Lynx win and advance in the playoffs.
Loons and Twins lose.
Wild training camp starts today.
Farm Aid 40 revealed Bob Dylan as a last-minute addition to its lineup in Minneapolis. BMTN: http://fluence-media.co/3Vn7Yp3
The Federal Reserve made its first interest rate cut of the year — a 0.25% decrease — in response to weak job numbers. AXIOS: http://fluence-media.co/4nBx7bt
Here’s how the Fed’s rate cut will impact consumers’ mortgages, car loans and more. FOX: http://fluence-media.co/3Iu9ZNg
ABC is pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live” off the air indefinitely after the FCC threatened retaliation for Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s death. NBC: http://fluence-media.co/4gr4X0x
Happy National Cheeseburger Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
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
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.
This poster hangs behind my desk, and has hung in every office since I was a college newspaper editor. A reminder that’s timely this morning…
HENN CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty’s office will no longer prosecute most felony cases arising from low-level traffic stops, arguing that law enforcement in the state’s most populous county has long disproportionately targeted minorities for violations like broken tail lights or improper turns. … She also announced Wednesday that her office would be unlikely to charge cases that come from a ‘consent search’ during a pedestrian or vehicle stop when officers ask if they can search a car or person without a warrant. … Moriarty said she welcomes robust input from law enforcement and community members before the new policy is implemented Oct. 15.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4ppicTL
RESPONSE: via Imran Ali, general counsel for MPPOA, STATEMENT: “The city of Minneapolis is under siege with violent crime—and this is what County Attorney Moriarty chooses to prioritize? Her new policy is a gift to criminals and a slap in the face to law-abiding Minnesotans. Guns, drugs, and fugitives discovered during traffic stops will now walk free, while officers are left powerless to act. This reckless decision doesn’t just weaken law enforcement—it puts every family in greater danger.”
MAYOR RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mass shootings have stunned Minneapolis in recent weeks, focusing attention on crime and homelessness just as early voting begins Friday in the city’s election. … It also has put a renewed focus on how the candidates vying to lead the city would address public safety. There are 15 candidates challenging Mayor Jacob Frey, who is seeking a third term. … Frey’s top challenger, state Sen. Omar Fateh, [supports] alternatives to policing. … He opposes clearing homeless encampments, as Frey’s administration has done with increasing intensity this year. … [Frey] has missed few opportunities to remind voters that Fateh once advocated for defunding the police, [saying] ‘The path that I support now and have always supported is to hire more police officers.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4687OrU
TAKE: If Minneapolis fails, the state fails. When officials acknowledge that an incident that multiple people were shot at happened at a known drug market, we should further recognize that the “defund the police” fans endanger our cities and state. There are societal issues that contribute, but at some point, consequences and aggressive enforcement are the best solution. One notable shift is that incidents with multiple gunshot victims no longer make the front page of the Star Tribune. In fact, this week the stories have been deep in the newspaper. Yesterday’s announcement by Mary Moriarty that pretextual traffic stops wouldn’t be prosecuted brings Minneapolis type risks to the rest of Hennepin County. That’s precious considering that is unlikely the view of the citizens Moriarty represents in those parts of the county – but yet she’s not running for re-election. Democrats have a crime problem, and Republicans have a gun problem – but it’s just the latest example where the parties are talking about different issues while the public shakes their heads and loses trust. More police is a major factor, and while progress has been made, public safety is a basic service of a government – and more should be done to double down on it in Minneapolis. However, if the prosecutor doesn’t hold criminals to account more police won’t help. A new prosecutor can’t arrive soon enough in our biggest county.
GUN CTRL: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Legislature appears light years away from passing stricter gun laws. On Wednesday, five Republicans on a Senate Gun Violence Prevention Working Group made clear that they do not want to work with DFL lawmakers on gun legislation, [opposing] each of the DFL’s proposals. … Sen. Eric Lucero, R-Dayton, said that he does not want to ban guns without serial numbers because it would criminalize pre-serial number guns made in the 19th century. Sen. Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, opposed a law to let cities ban guns on municipally owned property. Draheim reasoned that roads are publicly owned, and maybe a zealous municipality would ban guns on roads and begin to pull over out-of-town motorists. … DFLers hope that a parent-led gun control movement can change the legislative math, but the hearing Wednesday suggested otherwise.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46HD0yj
MORE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Republican proposals [include] boosting funding for school safety and mental health services and increasing mandatory minimum sentences for gun-related offenses. … Still, DFLers remain skeptical of an approach that does not account for weapons, and questioned how Republicans could get behind boosting funding for mental health services when they had rejected program funding boosts in the past. … Asked if he believed calling 200 or so state lawmakers back to St. Paul was worthwhile even if there was no guarantee of any meaningful action, [Chair Ron] Latz told reporters he still saw purpose in getting elected officials on the record.” LATZ: “Constituents [should] know where they are on these issues. I also think there’s a reasonable possibility of getting some of these things passed, and I think we have to try.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IsS89u
DHS FRAUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “State legislators are urging the state’s Department of Human Services to double down on fraud prevention. … DHS leaders told a state legislative committee Wednesday that they’ve stopped payments to 115 providers who received grants from the state’s housing stabilization services program after finding evidence of fraudulent claims. Those providers have received about $100 million from the state over the last six years. … Rep. Kristin Robbins, a Maple Grove Republican and chair of the House Fraud Prevention and State Government Oversight Committee, called on DHS leaders to work faster. … Rachel Lien said she sought out housing stabilization services, [but] DHS wasn’t quick enough with their investigation into her fraud claims.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3VnHzr9
MORE: via House Session Daily, VERBATIM: “The hearing occurred a day after Eric Grumdahl, assistant commissioner of Homelessness & Housing Supports for the department, was ousted — [but] due to employment law, temporary Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi could not provide additional information on the change. … James Clark, the department’s inspector general, [suggested] things that could be done to help fight fraud: better provider vetting, stronger requirements for Medical Assistance managed care plans, refined tools for data analytics, strengthening payment withhold authority, and enhancing internal controls.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4pACREv
MORE: Via Axios’ Torey Van Oot, DHS inspector general James Clark said the agency was sometimes hesitant to stop payments to providers suspected of fraud out of fear that they could be tipped off to ongoing investigations and destroy evidence before criminal probes were finished. Rep. Kristin Robbins, fraud committee chair, said she would consider legislation allowing DHS to stop payments without citing fraud as a reason for cancellation. TWEETS: http://fluence-media.co/4nB95gQ
RESPONSE: via a DFL Rep. Dave Pinto statement, PINTO: “Since the start of the 2025 session, the House Fraud Committee has done next to nothing to prevent fraud. It has received not one bill and has acted on not one policy. … Instead, the committee has served almost entirely as a setting for questioning and criticism of the executive branch – again, without any tie to policy change. Up until Rep. [Kristin] Robbins’ [gubernatorial campaign] announcement, the committee was merely a waste of time. But now we can see what it truly has been: an exercise in campaign politics. … I urge Chair Robbins and the House GOP caucus to take whatever steps are necessary to avoid this conflict.”
From yesterday’s lunch take:
DHS: via a Kristin Robbins press release, VERBATIM: “The Department of Human Services reached out to [Fraud Committee] Chair Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) to inform her that Assistant Commissioner of Homelessness & Housing Supports, Eric Grumdahl, had been terminated yesterday.” ROBBINS: “This is yet another example of DHS and the Walz Administration dodging accountability for their failures. I would have expected Assistant Commissioner Grumdahl to attend the hearing and answer questions today, but DHS never intended for him to come. While I’m glad to see they are finally starting to hold individuals running these programs accountable for fraud, doing it the day before the public hearing just shows how DHS tries to hide what is going on from legislators and the public.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46pHg4m
FRAUD: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today issued an executive order directing state agencies to intensify efforts to prevent, detect, and combat fraud across Minnesota government programs. The order leverages new data sharing laws passed in the 2025 legislative session and builds on significant steps already taken to safeguard public dollars and ensure resources are directed to Minnesotans who need them most.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VifK3D
Support our work…
Sign-up for paid TheDailyAgenda and you’ll receive a morning take mug.
Earlier this year we launched a premium subscription option. Now we’re adding content for premium subscribers.
A monthly insight-filled briefing memo on Minnesota and Midwest issue and political dynamics.
Access to our Fluence Forum audio and videio assets.
A free morning take mug if you sign-up.
BIPARTISAN: Nonprofit Majority in the Middle has released its biannual “State of Bipartisanship” report examining how well the two parties in the Minnesota Legislature worked together this year. The report notes that, due to thin margins in the House and Senate, both chambers heard more bipartisan bills in 2025 compared to 2023. In the House, 35% of bills were bipartisan (up from 20%), while in the Senate, 39% of bills were bipartisan (up from 31%). REPORT: http://fluence-media.co/42Cv5Ql
SENATE RACE: On social media, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced two new endorsements for her Senate campaign from lawmakers in the state legislature — Rep. Steve Elkins and Sen. Melissa Wiklund, both DFLers. SEE: http://fluence-media.co/42kQXzV http://fluence-media.co/4nu5qkQ
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)
OMAR: via Politico, VERBATIM: “Several Republicans joined all House Democrats in voting to sink a GOP-led measure to formally condemn Rep. Ilhan Omar and remove her from her committees. The 214-213 vote ended an effort by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) to censure Omar and strip her of all her committee assignments over her criticism of the late conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. … Four Republicans — Reps. Mike Flood of Nebraska, Jeff Hurd of Colorado, Tom McClintock of California and Cory Mills of Florida — supported the motion to kill Mace’s measure. Mace said the GOP opposition was ‘unbelievable’ [and] sent the four Republicans’ names to President Donald Trump.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4684ehq
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)
MISINFO: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Two Minnesota Republicans are calling out social media influencer Melissa Tate for comments she has made about late Rep. Melissa Hortman and her suspected killer. Tate on social media on Tuesday claimed Hortman was assassinated by a Democrat for voting with Republicans on a bill. … Minnesota state Rep. Nolan West, who represents Minnesota District 32A, responded to the post on X, calling Tate's posts ‘nonsense.’ … Minnesota state Rep. Mary Franson, who represents District 12B, also responded to the post. She said Hortman ‘was not assassinated for joining Republicans. Please don't push this lie — she was assassinated by a crazy person.’” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/42l2Ju7
FED FUNDS: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Education has denied Rochester Public Schools’ appeal to keep a $1.9 million federal mental health grant after it was discontinued earlier this year. In its denial of the appeal, the Department of Education reiterated its decision to revoke the grant based on the fact that the district was using it to favor underrepresented populations in its selection of candidates into a scholarship program. … RPS originally received the grant in 2023. At the time, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar visited the district’s central office to praise the work that it would help accomplish.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/48kKOaq
TARIFFS: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on the reintroduction of her bipartisan bill with Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) to undo President [Donald] Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on Canadian goods. As of August 1, the administration has imposed a 35 percent tariff on goods.” KLOBUCHAR: “The president cannot abuse his power to continue an unjustified trade war with one of our strongest allies. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner, but the President’s tariffs are jeopardizing that relationship—and adding costs for Minnesota families. We should not raise costs, hurt businesses, and eliminate jobs by attacking our neighbor and ally.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Vj34cN
DACA: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Representative Angie Craig and 94 of her colleagues condemned the Trump Administration's blatant attacks on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, Rep. Craig cited several instances in which DACA recipients have been detained or deported by U.S. immigration authorities despite the legal and humanitarian protections they are afforded under the law.” LETTER: http://fluence-media.co/46swH0r
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)
HENN ATTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Hao Nguyen, director of the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office trial division, kicked off his election campaign Wednesday for Hennepin County attorney. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said on Aug. 6 she would not seek reelection. … Nguyen said his endorsements include Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt.” NGUYEN: “I will hold violent offenders accountable for their actions, while uplifting the voices of victims. I will reasonably consider innovation and responsible reform, but never at the cost of public safety or equity for all our communities.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4miwmDd
ARSON: via AP News, VERBATIM: “A man who set fires at two mosques in Minnesota in 2023 pleaded guilty to federal charges Wednesday, federal prosecutors said. Jackie Rahm Little, 38, admitted to one count of arson and one count of damage to religious property for the fires at the Masjid Al-Rahma Mosque in Bloomington and the Masjid Omar Islamic Center in Minneapolis. A sentencing date has not been set. … The fire that Little started at the Bloomington mosque on April 24, 2023, forced the evacuation of children who were attending day care and caused more than $378,000 in damage.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nBK0T4
MPLS: via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday, City Council Members, renters, and community advocates rallied to kick off the Slumlord Tier Oversight and Protection ordinance, also called STOP Slumlords. The ordinance requires a City Council vote on rental licenses for rental units that are below the City’s standards of health, safety, and livability. … The Business Housing and Zoning Committee voted to schedule a public hearing on the ordinance on September 30 at 1:30pm. The Council could vote on the ordinance as soon as October 9. If approved, the ordinance would go into effect on January 1, 2027.”
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Police Department plans to keep 16 vacant jobs unfilled next year — with nearly half of them community engagement cadets — under the mayor’s proposed budget, the police chief told the St. Paul City Council on Wednesday. No current officers or other police department employees would lose their jobs. Mayor Melvin Carter presented his 2026 budget proposal on Sept. 4. The city council is now receiving weekly informational presentations from the city’s departments before it finalizes the budget in December.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nF7Zkh
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)
BELTRAMI CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Chants of ‘shame’ filled the Beltrami County Board room as more than 100 residents packed inside, spilling out into the hallway Tuesday to fight for their local libraries. Commissioners proposed slashing library funding nearly in half. … Chair Craig Gaasvig repeatedly said the public comment period couldn’t be used to address the preliminary budget on the agenda, but residents refused to stay silent. In the raucous meeting, they lined up to share stories of how the library is a lifeline. … The board will finalize its 2026 budget in December. As it stands, the county cut 42%, or $175,000, from libraries in Bemidji and Blackduck.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3KfcOlT
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “City officials are asking the state for help as they prepare for continued growth in Rochester. The city estimates there will be 50,000 new jobs in Rochester by 2040, and also there will be a need for 4,800 new single-family homes by 2035. … Rochester Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser [spoke with] a group of state senators Wednesday morning during a nearly 45-minute bus tour through the city. The trip was part of a larger southeast Minnesota tour by members of the Senate’s Capital Investment Committee. … Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, Rochester has submitted a request for $9.2 million to support sewer and water upgrades, $2.1 million for planning updates to Civic Center Drive and South Broadway Avenue and $3.3 million for airport infrastructure.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3KtA3bS
HASTINGS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Every year, billions of dollars of cargo travel down the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities. A lot of that cargo travels through the Army Corps of Engineers’ Lock and Dam #2 near Hastings. Right now, engineers are working on a unique project to keep that channel open for both cargo ships and recreational boaters. Project Manager Nick Castellane says engineers are actively building a new island that will protect an embankment that is located next to Lock and Dam #2. … The idea behind this project is that a man-made island would absorb the force from waves and ice movement before they crash into the embankment and cause damage.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4mmJeZ5
MISSISSIPPI: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Mayors from cities all along the ‘Mighty Mississippi’ met in Minneapolis on Wednesday for the latest Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative. The meeting started with a unique dedication to Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman, who was in attendance three months after being injured in a political assassination attempt. … Hoffman explained why he feels this collaboration is so important.” HOFFMAN: “We want to drink it, we want to fish in it, we want to swim in it, we want to have recreation in it and we want to move our product in it. That means everybody.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/46JrJxu
WASHINGTONCTY: Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham will run for re-election.
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
AUDIT: via Office of the Legislative Auditor, VERBATIM: “The Department of Public Safety (DPS) generally complied with most of the requirements we tested. However, we identified some instances of noncompliance related to legislatively required audit reporting, driver’s license indicators, interest charges on overdue payments, and one subscriber contract.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4proSkd
POT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has begun distributing some of the revenue raised by marijuana’s legalization to communities harmed by past cannabis prohibition laws. In recent weeks, the state’s Office of Cannabis Management announced it is sending out $1 million in grant funds to nonprofits across the state for projects designed to uplift marginalized communities, especially those who were over policed and racially profiled under prohibition.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/47N59Fb
BIRD FLU: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Nearly half a year after the state's last detection of the virus, avian influenza has been found in a southern Minnesota turkey flock, according to animal health officials. The Redwood County flock ‘showed signs of increased mortality’ over the weekend, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health said. Testing confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus, colloquially known as bird flu. This is the first time the virus has been detected in Minnesota since April 23.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4nzpqCL
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend a reception with the Minnesota Consular Corps.
TODAY: via an MN House advisory, VERBATIM: “The House People of Color and Indigenous Caucus will be co-hosting a Mind, Body, & Spirit Town Hall alongside other organizations. During this time, House POCI Caucus members will get the opportunity to share the important legislative action they took to help address health disparities in Black and Brown communities.” The event is at 5:30 p.m. DETAILS: http://fluence-media.co/4mo55j1
TODAY: via an MDH advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. on Allina Health’s closure of the inpatient chemical dependency unit at Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus in Fridley as well as changes to the Kidney Transplant Program at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.”
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.”
NOV 3: The MN Center for Fiscal Excellence is hosting its 99th annual meeting and policy forum at the St. Paul RiverCentre on the morning of Monday, Nov. 3. Per a release, the forum will “deliver an agency-focused perspective on the policy and budget challenges arising from recent federal actions. State agency leaders and subject-matter experts will explore the potential budgetary, programmatic, management and intergovernmental impacts and consequences — intended and unintended — and what they mean for governing in a time of uncertainty.”
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
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
IN MEMORIAM: morning take from now to the future is in memory of Melissa Hortman her accessibility, leadership and commitment to public service.
Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region. Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more. Visit www.fluence-media.com to learn more.
about morning take: Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.
Copyright © 2025 Fluence Media, All rights reserved.
Thanks for reading The Daily Agenda! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.