Lynx lose. Twins lose.
Wild pick-up Nico Sturm. They’ve improved at center.
A new group is encouraging Minnesotans to plant a tree this summer in honor of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her family. KARE: http://fluence-media.co/44GJPPE
Minnesota now has an official state fossil and constellation. MPR: http://fluence-media.co/3GpL50k
It’s now legal in Minnesota to compost your body after you die. KARE: http://fluence-media.co/4ergR9E
A Gallup poll finds that 58% of U.S. adults say they are very proud to be an American — a record low. While American pride has increased for Republicans, it dropped to new lows for both Democrats and Independents. POLL: http://fluence-media.co/44dBjaI
morning take will return on Monday. Have a fantastic Independence Day!
Thanks for reading and subscribing.
Blois
TIPS: bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s Big Bill discussion on morning take with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ltsDmk
On Sunday Take, the significance of the Pride celebration with Sen. Scott Dibble. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3I53D6s
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
SECURITY: via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “State legislators bought home monitoring systems. Congressmembers hired security agents. Political groups encouraged candidates to create safety plans. Cities tightened security in council chambers…Security has been a growing priority at all levels of government in recent years as elected officials have faced more threats and harassment, and changes to campaign finance laws have led candidates to spend far more to keep themselves safe… Changes to campaign spending rules in Minnesota and Congress have allowed politicians to use more money for security in recent years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Gt0IUL
GOV RACE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A decision on the political future of Gov. Tim Walz could come this month. He had previously said he’d wait to make a decision on whether to seek a third term in office until after the conclusion of the legislative session. Then he set the announcement clock to July. But the killings of the late DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman are likely playing into that decision. No Minnesota governor has won a third consecutive four-year term.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44IEeIz
TAKE: The most read piece of 2024 was the “What to Watch in 2025”. Halfway through a year that feels like four years, looking back on what to watch feels inconsequential, but tradition prevails.
The mid-year mood of Minnesota feels unsettled. Clearly Hortman-Hoffman shootings weigh, and they also impact the political dynamics of 2025 and 2026. The tied House, the special elections, the anti-climactic legislative session also impact the lack of political momentum going into the 4th of July parade season.
Another major factor impacting the mood is the “Big (Insert Your Adjective) Bill” and what it will ACTUALLY mean. Many of the big changes don’t go into effect until after next year’s midterms. Speaking of midterms, the current view is foggy at best.
At home, we’ll start with the top of the ticket, Gov. Tim Walz. All signs were that he was going to run again, but don’t bet the house on it. The assassination of Hortman’s, and shootings of Hoffman’s must take a toll, and give Walz pause. It’s heavy, and while his previous statement was he’d announce his intentions at the end of Session – now it’s likely a State Fair timeframe.
Two recent polls show while Walz has a favorable approval level, Minnesotans are open to a different option. Pluralities said he should not run again. If he loses, any 2028 ambitions are reduced to extreme long shot
Sen. Tina Smith’s decision not to run has already set up the other DFL battle which on some levels resembles that national descension that DNC Chair Ken Martin is grappling with, and the NYC Democratic Mayoral primary victory of Zohran Mandami. Lt. G ov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig will illustrate what a well-funded primary battle as it stands right now
All of this creates a challenge for DFLers if Walz doesn’t run –fundraising and a divided party are not a recipe for success. DFLers on the short list to run for Governor include Attorney General Keith Ellison, Secretary of State Steve Simon, State Sen. Nick Frentz, and State Sen. Erin Murphy. In December I wrote that, Melissa Hortman would have had the best resume…to run if Walz didn’t. An open Governor’s race will make 2025 as volatile as any year in Minnesota since 1998.
The final point on Walz is, if there isn’t a Republican who can beat him – why wouldn’t he run?
The spotlight on Republicans shows challenges, including a shallow bench of untested candidates. Kendall Qualls lacks the authentic energy that a Rep. Tom Emmer or Rep. Pete Stauber have. After that, fmr. Sen. Scott Jensen will make his decision in August, State Rep. Kristin Robbins is thinking about it, and attorney Chris Madel is teasing conservatives on a tour with Alpha News’ Liz Collin. Rising stars Zach Duckworth and Jordon Rasmusson, will seem to be leaning against running statewide to earn some more experience.
In the Senate race, Republicans must hope for Michelle Tafoya to raise the money and profile to attract national money and attention. After that, it’s unclear they will have someone to be competitive.
That’s not to say that Republicans can’t win in 2026. However, the weakness of the state party, Trump’s favorability, the economy and the DFL’s existing advantage would suggest headwinds will be strong.
The other factors that are more unpredictable than they were in December’s forecast will be retirements in the legislature, the Trump economy, the state budget situation.
My tradition has been to get a feeling of the “mood of Minnesota” at the 4th of July, this year we all should take a break from suggesting we know the future – the inexplicable and improbable has been the theme to date of 2025.Better to not tempt fate.
US BUDGET: via NBC News, VERBATIM: “The Republican-controlled Senate narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy package Tuesday, bringing it one step closer to his desk. The vote was 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a tie. … Voting against the final bill, alongside all 47 Democrats, were Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Susan Collins of Maine. Paul opposed the bill because it would add trillions of dollars to the deficit, while Tillis and Collins feared the cuts to Medicaid were too steep. … The revised legislation now heads back to the House…where Republicans can similarly spare only three votes. An earlier version passed by one vote.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/44brslJ
MORE: via Axios, VERBATIM: “House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is facing an explosion of internal anger among his members over the Senate's changes to President Donald Trump's ‘big, beautiful bill.’ The speaker has just days to pass the bill before Republicans' self-imposed July 4 deadline — which will require flipping dozens of ‘no’ votes and overcoming numerous procedural hurdles. … One House Republican, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Axios there are ‘well over 20’ GOP lawmakers threatening to vote against the bill. … Right-wing House Republicans are upset that the Senate bill is projected to add more to the deficit than the House version would.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44rWkNB
DETAILS: via NBC News, VERBATIM: “A special fund for rural hospitals, which faced cuts in the bill, was boosted to $50 billion, up from $25 billion. A provision to ban solar leasing for clean energy tax credits was stripped out, as was an excise tax on wind and solar projects. … The bill includes an extension of [Donald] Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and provisions to temporarily eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay. It includes a surge of new funding for the military and Trump's immigration enforcement and mass deportation plans. It aims to pay for some of that with hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and clean energy funding. And it would raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/44brslJ
HEALTHCARE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday…protesters rallied outside the state health department in St. Paul. They demonstrated against what could be more than $1 trillion in cuts to programs like Medicaid. At Hennepin Healthcare, nearly 100,000 people use that insurance option. … Interim Hennepin Healthcare CEO Dr. Thomas Klemond [said] he expects to start losing Medicaid reimbursements as soon as January 2026 in Minneapolis. There are concerns that some hospitals in small communities will close down altogether.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4ladeI3
SNAP: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “A budget bill passed by Congress on Tuesday with billions in cuts to federal nutrition programs will strain the ability of Minnesota agencies and local food banks to help families in need, officials say. The [bill] includes $186 billion in cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over 10 years. … About 440,000 Minnesotans receive SNAP benefits each month. About 45,000 would be at risk of losing their benefits altogether. … The state will [also] need to make up the loss of $220 million in federal dollars.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4evsrk7
AI: via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “A moratorium on state-based artificial intelligence laws was struck from the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Monday night in a 99-1 vote in the U.S. Senate, after getting less and less popular with state and federal lawmakers, state officials and advocacy groups since it was introduced in May. … GOP senators initially proposed a 10-year ban on all state laws relating to artificial intelligence.” Minnesota is one of several states with AI regulations that could have been affected. READ: http://fluence-media.co/3ZYH9dH
CD1: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A crowd of about 50 people gathered at Cascade Lake Park [in Rochester] Tuesday afternoon to rally against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. … With the amended bill heading back to the U.S. House of Representatives, some of the event's speakers focused on Republican U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, who represents southern Minnesota. State Rep. Kim Hicks, DFL-Rochester, gave out Finstad's office number and urged attendees to call him. ‘Tell him you don't approve,’ Hicks said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lFIaQh
CD8: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., said he plans to vote for the tax and spending bill that would enact President Donald Trump's agenda. … [Stauber] cited a figure from the White House Council of Economic Advisers, which said a family of four could have an after-tax take-home pay increase of $7,600 to $10,900 in the first four years after the bill's passage. However, PolitiFact recently rated the White House's use of the over $10,000 figure as ‘Mostly False,’ citing independent groups that forecast much smaller increases in take-home pay.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4l6wWnH
REACTIONS: Minnesota officials responded to the advancement of Pres. Donald Trump’s budget bill on party lines, with Democrats decrying its cuts to social programs and Republicans calling it fiscally responsible.
Via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar statement, KLOBUCHAR: “This bill will be devastating for the American people. In Minnesota alone, it will kick more than 170,000 people off their health care and shift over $100 million in costs onto our state. This will be particularly harmful to our counties, forcing them to choose between raising taxes or cutting food assistance, law enforcement, and infrastructure.”
Via a Rep. Tom Emmer statement, EMMER: “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill has passed the Senate! This is a great day for: Hard working American families; Police officers; Border Patrol agents; Seniors; [And] tipped workers. Let’s keep the wins coming and get this on President Trump’s desk ASAP!”
Via a Sen. Tina Smith statement, SMITH: “What Republicans did here is simple: they voted to kick 16 million people off health insurance while giving massive tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, and managed to still raise the debt by a staggering $5 trillion. … Rural hospitals will be forced to close. Planned Parenthood will lose its funding and have to shutter clinics.”
From yesterday’s newsletters:
PROPERTY TAX: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The reconciliation bill moving through Congress might deliver property tax increases across Minnesota’s 87 counties, even as the measure’s authors tout its potential tax savings. The reason: Minnesota is one of a handful of states to administer supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits, or food stamps, through county offices. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act…promises tax cuts for small businesses and individuals while slashing benefits. Some critics of the bill also say a portion of the federal savings are due to a swap in who is paying for administering SNAP, not the amount of it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3G7q4aK
MEDICAID: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Almost 12 million lower-income Americans would lose their health insurance by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). It still needs to pass the House again, where some moderate Republicans have expressed concerns about the cuts. The CBO was still analyzing the bill after it was released late Friday, and many last-minute changes meant a more exact forecast on coverage losses wasn’t possible before the Senate rushed to vote on it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/46tD1pM
Read yesterday’s health take for more: http://fluence-media.co/4eyvuID
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS: The Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount is a landmark like no other – the tall columns, bright lights and steam during cold winter days can be seen from miles away. Generations of workers have helped operate, maintain and transform the refinery, making it one of the nation’s most innovative and efficient energy facilities of its kind. This year, Flint Hills Resources celebrates 70 years of dedicated employees at the Pine Bend refinery who have produced the fuels that help move us forward. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
HHS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today secured a preliminary injunction halting Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ensuring continued access to critical public health and social service programs. … Ellison and a coalition of 19 other attorneys general sued to stop the administration’s sweeping and unlawful directive, which left HHS unable to carry out many of its most vital functions. Today, Judge Melissa R. Dubose of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island blocked the administration's mass layoffs at several key HHS agencies while the case proceeds.” INJUNCTION: http://fluence-media.co/401nmdA
PAID LEAVE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The six-month countdown starts today before the formal launch of Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave program. Democrats who pushed for the program’s passage in 2023 were able to navigate through the latest legislative session without any significant changes from Republicans. Over the next few months, the Department of Employment and Economic Development will put in place the technology and staffing needed to get the program up and running on January 1. DEED officials have said they’re on track and have been meeting with business leaders to get them prepared for the launch.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44IEeIz
SOCIAL MEDIA: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Social media companies like Meta, Snapchat and X are scheduled to start sharing more information with consumers about usage rates and content practices under a new Minnesota transparency law that took effect Tuesday. [But] a powerful trade association and lobbying firm representing Big Tech wants to block the requirements, arguing in a federal lawsuit that the state’s regulations violate free speech rights protected by the First Amendment. The law requires social media companies to publicly disclose user engagement statistics, content assessment, notification practices, interaction rates between user accounts and product experiments.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44HtCcW
FRAUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “This year, lawmakers advanced a set of new laws around fraud. They include those that’ll freeze state payments if a recipient is suspected to have committed fraud and allow more data sharing between agencies. … The changes also allow for broader data sharing between state and federal agencies and law enforcement groups, providing more information about organizations or individuals who have misused state dollars in the past or have been suspected of committing fraud to obtain state money. … State employees involved in managing grants will also undergo extra training. More people will have an obligation under law to report potentially unlawful use of public funds. The laws will also expand whistleblower protections for state employees who call out potential fraud.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3GpL50k
GRANTS: via a DHS press release, VERBATIM: “New state grants will build on Minnesota’s recent progress in addressing opioid abuse. Grants totaling $15 million will expand services for people suffering from opioid use disorder and make it easier to get help. The Minnesota Department of Human Services will award grants to 23 organizations recommended by the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council.” READ/LIST: http://fluence-media.co/449lmCq
MORE: via an OHE press release, VERBATIM: “To enable more colleges and universities in Minnesota to develop or enhance existing inclusive higher education pathways, the Office of Higher Education (OHE) has awarded three campuses with Inclusive Higher Education grants, totaling over $550,000.” READ/LIST: http://fluence-media.co/3TQR15z
RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Ramsey County commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved a salary increase of 3% for board members. With the approved increase, effective Jan. 1, board members’ salaries will increase from $104,077 to $107,199. The board chair’s salary will increase from $109,338 to $112,559. … The seven-member board typically sets commissioner salary increases at a rate that matches general wage increases for county employees in the previous year, according to county officials. Board members cited that precedent ahead of the vote.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4kghJiZ
ST PAUL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The city of St. Paul proposed a $488 million renovation of the Xcel Energy Center at this year’s legislative session, but the bill was not acted upon. However, the city, the Minnesota Wild and state lawmakers are still putting together a funding plan to get the renovations done in the near future. Deputy St. Paul Mayor Jamie Tincher told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS getting the package put together and approved is a ‘top priority’ for the city. … Tincher told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the city would put up $200 million, with ‘other donors’ as part of the $488 million funding proposal.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4nM7xSn
MPD: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara is pushing back against recent remarks from the city's mayoral candidates who indicated they would discipline him for his presence at a federal raid on the city’s south side. … The chief [said] MPD's involvement was limited to crowd control after it began, telling WCCO's Adam and Jordana that the ‘irresponsible misinformation’ is disappointing.” O’HARA: “Some folks actually had the expectation that I could stop federal law enforcement from enforcing federal law. I don't even know what to say to that.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4kCrcBr
MPLS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis is gearing up for a big dinner party – so big, they’ll need a seven-block-long table. It’s called Dinner du Nord. An estimated 2,000 people will be able to sit down for a meal on Nicollet Mall, with food provided by several dozen local restaurants. Organizers announced the event this week; it’s scheduled for September. … Angie Whitcomb is the president and CEO of Hospitality Minnesota, one of several sponsors of the event. She said it’s a new idea to highlight both local restaurants and the downtown area.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lxg6yf
ST CLOUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Ever since the municipal pool [in St. Cloud] closed more than two decades ago, people have been asking for a new outdoor swimming hole that isn’t just a splash pad or wading pool. That could become a reality soon — as long as the community steps up and raises the last third of the $15 million for the water park project planned at the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA. … The Y has raised about two-thirds of the funding from families and businesses, as well as a $1 million commitment from Stearns County using one-time federal relief funding. Local legislators supported a $5 million bonding request this session but the request was not included in the final bill.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4kCp9NL
WATERVILLE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Jeff LaFrance co-owns and operates a local liquor store, gas station and a campground in Waterville, a town of about 1,700 residents nestled between two lakes connected by the Cannon River, in the heart of the Southern Minnesota Lakes Region. The summer months are usually the busiest times of the year. But at this time last summer, LaFrance says his campground was under three to five feet of water. … One year later, many residents of Waterville are still trying to recover and rebuild. LaFrance said he didn’t qualify for federal aid, so he lost more than $500,000 in property damages from flooding.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3ZWPOxg
FRIDAY: Axios has a list of where to view Independence Day fireworks displays in the Twin Cities metro. LIST: http://fluence-media.co/3TQZOEB
SATURDAY: via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s first ever Native American Food Truck Festival is arriving on Saturday, July 5, at Harriet Island Regional Park. From 11 a.m.–7 p.m., more than 20 Native-owned and co-owned food trucks—serving up both traditional Native foods and urban Indigenous fair foods—will line the park, along with nearly 30 Native resource vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44sCAtc
JULY 12: Gov. Tim Walz will be the keynote speaker at the South Dakota Democratic Party’s annual McGovern Day dinner on July 12 in Sioux Falls, SD.
BDAYS: retired journalist Bill Wareham, Rep. Duane Quam COMINGUP: attorney Doug Wardlow, reporter Matthew Stolle, beverage advocate Jim McGreevy, radio guy Doug Westerman, Rep. Jon Koznick, U of MN’s Sarah Youngerman, developer Pete Deanovic, fmr. Sen. Dan Sparks, fmr. Rep. Jeanne Poppe, generational expert Sarah Sladek, business leader Brooke Lee
TIPS: How do we get the best news and most buzzed about stories? 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.