Twins lose.
USA Today readers ranked the Minnesota State Fair as the best in the nation. Iowa is 2nd and Wisconsin is 3rd on the same ranking. LIST: http://fluence-media.co/4oqQ2aa
A Minneapolis shelter is offering free pet adoptions every Wednesday for two months. KARE: http://fluence-media.co/45mhxZN
Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on computer chips, but tech companies planning to build U.S. factories are exempt. AXIOS: http://fluence-media.co/3J9tbjn
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
MORIARTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mary Moriarty will not seek a second term as Hennepin County Attorney, setting a sudden deadline on a tenure that has been filled with reform-minded policies and controversial charging decisions. … Moriarty said she wants to spend the rest of her time in office focused on the work she has started. She also wants the results from that work to be understood as an effective tool for improved public safety and criminal justice reform — something she feels is more likely if she is not the focus of coverage.” QUOTE: “I think it has been a real disservice to our community and to our office. It has been hard on the office and certainly hard on my family, me, all of that.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/41qaBJZ
EPSTEIN: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minnesota GOP congressmembers said Tuesday they support transparency but did not commit to specific action to force the release of more information from the federal Jeffrey Epstein investigation. … Rep. Pete Stauber, R-8th District, when asked about the Epstein files ahead of a forum at Farmfest, [said] he’s confident the Trump Administration will be transparent, and he questioned why the issue is being pushed by Democrats now. ‘Right now, I think it’s people using it politically,’ Stauber said. … Rep. Brad Finstad, R-1st District, initially took umbrage at a question about Epstein. ‘First of all, what does that have to do with Farmfest?’ he said, before answering with, ‘I’m all for releasing and getting anything and everything out there that is available to the public that makes our country safer and smarter.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45FqhLW
GUN CTRL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court created doubt Wednesday over the viability of a decades-old state law that makes it a crime to possess certain firearms that lack serial numbers. In overturning a lower court ruling, a majority of justices on the state’s highest court stopped short of invalidating a 1994 law entirely on constitutional grounds. But the split ruling could make it harder for prosecutors to bring the gun charges as they have in hundreds of cases per year. … The Supreme Court’s ruling concluded the law's definition of a serial number is too broad because it relies on a federal law that doesn't require the gun markings.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3HmSsWH
MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Supreme Court [effectively] ruled that it is legal to have ghost guns — firearms without serial numbers — in certain situations. … The Supreme Court of Minnesota took up the case and found federal law doesn't require [certain] types of pistols [to] have a serial number, and ‘Minnesota does not have a general independent scheme requiring serial numbers to identify firearms and the statute itself references federal law.’” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4oqQe9o
WALZ: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “…between tents at an annual gathering of Minnesota’s farmers, Gov. Tim Walz talked shop with agriculture groups, munched on a pork chop on a stick and gladhanded with attendees. … [Last year], the attitude toward him at Farmfest was frosty. … This time around, Walz got applause instead of boos from the crowd gathered for a panel on the future of the agriculture workforce. … Dan Glessing, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, [said] the polarization of politics is likely to blame for Walz’s declining support in Minnesota farm country. … On agriculture issues, though, Walz said there’s a ‘real sense that we’re in this together.’” WALZ: “I kind of get that reception, like, ‘You’re right on ag, but I’m not voting for you,’ which is actually kind of a healthy old-school way of doing business. … I’m out here whether they vote for me or not. My responsibility is to serve them.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lXLuGO
MORE: via the New Ulm Journal, VERBATIM: “Asked how rural school districts could provide services to students with the ongoing changes to the Department of Education, Walz said there needed to be bipartisan work to invest in education. He supported strengthening teacher training, but also teacher retention through pension updates. Walz also supported local innovation in education. He believed that in rural areas, there could be a cluster of school specializing in Ag sciences, similar to the schools around Rochester that specialize in health care…Asked about the two-year reimbursement gap facing rural nursing homes, Walz said the state could help reduce wait times, but noted that most of the problem lies with the federal government. He believes the recent federal cuts to Medicaid would force rural health care providers to raise rates or cut services…The governor opposes the federal cuts to Medicaid. He acknowledged the program needed to reform, but believed the people receiving Medicaid coverage needed it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UP6Nyh
MORE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Farmers, who overwhelmingly voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, are navigating an onslaught of federal policy changes that could make or break their businesses. On-again, off-again tariffs, ramped-up deportations and the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement have ignited real concerns among many farmers who are otherwise backers of Trump’s agenda. … ‘Something may work out, but when you don’t know, the uncertainty is costly,’ said Ryan Mackenthun, a soy farmer.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4mvQSRd
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)
REDISTRICTING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wants Democrats to be aggressive in fighting Republican efforts in Texas to redraw the state’s political maps. … But he has also said he doesn’t plan on mounting such an effort here, despite recent comments by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries singling out Minnesota as one of the handful of states where Democrats are exploring redistricting plans. … The approach to fight fire with fire has its limitations, Walz acknowledged, including in Minnesota, where decades of split-party control have kicked the redistricting process to the courts. … Redistricting experts in Minnesota say redrawing congressional maps here would be exceedingly difficult if Democrats try to push any plan forward.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45LgSld
ISRAEL: Lobbyist group AIPAC shared on social media that members of House GOP leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, are in Israel this week to “experience the Jewish state firsthand and to reaffirm America's strong support for our ally,” per a release. Emmer recorded a video for the group expressing his thoughts on the trip. EMMER: “We’re spending the week with AIPAC really absorbing everything. … Israel is so important — not just to this part of the world, but more importantly, to Western civilization and the very foundation of the United States.” WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/45jlkXW
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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.
FEED FRAUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A federal judge in Minneapolis on Wednesday sentenced a key figure in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme to 28 years in prison. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office calls Abdiaziz Farah ‘one of the early movers’ in a conspiracy to fleece taxpayer-funded child nutrition programs out of hundreds of millions of dollars during the pandemic. … In 2024, jurors convicted Farah and four of his six co-defendants of stealing more than $47 million by submitting false reimbursement claims.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3UN8VGL
NONPROFITS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law named for then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, bars tax-exempt charities, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. … But a proposed legal settlement between the IRS and two Texas churches [could] potentially render the provision effectively moot. … Minnesota faith and nonprofit leaders say the consequences could be far-reaching. ELLIS: ‘It would mean a loss in trust of nonprofits,’ said Marie Ellis, public policy director for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. ‘When people donate, they do so because they believe in the mission. If the Johnson Amendment were repealed or weakened, people wouldn’t have that same assurance. They’d have to worry about whether their dollars are going to candidates or political parties they may not agree with.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lfPK38
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)
POLLUTION: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “WCCO Investigates discovered the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) could have alerted people whose health was at risk from lead exposure sooner. In late May, the MPCA issued a notice of violation to Gopher Resource in Eagan for exceeding lead air quality standards from January through March. People living nearby weren't told about the pollution problem until July. … The Environmental Protection Agency told WCCO the agency doesn't have to wait three months to do so per federal law — as the MPCA told concerned residents.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/41xp7jc
HOUSING: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has been largely silent since announcing its intention to terminate, and eventually redesign and relaunch, the first-of-its-kind Housing Stabilization Services program. … 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has connected with some Housing Stabilization Services providers and their clients who report legitimate work to get dozens of people into stable housing. They said they’ve been left to navigate the next steps in the dark. … Loyal Home Health Care LLC owner and CEO Jonathon Hansen [said] as of Wednesday, [he] hadn’t received any formal notice or guidance from DHS, and he remained unsure of when funding for the program would stop coming in.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/46Mh2ee
HEALTH JOBS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In Minnesota, immigrants make up just over a tenth of the overall workforce but a third of nursing assistants, helping to alleviate the state’s critical shortage of direct care workers. The need for direct care professionals, particularly at nursing homes, is growing: By 2030, one in three Minnesotans will be at least 65 years old. But federal cuts to refugee [job training] and other services are threatening local programs aimed at filling the gap. … Current funding for MAWA’s CNA program ends in 2026, [so] if the U.S. Department of Health and Human services does not launch a new round of grants, MAWA will need to find a new source of money or drop the program.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3UMvPhx
VACCINES: Dr. Mike Osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases, spoke to WCCO Radio about HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent announcement that the Trump Administration will cancel $500 million in funding for the development of vaccines with mRNA technology, which has been used to treat COVID-19 and cancer. OSTERHOLM: “I've been in this business 50 years now, and I cannot recall a more dangerous decision. … Kennedy [said] the risk to using this vaccine was greater than the benefits. Well, I'd like to know what the risks are. All my colleagues would like to know what that is. It's just simply not true.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4oqDJuF
PROTESTORS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A Hennepin County commissioner and former state lawmaker invoked the murder of state Rep. Melissa Hortman when she admonished protesters Tuesday for gathering outside a colleague’s home. ‘We should not [be going] to people’s homes,’ Commissioner Heather Edelson said during a County Board meeting Tuesday. ‘Please come to our places of business. Please come here. Call us. But please stay away from our homes. We all feel very unsafe right now in ways that are different and variable.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4onDdgP
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)
ST PAUL: via City of St. Paul, VERBATIM: “Mayor Melvin Carter's 2026 Budget Address, scheduled for Thursday, August 14, has been postponed due to the ongoing response to a digital security incident. The Mayor’s address will be rescheduled for a date in September. More information will be shared when available.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47haDYq
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis police chief apologized for comments made by longtime Minneapolis activist Harry ‘Spike’ Moss during police training last week in which Moss talked about Nazi uniforms in police lockers and police shooting people in the back. Chief Brian O’Hara called Moss’ comments ‘deeply offensive and inappropriate,’ saying he met with the police union president to talk about their ‘mutual concerns,’ according to his email obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4m7wxlH
WASH CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Hunters will be allowed to continue to train their dogs at Keystone Woods Wildlife Management Area in northern Washington County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials said. … DNR officials said [there’s] ‘no evidence, through the petition or otherwise, that there has been damage to wildlife and wildlife habitat at Keystone Woods WMA due to dog trialing and training activities.’ Some users of the 1,830-acre WMA, which opened in October 2024, had questioned why the Minnesota Federation of Field Trial Clubs are being allowed to use part of the land.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4mAkkpA
MOWER CTY: via Austin Daily Herald, VERBATIM: “During the Mower County Board of Commissioners work session Tuesday, members received an update regarding its master plan and space study. … This included facility conditions of the Government Center, Justice Center and Public Works as well as space needs of departments within those spaces. During Tuesday’s meeting, the board was taken through each of the buildings and given options on possible routes forward as well as a broad estimate of what a cost could entail depending on a route the board determines.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47hKZTm
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)
MOORHEAD: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Moorhead Police Department says it will increase traffic enforcement on a stretch of road where a 9-year-old boy was killed by a Moorhead public works truck last week [while] on his bicycle in a crosswalk. … On Wednesday, Moorhead PD Chief Chris Helmick said that as they await results from the investigation and ongoing work by the city's engineering department to ‘evaluate safety needs,’ it will be increasing traffic enforcement along the 40th Avenue corridor and other ‘key locations of the city.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/454FvtS
MOVE: Ellen Anderson is leaving Gov. Tim Walz office to become Chief of Staff at the MN Dept of Transportation.
MOVE: Governor Tim Walz Deputy of Staff for Policy and Legislative Affairs Leah Montgomery is leaving in September.
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
REGENTS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “There are four empty seats on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents that will get filled soon by Gov. Tim Walz, who has been interviewing candidates this week for the coveted slots. It’s not clear how many of the more than two dozen applicants scored interviews with Walz or what kind of leaders he is seeking for the governing board at the state’s land-grant university. The DFL governor could make his picks any day now. The slots are usually filled by the Legislature during a joint convention, but one never got off the ground this year. … The new members are expected to take their spots when the Board of Regents holds its next meeting in October.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3GZuQHN
BROADBAND: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “In 2019, Gov. Tim Walz set a goal for all Minnesotans to have access to broadband with download speeds of 100 megabits per second by 2026, which would allow two to four internet users per household. But with four months until the goal’s end date…many Minnesotans still [lack] that speed. Experts say the goal isn’t likely to be met, partially because of delays in federal funding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4m5bQqA
(DISCLOSURE: Comcast is a sponsor of Fluence Media)
METRO TRANSIT: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Metro Transit's sluggish post-pandemic recovery is growing even more concerning as ridership numbers are sliding in the wrong direction. A 7% decline so far this year is especially worrisome considering the backdrop — Twin Cities employers have been tightening their remote work policies, which means more people commuting. National ridership was up 7% in the first quarter of the year and reached 85% of pre-pandemic levels.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Jkymgl
TODAY: via a Rep. Betty McCollum advisory, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Betty McCollum will host a listening session on Thursday, August 7 at 11:00 AM CT to hear from Minnesota nonprofit leaders and public media providers about how they are being impacted by cuts to federal funding.”
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will have calls with leadership from Securian Financial, FindHelp, and Andersen Windows & Doors. In the afternoon he will attend Vikings Training Camp.
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.
BDAYS: Winthrop’s Tom Hanson, lobbyist Dan Pollock, journalist Erin Adler, farm leader Richard Syverson, K102’s Chris Carr
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