Twins swept by Milwaukee.
OKC is the NBA Champion, prepare for the Chet Holmgren is one of us stories.
The Minnesota Frost will host a PWHL Draft watch party tomorrow. DETAILS: http://fluence-media.co/4k2jKim
Keep an eye out for a goalie from Colgate in the draft.
Aurora win their division title.
Following U.S. air strikes on Iran, the Iranian parliament supports closing the Strait of Hormuz to slow down oil trade — and spike U.S. gas prices. AXIOS: http://fluence-media.co/4ef6NR1
Pres. Donald Trump posted on social media that he may support a “regime change” in Iran if current leaders do not “make Iran great again.” SEE: http://fluence-media.co/466ddjl
Public opinion on whether abortion should be legal or illegal varies considerably from state to state, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. PEW: http://fluence-media.co/3HRcdFU
State Auditor Julie Blaha and Rep. Dave Baker joined me on Sunday Take to discuss how Minnesota politics will move forward after the assassination of the Hortman’s and attempted murder of Sen. John Hoffman and Yvette. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/443jslm
Happy National Hydration Day.
Blois
TIPS: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take was dedicated to the legacy of House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman following her tragic death. Rep. Jeff Witte and former Rep. John Lesch discussed her life, her career, and how her killing could change Minnesota politics forever. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4kL12x4
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
IRAN: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “In a precautionary move, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz placed all state authorities on heightened alert in the event that Iran retaliates following the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday night. … Homeland Security issued a bulletin through the National Terrorism Advisory System on Sunday saying the conflict in Iran ‘is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States,’ adding that cyber attacks [are] likely.” WALZ: “Following the President’s decision to bomb nuclear facilities in Iran, I’ve directed our public safety teams to be on heightened alert for potential threats to Minnesota. While there’s no known threats at this time, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3T5CpPA
MORE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The United States inserted itself into Israel’s war against Iran by dropping 30,000-pound bombs on a uranium enrichment site. … Iran’s [retaliation] could mean a wave of attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East, an attempt to close a key bottleneck for global oil supplies, or a dash to develop a nuclear weapon. … Iran could also seek to respond through militant attacks [in the U.S.]. … Iran’s U.N. ambassador [said] the U.S. ‘decided to destroy diplomacy’ with its strikes [and] the Iranian military will decide the ‘timing, nature and scale of Iran’s proportionate response.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4li7jQG
CONTEXT: via NPR News, VERBATIM: “Iran has long defended its nuclear program as peaceful, but [Israel] has argued it poses a risk. … The U.S. intelligence community has said it believes Iran suspended its nuclear weapons program in 2003, following the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard relayed that guidance as recently as March. … But earlier this month, [Donald] Trump contradicted Gabbard, telling reporters on his way back from the G7 summit in Canada: ‘I don't care what she said. I think they were very close to having it.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4kMT1Yo
REACTIONS: Minnesota lawmakers were split on party lines about the U.S. bombing Iran, with Republicans calling it a successful attack that will lead to peace and Democrats citing it as executive overreach by Pres. Donald Trump that could endanger Americans.
● Via a Rep. Tom Emmer statement, EMMER: “A nuclear Iran posed a threat to the Middle East and to the world. [Trump] has been consistent that this dangerous regime should never possess a nuclear weapon. He was right then, and he is right today: now is the time for peace.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3TyK6Oa
● Via a Rep. Ilhan Omar statement, OMAR: “The strikes on Iran, ordered by President Trump and executed without congressional authorization, mark a dangerous and reckless escalation of an already volatile conflict in the Middle East. … [This] will only provoke more violence, destabilize the region, and endanger U.S. troops and civilians.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3T6eXBH
● Via a Rep. Pete Stauber statement, STAUBER: “Iran has been wanting to eliminate the United States and Israel for decades. President Trump's decision to surgically remove this threat was decisive leadership with the power of our extraordinary military force! This is peace through strength.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/43VD0tp
● Via a Rep. Angie Craig statement, CRAIG: “Like many Minnesotans, I believe we must avoid another costly war in the Middle East that will risk American lives. The President’s unilateral decision to launch direct strikes and threaten a wider, open-ended war in the Middle East without Congressional debate or authorization puts American and allied troops and civilians at risk.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3TA3ZVb
CONGRESS: Rep. Betty McCollum spoke to MPR News about a House resolution she is co-sponsoring that would prohibit U.S. military action in Iran without congressional approval. The interview was recorded before the U.S. bombed Iran. QUOTE: “We will continue to support Israel with defensive measures. But these would be offensive measures, [and] under the War Powers Act, the president has to come to Congress. … We don’t need to be adding more fuel to the fire. We need to be adding diplomacy.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3TA3F8V
LOCAL IMPACT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “5 EYEWITNESS NEWS sat down with the Minnesota leaders for the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) in the wake of U.S. military strikes on Iran. … Local JCRC executive director Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish also called the move a success and a necessary step toward weakening Iran’s nuclear capabilities. … CAIR-MN executive director Jaylani Hussein condemned the strikes as escalatory, expressing fear of a wider war on the horizon as a result.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/449sopw
MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “There are Minnesotans worried about their families across the ocean. Katayoun Amjadi grew up in Tehran, a place close to her heart where her extended family still lives. ‘They're in Tehran and I haven't been able to talk to them the past 24 hours,’ Amjadi said. … Ghazaleh Dadres also grew up in Iran and still has family there. ‘For my aunt, it took over 12 hours to just go from Tehran to the northern coast,’ Dadres said. … ‘Iranian people are just as much victims of this.’” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4neVEnp
STORMS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Cleanup of damaged buildings, downed trees and mangled power lines continued in northern Minnesota on Sunday, in the wake of severe storms that walloped the region early Saturday. The storms produced winds of more than 100 mph — equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane. … As of Sunday morning, more than 15,000 homes and businesses remained without power in northern Minnesota from Saturday’s storms. That was down from more than 50,000 in the immediate [aftermath]. … Line crews from elsewhere in the state were helping local utilities restore power in Bemidji, Cass Lake, Bagley, Mahnomen and surrounding areas. … The city of Bemidji and Beltrami County each declared states of emergency in the wake of the storms.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/469xAMB
MORE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The [emergency] declaration allows for an expedited disaster response as Bemidji and neighboring communities clean up and recover from the damage. … Sunrise revealed thousands of downed trees and power lines, along with structural damage to homes and buildings. No injuries were reported.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3TCduTM
BOELTER: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In a rambling, conspiratorial letter addressed to the FBI, alleged assassin Vance Boelter claimed Gov. Tim Walz instructed him to kill U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar so that Walz could run for the U.S. Senate. … Federal prosecutors allege the letter was left behind in a Buick that Boelter deserted near his home in Green Isle, Minn. It also allegedly contained Boelter’s confession that he carried out the shootings that killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman. … Hennepin County Attorney spokesperson Daniel Borgertpoepping said the office cannot comment on an open investigation, but ‘due to the seriousness of the allegations it contains, we will state only that we have seen no evidence that the allegations regarding Governor Walz are based in fact.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3T3RnFB
MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Search warrants and federal court papers are revealing new information on the man charged in last weekend's deadly political attacks. … Inside Vance Boelter's Green Isle home, authorities found 48 pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles. They also found boxes of ammunition, a camouflage suit, a notecard with public officials' names on it, multiple computers, and nearly $18,000 in cash. … Inside [Boelter’s] storage unit, authorities discovered a duffel bag with 5 body bags inside, gun cases, a pair of pants, gun cleaning supplies, and a grey tarp.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3HQQeim
SECURITY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Threats and online harassment against elected officials are not unusual in divisive political times…but the recent shootings, allegedly by a man who had compiled a list with dozens of officeholders’ names, have left Minnesota politicians profoundly shaken. For some, the episode has made them even more determined to continue their work. For many, though, it has prompted questions they never imagined they would have to consider about how to keep themselves and their families safe. … Sen. Heather Gustafson, DFL-Vadnais Heights, said legislators are feeling exposed and vulnerable. … ‘I just feel like people don’t look at us like we’re people sometimes.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4kPQTPz
RURAL MN: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Senate released its version of the ‘big beautiful bill’ that would help implement President Donald Trump’s agenda, and the state’s hospitals — especially those in rural areas — could be among the biggest losers in the legislation. … Rural areas disproportionately rely on Medicaid, and their hospitals are often the only resort for patients without health coverage. In Minnesota, the provider tax is currently set at 1.8%, among the smallest of all states. … Mark Jones, executive director of the Minnesota Rural Health Association, said the U.S. Senate budget bill could upend plans for a new directed payment program. … ‘It’s not beneficial to our rural health care providers at all,’ Jones said of the Senate legislation.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3GbBRoj
DEER: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “In an attempt to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease in wild deer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is adding eight counties to its deer feeding and attractant ban. The new counties added to the ban include Anoka, Clay, Ramsey, Sherburne, Steele, Traverse, Wilkin and Wright. They’re in areas across the state where CWD was detected for the first time last year. The ban prohibits using food and other attractants like scents that would promote deer congregating unnaturally in the wild.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3T3X3Q0
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)
CANADA: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump [is prompting] some Canadian citizens to boycott the U.S. Now, their reluctance to visit their neighbor to the south is showing in the border crossing data at two northern Minnesota points of entry. From January through May, 25% fewer travelers entered the U.S. from Canada at International Falls compared to the same period last year, and 23% fewer travelers entered the country at the Grand Portage Port of Entry. … Across the entire U.S. northern border, travelers crossing into the U.S. by those methods are down about 18% compared to last year.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45BjVhc
MPD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis’ police staffing remains far below what it was before 2020…but recruitment is on the upswing. Applications jumped by 133% by the end of 2024. After a record low of 560 officers in March 2024, officer numbers have increased slightly, with 578 active sworn officers as of mid-June, according to statistics provided by Minneapolis police. The police academy also recently launched its largest class since the 1990s. … [There] are eight ‘legacy’ families with an officer father and a son or daughter who are new Minneapolis police officers or CSOs.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lnLkYJ
WASH CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “South Washington County schools are undergoing expansions and renovations. Some schools will receive updated spaces, as others make room for new areas to promote learning and connection. Kraus-Anderson is leading the construction projects for six schools to be completed between 2026 and 2027. The improvements, which voters approved, [include] special education and online learning spaces, along with outdoor spaces.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4kQ3MZT
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A proposed $144.9 million in Rochester infrastructure and equipment investments for 2026 is expected to provide guidance for future budget discussions. … The council will receive an update on the infrastructure and equipment plans, as well as other factors influencing future budget discussions, on Monday. … The primary focus of the discussion will be the city’s $560.4 million six-year plan for new construction, infrastructure upgrades and large equipment purchases. It includes a total of 210 projects, with many involving work and expenses spanning multiple years.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nf3H3B
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Duluth School Board voted [last week] to approve the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year despite a majority of the board expressing unease over proposed budget reductions. … The budget includes more than $186 million in revenue for the district’s general fund. … It’s a $15 million increase over last year’s general fund revenue, due in part to the 2023 legislation that increases the state funding schools receive for each student by a minimum of 2% every year. The district’s general fund expenditures have been set at just under $185 million. Faced with a $5 million deficit, the district has taken a conservative approach with this year’s budget.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3HT6L5t
EAGAN: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “An ambitious plan to make sure those who served in the Armed Forces have a roof over their head when they return took another step forward [last week] as housing advocates and veterans support groups broke ground on a veterans housing neighborhood in Eagan. All told, the $5.5 million Veteran Village project includes 22 homes for up to 36 veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness, spread across more than 6 acres.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4ebj4WK
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
JOBS: via a DEED press release, VERBATIM: “Minnesota saw another strong month of job and labor force growth in May, according to new data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota added 6,600 jobs in May, double the rate of the nation as a whole (0.2% versus 0.1%). Minnesota's labor force grew by 2,236 people, continuing the labor market's recent record of strong growth – Minnesota has added people to [the] labor force 10 out of the last 12 months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3FONly2
HIGHER ED: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Trump administration’s war on higher education — cutting more than $10 billion in research grants and taking aim at international students — has trickled down to the leafy quads of this small town south of the Twin Cities, home to two elite private colleges that have long put this otherwise quiet community on the map. Carleton College, consistently ranked among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges and with a sticker price of more than $90,000, has already lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal grants. International students make up more than a tenth of the enrollment, and at least 10 incoming freshmen are struggling to get visas. St. Olaf College, too, prides itself on its international focus.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3HQrnLx
WIRE THEFT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “In hopes of cracking down on copper theft, in 2024 state lawmakers passed legislation requiring copper recyclers to present scrap yards with a license to sell their material. The law took effect Jan. 1. Minneapolis officials said it’s too early to determine if the law is deterring thieves. St. Paul is also managing a backlog of repairs. But, unlike Minneapolis, St. Paul officials report a major decline in streetlight vandalism since the beginning of the year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44ideyu
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will interview candidates for a vacancy in the Seventh Judicial District.
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: fundraiser and lobbyist Kaley Taffe, DFL operative Will Davis, fmr. Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough
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.
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