Twins win. Lynx win.
Vikings pre-season game Saturday.
New security measures announced this morning for the Capitol via DPS RELEASE: https://fluence-media.co/4onWBKP
An Ipsos poll measured how Americans feel about Minnesota and its neighbors. For Minnesota: 28% favorable, 19% unfavorable. For Wisconsin: 26% favorable, 13% unfavorable. For Iowa: 20% favorable, 15% unfavorable. POLL: http://fluence-media.co/3HkRyKs
An FBI report finds that in 2024, violent crime in the U.S. dropped 4.5% while property crime dropped 8%. AP: http://fluence-media.co/3Hbuq10
Pharmaceutical tariffs could hit 250% next year. HILL: http://fluence-media.co/3JmfBJq
A Leger poll asked Republicans whether they would support other political parties if Donald Trump was “officially implicated” in the Jeffrey Epstein case — 27% said yes, 47% said no, 26% were undecided. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4m20PGr
A Gallup poll finds that Bernie Sanders is the most popular politician in the U.S. with 49% approval. Only Pope Leo XIV and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have higher favorability in this ranking of public officials. POLL: http://fluence-media.co/3J41zwg
Pizza is one ranking, but ice cream spots around the Minnesota are also critical – the ice cream spot in downtown New Ulm is called – Eis.
Happy National Rootbeer Float Day – maybe that’s the order at the Dari King for the drive home today.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take included an interview with OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel on the State of Cannabis in Minnesota and a discussion about the need for quality candidates in the 2026 elections. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3U9jDaz
30K: Sponsorships available – to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
MOOD: From Morgan, Minnesota…Farm Fest 2025. Contrast the first day of Farm Fest 2025 with the first day of 2024. Last year, the morning Farm Fest, Gov. Tim Walz had just been named as the running mate of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. That was the beginning of a year of constant Minnesota political news – that has barely slowed. The tie in the House, the Mitchell trial, the Walz national tour after the election, the assassinations and attempted murder of the Hoffman’s…it’s been a year.
That’s why it’s nice to be grounded back at FarmFest, where Minnesotans gather, regardless of party to learn, talk, smile, and honor Minnesota’s second largest economic driver – agriculture.
Many are curious what the “Ag Mafia” dinner is, imagine farm folk and metro folk, breaking bread. Imagine Rep. Angie Craig and Rep. Brad Finstad talking about things they can agree on – similar to what they did on stage. The takeaway from day one is, it’s going to be a good crop, but prices are low. Farm financial stress is high (5x higher than last year according to MN Dept. of Agriculture data) – but there’s an optimism, and an acknowledgement that ag needs to be louder in discussing how it feeds and fuels the world.
Yes, the people who feed the word, somehow have found themselves lacking understanding – all the science, all the meals, and the logical link between your plate, and the place the food comes from has lost its signal. That’s not different than our civility, and our politics – in many ways we’ve lost the signal of civility – and common sense.
Today, Gov. Tim Walz will attend FarmFest, he’ll visit a place he was well received in 2018, but has received a lukewarm welcome since. From feedlot permit fees to his previous push to put California emission rules on Minnesota farm trucks – has missed the mark of his dream of “One Minnesota”.
Walz hasn’t announced whether he’s running again – and has pushed off until after the State Fair, but people are wondering. They are asking, and they have questions if he does run again. He’ll get many of them today.
That’s because a year from now, Minnesota will be in full blown campaign mode. An open Senate seat, a Governor’s race, 201 legislative seats and an unknown national mood. This is the year farmers want talk about issues, more than campaigns. The interesting thing is this seems to be the year that politicians are more about listening, because it’s not a campaign speech. The most impressive thing is that at FarmFest, the politicians also listen to each other.
As the urban liberals would call it, FarmFest is a “safe space”, but the question is how we carry the conversations to the State Fair, to the legislature, and include the public. That’s the opportunity, and mood is – that talking points aren’t welcome here – conversations are. If we all have more of them, Minnesota’s mood will improve. If our conversations are more human, the signal can do nothing but improve.
FARMFEST: via AgWeek, VERBATIM: “Members of Minnesota's U.S. House contingent discussed the farm safety net, budget reconciliation, what's happening with passing a ‘skinny farm bill,’ trade, nutrition funding and more in a forum on the first day of Minnesota Farmfest. … On the panel were Reps. Angie Craig, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber. The four representatives largely discussed the budget reconciliation, or ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ … Finstad, Fischbach and Stauber generally agreed with the things Craig liked about the bill, but also defended the things she disliked, most notably the SNAP cuts. … The representatives also discussed trade and tariffs, the Make America Healthy Again commission, gray wolves, conservation, California's Proposition 12 law on animal welfare and its impacts on agriculture nationwide, and other points related to ag policy.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45nQrBM
MORE: The FarmFest panel featuring Reps. Angie Craig, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber can be viewed online. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lbHqBC
2026: Minnesota team baseball hats are the theme of FarmFest attire. Rep. Pete Stauber was sporting a Twins cap. DFL US Senate candidates Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and US Rep. Angie Crait were wearing Minnesota North Stars and the Minnesota Vikings respectively. A tweet from a Flanagan staffer suggests that Flanagan’s campaign is trying to paint Craig as not “one of us”. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/47eYOSz
2028: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin said [Democrats] will begin deliberating the 2028 [presidential] primary calendar later this month at a meeting in Minneapolis. … Martin said the process will play out over the next year, and he expects to have a calendar set by the end of next year. … Martin also said he anticipates a crowded primary field in 2028 and said he wants to make sure the process for setting the calendar is guided by three principles: ‘One, it has to be rigorous. Two, it has to be efficient. Three, it has to be fair.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3UMiG8d
REDISTRICTING: GOP Chair Alex Plechash responded to DNC Chair Ken Martin’s comments, seen in yesterday’s morning take, about supporting Democratic leaders who want to redraw congressional districts in response to Texas Republicans moving to do the same. PLECHASH: “The head of the DNC is openly calling for cheating in our elections. This is beyond dangerous — it’s disqualifying. … We call on every Minnesota Democrat — Governor [Tim] Walz, Attorney General [Keith] Ellison, and Secretary [Steve] Simon included — to condemn Ken Martin’s rhetoric. … If they won’t, they’ve made their priorities clear: power at any cost.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/41sSYcD
QUESTION: Would Plechash call on his Texas party mates to do the same?
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On Monday, Fluence Advisory hosted a cannabis forum on the “State of Cannabis in Minnesota including an interview with Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management Eric Taubel.
POT: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “As some Minnesota cities fret over regulating newly legalized and normalized marijuana sales, others see an opportunity. Elk River is among 13 Minnesota cities considering opening municipally owned cannabis stores. … Government-run pot shops aren’t currently in use anywhere else in the country. City Administrator Cal Portner talks about Elk River’s approach as making the most of a situation. … Revenue potential from cannabis sales, and how it can be put to use in the community, is part of the appeal. Assuring compliance is also part of it.” Other cities considering municipal pot shops include Anoka, Blaine, Buffalo, Grand Rapids, Mounds View, Owatonna and more. READ/LIST: http://fluence-media.co/3HdAeXS
MORE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “A legal case against the Office of Cannabis Management over its delayed social equity preregistration lottery has been dismissed. The Minnesota Court of Appeals agreed that the case is moot and dismissed it at the request of plaintiffs. Several would-be cannabis business operators sued over being denied access to the lottery late last year. A lower court ordered a stay of the lottery until the courts could weigh in. OCM responded by postponing the lottery. … The appeals judges said the case was over because ‘we cannot grant effective relief.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45B9cCR
MORE: As seen in downtown New Ulm…..
CYBERATTACK: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners extended its local state of emergency Tuesday due to the recent St. Paul cyberattack. … A resolution approved by the County Board on Tuesday declares the state of emergency effective until further determination by the county manager. Ramsey County information systems continue to be unaffected by the cyberattack on the city of St. Paul, according to county officials. The declaration is largely technical, allowing the county to apply to the state for reimbursement of funds spent on the emergency.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47iqshA
HCMC: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “For a Hennepin County Board committee meeting, the chamber was unusually full Tuesday. Outside, peering through the glass walls, dozens more people stood watching, many holding signs urging commissioners to take over Hennepin Healthcare. The board is poised to do just that. … [The] committee advanced a resolution to take over Hennepin Healthcare. A full vote comes next week and is expected to pass. … Hospital employees and union leaders urged county commissioners to take control amid complaints about patient care and worker dissatisfaction. … With a full vote on Aug. 12, the county would take the reins and try to head off a crisis. They admitted they have no idea how they’ll do it, but expressed a desire to keep it away from taxpayers.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4fn6tAx
RENTERS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Over 70,000 more Minnesotans benefited from the new Renter's Credit after filing out their individual income tax returns earlier this year. The Minnesota Department of Revenue noted in a press release Tuesday that anyone who claimed the 2024 Renter's Credit on the individual income received either a decrease in the amount owed or an increase in any refund due. Unlike previous years, when individuals had to file a separate Property Tax Refund return to receive a refund, the 2024 Renter's Credit is now included as part of the individual income tax filing.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4l839dz
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)
ENERGY: via Bring Me The news, VERBATIM: “Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota are expected to save an estimated $40 million each year following a state appeals court decision. But the move could come at a steep cost for Minnesota's community solar garden subscribers. … The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld a 2024 ruling by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Monday to effectively cut bill credits for subscribers to more than 700 community solar gardens. The PUC's original aim was to reduce costs for all Xcel ratepayers in the state, who help pay for community solar even if they're not subscribers, and will now split roughly $40 million annually for the next 16 years as a result of the solar credit cuts.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4olnYFc
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.”
Ceiling fans cool you, not the room: Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature, but they make you feel cooler. Set your fan to spin counterclockwise in the summer to create a wind-chill effect.
When away, adjust your thermostat: During the summer months, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill for every degree you raise your thermostat.
Hot air belongs outside: Air leaks around windows and doors can let hot air in and cool air out. Sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk is a low-cost DIY project that can make a big difference in your cooling efficiency.
Cook smarter to stay cooler: Using your oven or stove during the hottest parts of the day can heat up your home and make your AC work harder. Instead, try grilling outdoors, using a microwave or preparing no-cook meals.
Let nature dry your clothes—plus, your chores can wait until evening: Air drying your clothes or adding tennis balls to your dryer can help clothes dry faster and save energy. Running your dishwasher, laundry machines or other large appliances during cooler evening hours can reduce strain on the grid and helps keep your home cooler during the day.
(SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
FEMA: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Today, Attorney General Keith Ellison won a preliminary injunction in his lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s decision to illegally shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which was designed to protect communities across America from natural disasters before they strike. In its preliminary injunction, the Court ordered the federal government not to spend BRIC funding for any non-BRIC purpose while the lawsuit is ongoing.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4oiqzQh
CONSERVATION: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Improvement and Flexibility Act. This bipartisan legislation would bolster CRP by improving access to grazing, maximizing enrollment options for producers, and expediting emergency haying in response to drought and other weather-related disaster events.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46KmMoC
MANUFACTURING: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig [and others] reintroduced the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act to strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) BioPreferred Program. This bipartisan legislation will increase market access for bio-based products and help ensure that the United States remains the world’s leader in biomanufacturing. Senators Amy Klobuchar [and others] introduced companion legislation in the Senate.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lXBoFX
AG GRANT: via an MDA press release, VERBATIM: “Minnesota farmers’ next chance for help buying their first farm has arrived, with the return of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Down Payment Assistance Grant program. The Down Payment Assistance Grant offers eligible farmers up to $20,000 to help buy their first farm, up from $15,000 in past years to reflect increasing land prices. The Minnesota Legislature boosted funding for the program to $1.25 million this year, up from $1 million last year. Applications are open now through September 15.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3UTtXDD
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO CELEBRATE: Flint Hills Resources and its employees are proud of the company they keep, including many community partners that help make Minnesota a better place to live and learn. Not only is the Pine Bend refinery celebrating 70 years, many of the company’s long-time partnerships have milestones in 2025 — 25 years of the Flint Hills Family Festival in partnership with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 25 years with Friends of the Mississippi River to restore critical habitat, 30 years with the Minnesota Zoo, and 40 years with Ducks Unlimited. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3ZfDkjY (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Auditor found the city did not violate its ordinance prohibiting assistance with immigration actions when police acted as crowd control during a June federal operation at a Lake Street Mexican restaurant. However, his report also found shortcomings with how the city communicated the incident — initially misconstrued as an immigration raid — with Council Members, and a need to better prepare a response plan should such an operation occur. The findings were reported Tuesday to the Minneapolis City Council.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3H1AWr8
MORE: via news release from the MIRAC, one of the things they are “demanding” is VERBATIM: “No local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, HSI, and other federal agencies, including supportive roles like crowd control and police taping.” act
TAKE: To suggest that no crowd control be offered, is a suggestion that the protests that could turn into riots quickly would be ok with these groups.
BENTON CTY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “There are upset taxpayers in Benton County after the county board approved a new $24 million government center without a vote from the public. On Tuesday, the board approved the $24 million project to build a new government center in Foley by a 4-1 vote. Earlier this year, taxpayers said the board agreed to send the project to a referendum vote if they got enough signatures on a petition. After the board received nearly 2,000 signatures, the board changed the funding to one where a referendum isn’t needed. … The new Benton County government center is scheduled to open at the end of next year.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/46K8Smr
DULUTH: via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “With their school year beginning in early September, Duluth Public Schools is still uncertain they will be receiving federal funding. Adelle Wellens, Communications Officer for Duluth Public Schools, explained that the district has been in what she calls a ‘whirlwind’ as they await the news of whether they will be federally funded or not. … Duluth Public Schools receives money for their Head Start program, and because of the uncertainty, the district has applied for other sources of funding to prepare for the possibility of federal cuts.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/46FvDbf
RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the settlement of two lawsuits Tuesday for a total of more than $700,000. The lawsuits involved two men who alleged mistreatment during their time as county jail inmates. In one settlement, the county agreed to pay $242,500 to Ching Vang after he alleged correctional officers at the Ramsey County jail used excessive force. In another, the county will pay $460,000 to Matthew Breen, who alleged Ramsey County jail employees were negligent, resulting in serious medical complications for him. In both settlements, the county denied the claims.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46J2coL
GRAND MARAIS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “At their most recent meeting, Grand Marais City Council members discussed a possible affordable housing project in the city, heard from the local library as it presented its 2026 budget, learned that a fuel pump will be installed at the local Marina and got word that things are going well at the new municipal liquor store. Mayor Tracy Benson oversees all the action. She joined MPR…to discuss the state of the city. Benson said housing remains the No. 1 issue for the city.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4op8G2o
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
BIZ SURVEY: via Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “As in other industries, for businesses in the services sector, the volatility of trade policy is a big concern. … But amid all this unpredictability, services firms in the Ninth District still reported a somewhat positive outlook for their businesses over the coming year, according to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Over the past year, firms saw mild growth in sales, productivity, and employment, and are expecting more in the year to come. But labor supply conditions remained tight.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IYV0ed
NATL PARKS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Federal officials are reviewing whether to remove books and signs with historic references to the harsh treatment of Native Americans from Minnesota’s national park sites. An executive order issued by President Donald Trump in March required employees at all national park sites to audit and report to the Department of the Interior any material that negatively portrayed Americans, past or present, by July 18. In Minnesota, staff reported informational signs and books that referenced forced relocations, starvation and treaty violations of Native American tribes living in Minnesota and Wisconsin.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4535yl7
POLLUTION: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Pollution doesn’t respect boundaries. Hundreds of lakes across the North Woods are contaminated with mercury, including those in protected areas like the Boundary Waters. That contamination is worsening now despite years of efforts to close coal-fired power plants and scrub industrial emissions. Minnesota has reduced the amount of mercury it spews into the atmosphere by nearly two-thirds since 2005. Yet the level of mercury found in walleye and northern pike in many of the state’s lakes has continued to slowly but steadily rise for the past 30 years.” READ/MAP: https://fluence-media.co/4msYcNG
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend Farmfest to meet with Minnesota farmers and farm associations.
AUG 24-27: The Democratic National Committee will hold a number of meetings in Minneapolis from Sunday, Aug. 24 to Wednesday, Aug. 27, beginning with a welcome reception at the State Fair hosted by DNC Chair Ken Martin at 6:00 p.m. SCHEDULE: http://fluence-media.co/3HcuwFv
BDAYS: Fox 9’s Jason Matheson, retired Hormel lobbyist Jeff Grev, wife of the Senate GOP Leader Skyler Johnson, fmr. GOP ED Jennifer DeJournett
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