Rep. Harry Niska, a top-ranking House Republican, said Walz floated his idea before having any discussions with Republicans.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3K1fwv5
RESPONSE: via a Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson statement, JOHNSON: “Republicans are committed to addressing the root causes of violence, supporting safe schools, and increasing access to mental health resources. Calling for a special session without even consulting legislative leaders is not a serious way to begin. This is a partisan stunt from a governor who continues to engage in destructive partisan rhetoric.”
TAKE: As we highlight “Back to School”, there’s a reality about the math in a Special Session that doesn’t work. There are currently not the votes to change gun laws in a Special Session. The Senate is short two members, the House one. Once the House goes back it will likely be a tie. To that end, the hype of a Special Session would be a political move, not a policy one. The math might change after the 2026 election, and there will and rightfully can be rallies and debates until then – but breathless hype about a Special Session is one-sided hope, not a strategy.
SCHOOLSECURITY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, [said] she supports the plan to create a $50 million Building and Cyber Security Grant Program, which would make money for security available to non-public schools across the state. Two years ago, the Minnesota Catholic Conference, a policy arm of the church, wrote a letter to Governor Tim Walz asking him to support the program, but it failed in 2023. Demuth said there is a chance it could be revived in the next legislative session, in 2026.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3HZ6wpM
RALLY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Gun violence prevention groups pressured the state legislature again on Monday to enact a ban on assault weapons. … The afternoon rally on Labor Day drew a large crowd to the front steps of the capitol, including many young people and high school students from across the Twin Cities. … Several DFL lawmakers spoke at the rally on Monday, and legislative leaders indicated last week that they'll likely introduce an assault-weapons ban as soon as possible. … Students at the rally on Monday said further restrictions on firearms must be part of the conversation at the legislature.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3HDCoQR
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Hundreds of people gathered at the Lake Harriet Bandshell on Monday afternoon for a march described as a show of unity, community and hope in the wake of last week’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. … Marchers called for tougher gun control measures, urging state lawmakers to take up the matter in a special session. … In a speech kicking off the march, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reiterated calls to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines at the state and federal levels. … ‘This is a city that is united in action,’ said Frey, imploring attendees to vote, donate and campaign for elected officials who support such regulations.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47hKhFU
MORE: via Everytown for Gun Safety, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Students Demand Action and Moms Demand Action call for [a] ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. … Dana Hagemann, a volunteer with the Minnesota chapter of Moms Demand Action, [said] ‘Last Thursday, DFL caucus members joined us in our call to ban assault weapons. … Will their Republican colleagues join them in prioritizing the lives of our children and young people over the gun lobby?” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4g1PFiR
GUN CTRL: via MPR, VERBATIM: “One newer focus for those who want more scrutiny of gun transactions is cluster purchases. Authorities say the shooter in Minneapolis legally acquired several guns in short order. Rep. Angie Craig [said] those kinds of gun scale-ups should be flagged. CRAIG: ‘I think the purchase of multiple weapons in a short period of time should be traceable and should be an alert. … When I buy my NyQuil, the pharmacy tracks how often I have bought some sort of sleep aid. So why in the world can't we track this?’ … DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison made a similar point during an interview. ELLISON: ‘If you start buying a bunch of guns, somebody ought to be alerted.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mTpNrK
MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL) told WCCO [last week] that the country needs to reinstate a ban on assault weapons. … The Federal Assault Weapons Ban was a 1994 law that prohibited the manufacture, sale, and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines for civilian use, but it expired in 2004.” MURPHY: “When we had that [ban] at the federal level, violence did go down. And when it expired, gun violence did go up. So I do think that it is something we ought to consider.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/47iwajD
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EMMER: via ABC News, VERBATIM: “GOP Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer said Sunday that Minnesota [red flag] laws should have prevented the suspect from purchasing a gun that allowed them to kill two children. … Emmer also cited mental health as an issue and lack of resources in school as contributing to gun violence in the U.S. However, Emmer notably voted against the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that Congress passed. … It allocated hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds for school districts to enhance safety and mental health resources. When asked why he voted against the legislation, Emmer said, ‘I don't remember the reasons that I didn't vote for that bill.’” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4g3Xh4k TRANSCRIPT: http://fluence-media.co/3UWrQzg
LGBTQ: via a GOP Rep. Drew Roach press release, VERBATIM: “Representative Drew Roach announced that he will be introducing legislation to repeal Minnesota Statute 214.078, which prohibits licensed mental health professionals from providing talk therapy to individuals experiencing questions or struggles related to gender identity. … The bill is expected to be brought forward if the Minnesota Legislature is called into a special session by Governor Tim Walz. Rep. Roach is urging colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the measure in the name of free speech, patient rights, and professional integrity. Senator Nathan Wesenberg is carrying the companion bill in the Minnesota Senate.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lTVhN8
VICTIMS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis police say they’ve identified three more children who were hurt in the Annunciation Church shooting last week. The update brings the total number of victims injured in the shooting to 21, all but three of whom are kids. … As of Monday afternoon, Hennepin Healthcare says three patients — two kids and one adult — remain hospitalized at HCMC. One of those kids is in critical condition while the others are listed in satisfactory condition.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4p3x5uG
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)
WALZ: Gov. Tim Walz spoke to the Wall Street Journal about his thoughts on the Democratic Party’s future, his potential third term, his declining popularity in Minnesota and more. QUOTE: “People get tired of it. I get tired of myself at times. … [They want] something new.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47jepkf
POPE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the ‘pandemic of arms, large and small,’ as he prayed publicly for the victims of a shooting during a Catholic school Mass in the United States. History’s first U.S. pope spoke in English as he denounced the attack and the ‘logic of weapons’ fueling wars around the world, during his Sunday noon blessing.” QUOTE: “Our prayers for the victims of the tragic shooting during a school Mass in the American state of Minnesota. … Let us plead God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47jS3z7
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)
SENATE RACE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The two leading Democratic [Senate] candidates appear to be in sync on what they support for changes to federal gun laws. They both want to clamp down on assault-style guns and bans on high-capacity magazines, but [diverge] on how they talk about guns. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan [has] talked about her Catholic faith, her own school-aged daughter and the need to push harder to get new laws passed. … Rep. Angie Craig [said] there is more that can be done and talk of freedom must include freedom to attend school or church without fear of violence. But she also said the current political dynamic in Washington doesn’t bode well for getting new laws passed.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4mTpNrK
PRIMARIES: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minnesota DFL Chairman Richard Carlbom told MinnPost [that] he wants the nod from the DNC to move up its primary for state, local and congressional races, which is now held in August and results in long, costly and bitter primary fights that rarely benefit either party. … Carlbom said he’d like to move up Minnesota’s state primary to June. To do so, the state GOP would have to agree to move up its primary, too. And the state Legislature would also have to agree to the change. … Carlbom [said] he’s not going to try to move up the state’s presidential primary, now scheduled for March 7.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3JIxQcr
TARIFFS: via CBS News, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump has claimed the authority to bypass Congress and impose sweeping tariffs on foreign products, arguing the import duties are necessary to strengthen the U.S. economy. … [But] the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled Friday that Trump went too far when he declared national emergencies to justify tariffs on nearly every country on Earth. … Friday's 7-4 appeals court decision [gives] his administration time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4mNgidO
RESPONSE: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar statement, KLOBUCHAR: “This reaffirms Congressional authority over tariffs. Instead of raising costs with tariff taxes, the President should be focused on bringing relief to the American people and lowering costs. As the court emphasized, ‘The core Congressional power to impose taxes such as tariffs is vested exclusively in the legislative branch by the Constitution.’ The President clearly overstepped his authority with these across-the-board tariffs.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3K1fRhl
ICE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Omar Jamal, a longtime leader in the local Somali community, was detained Thursday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in downtown Minneapolis. According to a Facebook post by his attorney, Abdiqani Jabane, Jamal is being held at the Freeborn County jail in Albert Lea, which is being used to hold ICE detainees. It was not yet clear what prompted Thursday’s action. … Jamal, 52, came to the United States more than 20 years ago as a refugee fleeing famine and war in Somalia and has been a highly visible figure in Minnesota’s Somali community.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47Gn94f
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)
LABOR: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “People from all walks of life enjoyed a hot dog, corn on the cob, a bag of chips and a cold soda while they listened to Minnesota’s political leaders speak. Several hundred people attended and enjoyed a free meal while hearing from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and several other political figures Monday afternoon at Bayfront Festival Park. Walz spoke extensively about how he believes organized labor is pivotal to American success. … Klobuchar delivered a similar message and used Duluth as an example of what organized labor is capable of accomplishing. She detailed how the city was built not only by workers, but has ultimately been supported by nurses and teachers, too.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lY8rsJ
MORE: Via social media, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig both visited Labor Day events on the Iron Range yesterday as part of their campaigns for U.S. Senate. PHOTOS: http://fluence-media.co/4ngJbz3 http://fluence-media.co/41ysUwP
METRO BIZ: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities business leaders are sounding the alarm after a new report shows innovation and economic growth has slowed over the last decade. The MSP Regional Indicators Dashboard, which is led by Greater MSP, the Minneapolis St. Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership, tracks 58 metrics in order to compare the region’s performance to similar areas, and this year’s stats show the Twin Cities trailing in important categories. … The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area ranks 11th for annual job growth and ninth among its peers for economic growth. At 2.9%, this year’s job growth is better than the previous year, but worse than a decade ago when Minneapolis-St. Paul ranked fifth.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46giODo
MAYOR: DFL Sen. Omar Fateh shared on social media that he wants supporters of his mayoral campaign to modify their yard signs to reflect the fact that his DFL endorsement was revoked. His campaign is offering stickers that say he’s a “labor endorsed Democrat” now. FATEH: “Last week, the MN DFL revoked our endorsement. Due to this decision, our yard signs are out of compliance with state law. We have stickers you can pick up at our new office. … We advise supporters to cover the DFL logo on your sign.” TWEET: http://fluence-media.co/3HS9qg8
SCHOOLS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Schools in St. Paul are being given the option of a visible police presence for the first week of classes in the wake of the mass shooting of children at Annunciation Church last week. St. Paul PD said that it has made the offer to all public and private schools in the city between Tuesday and Friday ‘to bolster a sense of safety and security in our community.’ … Minneapolis PD and local partners will also have an extensive presence across schools and places of work over the course of the week.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3I1Bxt7
MPLS: The Minneapolis mayor and police chief spoke to WCCO-TV about moving forward after the Annunciation shooting. VERBATIM: “‘There will be an increased presence of police and law enforcement around schools,’ Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. ‘We are going to be working collaboratively to make sure we are doing everything we can.’ At this point, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara says it appears the shooter acted alone. … Frey and O'Hara led a response that is credited with saving lives. Doctors said actions by Minneapolis police officers to place tourniquets on victims before paramedics arrived stopped what might have been fatal bleedouts. ‘I thought there were going to be as many as eight fatalities,’ O'Hara said.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/423nTwo
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “More than a month after a cyberattack forced the city of St. Paul to shut down its computer systems, services are gradually coming back online. In recent days, the city has restored its phone service, online water bill payments, and its Parks and Recreation payment systems, according to the mayor’s office. St. Paul Regional Water Services has said it won’t charge late fees for bills during the outage. Library cataloging and checkout systems also have been restored. … Internally, network and shared drives have been restored as well, Mayor Melvin Carter’s spokesperson [said]. … It’s not clear when city systems will be fully restored, though officials have signaled that the reset is nearly complete.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47U7cqW
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO CELEBRATE: Flint Hills Resources and its employees are proud of the company they keep, including many community partners that help make Minnesota a better place to live and learn. Not only is the Pine Bend refinery celebrating 70 years, many of the company’s long-time partnerships have milestones in 2025 — 25 years of the Flint Hills Family Festival in partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 25 years with Friends of the Mississippi River to restore critical habitat, 30 years with the Minnesota Zoo, and 40 years with Ducks Unlimited. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZfDkjY (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
SHAKOPEE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “You can now take your drink to go in downtown Shakopee, Minnesota. The city rolled out its first social district on Monday. The new rules mean patrons can take their alcoholic beverages beyond the bar and patio, out on the streets and even in some stores. … At least a dozen businesses have signed up. … The city is hoping the program boosts foot traffic for restaurants, breweries and shops.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3JNAWMd
STILLWATER: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Plans for a new Hy-Vee grocery store in Stillwater have fallen through, and the developer of the site [is] looking for a new grocer to take its spot. Summit Management’s Mark Lambert said Friday that his company and Hy-Vee have agreed to part ways after seven years of negotiations at the Central Commons site. … Plans call for Central Commons, a $50 million mixed-use development, to include 190 units of luxury apartments, retail and a convenience store, Lambert said. Key to developing the site will be finding a grocery store to anchor the project, he said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47nZeWV
BEMIDJI: via KAXE, VERBATIM: “Drivers in Bemidji and nearby communities may — or may not — have noticed new cameras attached to utility poles. Installed by the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, the devices are automatic license plate readers, or ALPRs. Equipped with a camera, the devices take snapshots of license plates. The photos are then processed into data files that capture the time, date, place and vehicle description, as well as plate information, every time a vehicle passes by. … While Minnesota law dictates how this data can be used in criminal investigations, civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union are concerned that this type of surveillance can be abused.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4n921b0
SARTELL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The city of Sartell near St. Cloud announced that Niron Magnetics will build a production facility and bring nearly 200 jobs to the community. Sartell provided the company with tax reimbursements and waived certain city fees. To protect Sartell taxpayers, the city will require the company to repay a portion of the subsidy if it fails to meet the job creation goals. … Niron Magnetics plans to break ground on the new facility at the end of September and open in 2028.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4mIml3a
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
TEST SCORES: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota students aren’t making progress in math and reading after significant declines in proficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to statewide standardized assessment data released Friday. Fewer than half of Minnesota public school students are meeting grade-level expectations on math and reading exams given in May — 43% in math and 48% in reading, staying roughly the same from 2023 and 2024. The data comes from the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, exams given to students in grades 3-8 in reading and math, with additional reading and math exams in grades 10 and 11.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45Slyp9
SECURITY: Republican candidate for governor Kendall Qualls was on Fox Business to talk about a 2023 request from the Minnesota Catholic Conference for increased security at private religious schools. QUALLS: “There was a meeting that [Minnesota Catholic Conference Executive Director] Jason Adkins and that team had, the Catholic leadership from our state, with Governor [Tim] Walz. They discussed this issue. He agreed and felt it made sense. But there was never any follow-up.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4g3Rc7Y
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will join students and teachers at an elementary school in Eagan to celebrate the first day of school and highlight Minnesota’s commitment to student safety and success with Education Commissioner Willie Jett at 7:00 a.m. Later, he will visit the Annunciation School memorial and interview candidates for two vacancies in the Tenth Judicial District at 11:00 a.m.
TODAY: via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston will join Moms Demand Action and other Minnesota mayors to call for legislative action to address gun violence in Minnesota and, specifically, to change the state law that preempts cities from passing their own gun reforms.” The event is at 1:00 p.m.
WED-THURS: The Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture is hosting two virtual sessions to gather public input and ideas for the 2026 legislative session. The first is Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 12:00 noon. The second is Thursday, Sept. 4 at 5:00 p.m. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/46W26Kr
THURSDAY: St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter will give his annual city budget address on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 10:00 a.m. This address was previously scheduled for Aug. 14 before being postponed due to a citywide cyberattack. Carter will also deliver his library budget address at 1:00 p.m. the same day.
BDAYS: Minneapolis Councilmember LaTrisha Vetaw, MOA leader Jill Renslow, MinnPost’s Tanner Curl
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