WASH OUT
Twins win. Messi scores a hat trick. Argentina might be the favorite to with the World Cup.
Damaging winds and large hail possible today. MAPS: https://fluence-media.co/4xNYg14
Minnesota saw nine new state records for fish catches this spring. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/4vSpZvy
Pizza Hut is being sold for $2.7 billion to a private equity firm. FOX: https://fluence-media.co/4vTud63
Iran says its deal to end the war with the U.S. requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, which Israel has already rejected. AP: https://fluence-media.co/4ovfOL0
Happy National Root Beer Day.
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LISTEN: Sunday Take featured DFL Reps. Kelly Moller and Mike Howard remembering the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman one year after her passing. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gfrsri
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SMARTER: Long Term Care – Is Minnesota Ready? Care Providers Minnesota and LeadingAge Minnesota hosted providers, Senator Grant Hauschild (03, DFL), Representative Natalie Zeleznikar (03B, GOP), and Representative Nathan Nelson (11B, GOP) for a conversation about the future of careing for our seniors. This coming week the conversation moves to St. Cloud. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ue3YXA
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Last night at Principles First an emerging “center-right” group a conversation about election security and the polarization we have in the Midwest. Enjoyed my conversation with Charlie Sykes and Lori Sturdevant. The biggest challenge – what’s the solution?
There are so many facets to polarization but one that struck was the lack of viable third party options. A reminder that if advocates for election reform are going to cite anything they should be reminded that it was the DFL trifecta that passed more barriers for third parties.
The “spoiler” issue should be dismissed in this era, after all the power hunger of the parties deserves a bigger challenge when so many voters and citizens are disenchanted. That also may be the pull to the center that each party needs to fight the forces of the fringe.
I’ve always been skeptical of a permanent third party, but in this era – especially in Minnesota 2026 a third party in the Governor’s race would be a major factor if the candidate were serious and could be funded. The irony of DFL legislators in the audience and FairVote Minnesota as a sponsor suggest that self-awareness is also still a bridge too far.
Regardless, as we look at polls, fundraising, and competitive races across Minnesota – shaking up the system is due and voters are pining for it.
Via the Star Tribune this morning Gov. Tim Walz has a lower approval rating in Minnesota than President Donald Trump. VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz’s approval rating has reached its lowest point of his tenure as he prepares to leave office, illustrating just how much his political standing has eroded in the wake of Minnesota’s fraud scandals…The DFL governor’s approval rating dropped to 39% in the Star Tribune/KARE 11/ Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication Minnesota Poll. A majority of likely voters disapproved of Walz’s performance, while 8% were undecided…Notably, Walz’s support has slipped among Democrats and Minnesotans who backed him and Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Last year, 91% of Harris voters in Minnesota said they approved of Walz’s performance as governor. Now 69% say they do.”
more from the Star Tribune, VERBATIM “The state’s fraud crisis has emerged as a major concern for voters. A majority of respondents said they were “very concerned” about the level of fraud in state social services programs, while another 27% said they were “somewhat concerned.”…Asked which party they trusted more to reduce fraud, 45% of respondents chose Republicans while 38% favored Democrats. Fourteen percent said they don’t trust either party.”
Here’s the full Star Tribune story, READ: https://fluence-media.co/43Isq85
NOTE: Minnesota Public Radio is not part of this poll as they have been in the past.
A deep dive into the CD1 race between Rep. Brad Finstad and Jake Johnson for MNSider subscribers. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/49OqNJu
CAMPAIGN CASH
PARTIES: The latest state-level campaign finance reports show that as of May 31, the Minnesota DFL has raised $3,701,706 so far this year with $2,188,675 on hand, while the Minnesota GOP raised $890,727 this year with $281,942 on hand. DFL: https://fluence-media.co/4apnFnN GOP: https://fluence-media.co/3Qt5VB0
SENATE: The Senate DFL has raised $1,098,049 so far this year with $2,803,732 on hand, while the Senate GOP raised $1,002,808 this year with $3,059,270 on hand. DFL: https://fluence-media.co/4uKgM7E GOP: https://fluence-media.co/3QmGb9s
HOUSE: The House DFL reported raising $1,167,412 so far this year with $1,820,553 on hand, while the House GOP has raised $457,989 this year with $1,294,861 on hand. DFL: https://fluence-media.co/4vyvZtX GOP: https://fluence-media.co/3Qu7n61
Also in yesterday’s lunch take…CANDIDATES: DFL candidates are in the lead on fundraising for governor, secretary of state, attorney general and state auditor. In each contest, the top fundraisers of the year so far are Sen. Amy Klobuchar at $7,053,950 raised, Sec. Steve Simon at $206,922, Attorney General Keith Ellison at $517,029 and Adam Jennings at $141,654. The runners up in each contest, all Republicans, are Mike Lindell at $648,960 raised this year, Tad Jude at $35,415, Ron Schutz at $214,581 and Scott Jensen at $102,792.
CASH: Despite having by far the highest fundraising total of any GOP gubernatorial candidate, Mike Lindell’s cash on hand is lower than that of Speaker Lisa Demuth or Kendall Qualls. Meanwhile, Republican Scott Jensen has more cash on hand in the auditor race than his top DFL opponent, Adam Jennings, despite Jennings raising more money this year.
ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take has a breakdown of state office candidates’ cash on hand as of May 31. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/49ZvErq
CAMPAIGNS
SOCIAL MEDIA: The Minnesota DFL has opened new accounts on X and Bluesky as part of “Project True North,” a social media campaign dedicated to negative coverage of Republican candidates. The DFL says it is sharing “the facts Republicans hope you forget,” encouraging supporters to “follow for the truth.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4gqX8df
CD2: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The crowded race to replace Rep. Angie Craig is getting its first injection of sizable outside spending for one of the three leading Democratic candidates vying to hold Minnesota’s most competitive House seat. EMILYs List [released] the first major ad in the race Tuesday in support of flight attendant and state Rep. Kaela Berg. … The ad — running on TV, streaming services and YouTube — is part of a $500,000 campaign from Women Vote, the independent expenditure arm of EMILYs List, in conjunction with several other groups.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oxt7KZ
SENATE RACE: After Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she is “supporting” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign, as seen in yesterday’s morning take, the Star Tribune asked Klobuchar if she plans to make a formal endorsement in the DFL primary. Via a spokesperson, STATEMENT: “Sen. Klobuchar has made it clear that as the leader of the ticket, she supports the entire statewide ticket. She is not actively involved in the Senate race because she is focused on her own campaign and her job. She also respects and likes both candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4edf6yB
CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
TRANSIT
BLUE LINE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As the Blue Line cost swelled [to $3.6 billion], the Legislature [told] the Met Council to conduct a study to look at bus rapid transit as an alternative. The 116-page study [said] building a bus rapid transit line [would] cost about $120 million. It also would cost about half as much to operate. … KOZNICK: ‘We need to scrap this next boondoggle Blue Line Extension project now, before more tax dollars are wasted,’ said House Transportation Chair Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville. … ‘We could build 30 BRT lines for $3 billion.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4envlb6
E-LINE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Six months after its launch, Metro Transit’s new E-Line connecting Northeast Minneapolis and Edina has already become one of its most-traveled bus routes. The E-Line has averaged about 5,600 daily rides since its opening in December, making it the third busiest Metro Transit bus route, behind the D-Line’s 11,600 average daily rides and the B-Line’s 9,900 average daily rides.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uL2J1N
MOBILITY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Metro Mobility riders fear upcoming service changes could affect their ability to get to work, school and medical appointments, even as the Metropolitan Council said the adjustments are routine and tied to regular bus route updates. Beginning July 1, Metro Mobility will shift its service hours and coverage areas to match changes made over the past year to Metro Transit bus routes. … Metro Mobility provides about two million rides each year.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fQhc8W
Follow the 2026 Minnesota elections up close with the Fluence Election Tracker.
https://fluence-media.co/electiontracker
FEDS
CHARGES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A grand jury indicted 15 Minnesotans ‘for conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers,’ [and] people responded to the charges by protesting outside the federal courthouse in St. Paul. U.S. marshals sprayed pepper spray and released aerosol grenades after protesters tried to hold open a door. … Of the 15 charged, 12 were arrested Tuesday, one was already in custody and two had yet to be detained. … Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sommer Honeycutt asked Magistrate Judge John Docherty to detain the defendants. Docherty declined the request but set conditions for release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SLf4FD
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Tuesday’s announcement comes amid prosecutors downgrading or dropping charges against Minnesota-based protesters. … Three dozen people were initially charged with assault, [but] a third of the cases have been dismissed. … Asked by a reporter how Tuesday’s indictment will fare in comparison, U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said: ‘I don’t think any cases have failed in any way. … You watch how the evidence plays out and the evidence will prove it all out.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3S3yc1D
ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take featured initial coverage of the federal charges against 15 protesters. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/49ZvErq
IMMIGRATION: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Most immigrants arrested in Operation Metro Surge were sent to Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, after being detained at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minnesota. Nearly half of them were eventually deported, mostly to Mexico and Ecuador. Only two people were deported to Somalia. … The administration managed to deport roughly 1,700 people from Minnesota in three months. The findings come from a new Reformer analysis of data obtained from [FOIA] requests.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QaevVf
ROCHESTER: via Rep. Brad Finstad advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General David Steiner expressing his opposition to their decision to terminate the postal contract for the Hunt Silver Lake Postal Station in Rochester. The letter urges USPS to reconsider their decision, conduct a thorough investigation on the impact on the local community, and explore alternatives that would allow postal services to remain available at the current location.” LETTER: https://fluence-media.co/3Scmq4Y
MISSION TWP: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Congressman Pete Stauber trekked to the lakes area [this week] to tour the area affected by last month’s Flanders Fire. … [Stauber] followed Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang along County Highway 11 to Flanders Lake and the spot where the fire began on May 16 in Mission Township. … ‘It was unnecessary,’ Stauber said upon seeing the area and hearing of how far the fire spread. ‘You put a lot of people at risk, a lot of structures at risk.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4enFhmp
HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold-certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
METRO
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “As the St. Paul mayor’s office patches together an especially challenging budget proposal for 2027, could a projected $26 million budget gulf be resolved by municipal layoffs, service cuts, levy hikes and other fiscal austerity? ‘All options are on the table,’ said St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, who signaled difficult choices are just over the horizon during a city budget outreach event. … Her [said] some of the experimental social programs that were the darlings of the previous mayoral administration, like a guaranteed income pilot program for low-income families and another effort to forgive medical debt, will probably not be revisited any time soon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oykSOB
MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis council member is pressing for answers and more funding as hundreds of mixed-income apartments in a Minneapolis complex sit vacant or unsafe. About half of the 440 apartments at Heritage Park in Near North Minneapolis are vacant or unsafe, according to Council Member Pearll Warren. … Warren also mentioned she is trying to get more city funding for roof repairs and other urgent work.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4edLH7p
OAKDALE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “A Tennessee city manager with more than 30 years of experience in municipal government has been tapped to be the next city administrator of Oakdale. Kelli Bourgeois, who has served as the city manager of Bristol, Tenn., since 2023, will start her new position June 22. She takes over the job from City Administrator Chris Volkers, [who] retires at the end of the month.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uDIfrq
ELK RIVER: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Elk River City Council heard from dozens of residents [about] a potential new data center in the northwest corner of town. The proposal is less than half the size of the two others already there, but it’s drawing some serious pushback. … The council isn’t expected to take any action until Aug. 3. There are two more public hearings on June 23 and July 6.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3QM8gaf
PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
DAYBOOK
TODAY: Rep. Pete Stauber will host an event with Hibbing Public Utilities officials to highlight $1 million in federal funding for Hibbing Water, Access, Treatment, Expansion, and Reliability (Hib-WATER) projects. The event is at 1:30 p.m.
TODAY: At 3:15, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s campaign manager Peyton Lewis and GQR’s Anna Greenberg will host a background press call to discuss recent polling, both internal and independent, in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race.
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will visit Rosenbauer International AG, participate in a fireside chat with the European Council on Foreign Relations, and attend the Carlson Global Institute’s Carlson School Reception.
TOMORROW: Human Rights Watch will host a press conference in Minneapolis discussing its new report on Operation Metro Surge with local leaders from Unidos-MN, National Lawyers Guild MN and more. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
FRIDAY: The Minnesota state government will celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, June 19.
SATURDAY: Minnesota will host the 2026 USA Special Olympics starting on Saturday, June 20. The event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors next week.
JUNE 23: Sen. Andrew Mathews and Rep. Shane Mekeland, both GOP, will host a town hall with representatives from Options, Inc. to discuss Medicaid provider revalidation and “the impacts state processing delays may have on services provided to vulnerable Minnesotans,” per a release. The event is in Big Lake at 6:00 p.m.
JUNE 24: Independent evaluators at ELEFA will host a public meeting to answer questions about the Minneapolis Police Department’s settlement agreement. The event is at 6:00 p.m.
JULY 13: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community listening session on Monday, July 13 to discuss the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health. The event is in St. Paul at 6:00 p.m.
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BDAYS: fmr. St. Paul council member Jay Benanav, lobbyist Sarah Psick, health care advocate Kim Isenberg
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.