Vikings in Dublin. Lynx Game 3 tonight. MNUFC plays tomorrow.
The Twins long suffering season ends this weekend…
Since 1970, September in Minnesota has gotten 6 degrees warmer on average, and fall colors peak two weeks later than they used to. MPR: http://fluence-media.co/4nqlNj0
A Harvard Business survey finds that 40% of U.S. employees have received low quality, AI-generated work from a coworker that took nearly 2 hours on average to fix. The study estimates that this trend results in $2,232 of lost productivity per worker each year. SURVEY: https://fluence-media.co/42dqLqO
Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on charges of making a false statement and obstruction related to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020. READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/46CSvqd
A new Quinnipiac poll finds that 71% of voters think political violence in the U.S. is a very serious problem — a 17% increase since June. POLL: http://fluence-media.co/48znlT2
A poll by Survey Monkey finds that 59% of men and 43% of women think society would benefit from a return to “traditional gender roles,” but 53% of men and 71% of women think “toxic masculinity” is a problem in society. POLL: http://fluence-media.co/46Cri6N
Donald Trump announced new 100% tariffs on pharmaceuticals starting Wednesday. AP: http://fluence-media.co/42bIWgw
Pete Hegseth has ordered hundreds of top military officials, many stationed overseas, to come to an urgent meeting in the U.S. next week without telling them why. POLITICO: http://fluence-media.co/4mCGGq2
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
After 40+ years in the legislature, Sen. Ann Rest is retiring at the end of her current term. On Sunday Take, an exit interview reflecting on her time in office and the shifts she’s seen over the years. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4gvKcki
AUDIENCE: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.
TODAY: Citizens League, Minneapolis Regional Chamber and the Downtown Council is hosting a Minneapolis mayoral debate from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. today. The event, moderated by Fluence’s Blois Olson and TPT’s Mary Lahammer, will feature five candidates: Mayor Jacob Frey, Sen. Omar Fateh, Rev. DeWayne Davis, Jazz Hampton and Brenda Short. The debate will be livestreamed online and rebroadcast via WCCO Radio and TPT Almanac. WATCH LIVE: http://fluence-media.co/4nlYGWC
NEW AD: via Frey for Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “Today, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s reelection campaign is releasing its first ad, ‘Stable Homes.’ The ad highlights the story of North Minneapolis resident Knee’Sha and her family. After struggling with housing instability and the high cost of living, Knee’Sha and her kids are now able to live in safe, affordable housing – thanks to Mayor Frey’s Stable Homes Stable Schools program. … [This] program has helped provide stable homes to over 6,400 kids across over 2,300 Minneapolis families. … The ad will begin airing on Saturday across broadcast TV, cable, OTT/CTV, and digital platforms across Minneapolis.” WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4gLBvCK
MONDAY: The Minneapolis DFL announced that on Monday, Sept. 29, the state party will hear an appeal of the vote to revoke Sen. Omar Fateh’s mayoral endorsement earlier this year. The hearing is open to the public and starts at 6:00 p.m.
FATEH: Via Bring Me The News, the latest updates on the reported vandalism of Sen. Omar Fateh’s campaign office. VERBATIM: “Fateh says a threatening, Islamophobic message was scrawled on his campaign office. … ‘We will not back down to Islamophobia. I will not be bullied or intimidated,’ reads a statement from Fateh. … The vandalism was also denounced by incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey and at least one member of the Minneapolis City Council. ‘Acts of Islamophobia and hate against any religion or ethnicity have no place in Minneapolis,’ Frey said in a statement Thursday. Councilmember Jason Chavez described the incident as ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘depressing.’ … The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling on law enforcement to investigate the vandalism as a hate crime. … The organization wants authorities to ‘treat this incident with the utmost seriousness,’ especially given the recent shootings of Minnesota lawmakers.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42eDmdj
HOTELS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “According to Meet Minneapolis, hotels had their best week ever between Sept. 14 and 20…in terms of demand and revenue. There were numerous events that contributed to those numbers, including Farm Aid 40. … There were also home games for the Vikings and Twins, and a home playoff game for the Lynx. Meet Minneapolis added that there were two conventions at the convention center as well.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/48BL0Ch
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SPECIAL SESSION: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz met with a bipartisan group of legislative leaders Thursday, but still had no agreement on the gun control special session he expects to call. DFLers want a ban on new sales of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but say they’re getting no indication Republicans will agree to any new gun safety measures. Republicans say DFLers know they don’t have the votes, and they haven’t presented any bill language. They prefer to focus on school security and mental health. … Looking for agreement on new gun safety laws got House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson riled up Thursday. ‘We’re at a point where we need to find out if Republicans are willing to do anything on guns,’ said Stephenson.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4pVUsa6
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will meet with legislative leaders again this afternoon.
DOJ: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon over his refusal to turn over the state’s voter registration list. The lawsuit contends that federal officials should have access to Minnesota’s list to ensure Minnesota is in compliance with the Help America Vote Act. … Simon’s office told the federal department that no information contained on the list would be disclosed ‘unless expressly required by law,’ and that the Trump Administration did not identify any legitimate legal basis for sharing that list. Simon’s office also sought assurances that any data it supplies would be protected and used properly [for] voter privacy. … [Sec. Steve] Simon said his office will work with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office to fight the lawsuit.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46FvAus
RESPONSE: via a Sec. Steve Simon statement, SIMON: “We have been very clear with the DOJ about our position that state and federal law do not allow our office to provide them with private voter data unless they provide information about how the information will be used and secured. … Our office has met every deadline and provided detailed responses to all questions. … In August, our office asked for additional assurances that Minnesotans’ personal information — including their name, birthday, address, last four digits of their social security number, and driver’s license number — would be protected and used appropriately. The DOJ remained silent, providing no information about how the data would be protected or used. Instead, they chose to file a lawsuit.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4gF5A6O
MORE: via a GOP Sec. of State candidate Tad Jude statement, JUDE: “Voter roll maintenance is not optional. By defying the Department of Justice, Simon continues to undermine public trust in our elections, and Minnesotans deserve better. … Secretary Simon’s refusal to cooperate with federal oversight raises serious concerns about what is being hidden from voters. Minnesotans deserve an electoral process that sets the gold standard for the nation, not one clouded by political rhetoric and lawsuits.”
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)
FED FUNDS: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison today announced an important victory in a multistate lawsuit he and a coalition of other attorneys general filed against the Trump Administration [for] threatening to withhold billions in federal funding for emergency preparedness. … The court held that the [administration] violated the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by conditioning all federal funds from FEMA and DHS on states’ agreement to assist in enforcing federal immigration law. … The court found that the ‘vague and confusing language’ used in the conditions made it nearly impossible for states to comply.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nNtoro
MEDICAID FRAUD: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “A Minnesota company is facing allegations of Medicaid fraud after a man claimed more than $200,000 in charges were falsely billed in his name. Mohamed Ali said he first learned of the company, Action Therapy LLC, after requesting his insurance billing records. Ali has Medicaid coverage through Hennepin Health. … According to those records, between August 2024 and May 2025, Action Therapy billed more than $211,000 under Ali’s name. While not all claims were approved, the records show the company received nearly $85,000 in payments. Ali said he never received any services from Action Therapy. … Action Therapy [specialized] in a Medicaid-funded program overseen by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3IGl8L6
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)
RESPONSE: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar post, KLOBUCHAR: “The targeting of the President’s perceived enemies continues. Trump ordered this prosecution, fired the US Attorney in charge of the investigation, and installed a White House aide to overrule career prosecutors. This is dangerous.” TWEET: http://fluence-media.co/3IFBOSR
MORE: via a Rep. Tom Emmer post, EMMER: “FINALLY—James Comey has been indicted for lying to congress and obstruction of justice. … It about time [sic].” TWEET: http://fluence-media.co/3IGXApl
SHUTDOWN: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Tina Smith said Thursday that she will not vote to keep the federal government open unless Republicans make concessions on health care, as Congress races to meet the Sept. 30 deadline to avoid a shutdown. Smith outlined her stance during an event on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, joined by community and faith leaders from ISAIAH.” SMITH: “Senate Democrats are united in not being bullied and intimidated by this administration. We are ready to work with [Republicans] to negotiate on a path forward that actually does something to improve health care. … This is a point where we feel like we have some power to get them to come to the table.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4819pRJ
MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A rally held outside the Rochester offices of U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith urged the Democratic lawmakers to withhold their votes for a budget deal unless funding is restored to Medicaid, food assistance and other priorities. … Some 70 people chanted and hoisted signs. … A Klobuchar spokesperson [shared] the following statement in response to the Rochester rally.” STATEMENT: “The Senator believes the President needs to come back to the negotiating table and work with Congressional leaders in both parties to keep the government open and help give Americans relief from skyrocketing costs.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IhZ1KV
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.
1. Ceiling fans cool you, not the room.
2. When away, adjust your thermostat.
3. Hot air belongs outside.
4. Cook smarter to stay cooler.
5. Let nature dry your clothes — plus, your chores can wait until evening.”
(SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
HUNGER: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “For several years now, Minnesota food shelves and meal programs have seen the impact of inflation firsthand. Many have sounded the alarm as they struggled to keep pace with the climbing demand for food. Now, with even more uncertainty on the horizon following impending cuts to the food stamp program, the USDA has announced that it is terminating its Food Security Report, a key metric for tracking hunger for the past 30 years. … Sarah Moberg, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland, says the USDA decision [will] put more pressure on their own data collection.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4nv2mWo
HEAD START: via a Sen. Tina Smith press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined her colleagues in working to expand early childhood education options and opportunities by introducing the Head Start for America’s Children Act. This bill would expand Head Start to ensure that more than 11 million young children from working class families can access high-quality early education and comprehensive services.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3VVs7TD
DISABILITIES: via a Senate GOP press release, VERBATIM: “Families across Minnesota caring for children with disabilities will soon have access to expanded support services. During the 2025 legislative session, Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) authored bipartisan legislation to restore vital out-of-home respite services. Senate File 446 gives families the opportunity to take a temporary step back while ensuring their child continues to receive quality care. … SF 446 will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.” BILL: http://fluence-media.co/4nnkqSd
CAPITOL: via MPR, VERBATIM: “State government is dealing with a leak problem in St. Paul. … The Department of Administration advertised this week for consultants to look into and address water leaks at multiple buildings on the state Capitol complex. Problems have been detected at the Minnesota Senate Office Building, the health department headquarters, the Andersen Building that houses the Department of Human Services, the Veterans Building, the Minnesota History Center and the Centennial Office Building. Part of the study will be to assess the severity of the moisture intrusion and the costs for repairs.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nRpkql
POT: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The State of Minnesota has issued its first Cannabis Event Organizer License, which allows attendees to purchase recreational cannabis on-site during events. The license was given to organizers of the Legacy Cup, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Surly Brewing Festival Field in Minneapolis. … Legacy Cannabis Duluth and Waabigwan Mashkiki were both approved to operate cannabis dispensaries on-site during the event. The license additionally allows for the consumption of cannabis flower and concentrate in designated consumption areas.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Km5bu7
HENN CTY: via Hennepin County Board, VERBATIM: “The board voted today to approve a $1.13 billion maximum property tax levy for the 2026 county budget. This is an increase of 7.79 percent, or $81.5 million, from last year. … The operating portion of this budget totals $2.73 billion, an increase of 7.2 percent or $182.3 million from the 2025 adjusted budget. The capital portion totals $365.9 million, which is $202.5 million less than the 2025 adjusted capital budget. Property tax makes up approximately 36 percent of the overall county budget. … The levy increase is driven by a $33.8 million increase in Law, Safety and Justice departments, a $21 million increase in debt service, and funding for the 2026 election.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4gCJuBS
ST PAUL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “St. Paul’s water is now flowing from a new treatment plant. Plant managers announced this week that the rebuilt McCarrons plant has now passed health and safety assessments. It’s a $250 million rebuild of the site, which cleans water from the Mississippi River and pumps it out to St. Paul and 14 surrounding cities. Mayor Melvin Carter celebrated the opening with a toast of a glass of water, fresh from the new pipes. He said rebuilding the facility was no small feat. … The city started construction on a new plant in 2022.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3W9KdkC
BLOOMINGTON: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A vision that’s grown since the inception of Mall of America is starting to take its final shape as Bloomington city leaders consider a more than $430 million water park expansion for the mall. While most of the funding is private, a good chunk of it is public, and people still have time to voice their opinion on the plans. This Tuesday, city leaders will take some financial action that will include a public hearing. … More than a third of the funding is covered by what’s being called public financing through tax increment financing (TIP), which comes from property taxes generated by MOA.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3IuJ9EW
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/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
STILLWATER: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s Corrections Commissioner [gave] a status update Thursday to the state Senate Judiciary Committee on the steps being taken to close the Stillwater prison. The prison, originally built in 1914 and the state’s largest close-security institution for adult males, is slated to shut down by June of 2029. … Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell says they have already moved more than 700 inmates. … As for prison staff, Schnell says he’s confident they’ll be able to transfer 95% of employees to other facilities. Schnell does note that so far, they’ve had to issue 32 layoff notices, but that number is in flux long term.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4nO7XGP
MANKATO: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Big names are backing Minnesota State University, Mankato’s campaign for a $60 million project to replace its aging Blakeslee Stadium. … The school has already raised $30 million for the new stadium project, which includes a residence hall and other amenities. Administrators hope to raise the rest from alumni and businesses over the next two years, President Edward Inch said. Billionaire Glen Taylor and another Minnesota State Mankato alum, Vikings star Adam Thielen, are listed as major donors. While the stadium will host school football and soccer games, the university also plans to host concerts at the complex, which will include a new residence hall.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46E2Gea
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “A small group gathered outside the Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys campus on Thursday, Sept. 25 to speak out against the health system’s recent announcement that it will close six of its small-town clinics before mid-December. … Standing on the sidewalk outside the hospital’s west-facing rainbow entrance, 10 people held signs that read ‘we’re sick of healthcare greed’ and ‘people over profits.’ It comes almost three weeks after Mayo Clinic said it would close its clinics in North Mankato, Belle Plaine, Caledonia, Montgomery, St. Peter and Wells.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4pByWXP
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
OMNIBUS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz and state Attorney General Keith Ellison have petitioned the Minnesota Supreme Court to decide a case that could transform how the Minnesota Legislature writes and passes legislation. In its essence, the case poses the question: When is the process behind passing legislation so atrocious it is actually illegal? Last week, Walz and Ellison appealed a ruling by a Ramsey County judge who found that the state’s ban on binary triggers on guns violates a clause in the Minnesota Constitution, written in 1858, that ‘No law shall embrace more than one subject, which shall be expressed in its title.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gGTydi
RENTERS: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Landlords in Minnesota can evict tenants over lease violations, like using drugs or committing other crimes. But if a landlord accepts a rent payment after finding out about a lease violation, they can’t evict the tenant over that specific breach of the lease. In other words, by accepting a rent payment despite knowing about a lease violation, the landlord waives their right to evict. This protection did not apply to renters who received public subsidies, including Section 8 housing vouchers, until Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4nf7hdG
CANNABIS: via an MDH press release, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has launched Be Cannabis Aware, a new public health campaign focused on educating youth under age 25—and the adults who support them—about cannabis use. The campaign offers clear, science-based information without judgment, helping young people make informed choices.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mKFgda
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will meet with Zoran Milanović, President of Croatia, at 10:30 a.m. and attend a groundbreaking event at Niron Magnetics at 1:00 p.m. Later, he will meet with legislative leaders again at 4:15 p.m. per his public schedule.
TODAY: via Citizens League, VERBATIM: “Citizens League is proud to host a 2025 Minneapolis Mayoral Candidate debate on Friday, September 26. This debate is presented in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and the Minneapolis Downtown Council, and will be co-moderated by Mary Lahammer, Political Reporter & Anchor, Twin Cities PBS; and Blois Olson, Sunday Take Host, WCCO Radio and CEO, Fluence Media.”
TODAY: via a Tom Emmer advisory, VERBATIM: “Congressman Tom Emmer will attend and give brief remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony of Niron Magnetics’ new manufacturing facility in Sartell, Minnesota. Congressman Emmer will be available to speak with members of the media following the ceremony.” The event is at 1:00 p.m.
TOMORROW: via Moms Demand Action, VERBATIM: “It’s been a month since our communities were shaken by the shooting at Annunciation, and our lawmakers have not taken action. … At 10 a.m. [Saturday] we will rally outside the Governor’s Mansion to tell him he can’t look away. … Together we can encourage the governor to do the right thing and call a special session.”
OCT 2: via a Senate DFL advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis) and Reps. Esther Agbaje (59B) and Fue Lee (59A) will host a Town Hall Meeting for constituents on Thursday, October 2 at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center [in] Minneapolis. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by discussion of current issues from 6:15 to 8 p.m.”
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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