Lynx lose. Twins lose.
Xcel said late last night about 74,000 Minnesotans were without power. OUTAGEMAP: https://fluence-media.co/4592GSI
The decision to recess the U.S. House early was made in Rep. Tom Emmer’s office. POLITICO: http://fluence-media.co/478yUjg
The Dept. of Education is unfreezing billions in K-12 funds that were previously withheld. WAPO: http://fluence-media.co/3IHSbyd
U.S. officials announced a 15% tariff on most European goods, including cars, computer chips and pharmaceuticals. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3UCjaxu
A Wall Street Journal poll finds that the Democratic Party’s favorability is at 33%, compared to 43% for the Republican Party. However, Democrats still lead Republicans in “generic ballot” polling, 46% to 43%. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4f9Ldhx
Sunday Take focused on Capitol security concerns and state Sen. Eric Pratt discussing his run for U.S. Rep. Angie Craig’s seat. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mk2GWV
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN:https://fluence-media.co/4lGBWQh
Sunday Take featured Scott Jensen discussing his campaign for governor and an analysis of what Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s conviction means for Minnesota politics. PODCAST: http://fluence-media.co/46l8J8P
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 KTTC, VERBATIM: “In an email to DPS Director of Communications Howie Padilla, dated June 20, KTTC requested a copy of the 2025 report, noting our outreach was prompted by the June 14 shootings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the shooting injuries of state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette…While awaiting a response on the status of the annual report, it became apparent there was another statutory question over the committee’s marching orders… The statute reads, “The Advisory Committee is required by law to meet quarterly to assess the status of security in the Capitol Complex Area.”… But the definition of quarterly is not being met through the own admission of the committee put in charge of Capitol security…Meeting dates are listed in the committee’s required year reports…They show ACCAS members met twice in 2019, three times in 2020 and 2021, twice in 2022, and just once in 2023.” WATCH/READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l2MFDH
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “An email sent to legislators by House Chief Sergeant at Arms Lori Hodapp [said] officials are investigating how the man, deemed to be nonthreatening, got into the building after hours. When the committee that oversees Capitol security meets Aug. 20, conversations about metal detectors and other heightened security measures seem inevitable. … Minnesota is one of about 10 states that don’t require security screening, like metal detectors or X-ray machines, for visitors entering their capitols.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4o9XFSq
MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “A man who authorities say was found naked and non-violent inside the Minnesota State Capitol on Friday night is in custody, and lawmakers want answers. It was one of three times the 36-year-old man was spotted trespassing on the Capitol grounds over the weekend. He's now in the Ramsey County jail and awaiting extradition to Wisconsin [on] an outstanding warrant for violating parole. … Capitol security officials say when the man was found in the senate chambers, he was muttering about being governor. … The man was sent to Regions Hospital for mental health evaluation, but was released twice because officials felt he was not a danger to himself or anyone else.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4o8fsth
DPS: Speaking to KSTP, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety defended the decision to not immediately arrest Dominic Peace, the alleged Capitol intruder, despite an active warrant from Wisconsin. STATEMENT: “The warrant for his arrest was not something that initially allowed for extradition. He also showed no signs of violence that would have called for an arrest. Law enforcement officers have discretion and, in the first interactions with Mr. Peace, State Patrol troopers chose to assist the individual in getting mental health care in lieu of arrest. … As previously stated, we are doing a thorough review of all aspects of this incident.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/40CO9gu
RESPONSE: Republican caucus leaders issued statements calling for a thorough review of how and why a man broke into the state Capitol this weekend while it was closed to the public.
Via House Speaker Lisa Demuth, STATEMENT: “Anyone who trespasses in any building — let alone the state Capitol — should be arrested and prosecuted for breaking the law, and I look forward to learning why this did not take place. … While I'm grateful the offender is in custody, it should not take three incidents in 24 hours to finally be booked.”
Via Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, STATEMENT: “We are living in a heightened threat environment. I expect the State Patrol and Capitol Security teams will thoroughly review what happened and give Capitol officials and staff, and the public, their assurances that this will not happen again.”
SECURITY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “There's a new option for lawmakers to add to their security. … The Minnesota House and Senate have confirmed to KARE 11 that each lawmaker now has access to [additional] funding to improve home security and home security systems. … That optional assistance covers up to $4,200 and involves reimbursing lawmakers.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4faeIiZ
SIGNUP: Fluence Advisory is hosting a virtual forum featuring an interview with Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management Director Eric Taubel and other industry experts on Monday, July 28th. The event is in partnership with Stinson and Sota Cann.
Other panels included:
· Municipal and Tribal Governments featuring Aarik Robertson of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures and Kevin Morelli of the City of Anoka Moderated by Will Blauvelt of Stinson
· Cannabis Industry Update featuring Josh Wilken-Simon of Legacy Cannabis, Shaun Tetreault of Kind Bud, and Mark Matejcek of Kria Botanicals Moderated by Carol Moss of Hellmuth & Johnson
· THC Beverages Rapid Growth featuring Elizabeth Anderson Schmidt of Flying Cloud THC and Fat Pants Brewing, and Glenn McElfresh of Plift Beverages Moderated by Bruce Nustad of the Minnesota Retailers
REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/CannabisForum
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Fluence Forum - please email bloisolson@gmail.com
SHOOTINGS: Via Star Tribune, a report alleging new details regarding the attacks on state lawmakers in June. VERBATIM: “The initial 911 call [had] included the fact that the suspect was disguised as a police officer. … In an apparent deviation from department policy, Brooklyn Park police waited more than an hour to enter the home of Melissa Hortman after watching Mark Hortman get shot. … New Hope police didn’t immediately communicate an officer’s interaction with [Vance] Boelter, which occurred after the Hoffmans were shot but before the Hortmans were killed. Some police officers and legislators weren’t made fully aware of the threat for several hours. … Public safety leaders ordered a review of [police] conduct that morning, and Minnesota’s Office of the Legislative Auditor said it would consider launching its own investigation.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Uy6eZC
RESPONSE: via Brooklyn Park Police Department, STATEMENT: “The timeline listed by the Minnesota Star Tribune in a recent article appears to have been generated by individuals without direct knowledge as to the facts. … Officers did not violate departmental policy and, in fact, they conducted a rescue of Mark Hortman in the entryway of the home approximately 2 minutes and 12 seconds after the officer-involved shooting. With the knowledge officers had at the time, they followed training and policy by not entering the home. … A Brooklyn Park sergeant on the scene requested that area law enforcement agencies be warned about an individual dressed as police shooting lawmakers approximately 27 minutes after the officer-involved shooting at the Hortman residence.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4merShq
MORE: Star Tribune’s Ryan Faircloth publicly criticized the BPPD press release, claiming it does not contradict what he wrote in the original article. QUOTE: “Where is the correction in this release? We knew Brooklyn Park PD dragged Mark Hortman out of the doorway. What we highlighted is that they didn’t enter the home until an hour later despite an active shooter being inside.” TWEETS: http://fluence-media.co/3GKHzOt
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)
MITCHELL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “State Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who was recently convicted of two burglary-related felony charges, resigned her seat on Friday. Attorneys [said] she would leave the Senate by Aug. 4 after she finished up some work at the Legislature, including helping her staff find new employment and getting health insurance for her son. ‘She completed her tasks early,’ said Mitchell’s attorney Dane DeKrey. … Her departure means Gov. Tim Walz can now call a special election to fill the seat.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46ZiVUM
MORE: Via Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s resignation letter, QUOTE: “Thank you to my family, friends, and constituents who shared with me the issues they cared about and trusted me to work on their behalf. It has been a true honor to serve the state of Minnesota and the community I grew up in.” LETTER: http://fluence-media.co/4mir0sc
ELECTIONS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The special election to choose [Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s] replacement could shake up the balance of power at the state Capitol. The race for Mitchell’s Woodbury seat is one of at least six special elections likely to take place this year…and it figures to attract the most money and attention as the most competitive seat up for grabs so far. … Mitchell won the district in 2022 with nearly 59% of the vote. But former Woodbury lawmakers and others say Republicans might be able to play the unique circumstances of the race to their advantage.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4o7RL4b
GOV RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “MyPillow founder Mike Lindell [said] he's planning to announce whether he'll run for Minnesota governor sometime within the next few weeks. … Though he currently lives in Texas, he said he'll move back to Minnesota if he does run. … Lindell said he has no interest whatsoever in a U.S. Senate bid and is backing far-right Republican Royce White in the race.” LINDELL: “I'm very seriously considering running for governor of Minnesota, and one of the things that would be on my promises would be to try and get Minnesota to be paper ballots, hand counted, get rid of the electronic voting machines.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3INXdcr
SENATE RACE: via Flanagan for Senate, VERBATIM: “State Representatives María Isa Pérez-Vega (Saint Paul, West Saint Paul), Samantha Vang (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park), Liz Lee (Saint Paul), Esther Agbaje (Minneapolis), Anquam Mahamoud (Minneapolis), and Mike Howard (Richfield, Minneapolis) announced that they have endorsed Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate.” FLANAGAN: “I’m thrilled to have earned the endorsement of these prominent progressive DFL leaders because when they get behind something, they give it their all.”
2028: via Axios, VERBATIM: “The 2028 Democratic presidential primary is set to be the most wide-open field in a generation. It could also be the longest presidential contest ever. Several Democrats told Axios they're preparing for multiple candidates to formally jump in the race even before the midterm elections. … A dozen Democrats have already visited or have plans to visit an early primary state this year, [including] Gov. Tim Walz [and] Sen. Amy Klobuchar. … It's now becoming standard practice for presidential candidates to raise millions in the years before launching a presidential bid and then transfer that money to an outside Super PAC or their campaign after their formal announcement.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4l01o2a
SD35: Angela Nelson is running against Sen. Jim Abeler. She’s a teacher. WEBSITE: https://fluence-media.co/4laxXL2
PEACE: Former reporter and longtime communications aide Tom Steward passed away last week. Tom was always a straight talker. He is survived by his wife Colleen Needles.
TRIBES: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Since President Donald Trump began his second term in office, the relationship between the nation’s tribes has frayed, largely because $24 billion earmarked for Indian Country, including nearly $700 million to Minnesota tribes, has been threatened. The federal government [has] treaty obligations to provide certain funding, [but] the Office of Management and Budget [froze] federal grants nationwide. … Although the grant freeze was temporarily halted, some of the money meant for the nation’s tribes has yet to be released, and the Trump Administration continues to push to cut off the grants. … In total, there is nearly $697 million in outstanding payments to Minnesota tribes.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Hag8NU
UMN: Via KSTP, a University of Minnesota professor accused of misconduct has resigned, but he is now working for the federal agency that was investigating him. VERBATIM: “Federal investigators terminated a $2 million grant to the University and alleged that Dr. Sayan Biswas ‘fabricated research results,’ according to a letter from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). … [But] this did not stop Biswas from taking on new work with the DOE. [His attorney] confirmed to 5 INVESTIGATES that his client is now a contractor with the federal agency, with a fellowship through the DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3GTyPWd
REAL ID: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, which oversees the Department of Driver and Vehicle Services, said they continue to receive a high volume of REAL ID applications, and the reason for the backlog is that there are too many applications and not enough staff. In April, more than 100,000 applications were submitted, with 76,000 more in May. Only 24 workers statewide are processing the documents. Right now, the processing time is more than 90 days.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4o9bMat
DRIVERS ED: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Fees charged to aspiring drivers who schedule a road test but don’t show up will double starting Friday, and a new fee will be charged to those who cancel too late. … Why the fee increase and incentive to cancel a minimum of three days in advance? There are still ‘too many no-shows,’ said Jody-Kay Peterson, driver services program director for DVS. Nearly 20% of drivers who booked a behind-the-wheel test so far this year have missed their appointments without giving notice.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44O84LY
CHILD CREDIT: via WDIO, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced [that] the first installment of 2025 Child Tax Credit advance payments will begin reaching accounts [this] week. The average advance payment is $446. … More than 17,000 Minnesota families opted in to receiving their 2025 Child Tax Credit in three installments at the end of July, September, and November.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4o3zPHT
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)
HENN CTY: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Residents pressuring Hennepin County to close its trash incinerator are increasingly frustrated by the lack of a concrete closure date, which an internal email shows is unlikely to happen in the near future. … Randy Kiser, operations and compliance manager for Hennepin County’s solid waste and energy division, emailed Xcel Energy officials in September 2024 to assure them the HERC would remain open for the foreseeable future, according to records obtained via a data practices request.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/453fJ80
MPD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Amir Locke has been reassigned from leading the department’s use-of-force training unit. Sgt. Mark Hanneman was due to wrap up his training responsibilities in August, but his last day came on Thursday instead. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says Hanneman is now assigned to the department’s new Wellness Unit. … News that Hanneman was not only drafting MPD’s new use-of-force policy but was also training officers on its implementation [drew criticism].” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/45oS1o4
BEMIDJI: via Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “More than a month has passed since the June 21 storm which devastated the Bemidji-area landscape with nine million damaged trees and millions of dollars worth of damage overall. In hopes of better understanding the storm to provide further assistance, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar visited Bemidji on Friday. Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood briefed Klobuchar on the storm before she witnessed the aftermath firsthand. … Upon learning that the area could qualify for federal [FEMA] funding, Klobuchar immediately said she wants to work with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and District 8 U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber to draft a letter of support.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/40DZD3v
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “Duluth City Councilors are expected to take up a resolution Monday night that could boost their pay next year. The Duluth Charter Commission has recommended that council compensation should be increased from $1,150 to $1,425 per month. On an annual basis, proposed councilor pay would climb from $13,800 to $17,100 — a 24% bump.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/454jGt8
GRAND RAPIDS: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Police in one northern Minnesota city are asking residents to report any coyote sightings. This message comes after a few close encounters with the wild animal along walking trails north of West Elementary School in Grand Rapids. … The Grand Rapids Police Department also says a handful of reports have been made involving coyote interaction with humans, including one where the animal followed a person who was running on the trail.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3J47XTW
TODAY: Fluence Advisory is hosting a virtual forum on the state of cannabis in Minnesota, featuring an interview with Office of Cannabis Management director Eric Taubel and other industry experts. The event is at 8:00 a.m. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/CannabisForum
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will hold a signing ceremony for legislation funding Minnesota agriculture and providing support to Minnesota farmers. DETAILS: Walz will travel to Delano to hold a signing ceremony for legislation funding Minnesota agriculture and providing support to Minnesota farmers. The Agriculture Finance and Policy Omnibus Bill invests in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute. WHO: Governor Walz; Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen; Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish; Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing
TODAY: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “At 2:00 pm, Attorney General Keith Ellison and State Representative Steve Elkins will hold a press conference to share how Minnesotans can exercise their new privacy rights granted by the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, which takes effect on July 31. They will also discuss the new responsibilities for business under the law and the new privacy protections put in place by the law.”
TODAY: 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.
TOMORROW: via a DCYF advisory, VERBATIM: “The Department of Children, Youth, and Families…is inviting members of the media to attend an upcoming briefing to learn more about program impacts of the recently passed federal budget bill. … Scheduled panelists include Tikki Brown, [DCYF] commissioner.” The virtual event is at 10:00 a.m.
WEDNESDAY: via Citizens League, VERBATIM: “Join us online for ‘The Future of Small, Local, and Cultural Media.’ … [It’s] an important conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing small, local and cultural media outlets; how existing news and media outlets are trying to evolve and adjust operations; and what we can do to preserve local media outlets as critical community resources across the state.” The event is at 12:00 noon. DETAILS: http://fluence-media.co/44Ko8yh
BDAYS: BDAYS: WCCO Radio’s Jordana Green, Commissioner Kevin Paap
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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