Buxton advanced but didn’t win the home run derby. Lynx win.
Trip to Brainerd today to the MN Railroads Conference. Send me a stop for lunch on the way home.
Heat advisory today and the northern half of Minnesota is still under an air quality alert until 11:00 p.m. MAP: http://fluence-media.co/4nNoQ5n
The latest name floated to run statewide for Republicans – Pete Hegseth.
The autopen has never gotten so much attention.
Americans have grown markedly more positive toward immigration over the past year, with the share wanting immigration reduced dropping from 55% in 2024 to 30% today. At the same time, a record-high 79% of U.S. adults say immigration is a good thing for the country. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/4nP7h4W
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is suggesting members of Congress have cognitive tests. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4nUblB4
A Chinese-Canadian noodle chain will open its first U.S. location in the Mall of America. BMTN: http://fluence-media.co/44L4L6R
The Supreme Court is allowing the White House to resume mass layoffs for Dept. of Education workers. AXIOS: http://fluence-media.co/3Ir2czy
Have a great National Tapioca Pudding Day!
Excerpted from the Minnesota Business Partnerships NYSE bell ringing last week, Best Buy CEO Corie Barry and Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha discussed the Minnesota Headquarters’ Economy on Sunday Take. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/469gEpE
Blois
TIPS: bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s morning take with Vineeta Sawkar on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/46EtjRA
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
SAFETY: via KSTP, VERBATIM: ”5 EYEWITNESS NEWS obtained an email sent from a Minnesota state senator to all of her colleagues in the House and Senate…That lawmaker told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS she wanted to remain anonymous because she is on a hit list from Vance Boelter… In her email, the DFL Senator said she wasn’t notified of the threat until four hours after the initial shootings of Sen. Hoffman and his wife at 2 a.m. the morning of June 14… The senator’s email said Jacobson’s message, in part, said “A dangerous individual has made threats against legislators and prominent figures in Minnesota.”…The senator also said that there was “No instruction to not answer the door, or reference to a suspect impersonating an officer,” and that it “advised to please take precautions to stay safe, but offered no information or guidance on how to do that.”… Rep. John Huot (DFL-Rosemount) agreed with the senator even though he was not on the hit list. HUOT: “This is really important, because we have the Amber Alerts and all that, but is this something else we gotta really look at? In my own situation, I didn’t even know about it until I woke up,” said Huot. WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/46fsGhr
REVENUE: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota finance officials are reporting stronger tax collections than expected in recent months, but are warning about economic challenges in the months to come. A quarterly economic update out last week offered a mixed view. It shows that Minnesota ended its fiscal year in June with roughly $850 million in additional revenue. That was entirely on individual income taxes because all other tax categories lagged projections. The report says tariffs, inflation and hesitancy for business investment signal a likelihood for slower growth the rest of this calendar year and a tepid outlook into the future.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3GroS25
MORE: Via MMB, the state’s full fiscal year 2025 report. EXCERPT: “Minnesota’s net general fund revenues for fiscal year (FY) 2025 are now estimated to total $31.914 billion, $847 million (2.7 percent) more than projected in the February 2025 Budget and Economic Forecast. Net income tax was above forecast while net corporate tax, sales tax, and other revenues were below forecast levels.” REPORT: http://fluence-media.co/3GyyOH3
LEGAL FEES: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The invoices for a $430,000 legal bill run up by Gov. Tim Walz’s administration to prepare him for a congressional hearing last month ranged from $70 to review a letter inviting him to the hearing to $2,880 for ‘searches for news or statistics for crimes committed by transgender or nonbinary persons.’ … The invoices were obtained by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS in a data request to the Walz Administration. They provided $265,000 of invoices for April and May, but another $165,000 in invoices for June are not available yet. … According to the [invoices], 23 members of the K&L Gates firm in Washington, ranging from partners and associates to a librarian, charged from $350 to $700 per hour. … Another $2,340 was billed for reviewing unspecified emails and to ‘respond to questions.’” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4nNpbFd
Here are Walz legal bills with detail. APRIL: https://fluence-media.co/3Uj3izP MAY: https://fluence-media.co/4kKriqx
MITCHELL: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “The jury is now seated in the trial of a Democratic Minnesota state senator accused of burglarizing her stepmother's Detroit Lakes home. Sen. Nicole Mitchell is facing charges of felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary or theft tools for the alleged break-in on April 22, 2024. Proceedings started Monday morning. … A group of 80 people were considered, with 12 [jurors] — plus three alternates — seated late Monday afternoon. The jury consists of 10 men and five women. … Opening statements begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, with the first witness expected to take the stand a half-hour later.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3TC3ZEn
MORE: One of Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s attorneys, Dane DeKrey, spoke to MPR News about their defense strategy for the trial. VERBATIM: “DeKrey said a last-minute plea agreement is out of the question. However, it was an option they explored. … DeKrey said Mitchell will likely take the stand in her own defense. … DeKrey added that any security concerns that arose in the aftermath of the shootings of the legislators last month have been addressed, [but] DeKrey said Mitchell was on the ‘hit list’ of the alleged shooter…”. DEKREY: “Our fundamental strategy is to explain to a jury and to explain to the people of Minnesota why Senator Mitchell entered that home that night. That is the central dispute in the case, whether her motives were good or whether her motives were bad.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46NfaS6
CRAIG: Rep. Angie Craig, will be a guest at the next Puck Power Breakfast at Ned’s Club in DC.
KLOBUCHAR: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Sen. Amy Klobuchar paid another visit to New Hampshire on Friday, even as she's yet to say anything firm about her political future. She planned a trip to the Granite State a month ago to be a keynote speaker at a local Democratic club in the city of Manchester and campaign with New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas, who's running for U.S. Senate. However, she immediately left following the shootings of Democratic legislators. … Klobuchar's office said the senator visited several small businesses during her trip and talked about [Donald] Trump's tariff taxes on small businesses. She also spoke at a fundraiser and volunteer event for Pappas.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4eKd5Za
DESPITE THE CHALLENGES OF RURAL HEALTH CARE, ESSENTIA IS RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING TOP CLINICAL CARE: According to the latest report from Minnesota Community Measurement, a statewide resource on health care quality, costs and equity, Essentia ranked as a high performer with 19 of 20 clinical quality metrics scoring above statewide averages. According to Dr. Maria Beaver, chief quality and patient safety officer at Essentia: “This is a testament to the amazing care provided by all our clinical care teams and all our colleagues who support them.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4dCxy1D (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
34B: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Another person has announced their candidacy for Minnesota House seat 34B, the seat that belonged to Melissa Hortman. … On Monday, Xp Lee, a former Brooklyn Park city council member, said he is running for the seat on the DFL ticket. Lee currently works at the Minnesota Department of Health. He is the second DFL candidate running for the seat. Last week, current Brooklyn Park City Council member Christian Eriksen announced his run.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46fnBpn
MORE: via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “[Xp Lee] has endorsements from Brooklyn Park City Council Member Amanda Xiong, Rep. Samantha Vang, Rep. Fue Lee and former State Representative Hodan Hassan, his campaign said. … [Christian Eriksen] Eriksen has served on the Brooklyn Park City Council since 2022 and has endorsements from council member Shelle Page and former member Terry Parks, according to his campaign.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lOVeTb
18A: via Hanson for House, VERBATIM: “Yesterday, Leah Hanson announced her candidacy for State Representative in Minnesota House District 18A. … Hanson is a community social worker and local political leader who has lived in the St. Peter area her whole life.” HANSON: “I know what it’s like for families who rely on public resources just to get by, while billionaires benefit from tax breaks they don’t need. … I’m committed to winning this election and flipping this seat to bring back a commitment to service, integrity, and leadership rooted in what our community needs.” WEBSITE: http://fluence-media.co/4nOLAlr
MORE: Fmr. State Rep. Jeff Brand previously announced he would not run again.
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 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. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)
SCHOOLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “An unprecedented number of [school] districts are considering levy referendums, which means they will be asking tax payers for a property tax increase to help fund education. Districts like St. Paul, Hibbing, Mahtomedi and Minnetonka are considering levy referendum campaigns. School districts have until August to decide whether to go to the voters for funding, but the list is expected to be long this year. Typically, about a dozen schools conduct ‘Vote Yes’ campaigns during off-year elections — this year, there could be as many as 50.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/465nAnN
GUN CTRL: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “In the wake of a deadly attack on Minnesota lawmakers, more than 100 volunteers with Students Demand Action will be on the University of Minnesota's metro campus this week to learn all about the power of advocating for gun violence prevention in politics. On Monday morning, they had the chance to pick the brains of local leaders who are pushing for gun reform, including St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and DFL state Sen. Erin Maye Quade.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/40Qhh3T
AUDITING: via an OSA press release, VERBATIM: “State Auditor Julie Blaha launched a targeted, statewide summer outreach tour last week to connect with local government organizations and private audit firms. Her focus is to better understand how Agreed Upon Procedures (AUPs) are being handled in the field and how to improve outcomes for Minnesota’s local governments. … Blaha kicked off the tour last week with a visit to western Minnesota and will make additional stops later this month across northern and southern Minnesota, as well as throughout the Twin Cities metro area. The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) will compile feedback gathered during the summer and evaluate how it can inform guidance, training, and future legislative efforts.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/40g7VOS
PRISONS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota prison labor program allowed private companies to profit from low-cost prison labor, subsidizing corporate contracts and reducing revenue that could have been used for prison services, according to a new state review. The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) in June said Minncor Industries — a self-supporting enterprise within the state Department of Corrections that contracts with private businesses for incarcerated labor — did not account for all of its own costs when calculating the rates it charged private companies. … Minncor has since changed its procedures for calculating prison labor contracts with private companies, the report said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IIvoSx
BILLBOARDS: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Billboards advertising nicotine pouches have appeared on Minnesota highways, avoiding restrictions on tobacco advertising because they're not [technically] tobacco. … One state senator who helped get tobacco advertising removed in 1998 is considering a push to restrict the billboards. … State Sen. John Marty has pushed to curb tobacco smoking and advertising since he joined the legislature in 1987. … ‘[I’m] absolutely interested in [banning] this,’ Sen. Marty said.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/44N9uFa
TRUMP: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump’s administration has adopted an aggressive posture toward Minnesota in his second term, launching a series of investigations into the state’s laws, cancelling federal dollars with no warning and conducting sweeping law enforcement raids without any advance word to local authorities. … Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the DOJ’s investigations ‘garbage’ and ‘nonsense’ pursuits without merit during an interview Monday, [saying] he believes the Trump Administration is targeting predominantly Democratic states.” ELLISON: “They don’t cooperate. Even during Trump [term] one, it was common for us to be in touch with federal partners. Now, they don’t. It’s like they want to catch you by surprise.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IqYcPA
FED FUNDS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and 2 states in suing the Trump Administration over its [decision] to freeze funding for six longstanding programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education less than two months before the school year in many parts of Minnesota is set to start. Over $70 million in funding for Minnesota is believed to be frozen by the Trump Administration. … The attorneys general argue that the funding freeze violates the federal funding statutes and regulations authorizing these critical programs and appropriating funds for them, violates federal statutes governing the federal budgeting process, [and] violates the constitutional separation of powers doctrine and the Presentment Clause.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lpCutJ
VOTER ROLLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Justice has asked Minnesota election officials to provide the state’s voter registration list and other election data to show proof of compliance with federal election law. … The letter sent to Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon in late June asks for a response within 30 days. The DOJ recently sent a similar letter to Pennsylvania. … A spokeswoman for Simon’s office declined to comment beyond saying it has not yet responded to the DOJ’s request. The letter does not explicitly say why the federal government requested the data.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4eKd5Za
ICE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Immigrant rights organizers and community leaders gathered Monday to condemn what they called a disturbing trend: plainclothes federal agents detaining immigrants immediately after their hearings at Minnesota’s immigration court. … The group issued four demands: no time limits in court waiting rooms, master hearings held online, no case dismissals over objection and an end to ICE detentions on courthouse grounds. … Minneapolis City Council Member Jason Chavez, whose ward includes large immigrant communities, said ICE’s presence is sowing fear and instability.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4ePbEZr
DEFENSE: via a Rep. Ilhan Omar press release, VERBATIM: “Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced five amendments to the FY 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The amendments aim to center human rights; redirect funds to critical medical research; destroy chemical agents and munitions; stop military funding to Israel; fund environmental restoration to clean up hazardous substances, pollutants, and munitions from former defense sites; and prohibit the United States Northern Command from unlawfully operating inside Mexico.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/40RmMiI
UKRAINE: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement [urging] President Donald Trump to support efforts to bring abducted Ukrainian children home.” KLOBUCHAR: “I hope President Trump will be announcing continued strong support for Ukraine this week in concert with our allies. I also urge him to make a clear commitment to finding and bringing home to Ukraine the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been abducted and forcibly deported by Russia.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/40Fqhcj
PUBLIC INFO: The state’s nonpartisan House Public Information Services department announced they are now hiring for a television producer position. Per its website, the House public info team handles “nonpartisan legislative news and information services, including news reporting on committees and floor sessions, informational publications, photography, and television coverage.” The salary range is $61,255 - $110,260. DETAILS: http://fluence-media.co/4lCOOqH
70-YEAR LEGACY OF CONTINUOUS TRANSFORMATION: Innovation has been synonymous with the Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery since it was established 70 years ago. Today, Pine Bend operates with cutting-edge leak detection technologies, the largest solar installation of its kind, a community-driven water-recycling system, and numerous other advancements. These innovations have allowed Pine Bend to produce more of the fuels and other products we all need, while continually finding ways to use fewer resources and minimize emissions. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4kNOYur (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
MPLS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “A longstanding effort to build an 8,000-seat amphitheater on the riverfront in north Minneapolis could take a major step forward this week. The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee of the Minneapolis City Council will be asked to consider 16 items related to the proposed redevelopment Tuesday, including the authorization of a $12.5 million state grant, the appropriation of funds related to design and construction, and several long-term leases.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Iq5cMx
MPD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Internal Affairs Division and state crime bureau are investigating a Minneapolis police employee for possible wage theft related to overtime. An MPD spokesman said its Internal Affairs Division uncovered ‘potential criminal conduct related to overtime,’ and at Chief Brian O’Hara’s request, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is conducting the investigation [into] allegations that a crime prevention specialist falsely claimed overtime while working for both MPD and the University of Minnesota.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Gry7zk
MENDOTA HGTS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Each fall, thousands of cormorants gather in the trees along the shores of Augusta Lake in Mendota Heights. However…a recent study revealed that the birds’ droppings are polluting the lake. … Ryan Ruzek with the Mendota Heights Public Works Department says a recent study showed different solutions to minimizing the bird population around the lake. Those solutions include hazing the birds, [but] the city is considering other solutions that would have less impact on the birds themselves. … There will be a city hall meeting on Tuesday, July 15, to discuss possible solutions.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/44SI6Wv
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “In a special meeting Monday, city council members voted unanimously in favor of a resolution establishing a procedure to fill the 2nd District seat vacated by former councilor Mike Mayou. It is the same procedure used to fill council seat vacancies as prior [years]. … The council will conduct interviews with applicants Aug. 7, and rank their top three choices by ballot. The three candidates with the highest point totals will undergo a second round of interviews…[and] the council will then vote on the candidates.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44vGXVV
WATER: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Early Monday evening, around 4:15 p.m., authorities lifted the water boil advisory after the Minnesota Department of Health tested the water and determined it to be safe to drink. The advisory was issued Sunday morning after a malfunctioning valve in the Golden Valley water tower caused residents in Crystal, Golden Valley, and New Hope to have low water pressure or no water.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3TGvwEz
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
FERTILITY: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s fertility rate is following national trends downward. It could spell trouble for the economy and state budget, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan think tank. In 2023, Minnesota had its lowest fertility rate in more than 30 years. Measured by the number of children born per 1,000 women between 15 and 44 years old, it was 55.7 compared to an average of 64.2 between 2011 and 2020. This drop was slightly higher than the national average. Historically, fertility rates have decreased during economic downturns but later bounced back. This changed after the 2008 recession, and the beginning of the pandemic saw a drop without a long-term recovery.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4kzkigd REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/3ItbSJO
CONSTRUCTION: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “There are lane closures along Hwy. 13 and Interstate 35W in Burnsville, Interstate 494 in Bloomington, Hwy. 55 in Plymouth and, perhaps the biggest traffic-tangler of the season, Interstate 94 over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. … The myriad cone zones have caught the attention of State Rep. Andrew Myers, R-Tonka Bay, who is asking the same question many of us are: Why are all these projects stacked on top of each other? … Myers said he’s heard quite a bit from his constituents, which led him to send a letter to MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, asking if the agency could possibly work 24/7…and whether MnDOT has long-term plans to improve efficiency at the bottlenecked exit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40RHWxh
MORE: Rep. Andrew Myers talked about his traffic concerns and the letter he wrote to MnDOT on WCCO Radio. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4lsJUg3
US BUDGET: Via WZFG Radio, Rep. Michelle Fischbach praised the president’s “Big Beautiful Bill” for its agricultural components in an interview. VERBATIM: “Fischbach also called large portions of a proposed farm bill in the ‘Big Beautiful’ law a great thing for Minnesota.” FISCHBACH: “We’re looking at positive changes to the crop insurance program that’s going to help our farmers. We’re talking about $65.6 billion in farm programs. They range from animal disease to more research.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/40MTn9l
ALL THE TAKES: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in your inbox and on our new website, The Daily Agenda. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets and share our web content with your friends. SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7
TODAY: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz will host a roundtable discussion to announce $33 million for small businesses in Minnesota. Funding comes from the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which has approved up to $97 million allocated in three phases for small business support in Minnesota. The second disbursement of $33.3 million is expected to reach 225 new and developing businesses.” DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek will attend. The event is at 10:15 a.m.
TODAY: via a CEF advisory, VERBATIM: “Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) and Allina Health will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of a 1-megawatt community solar garden atop the Purple Parking Ramp at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. The event will feature speakers from both organizations, local leaders, and will highlight the project’s community and environmental impact.” The event is at 11:00 a.m.
TODAY: via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis will host a media briefing to share the first five camera locations for the Traffic Camera Safety Pilot program. The briefing will provide an opportunity for journalists to ask program coordinators about the chosen locations, the methodology used to select them, how enforcement will work and more.” The event is at 11:00 a.m.
THURSDAY: via a joint press release, VERBATIM: “A local coalition including Indivisible Twin Cities, Racial Justice Network, Women's March Minnesota, Black Lives Matter Minnesota, MN AFL-CIO, and MN 50501, are leading the Good Trouble Lives On: Twin Cities Rally & March. Our Twin Cities mobilization is one of hundreds of events across the country honoring the legacy of John Lewis.” The event is at 6:00 p.m.
SATURDAY: The Minneapolis DFL will hold its city convention on Saturday, July 19 starting at 10:00 a.m. The convention will consider endorsements for mayor, park board, and Board of Estimate & Taxation. The event “will also hear speeches from DFL party dignitaries and candidates for CD5 and statewide offices,” per a release.
JULY 28: via AFP-MN, VERBATIM: “Sen. Jordan Rasmusson and representatives from Americans for Prosperity – Minnesota…will host a legislative forum in Fergus Falls to engage the community on key issues from the 2025 legislative session. … Topics will include housing affordability, government accountability, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.” The event is at 5:00 p.m.
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.