Vikings win. Timberwolves win.
The NBA fined Anthony Edwards $35,000 for flipping off a referee at Friday’s Timberwolves game. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/4fORmic
The DNR says anglers on Mille Lacs Lake can keep two walleye this winter. MPR: https://fluence-media.co/48U3oV7
A trial in Fergus Falls related to immigrant smuggling starts this week. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3AC57C1
Tectonic shifts in America worth tracking. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/3AD79Sq
A stable 56% of U.S. adults support stricter laws covering the sale of firearms in general, while 33% prefer the laws be kept as they are now and 10% want them to be less strict. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/48Z01MW
Incumbent party’s lost elections in 70 countries this year, regardless of their political leaning or how long they were in power. Researchers say post-pandemic inflation is a major factor. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4hOVjoN
Yesterday on Sunday Take, fmr. Rep. Pat Garofalo and Secretary of State Steve Simon discuss the recounts, election integrity and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fLY7lr
Have a great Monday!
Blois
Tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s 6:20AM morning take with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4eGnQtY
If you’re looking for a speaker to synthesize the election results and the upcoming legislative session email bloisolson@gmail.com
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VOTER FRAUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A northern Minnesota election judge is facing felony charges for allegedly allowing 11 unregistered voters to cast ballots last week. … Minnesota law allows [same-day registration] with proof of residency. But prosecutors in Hubbard County say Timothy Michael Scouton — who was head judge at a precinct in rural Badoura Township — allowed 11 people to vote even though they had not registered. Scouton, 64, allegedly told his fellow election judges not to use registration application forms, but rather to have voters sign the back of the registration book. … His next court appearance is in January.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Z9Jsu9
MORE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Officials began investigating after Hubbard County Auditor Kay Rave could not find any completed voter registration forms among the ballots and other materials returned by Timothy Michael Scouton. … The office of Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon called the allegations ‘extremely serious’ and said they must be thoroughly investigated. … The charges carry maximum penalties of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40MWDCH
RESPONSE: via a Rep. Krista Knudsen statement, KNUDSEN: “I want to thank the Hubbard County Auditor for their work to catch this individual and for their vigilance in protecting the integrity of our election. This is yet another reason we need voter ID and for Secretary of State Steve Simon to join Republicans in making election law changes. … We need to take action next session to address these problems.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3USncCH
DEMS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Democrats are divided about why the party suffered losses in last week’s election, and that rift was apparent among Minnesota Democrats. … Rep. Betty McCollum, D-4th District, pointed to gains Democrats made in the House. … AP determined Republicans [have] already won a majority of House seats: 218. But McCollum predicted that the results in the eight outstanding House races will give the GOP a much narrower majority than the slim one it has now and that Democrats may have gained a few seats. … She also said it was time to end handwringing over last week’s results. … Rep. Angie Craig, D-2nd District, who represents a swing district and campaigned on disagreements with her party’s position on immigration, student loan forgiveness and other issues, said she rejects Democratic efforts to put a positive spin on the election results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CvDn2q
HEGSETH: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Pete Hegseth [was] flagged as a possible ‘Insider Threat’ by a fellow service member due to a tattoo on his bicep that’s associated with white supremacist groups. … [Hegseth] said he was unfairly identified as an extremist due to a cross tattoo on his chest. This week, however, a fellow Guard member who was the unit’s security manager and on an anti-terrorism team at the time, shared with the Associated Press an email he sent to the unit’s leadership flagging a different tattoo reading ‘Deus Vult’ that’s been used by white supremacists.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eQyf6F
MORE: Via CNN, President-elect Donald Trump nominated North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior. Trump previously nominated South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Burgum ran against Trump in the Republican presidential primary earlier this year. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gasLET
RESPONSES: In interviews with KSTP and KARE 11, Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann, DFL Sen. Tina Smith and GOP Rep. Tom Emmer were asked to share their thoughts on President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks so far, particularly Minnesota native Pete Hegseth and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.
HANN: “I think President Trump ran on and has always talked about being a change agent in Washington…[and] he’s doing that with his picks for his cabinet positions. … I think you have to give the president, especially one that has won a substantial victory as he has, some deference in letting him pick who his advisors are.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hVfVM4
SMITH: “[For] Gaetz to be head of the Department of Justice…their job is to enforce the law, and yet it seems he was chosen primarily because of his personal loyalty to the president. … [And for] Hegseth at the Department of Defense…he has virtually no experience in doing that job.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40Mqqve
EMMER: “Gaetz is a change agent. He's going to do a great job. … And it’s amazing that people want to downplay [Hegseth] over the fact he's just a Fox News host. No, he's a decorated combat veteran — a real combat veteran.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40Mqqve
ABORTION: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “President-elect Donald Trump, GOP lawmakers, and those appointed to key posts in the federal government have the capacity to make significant changes to reproductive health policies and abortion access. … Legal experts, practitioners and advocates in Minnesota are closely monitoring the new administration for hints about what federal changes to abortion could mean for the state. … Jess Braverman, legal director at Gender Justice, a St. Paul-based nonprofit, [said] she expects Republicans to attempt some form of a federal ban through legislation, but she acknowledges that could take some time. She added that there are many other ways to limit abortion, such as withholding federal funding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eBufqc
DEPORTATION: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Undocumented Minnesotans continue to apply for state driver’s licenses even as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to re-enter the White House in January and deliver on promises to increase deportations. Minnesota’s Driver’s License For All law [allows] undocumented people to legally operate a vehicle. … [But] could Trump use Driver’s License for All data for deportations? Minnesota officials say protections are in place. … The state does not share information about licensed drivers with federal immigration authorities absent a court order, the Minnesota Drivers and Vehicle Services (DVS) office said in a statement.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UUUhxI
MNLEG: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “For the first time in state history, the Minnesota Legislature could find itself in a rare ‘double tie,’ a possibility hinging on a state senator who has been called to resign. The Minnesota House recently saw a 67-67 split in the general election for the first time since 1979. Now, the state Senate could face a similar fate, with a 33-33 tie, depending on whether Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, resigns following her burglary arrest in April. … Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, said he suspects Mitchell’s case will be pushed well [past] the session.” JOHNSON: “For her, it’s been a strategy to delay this. Senator Mitchell’s court case, it’s been delayed a number of times.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eySOEu
NOTE: Sen. Mitchell reportedly declined a plea bargain recently. Her trial is scheduled for late January. If she does go to trial, the Senate would likely be at a tie during that time and unlikely to pass any legislation.
SENATE DFL: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “The Majority Leader of the Minnesota Senate says she's optimistic about bipartisan support in the upcoming legislative session despite a divided government. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy [told] WCCO there are a few top priorities to tackle right off the bat…including [infrastructure], mental health care, and the transportation, agriculture and human services budgets.” MURPHY: “It would be wise for us to take up an early infrastructure package, to continue to demonstrate to Minnesotans the seriousness of our work, and to make sure that the things that we're responsible for are functioning well.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fuScAJ
From Friday’s lunch take:
HOUSE GOP: House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth talked about Republican priorities for the upcoming state legislative session on WCCO Radio. DEMUTH: “We’re looking at a pending deficit. That brings grave concern to any legislator. We have to make wise decisions as we’re looking at the budget both for the next two years as well as ongoing. We have to make sure that Minnesota taxpayers have a chance to keep more of their earned money rather than just consistently paying it to the state.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive
NEW MEMBERS: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Voters on Nov. 5 elected 22 new members of the Minnesota House, including 14 freshmen Republicans and eight new Democratic-Farmer-Labor members. The Minnesota House is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans 67-67, meaning that each new member can wield considerable influence not typically seen among freshman legislators. [However], new members typically follow the lead of their caucus, as they are still learning how the Capitol operates. … Five new members spoke with the Reformer about why they ran for office and what they hope to accomplish at the Legislature.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40PhhC7
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TURNOUT: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County released results showing that about 3.5% fewer voters cast a ballot in the 2024 election than in 2020. This year, about 725,000 residents voted, in comparison to 760,000 four years earlier. Ultimately, 81.71% of registered Hennepin County residents voted in this year's election. … Minnesota is historically a leading state in voter turnout, [but] the Secretary of State's Office estimated this year's turnout was around the 76% mark, which also falls short of the record in 2020.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3CyEkHd
RECOUNTS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Ballot recounts are scheduled Tuesday for two close Ramsey County races. The races for Arden Hills City Council and District 7 county commissioner both qualified for a publicly funded recount and were requested by candidates. … In the District 7 race, Kelly Miller leads Sarah K. Yang by 28 votes. In Arden Hills, where the top two vote-getters are heading to the city council, Brenda J. Holden won a seat with 2,561 votes. The recount will be between Kurt Weber, who has 2,045 votes, and David Radziej, with 2,040.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YTsyi7
MORE: Via St. Cloud Live, the closely watched recount of Sherburne County votes in House District 14B will begin one week from today — Monday, Nov. 25 at 10:00 a.m. READ: https://fluence-media.co/40WZw41
LISTENING, LEARNING AND REDEFINING INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS: “We want to build partnerships with Indigenous Nations. We continue to listen to and learn from Indigenous leaders and communities, and that’s informing how we engage communities in B.C. and across North America,” said CEO Greg Ebel of Enbridge’s approach to be the “first-choice partner” for Indigenous Nations interested in pursuing energy infrastructure opportunities. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3Yht20R (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
HENN CTY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “After receiving an extension from the state, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office now has roughly three weeks to fix an overcrowding crisis in its downtown jail facilities. The Minnesota Department of Corrections placed the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center's license on conditional status last month and demanded the jail to reduce its population to 600, setting an initial deadline of Nov. 14 before pushing that date back to Dec. 5. … Hennepin County currently has agreements with five counties to help relocate inmates. Sheriff Dawanna Witt has initiated discussions with 14 other counties as well. For the incarcerated people and their families, though, the relocation process can be difficult to navigate.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3AN13yM
CRASHES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Families [of crash victims] were at the State Capitol on Saturday for World Day Of Remembrance. Preliminary data from the Minnesota Department of Safety shows 402 people died on state roadways in 2023, and as of Saturday, there have been 402 deaths so far in 2024, meaning the state is on track to surpass last year’s deadly statistic by the end of the year. Between Nov. 15 and the end of the year in 2023, 59 more people lost their lives from traffic crashes in Minnesota. Pairs of shoes set out on the Capitol steps on Saturday each represented a life likely to be lost to traffic fatalities in the remaining weeks of 2024.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3YNEXEi
PERMITTING REFORM FOR RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRIES: Jobs for Minnesotans is committed to advancing responsible industrial projects through a predictable, timely and transparent permitting process. Broad permitting reform for all responsible industries is essential to strengthening Minnesota’s communities and advancing our state’s clean energy future. (SPONSORED: Jobs for Minnesotans)
NURSING HOMES: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Rural nursing homes are facing a crisis in Minnesota, according to a report from the Center for Rural Policy and Development. Available beds are on the decline, with some nursing homes closing entirely, and demand for services is only expected to rise. … The report paints a picture of a statewide issue, but the effects in rural Minnesota are more pronounced. … The report estimates demand will increase by 45% over the next 20 years. However, rural area demand is expected to peak far sooner, and beds are in shorter supply every year. … Researchers point to two major factors: assisted-living facilities are taking a larger piece of the elder care pie, and there’s a constant workforce shortage across the entire industry.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CzD0nC
(DISCLOSURE: The Long Term Care Imperative is a client of Fluence)
FAFSA: via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “A measure to ensure the federal student aid form opens up annually by Oct. 1 passed the U.S. House Friday with overwhelming bipartisan support. The effort — which passed 381-1 — came after the U.S. Department of Education faced major backlash over the botched rollout of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. … Though the form got a makeover after Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act in late 2020, users faced multiple glitches and technical errors throughout the form’s soft launch in December and past its full debut in January, prompting processing delays and gaps in submissions.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Oc0PEj
RESPONSE: via a Rep. Brad Finstad statement, FINSTAD: “For many of the families I represent, the FAFSA is an indispensable component to making decisions about higher education. This administration’s failure to effectively administer the FAFSA has caused unnecessary frustration and uncertainty for students, parents, colleges, and universities nationwide. Students deserve ample time to weigh the financial aid options that best suit their needs, which is why I was proud to cosponsor the FAFSA Deadline Act and support its passage on the House Floor today.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3CvBjaG
ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT: From Grand Rapids, a conversation about opportunities and challenges to economic growth in Greater Minnesota with Tuleah Palmer, CEO of the Blandin Foundation, Roy Smith of the IRRRB and Steve Loney from Kiesler Wellness Center. From workforce to energy costs, a thoughtful conversation on how leaders are working together to push the region’s economy forward. Mainstreet Minnesota is presented by Compeer Financial. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/MainstreetMN2
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Conflicting recommendations from Community Development staff and two city commissions are set for review Monday. A proposal to change how potentially historic buildings in Rochester are treated isn’t being backed by the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission as it heads to the Rochester City Council for a final decision. The proposal is part of a larger annual update to the city’s unified development code, which includes tweaks to clarify the intent of the document adopted in 2022.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eCLBmy
BAXTER: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Finally, the official word is in on what was rumored to be new plans for the former Gander Mountain/Camping World site in Baxter. Essentia Health is looking to expand operations in Baxter with the redeveloment of the vacant Camping World site. In September, the Baxter City Council approved a traffic impact study for a proposed redevelopment…but everyone was mum on an official confirmation for what the proposed development could be. [Now], the proposal, which was pushed back previously, is finally before the Baxter Planning and Zoning Commission and out in the public.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41azWsr
BELTRAMI CTY: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “The Beltrami County Historical Society was recently awarded a $49,261 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant for Phase I of its collection rehousing project from the Minnesota Historical Society to ensure the preservation of its collection of over 1 million artifacts, documents and photographs related to northern Minnesota and Beltrami County. According to a release, Phase I efforts include improving the storage environment, rehousing 85% of the museum’s mezzanine-level physical artifacts and addressing preservation and accessibility needs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i4gTpE
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are participating in the “Wild About Reading” program, a partnership with Flint Hills Resources which encourages students to read more using Minnesota Wild-branded posters, reading logs and bookmarks. Teachers set weekly reading goals and give certificates to students who complete the four-week program. Fun program incentives include classroom visits from the Wild’s mascot, Nordy, and the team dog, Rookie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player-signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3O2nzH0 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
PROPERTY TAX: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Minnesota homeowners are learning how much hefty proposed property tax increases and the decline of office building values will cost them next year. Many homeowners have been shielded from large hikes over the past decade thanks to booming development and bustling office buildings, but that could change in 2025. As required by state law, truth-in-taxation notices began arriving in mailboxes this week and will continue until Nov. 25. Cities, school boards, and counties have proposed large increases in their levies. Rising labor costs are a significant driver.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4i0YqKC
HOME GRANTS: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced over $6 million in new state grants to keep Minnesotans in their homes as they age. The Live Well at Home grants will support more than 30 organizations, funding services such as retrofitting residences to make them age-friendly and providing support for caregivers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3AU4x2o
FOOD GRANTS: via an MDA press release, VERBATIM: “To expand Minnesotans’ access to fresh and culturally appropriate foods, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened applications for its Good Food Access Program (GFAP) Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant. The GFAP grant helps grocery stores and small food retailers purchase equipment or make physical improvements that will allow them to increase the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods (including produce) for underserved communities in low- and moderate-income areas.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3O8vank
MORE TAKES: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in additional newsletters. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets HERE: fluence-newsletters.com
TODAY: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon will visit an election office in Hennepin County to highlight their post-election review. The review is a hand count of the ballots for each eligible election in the selected precincts compared with the results from the voting system used in those precincts. Secretary Simon will provide brief remarks and answer questions before the review begins.” The event is at 9:00 a.m.
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will interview candidates for a vacancy in the Eighth Judicial District
WEDNESDAY: via an MN Chamber advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce will release its annual Business Benchmarks report at the 2024 Economic Summit. … The Summit will also feature a keynote speech from the newly elected President of the University of Minnesota, Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, where she will discuss her initial time in office and the U’s contributions to Minnesota’s economy.” The event is at 9:00 a.m. in Minneapolis.
THURSDAY: via an OLA advisory, VERBATIM: “The Office of the Legislative Auditor's Financial Audit Division will release the performance audit, Minnesota State Lottery, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The audit’s key findings and recommendations will be presented to the Legislative Audit Commission at 10:00 a.m. that morning in G3 State Capitol.”
THURS-FRI: via a House DFL advisory, VERBATIM: “The 2024 Winona Model Legislature will convene on Thursday, November 21st, and run through Friday, November 22nd. Members of the media are invited to attend the annual session and opening address at 9:00am, Thursday, in the Kryzsko Commons Ballroom on the Winona State University Campus.” Rep. Gene Pelowski will attend.
WEEKEND: via an MFU advisory, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members from across the state will gather Nov. 22-24 for the 83rd annual Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention. … The event begins on Friday afternoon with panel discussions. The discussions focus on food regulations surrounding selling products direct from the farm, finding funding for projects on your farm and what weather trends mean for farmers. On Saturday and Sunday, members debate the organization’s policy. The policy guides the organization’s advocacy work for the coming year.” DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3ARx4Wk
BDAYS: fmr. Rep. Julie Sandstede, MHA’s Marty McDonough, Downtown Council CEO Adam Duininck, State Auditor staffer Megan Thrasher Clark
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