3M Open starts today. Carson Herron in the field.
Twins lose.
Vikings training camp is open – more in Sports Take today.
Derek Thompson will be sentenced today for killing 5 people in a car accident.
From a March poll, and indicative of current political trends, 62 percent of Americans aged 18–29 say they hold a “favorable view” of socialism, and 34 percent say the same of communism. CATO: https://fluence-media.co/4lKH0n1
In St. Louis Park, there’s a new MVT contest “Most Valuable Tree”, and the Caddyshack front yard cottonwood has been nominated. A campaign may be warranted.
Today is National Refreshment Day and National Drive-Thru Day – sounds like a day to celebrate with a DQ shake or a Coke at McDonalds.
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 WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature will now cover the costs for enhanced home security for members in wake of the politically motivated shooting attacks on lawmakers and their spouses last month. The secretary of the Senate confirmed to WCCO that the funds will come from the Minnesota Senate's existing state budget appropriation and any member who requests that support will get the assistance. The state House will have a similar policy, a source said, to pick up the tab for roughly $4,500 towards the cost of installing additional security measures. … The change in both chambers would be in addition to the up to $3,000 elected officials can draw from their state campaign account to pay for security.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3IK9miv
SENATE RACE: First in morning take, an announcement from Defend The Vote (DTV) PAC releasing later today. VERBATIM: “DTV is dedicated to defending the freedom to vote, cracking down on corruption, and rebuilding our democracy to serve everyone. [That’s why] Defend The Vote today is endorsing Angie Craig for Senate. … In the Senate, Craig will fight to ensure our democracy responds to the needs of the people on issues like lowering costs and protecting access to health care. … Last cycle, [DTV] helped elect 108 pro-democracy candidates, including 75% of the candidates it endorsed.” WEBSITE: http://fluence-media.co/4o5BfSb
CD2: via Pratt for Minnesota, VERBATIM: “Former U.S. Representative John Kline has officially endorsed Eric Pratt’s [campaign] for Congress in Minnesota’s Second District. … Kline, who represented the district for 14 years, praised Pratt’s experience and commitment to conservative principles.” KLINE: “There is no one better to represent the families and businesses of the Second District in Washington. I’m confident he will win this race, and I know he’s ready to fight for our conservative values in Congress.”
34B: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Democrats in the Brooklyn Park area have made their endorsement pick in an upcoming special election: City Council member Xp Lee. The local party unit selected Lee from a pool of three DFLers vying for the office left vacant following House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman’s killing last month. Erickson Saye, assistant county attorney in Hennepin County, and Christian Eriksen, also a Brooklyn Park Council member, could face Lee in a primary election next month. The winner will face Republican Ruth Bittner, a real estate agent, in the September special election.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Ug1oAl
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
FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing a growing political headache as new revelations of fraud in a state program revive questions about his administration’s oversight of taxpayer funds…Federal investigators last week searched five housing service provider sites as they investigated what they called a “massive scheme” to defraud Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program, which uses Medicaid funds to help find and maintain housing for older adults and people with disabilities, including mental illness and substance use disorder.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3H1DdlV
MORE: via a House GOP press release, VERBATIM: “Rep. Kristin Robbins (R–Maple Grove), Chair of the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, has formally requested a federal audit of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) following years of documented waste, mismanagement, and large-scale fraud. … Robbins and several legislative colleagues outlined the extensive abuse of public funds within multiple DHS-administered Medicaid programs, including Housing Stabilization Services, autism treatment programs, recovery services, and non-emergency medical transportation.” Reps. Lisa Demuth, Jeff Backer and Joe Schomacker also signed the letter. LETTER: http://fluence-media.co/4mdq0FK
MORE: via a Rep. Tom Emmer press release, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Tom Emmer led the entire Minnesota Republican congressional delegation in a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanding answers regarding alleged fraud within the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program.” Reps. Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber also signed the letter. READ: http://fluence-media.co/40xuSx5
2026: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Fraud will be a fixture in the 2026 election campaign, [and] former state Republican Party chair Ron Eibensteiner has helped form a new political spending group that is squarely focused on that issue. It’s called ‘Fight the Fraud.’ … Political groups can raise and spend unlimited sums, much more so than candidates — and Eibensteiner is a prolific fundraiser. … Several other political groups are building up for what is likely to be a bruising campaign [whether] Gov. Tim Walz runs or not.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ug1oAl
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)
EPSTEIN: via Axios, VERBATIM: “House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) called the push to force release of the Epstein files a ‘non-issue’ at an Axios News Shapers event Wednesday. The matter has paralyzed the House and led GOP leaders to cut this week's business short and leave town early for the August recess before things escalated further. … Democrats — and some Republicans — have been using multiple tools to try and force their GOP colleagues on the record about Jeffrey Epstein as President Donald Trump pressures GOP leaders to make the issue go away.” EMMER: “It's kind of funny. If it was so important, then why weren't Democrats clamoring for this for the four years under [Joe] Biden? … We are the legislative branch. We are not the judicial branch. The judicial branch will make that decision, and then we'll go from there.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4f8GuMY
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “GOP U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach has a political problem on her hands after voting multiple times on the House Rules Committee to block the release of files on sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. … Conservative group Action 4 Liberty [is] calling for her to face a primary challenge. … GOP political consultant Gregg Peppin [said] he thinks that, ultimately, voters in the Seventh District will take their cue from President Donald Trump and not Action 4 Liberty. … But Democrats and some Republicans have signaled they're not going to stop pushing the issue. … DFL U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar [said] ‘If you’re not fighting for transparency, then you’re helping to cover up abuse.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46UuWLa
ICE: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests of people without criminal charges or convictions in Minnesota surged in June, newly obtained data shows. More than half of ICE's arrests in Minnesota (58%) involved people without criminal charges or convictions in June, up from roughly one-quarter of arrests in April.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4f13o8O
CANADA: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz is extending an invitation to Canadians to visit Minnesota, reaffirming the state’s long-standing relationship with Canada. Despite Canadian travel to the U.S. facing headwinds in recent months, Minnesota continues to be a top destination for Canadian tourists. … Explore Minnesota, the state’s promotion agency, is continuing its marketing outreach in Canada with ongoing advertising in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, including broadcast and digital placements.” WALZ: “More than half of Minnesota’s international visitors come from Canada. … We want our Canadian neighbors [to] know they’re not just welcome here — they’re encouraged to visit and continue our long friendship.”
TPT: Via Pioneer Press, an update on layoffs at TPT, as seen in yesterday’s morning take. VERBATIM: “Twin Cities PBS station TPT is laying off approximately 25 employees across multiple departments. The station faces a 10% budget cut due to recent congressional action. … The precise extent of the eliminated positions at TPT is unclear, but layoffs appear to affect staff in marketing, development and national programming including the TPT-based online publication Next Avenue, according to an affected employee.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45j33Lx
ANDERSON: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Republican state Sen. Bruce Anderson will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery after funeral services at a church in Buffalo next Monday. … A cause of death has not been released. … According to an area funeral home, visitations will be held Sunday and Monday at the Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church followed by a funeral service Monday afternoon.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Ug1oAl
GROVE: Star Tribune CEO and former DEED commissioner Steve Grove spoke to MPR News about his past work experiences and his potential future returning to public service. QUOTE: “I liked public service a lot. … I could see doing it in some way, shape or form in the future. I don't quite know that is. I don't have some kind of a plan for it. … But I did find a lot of meaning in it.” LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3IHe00I
TAKE: Star Tribune Publisher Steve Grove’s book tour and promotion appears to be a hype tour that newroom insiders suggest he’s more interested in “what’s next”, than he is focused on the Star Tribune. The tour that has hit California and DC begs the question about Grove’s future politically and at the Star Tribune. If Walz didn’t run, my gut is that Grove would consider a run for Governor.
ELECTIONS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is on track to tie the record number of special elections for the Legislature held in a single calendar year — and potentially exceed it. According to data kept by the Minnesota Legislative Research Library, the current record was set in 1994, when six lawmakers were elected in special elections. With the three special elections held already this year and three more on tap to fill seats vacated due to legislator deaths and a resignation, the tally will grow to six. [And] if current lawmakers succeed in their bids for other offices…additional special elections could be needed.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46Z7SuK
POT: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “When Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation legalizing cannabis in 2023, there was a retail target that stores across the state would open by 2025 at the latest. … In the last month, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has granted final approval to five retailers to begin selling cannabis, the first such businesses not operated by one of the state’s 11 tribal nations. By the end of the year, Minnesota could see up to 150 marijuana businesses not owned by the tribes, according to Eric Taubel, interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/457vUkQ
FLOODING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “From Albert Lea to Duluth, cities, counties and other municipalities are installing new flood basins, replacing outdated sewer lines and taking other steps to reduce flood risks. … Minnesota agencies are providing tens of millions of dollars to communities for flood prevention. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated $9 million this year and more than $61 million in 2023 — a surplus budget year. Last year, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency awarded more than $34 million to cities, counties and watershed districts for flood mitigation projects. Several of those projects will start construction this summer.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3TYI6PE
WILDFIRES: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “More air quality alerts are likely on the horizon for Minnesota this summer and into the future as wildfires become larger and more frequent due to warmer weather and drier conditions, state officials say. … According to the MPCA, there were 49 air quality alerts in Minnesota in 2023 compared to 26 in 2021. The last time the number of air quality alerts was close to that in recent years was in 2005, which had 20 alerts. Alerts in the 2000s were mostly due to ozone, whereas the bulk of alerts in recent years are due to wildfire smoke.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4o3SoMd
HOUSING: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-02) joined her colleagues…in introducing legislation to combat the housing affordability crisis and help Minnesota’s first-time homebuyers purchase a home. The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act would establish a refundable tax credit worth up to 10% of a home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $15,000, for low-and middle-income, first-time homebuyers.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3GSfy7y
DRUG PRICES: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced legislation to increase competition in the pharmaceutical industry and lower prices for consumers. … The bipartisan Short on Competition Act would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to grant expedited reviews and inspections, and temporary importation when there is, or is likely to be, a prescription drug shortage or when there are fewer than five competitors in a market for prescription drugs that have been approved for at least 10 years.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3H0wGb6
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 MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council is expected to pass a resolution Thursday that supports immigrant communities who fear deportation and disruption from federal authorities. Council member Jason Chavez is one of the co-authors of the resolution. He said it's especially important for the city to stand up for children who may be directly impacted by the policy. … Chavez says St. Paul and Columbia Heights are also expected to adopt similar resolutions.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4542fsP
ST PAUL: Via Axios’ Kyle Stokes, the St. Paul City Council voted 6-0 to advance rezoning of the site formerly occupied by Hamm’s Brewery despite previous objections by the owner of Saint Paul Brewing, who owns parts of the complex. VERBATIM: “[Council Member] Cheniqua Johnson argued essentially that the site needs to be redeveloped, and it needs to be rezoned to be redeveloped — for benefit of [the] broader neighborhood. ‘We're at crossroads. If nothing happens to this site in the next few years, we don't know how long it will take.’ … In testimony, [Saint Paul Brewing] owner Rob Clapp pitched a solution: Let installation begin of 84 artists’ lofts on the existing building before the parking lot — which he sees as crucial to his business — gets torn up, then pause to study future parking needs.” TWEETS: http://fluence-media.co/3J1hjQj
RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Jason Yang has been named Ramsey County’s next chief clerk and director of administrative services, an executive leadership role with the county manager’s office. Yang has held the position in an interim role since October, supporting the county board of commissioners and its committees.”
ELY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Heavy overnight rain followed by another surge in the morning led to flooding Wednesday morning in Ely. By midafternoon, the waters had begun to recede. According to the National Weather Service, some roads in Ely were covered with nearly a foot of water. … Ely Mayor Heidi Omerza said rain in ‘epic proportions’ fell on the city. They haven’t yet assessed the damages, but were more focused Wednesday evening on public safety.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/456TDBz
TRIBES: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Southeast of Granite Falls, a marker once told of the burial there of Mazomani, a Dakota (Sioux) Chief, who [was] killed by U.S. soldiers. … The [area] became Upper Sioux Agency State Park in 1963, a development that was a boon for outdoor enthusiasts but an affront to Mazomani’s descendants, who then had to pay the park entrance fee when they wanted to visit his grave. That is no longer necessary after the state of Minnesota closed the park and, a year ago in March, returned its 1,300 acres to the Upper Sioux Community. … The tribe plans to introduce bison on the former state park land while counties have state funds at their disposal to develop recreation opportunities nearby.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4kZTxlh
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
WALZ: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he won't run for president in 2028 if he seeks a third term as governor next year. … When asked by Axios in an interview Tuesday whether he'll fully rule [2028] out if he runs for governor again, Walz answered ‘yes.’ … Keeping the door even slightly cracked open to leaving the office mid-term could complicate Walz's pitch to voters, especially in light of recent polling showing that Minnesotans are divided on both his job performance and whether he should run for governor again.” QUOTE: “I've always viewed public service as being…if you run for this, you serve your term up.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mcc3aZ
DEMOCRATS: The New York Times looks at the vote to endorse Sen. Omar Fateh for mayor of Minneapolis, noting comparisons with the New York City primary win of Zohran Mamdani last month. VERBATIM: “At every level of government, Democratic primaries are testing the ideological and stylistic mood of a party left adrift by its disastrous defeats last fall, with strategists and activists parsing Mr. Mamdani’s stunning victory for early clues about voter sentiment ahead of next year’s midterm elections. But while the Minneapolis mayor’s race will offer another measure of Democratic attitudes around policing and affordability, as well as of the electorate’s appetite for change, the parallels with New York City, beyond surface level, are limited so far.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IJhn7u
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will attend a Minnesota Commanders’ Task Force meeting, visit Granite Innovations, and attend the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Annual Convention.
TODAY: Minnesota non-profit EdAllies will host a panel Thursday to share further details on its latest statewide education report. The event is at 11:00 a.m. in Minneapolis. DETAILS: http://fluence-media.co/4lSrIwc
TODAY-SAT: via NCRA, VERBATIM: “The 2025 National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) Conference & Expo, taking place July 24-26, serves as the largest venue for businesses to showcase the latest in products and services [for stenography].” The event is at 9:00 a.m. each day in Minneapolis.
MONDAY: 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.
MONDAY: 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.
TUESDAY: 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: photographer Aaron Lavinsky, marketing leader Michael Kithcart, lobbyist Michael Wilhelmi, fmr. Rep. Shelly Christensen
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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