It’s Walk to School Day…bundle up, and go uphill both ways.
The Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis was named the 5th best hotel in the Midwest by Condé Nast readers. LIST: http://fluence-media.co/3VRQeT9
The number of Annunciation victims has increased from 23 to 30 because of previously unreported injuries. STRIB: http://fluence-media.co/4o7utKV
The federal shutdown is straining airports, which could lead to delays during MEA week. KSTP: http://fluence-media.co/4h4FnPo
Flying this weekend, should be a joy.
The White House says furloughed federal workers are not entitled to back pay, but lawmakers in both parties object. AXIOS: http://fluence-media.co/4ocy0aV
Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on trucks used for shipping goods starting Nov. 1. FOX: http://fluence-media.co/4hkkShX
The Star Tribune North Star Summit yesterday was really good content, and always a reminder that connecting in person is better post COVID and taking a day to learn and think is never a bad idea.
One statement from State Demographer Susan Brower – “Public budgets are going to have adjust the slower growth.”
Fluence Advisory is getting ready to host its next Fluence Forum – The State of Health Care. Email bolson@fluence-advisory.com for more information and sponsorship information.
Happy National Fluffernutter Day!
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Fluence Advisory is hiring an executive administrator. POST: https://fluence-media.co/4oqit7J
What are the headwinds and tailwinds of the regional economy? - Sunday Take featured UMN’s Myles Shaver discussing the current state of the headquarters economy in Minnesota. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3IPKVR8
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.
SHUTDOWN: via a Rep. Tom Emmer press release, VERBATIM: “Today, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) led a letter to U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) pressing them to end the [shutdown] and to vote in favor of the clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution (CR). Emmer was joined by fellow Minnesota Republican Representatives Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.), and Brad Finstad (R-Minn.). When the letter was sent, Klobuchar and Smith had voted five times to block the clean, nonpartisan CR from moving in the Senate.” EXCERPT: “It is unjust and irresponsible to hold the federal government hostage for partisan programs that are completely unrelated to government funding. … The longer the shutdown lasts, the longer Minnesotans and the country will suffer.” LETTER: http://fluence-media.co/4q0IzzA
MORE: Sen. Tina Smith responded to the Republican delegation’s letter publicly on social media, and Rep. Tom Emmer responded in kind. SMITH: “I’m fighting to stop health insurance premiums for OUR constituents from going up $950 dollars a month. That’s not partisan, that’s health insurance that farmers and small business owners can’t afford unless we take action. When will all of you come back to DC so we can get to work?” EMMER: “Because you voted to shut down the government, telehealth services are being disrupted. Small business loans are being delayed. Farm loan offices are closed. So don’t say you care about fighting for OUR constituents when all you care about is appeasing your radical base.” TWEETS: http://fluence-media.co/3KD9Jwk
NATL GUARD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that Minnesota is preparing for President Donald Trump to send the National Guard into the Twin Cities as the White House deploys troops into more Democratic-led cities. … Walz made the comments at the Minnesota Star Tribune’s first-ever North Star Summit, where he and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker appeared on a panel about how governors are responding in the current political moment. Pritzker appeared at the Minneapolis event on the same day that troops from Texas arrived on the outskirts of Chicago.” WALZ: “It would be logical for them to come here. We fall into exactly what it looks like they’re trying to target: blue cities.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IAg4YR
MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Walz also said he began to think about the possibility of troops being sent to Minnesota months ago.” WALZ: “We’re preparing for it. We’re preparing to use the court. We’re preparing to follow all the laws as they’re written to challenge them on this. … I think it’s really important for the citizens to see — this is not normal.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3IZMI62
2026/2028: Via Minnesota Reformer, Gov. Tim Walz and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker were asked at yesterday’s North Star Summit about how Democrats can win elections in 2026 and beyond. Walz said opposing the GOP is not enough, and Democrats need to showcase their own vision for the country. READ: http://fluence-media.co/4pZ4Gq9
Here’s a full video of the Walz-Pritzker forum. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/48gL62c
MN GOP: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “A forum at the Star Tribune’s inaugural North Star Summit discussed the future of the [Minnesota] GOP and how to win statewide elections. Former Governor Tim Pawlenty, the last Republican to win statewide in Minnesota in 2006, believes he’s too moderate to even get an endorsement today. … Joining him were State Senators Zach Duckworth and Julia Coleman, both suburban Republicans who argued the state GOP needs to broaden their appeal beyond just the socially charged issues that dominate national politics. … Coleman complimented the late Melissa Hortman for her ability to build coalitions in the Minnesota DFL. Coleman said the state GOP needs to learn how to do that.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4nRicKM
MORE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “All GOP panelists agreed Republicans have a good shot to get a few wins in next year’s midterm elections. … [But] it’s not enough to criticize the state of the state, Pawlenty said. To be successful Republicans need to paint a positive vision for Minnesota’s future.” PAWLENTY: “You can’t just say, ‘They suck.’ We have to say, ‘Here’s what we’ll do better.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3KxSw7x
MISSING: There should have been a MAGA Republican on the panel – such as Walter Hudson or Elliot Engen to get a true sense of the tension within the party.
Here’s the panel on the future of the Republican party. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4o5gTrn
CD1: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The federal reporting period for candidate campaign fundraising is nearing, [but] candidates proud of their hauls are pushing their figures out early. … In the first congressional district, math teacher Jake Johnson said he [raised] $240,000 in the DFLer’s challenge to Republican Rep. Brad Finstad. Coming into the summer, Finstad maintained a two-to-one cash on hand advantage.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IXR4uy
NEXT: Big questions about fundraising totals for CD2 candidates and US Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan.
SD52: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Minnesota state Sen. Jim Carlson is retiring after nearly 20 years in office. Carlson is currently serving his fifth term representing Senate District 52, after first being elected in 2006. During his time in office, he helped pass election and public safety measures, and served as Chair of the Elections Committee. … His seat will be up for election on Nov. 3, 2026.” CARLSON: “It’s gratifying to know that the work I have contributed has helped solve problems for people across the state and will do so for generations. It’s been an honor to serve, but it’s now time for me to pass the torch.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4mUg2ZJ
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MAYOR RACE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A forum Monday evening drew the five candidates for St. Paul mayor to Highland Park. … Asked to explain in simple yes or no terms whether they supported the protected five-mile bike trail along [Summit Avenue], one of the city’s most celebrated streets, the five candidates for St. Paul mayor offered sharply distinct answers. … State Rep. Kaohly Her told a wall-to-wall audience that she was not ready to call for its cancellation, but she was skeptical of the city-driven process that led to its greenlighting. … St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and [Adam] Dullinger both said they were fully on board with the Summit Avenue trail.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4q1l75f
FARMERS: via Politico, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration has pushed back its plans to roll out economic aid for farmers this week due to the government shutdown, according to four people familiar with the talks. The Office of Management and Budget has readied between $12 billion and $13 billion to be allocated from an internal USDA account, some of which could be used to fund the bailouts for farmers hurt by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and other economic headwinds.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nF56jJ
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The shutdown could also impact vital services, such as the Farm Service Agency (FSA). … Dan Glessing, president of Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, [said] that without [FSA] loans, aid payments could help farmers survive. But maybe only for another year. … Paul Freeman in Starbuck, Minn. [said] if a bailout does come, its benefits will be temporary. When it’s depleted, farmers are back to square one.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46UWkqL
HOSPITALS: Healthcare advocacy group Protect Our Care has published a “Hospital Crisis Watch” dashboard to estimate how many hospitals are being impacted by federal cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. In Minnesota, the dashboard counts 16 impacted hospitals, with 6 in the Twin Cities metro and 10 in Greater Minnesota. Two are “at-risk,” one announced cuts, one closed a ward and the rest have announced some kind of closure. DASHBOARD: http://fluence-media.co/4pYWMgn
FOOD BANKS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “As the federal government shutdown continues, food shelves across Minnesota are growing increasingly anxious about the ripple effects it could have on crucial nutrition programs that serve low-income families, seniors, and young children. … The Anoka County Brotherhood Council (ACBC) food shelf [sees] over 2,000 families a month, said executive director Stephanie Lehman. That’s a 25% increase compared to last year. Lehman says the rising demand is being driven by higher costs of living and growing financial strain on working families.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4mXWlQX
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)
US ATTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Longtime Minneapolis commercial litigator Daniel Rosen was confirmed Tuesday as Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor. With a single 51-47 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed more than 100 of President Donald Trump’s nominees, including Rosen. The confirmations were uncharacteristically held up in the Senate by top Democrats. … [Previously], Rosen’s nomination passed favorably out of the Judiciary Committee with support from Minnesota’s senators. On Tuesday, Minnesota Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar voted against the bloc of nominations that included Rosen. … Rosen will take over for acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4mSUHQg
RESPONSE: via a Rep. Tom Emmer statement, EMMER: “We are pleased to see that Dan Rosen, a distinguished attorney with an unwavering commitment to public safety, has been confirmed as the United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota. We are confident that Mr. Rosen will fight to protect Minnesotans, and their hard-earned tax dollars, from the scourge of crime and fraud we’ve seen in our state.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3L0cYxN
KLOBUCHAR: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) on Tuesday grilled Attorney General Pam Bondi about whether President Donald Trump’s public pressure on the Justice Department to prosecute his political enemies is influencing the agency. Klobuchar, at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, noted that Bondi pledged at her confirmation hearing to not let politics play a role in her decision-making and to preserve the Justice Department’s independence. … Klobuchar cited Trump’s calls for investigations and prosecutions of former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Chris Krebs, Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook and former FBI Director James Comey. She asked Bondi if she received any advice or instruction from the president or anyone else at the White House. ‘I’m not going to discuss any conversations,’ Bondi said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4q5ihwi
STAUBER: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Lawmakers across the political spectrum gathered in Duluth for the soft opening of the $435 million Twin Ports Interchange project. It was a project funded by the federal 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the DFL was quick to point out northern Minnesota U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber voted against, even though he took credit for the project at the ceremony. … Minnesota DFL Chair Richard Carlbom said in a news release: ‘[Stauber] voted against this project every step of the way but conveniently has a change of heart when it’s time for a public accolade at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.’ … Stauber, at the event, denied that he had opposed funding for local infrastructure.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42u0d4C
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)
NORWAY: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is getting a brush with royalty this week as the crown prince of Norway visits the state to mark 200 years since the first organized Norwegian emigration to the U.S. Crown Prince Haakon…arrived in the Twin Cities on Monday night and took part in a series of events on Tuesday. That included a stop at Norway House in Minneapolis and a meeting with Gov. Tim Walz at the State Capitol in St. Paul. A goal of the trip is to highlight the continued close ties between Norway and the U.S. — and specifically Minnesota, where hundreds of thousands of residents have Norwegian ancestry. At the meeting with Walz, Haakon called that the ‘backbone’ of the relationship.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46YLsIv
AI: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Police reports written by artificial intelligence are now being used in some criminal cases in Minnesota. … Some of those reports, 5 INVESTIGATES found, are then being forwarded to city attorneys who handle lower-level crimes. The Brooklyn Park Assistant City Prosecutor, Amanda Grossmann, confirmed she is accepting Draft One reports connected to misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases. … However, some county attorneys who prosecute more serious, felony-level cases are proceeding with caution. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office does not accept police reports written by Draft One, according to criminal division director Morgan Kunz.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4o8IiJa
ENERGY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy is proposing to build a battery storage network across Minnesota as the utility strives to install 600 megawatts of energy storage in the Upper Midwest by the end of 2030. … The battery storage proposal for Minnesota, known as the Capacity*Connect plan, now goes before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for consideration. In a news release, Xcel Energy said it intends to locate the batteries at local businesses, commercial or industrial sites, or nonprofit organizations.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3VRQy4j
(DISCLOSURE: Xcel Energy is a client and sponsor of Fluence)
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Despite seven mass shootings this year — four since August, including at Annunciation Church, and three others on or near a troubled stretch of Lake Street — Minneapolis remains on track to see a fall in all categories of major crime this year. … The city has recorded about 50 fewer shootings, nine fewer homicides and a third fewer carjackings and other robberies compared to last year. Stolen vehicles, at record highs in 2023, have fallen by a quarter. Some crime metrics are even below pre-pandemic levels, with about 18% fewer robberies and 28% fewer burglaries compared to the first nine months of 2019.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42uPeIg
TAKE: The reality is that data matters, but when it comes to elections and vibrancy that humans feel when it comes to safety. While Democrats locally and nationally tout stats, there is still a feeling that isn’t about data, but rather about livability and safety. It’s also becoming ridiculous in cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago to tout the livable parts of the city, while other parts of the city are not safe. The “nothing to see here” attitude is not a winning strategy to re-energize our urban centers.
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Brooke Blakey, the first director of St. Paul’s Office of Neighborhood Safety, is stepping down this month. She said Tuesday that it’s time to pass the baton. … She’s [also] looking for better work-life balance. In supporting gunshot victims and their families, Blakey’s work brought her to hospitals and crime scenes in the middle of the night. … Blakey said her last day will be Oct. 17.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3VVxK4a
GOLDEN VALLEY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Following the resignation of their previous police chief over multiple investigations, the City of Golden Valley has chosen a temporary leader for its police department. On Tuesday, Matt Clark was announced as the interim leader for the Golden Valley Police Department. The news comes after former Chief Virgil Green resigned last week. … Clark will serve as department director starting on Friday and will transition to interim police chief upon completing his pre-employment POST requirements.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3KFk8rq
40 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP: Flint Hills Resources and Ducks Unlimited (DU) are celebrating 40 years of partnership, a longevity landmark that makes Flint Hills one of DU’s longest-standing corporate partners. Working together over the past four decades, Flint Hills and DU have contributed to conserving more than 250,000 acres of wildlife habitat and natural areas in Minnesota and over 900,000 acres across North America. LEARN MORE: Flint Hills Resources and Ducks Unlimited Celebrate 40 Years of Partnership (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County Board unanimously agreed on Tuesday to pay $100,000 to settle a man’s lawsuit after he was assaulted while at the Juvenile Detention Facility by a staff member who later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/471PsYJ
NEW PRAGUE: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “In response to pressure from U.S. Representative Angie Craig, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recently notified Rep. Craig’s office that it will be launching an internal investigation into reports of delayed delivery of the New Prague Times. This announcement follows a letter Rep. Craig sent. … In addition, the response to Rep. Craig from USPS identified 1101 1st Street Northeast as the proposed site of the new New Prague post office. USPS anticipates a grand opening around September 2026.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4q5itM2
ANOKA: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Anoka Social District has been expanded from a fair-weather, few-months endeavor to a year-round one, as voted by the city council. … The program was introduced as a one-month pilot in September 2023 to encourage visits and stimulate business in the downtown Anoka area. It allowed guests to buy a beer, cocktail or glass of wine from participating vendors and walk around. … Anoka’s Social District was expanded to five months (May-September) in 2024, and now sipping and strolling will be allowed across the calendar year.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3KF3Nmv
TAKE: Social districts should be allowed in ANY community in Minnesota that wants them.
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
AG RACE: via a Schutz campaign press release, VERBATIM: “Ron Schutz, one of Minnesota’s most respected lawyers and a nationally recognized leader in the legal field, announced his candidacy for Attorney General on Tuesday. Schutz, a veteran and longtime community leader, said he is entering the race because Minnesotans deserve an Attorney General who will ‘protect citizens, defend their rights, and restore integrity to the state’s top law office.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pYUSw9
PHILLIPS: Former CD3 Rep. Dean Phillips gave wide-ranging interviews to Twin Cities Business and WCCO Radio this week, discussing his time in Congress, his thoughts on party leadership and the government shutdown. TCB: https://fluence-media.co/48jgJrT WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/3IYnfdm
OPIOIDS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Washington County has upped the ante on financial support for community-based projects that will be funded by opioid settlement dollars. In 2024, the county’s Opioid Settlement Council awarded its first round of grants totaling more than $500,000 to eight community-based projects. This year, the grant total jumps to $700,000, and the county is currently accepting applications.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/42QTpOT
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz will receive vaccinations for COVID-19 and the flu to “reiterate that Minnesotans will continue to have the freedom to access vaccines,” per a release. Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham will also attend. The event is at 1:00 p.m. Governor Walz will meet with Dr. Mark Seeley, Executive Director of the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership.
TODAY: Sec. Steve Simon will travel to Faribault, Le Sueur, Rice, and Waseca counties today. Simon will be meeting with high school students, community members and local election officials, per a release.
TODAY: via Faith in MN, VERBATIM: “Minnesotans from the sixth congressional district will gather at the Chaska office of U.S. Representative Tom Emmer to request a meeting and share stories of the direct impact the proposed healthcare cuts will have on Minnesotan families and constituents in his district.” The event is at 11:45 a.m.
TODAY-TMRW: via an MN House advisory, VERBATIM: “The House Capital Investment Committee will begin their second regional tour of the fall, visiting communities in Northeast Minnesota. This bipartisan tour will consist of sites of proposed investment in state infrastructure which will be considered for inclusion in a 2026 Capital Investment Bill. The week’s tour will bring the committee to the communities of Vadnais Heights, North Branch, Pine City, Moose Lake, Carlton, Proctor, Duluth, Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Ely, Virginia, Eveleth, Chisholm, Hibbing, and Floodwood.” SCHEDULE: http://fluence-media.co/432s0t4
TOMORROW: via Faith in MN, VERBATIM: “Members of Senator Tina Smith’s staff, members of Representative Ilhan Omar’s staff, childcare providers, and minority-owned small business leaders will meet for a roundtable discussion on the impending skyrocketing costs of healthcare and its impact.” The event is at 10:00 a.m.
TOMORROW: via an MBP advisory, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Business Partnership has curated a museum-like exhibit for HQElevate 2025’s ‘A Night at the Museum,’ where artifacts and from over 50 Minnesota businesses tell the remarkable stories behind the state’s economic success.”
OCT 15: via a CTUL advisory, VERBATIM: “Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha (CTUL) and North Star Policy Action (NSPA) will host a press conference at Minneapolis City Hall to release a new report outlining how the City can partner with community organizations to eliminate abuse in the non-unionized construction industry, [including] issues such as wage theft, misclassification, and assault.” The event is at 10:00 a.m.
BDAYS: Rep. Dawn Gillman, fmr. Sen. Greg Clausen, marketer Greg Swan, realtor Julie Christensen
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