morning take | D's and R's both critical of Star Tribune "No Kings" coverage
10.20.25
Vikings lose. Wild at Rangers tonight.
Wolves open Wednesday in Portland.
Loons will play Seattle in the playoffs.
One of Minnesota’s healthiest lakes is surrounded by farmland, and it could be a blueprint for keeping the state’s water clean. STRIB: http://fluence-media.co/4osHuif
The U.S. is considering tariff exemptions for products that can’t be made domestically. WSJ: http://fluence-media.co/4hfpGVs
Channel 5 has a special tonight after Monday Night Football “What the Fraud?.
Nearly half of Americans lack confidence in finding a good job under Trump, a new AP–NORC poll shows. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nybXeh
Sunday Take featured property owner Jim Rubin and Star Tribune columnist Eric Roper discussing the recent ups and downs of Minneapolis from two perspectives. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4qf2085
Enjoy National Chicken and Waffles Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
A “No Kings” conversation during today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3Jl9LIL
SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.
FORUM: The agenda for the Fluence Advisory - Fluence Forum – The State of Health Care forum will be released later this week. Email bolson@fluence-advisory.com for more information and sponsorship information.
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.
COVERAGE: The Star Tribune “No Kings” Rallies this weekend triggered some critiques from both DFLer’s and Republicans.
PROTESTS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “There were more than 70 ‘No Kings’ rallies organized across Minnesota on Saturday, stretching from International Falls in the far north to Albert Lea near the Iowa border. … The largest demonstration in Minnesota was likely at Commons Park in downtown Minneapolis, [with] Sen. Tina Smith and Attorney General Keith Ellison among the speakers. … There were also several thousand protesters across the river in St. Paul. … Other large protests [with] thousands in attendance include Rochester and St. Louis Park.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47hIHlJ
MORE: The Star Tribune has interviews with “No Kings” protesters in cities across Minnesota. Protest attendees broadly condemned the actions of the president and his administration, but in cities like Rochester and St. Cloud, they also aired grievances with their Republican representatives in Congress. READ: http://fluence-media.co/4oxG46u
RESPONSE: via a GOP Chair Alex Plechash statement, PLECHASH: “Let’s be honest — if Minnesota has a king, it isn’t Donald Trump. It’s Tim Walz — and his crown is made of executive orders, dark money, and taxpayer dollars. … If today’s protestors really want to say ‘No Kings,’ they can start right here in St. Paul. If you want to protest royalty, start with the governor’s mansion — that’s one palace already being renovated at taxpayer expense.”
WALZ vs. STAUBER: Meanwhile the social media banter between Rep. Pete Stauber and Gov. Tim Walz seems to be heating up.
A new level of insight and information….
Fluence Media introduces more - Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
Earlier this year we launched a premium subscription option. Now we’re adding content for premium subscribers.
Weekly deep-dive political analysis and breaking news
A monthly insight-filled briefing memo on Minnesota and Midwest economy
Early access to our Fluence Forum audio and video assets.
A free morning take mug
CD2: via news release from the Matt Little campaign, VERBATIM: “Over 70 DFL officials, elected leaders, and active members from CD2 have publicly endorsed and committed to serve as delegates for Little’s campaign for Minnesota’s Second District Congressional seat, if elected by their precincts and districts (list below)…The long list of endorsements from current and former elected representatives, candidates and organizations from within MN-02, includes the Minnesota Chapter of the Letter Carriers; State Senator Erin Maye Quade, Senate District 56; State Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega, District 65B; State Representative Matt Norris, District 32B, State Representative John Huot, District 56B; State Represenative Brad Tabke, District 54B; Savage Mayor Janet Williams; Empire City Council member Marla Vagts; Burnsville Council member Dan Gustafson; Frmr. State Senator Kevin Dahle; Frmr. Randolph Mayor Bob Applegren; Frmr. Minnesota Senator Greg Clausen, House Rep. Candidate Brian Cohn, and MN House of Representatives candidate Erin Preese… Only three Democrats have ever won a majority of votes in Lakeville: Amy Klobuchar, Angie Craig, and Matt Little, who has won the favor of Lakeville voters four times.”
SEN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “On paper, Minnesota’s rare open seat in the U.S. Senate on the ballot next fall should be an ideal pickup opportunity for Republicans…The GOP gained ground nationally in 2024, and Democrats are struggling to coalesce around a message that will appeal to swing voters…But nearly a year since DFL Sen. Tina Smith announced her retirement, only two main Republicans have emerged: controversial former NBA player Royce White, who lost to Sen. Amy Klobuchar last year, and retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, a newcomer candidate who has lagged in fundraising.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/472tYfH
BUCKET TRUCK: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “On a crisp autumn morning in Waconia, Minnesota, Laketown Elementary buzzed with excitement as fifth grader Grant Scotting kept his eyes trained on the parking lot. A birthday surprise for Scotting was in the works — and soon it rolled up: a shiny Xcel Energy bucket truck. Scotting, who has special needs and is nonverbal, is known for his love of Xcel Energy. His enthusiasm for the local energy company ranges from reporting outages on his family’s iPad to eagerly opening each monthly bill.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4oq7uei (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
GOV RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Scott Jensen was in his element as he addressed a crowd at a ‘health freedom summit’ in Alexandria, Minn., earlier this month, where some of the world’s most prominent vaccine skeptics gathered to preach their beliefs. The Chaska physician and GOP candidate for governor [praised] U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. … Jensen won the GOP nomination for Minnesota governor three years ago with a campaign built around skepticism of COVID-19 vaccines, death counts and mask mandates. Now, Jensen is embracing Kennedy’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) message on vaccines, fluoride and autism as he tries to rally conservatives behind his second attempt to defeat DFL Gov. Tim Walz. … [But] GOP strategist Amy Koch said he could alienate other voters if he leans into it too much.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3JlY98r
MAYOR RACE: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was on WCCO-TV yesterday to discuss his third-term bid. Frey defended his record on crime and homelessness while promising to stand up for city residents who immigrated illegally. FREY: “We look at people who are undocumented not just as undocumented, but as our neighbors. We love them and we are going to stand by them.” WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/43jUpLo
40A: DFLer Aisha Elmquist has launched a run for House District 40A following the retirement announcement of Rep. Kelly Moller. Elmquist, director of the state’s Olmstead Implementation Office, said in her announcement that she wants to build on Moller’s legacy in the Minnesota House. ELMQUIST: “I’ve spent my career fighting for people with disabilities, older adults, and families. Now I’m ready to bring that experience to the Capitol. With fundamental rights and vital supports for our communities increasingly under attack, we need strong voices at the Capitol defending them.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nW40QP
FUNDRAISING: MPR has compiled the latest fundraising data for every federal candidate in Minnesota. Notably, CD1 DFLer Jake Johnson is the only candidate who raised more in Q3 than the incumbent he is competing against. Johnson brought in $244,066 while GOP Rep. Brad Finstad raised $219,217. Johnson also spent more: $140,586 versus Finstad’s $98,167. Finstad has a significant advantage in cash-on-hand: $463,234 versus Johnson’s $258,588. DATA: http://fluence-media.co/47kPX09
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)
EARLY VOTE: Star Tribune’s Deena Winter has compiled the latest early voting data for Minneapolis city elections. VERBATIM: “Minneapolis [is] continuing to vote early in big numbers. … 28 days into early voting, 7,226 people had voted, compared to 7,136 at this point in 2021. The top three wards voting early are: Ward 6 at 1,881; Ward 3 at 869 and Ward 7 at 806.” DATA: http://fluence-media.co/4nX19qK
VOTING: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon is putting to rest concerns over the state’s ‘Driver’s Licenses for All’ law when it comes to voting in this fall’s election. The law allows undocumented residents to obtain driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status. But Simon [said] trying to use them for identification purposes at the polls is a deportable felony.” SIMON: “The penalties are swift, they’re severe, and the person is gonna get caught. … Over 10 years, [we’ve had] three examples of non-citizens attempting to vote in Minnesota. And by the way, none of the three were here in this country illegally.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/43aAT4b
JOB DATA: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “When a government shutdown halts the release of essential economic data, economists lose the nation’s most reliable gauges of employment, growth and inflation. But they don’t stop analyzing – they start improvising. Box office receipts, restaurant reservations, cardboard production, even data on garbage collection can give valuable clues to how American businesses and households are faring. … While useful in the moment, [this] does not provide the holistic economic view needed for longer-term planning. … ‘They are subsets of what is happening in the economy,’ said Marcus Bansah, associate economics professor at St. Olaf College in Northfield. For informed decision-making, a more holistic approach is required, and that requires the federal government.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4qkk5By
LAKES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Microplastics seem to be nearly everywhere, and a recently released survey finds they’re in Minnesota lakes as well. The survey comes from Environment Minnesota Research & Policy Center, an affiliate of the national public interest advocacy group PIRG. Following a protocol put out by microplastic scientists, staff and volunteers examined 40 waterways throughout Minnesota and identified microplastics in every lake sampled.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4owyOaU
JUDGE: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Nathan LaCoursiere as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Eric L. Hylden and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County.”
ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “The first 24 students have been on the ground at the new CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud, a partnership with the University of Minnesota Medical School, since August. … [But] a 30-year contract with Fairview Health Services concludes late in 2026, and it remains unclear what health system the University will partner with going forward. Does that matter to St. Cloud? According to University President Rebecca Cunningham…it is crucial. … Cunningham sandwiched an exclusive interview with St. Cloud LIVE between visits with political leaders including Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, [and] Sen. Aric Putnam, DFL-St. Cloud.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4qqLIcj
S ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Workers at a leather tannery in South St. Paul will return to work on Monday, saying they have reached an agreement after a weeklong strike. About 65 union workers at Twin City Tanning went on strike. … During their weeklong strike, workers also picketed outside Red Wing Shoes locations because the shoe company is a ‘major purchaser of the leather produced at Twin City Tanning,’ the release said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4n9NwUd
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)
PINE ISLAND: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “An environmental group is suing a southeastern Minnesota city over a proposed data center. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy filed the lawsuit in Goodhue County District Court. It names Pine Island, a city of about 3,600 people near Rochester, and developer Ryan Companies. MCEA alleges that the city’s environmental review of a 482-acre development called Project Skyway was inadequate. The project would include at least 100 acres of data centers, possibly more.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42Jw15O
HERMANTOWN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “One of the country’s largest companies has officially filed a proposal with Hermantown to build a large data center campus, but the city and developer still aren’t saying exactly who is behind the project. Hermantown previously studied the impact of a data center on more than 200 acres in the small city near Duluth, but the application made public this week includes more specifics about the site. … The new application says the unknown company will build four concrete buildings — each 300,000 square feet and 50 feet tall.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/43qQf4k
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Two forms of financial support for a planned 50-home development in southeast Rochester will be considered on Monday. The Rochester City Council will be asked to approve $1 million in tax increment financing alongside $1 million through the city’s Home Ownership Creation Program, which is funded through the recent voter-approved sales tax extension. … If the TIF support is approved, the city would provide $20,000 per home as each house is sold, in order to bridge funding gaps that could impede the ability to keep the sales prices below targeted levels.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4qeS7qV
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
RECESSION: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is one of 22 states at high risk of a recession, according to a new analysis from Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. It’s just one economist’s opinion, but Zandi’s 50-state index highlights real pain points in Minnesota’s economy: a creeping unemployment rate; and a growing toll from broader forces like trade wars, an immigration crackdown and federal job cuts. Nationally, ‘my takeaway is not that the economy is in recession, but it’s pretty darn close,’ Zandi tells Axios.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43qDx5E
DOWNTOWN: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A lack of support and a surplus of red tape were some of the issues raised as downtown St. Paul business owners met [last week] with members of the Minnesota Legislature that represent the area. … Several people at the meeting expressed the desire for more communication around resources that are available to small-business owners. One entrepreneur pitched the idea of a small-business liaison or task force that could answer questions and alert business owners to resources, grants and other opportunities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43nsjyM
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend a ribbon cutting for Boston Scientific.
TOMORROW: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2025 Workplace Compliance Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 21 in Coon Rapids. The conference will primarily focus on how to “help employers, business leaders, and compliance professionals understand the full scope of [paid leave] requirements,” per a release. The event is at 9:30 a.m.
SATURDAY: Protect Minnesota will host its “all coalition meeting” in St. Paul to discuss the future of gun violence prevention efforts in the state. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
BDAYS: MV School Board member Jim DeMay, Minneapolis insider Mark Oyaas, MNCUN’s Ryan Smith, Cozen’s Thomas Wallrich, absentee City Councilor Jeremiah Ellison, journalist Pat Condon
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.