Twins lose, but Buxton hit an HR against Ohtani.
Rep. Angie Craig challenge WNBA leadership on the House floor yesterday. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4lCOQif
Since January, beef prices have increased by 9% to $9.26 per pound — a record high. FORTUNE: https://fluence-media.co/3IDnAlf
The Wall Street Journal has been removed from the White House press pool following its publication of a letter Donald Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein. CNN: https://fluence-media.co/46molZO
Coca-Cola will offer a cane sugar Coke starting this fall, however they will still offer the current recipe. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/44IY7PZ
Happy National Mango Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
ANDERSON: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Long-time Minnesota Sen. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) died unexpectedly on Monday. … According to a news release, Anderson’s family has asked for privacy and will release a statement at a later time. … Anderson began his legislative career in 1995, representing Minnesota House District 19B. He later represented District 19A from 2003 to 2012. Anderson then served in the Minnesota Senate, representing District 29 from 2012 until his death on Monday. Before his political career, Anderson served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He also served in the Minnesota Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4m1IdWt
REACTIONS: Numerous Minnesota officials expressed their condolences following the passing of Sen. Bruce Anderson this week. He was 75 years old.
● Via Gov. Tim Walz, QUOTE: “Gwen and I are sending our love to the family and friends of Senator Bruce Anderson. A veteran himself, he was a steadfast advocate for those who served our nation and he will be missed in the Senate chamber.”
● Via Rep. Tom Emmer, QUOTE: “Jacquie and I are extremely saddened to hear about the sudden loss of our dear friend Bruce Anderson. I served alongside Bruce for many years in the Minnesota House, and he faithfully represented our community in Wright County for many years. Our prayers are with Ruth, the Anderson family, and everyone who is mourning Bruce’s passing.”
● Via Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, QUOTE: “Bruce was a dedicated public servant, loving family man, and dear friend to many at the Capitol and in Buffalo. We offer our condolences and prayers for comfort for the entire Anderson family.”
● Via Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, QUOTE: “I served with Bruce in both the House and Senate, and will fondly remember him for the way he approached this work and treated his colleagues. He was a decent, kind colleague, and a dedicated family man, and I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him.”
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)
BUDGET: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy…vowed to have the Senate hold hearings on the [Big Beautiful Bill] in the coming months even though the Legislature is out of session. … ‘We have to be really clear about what is in the bill and share that information with Minnesotans,’ she said. … While Minnesota congressional Republicans put out bullish statements explaining their ‘yes’ votes, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, have not drawn attention to the bill in social media posts or press releases. … Still, what Minnesota Republicans have said about the bill shows nuance and a diversity of views in the party.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4kOKLGo
MORE: Gov. Tim Walz told MinnPost in an interview that there will probably not be a second special session this year to address the impact of the GOP’s federal budget bill. WALZ: “At this point in time, there’s no immediate need to do it. But should we need to do it, we’re prepared. … We have the highest rainy day funds we’ve ever had. We have surpluses for the next two bienniums. And because of the work of the Legislature and because of our year-end revenue numbers, our structural imbalance out into 2028 and 2029 is virtually eliminated.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4kPoB6Y
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
MITCHELL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell announced through her attorneys Monday that she will give up her seat by early August after her conviction on felony burglary charges. … They said the delay [to Aug. 4] is designed to help her finish up some remaining work on projects and for constituent services. It will also allow legislative staff bridge employment. … Health insurance for Mitchell’s family was also a consideration because she was on a state policy, and this extends that coverage for another month. She will likely draw another public paycheck under the delayed resignation.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3GzLZaQ
MORE: Via Axios’ Torey Van Oot, state Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (D-47A) announced she will run for Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s seat in Senate District 47 once a special election is called. Van Oot notes that if Hemmingsen-Jaeger wins the Senate seat, it would trigger another special election to fill the vacancy she would create in the House. She won her House seat in 2024 with over 60% of the vote. TWEETS: http://fluence-media.co/4lNXmeE
VACANCIES: Via Office of the Sec. of State records, there have been three special elections to fill vacancies in the Minnesota Legislature so far in 2025 — SD60, HD40B and SD6 — and the deaths of Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. Bruce Anderson plus the expected resignation of Sen. Nicole Mitchell will necessitate three more. Additionally, if Sen. Omar Fateh wins the race for Minneapolis mayor or Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger wins the race to replace Mitchell, there could be a seventh or even eighth special election called by the time the 2026 session begins. SEE: http://fluence-media.co/45dDWJY
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)
REDISTRICTING: via CNN, VERBATIM: “House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his political team have begun privately shaping a legally risky — and likely expensive — strategy to redraw House maps in several Democratic-controlled states. … It’s a clear attempt to retaliate against the GOP’s aggressive redistricting effort to boot out as many as five Democrats in Texas. … Jeffries specifically called out three states: California, New York and New Jersey. But the party is also looking closely at Minnesota and Washington state, Democratic sources said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44KQN6w
SECURITY: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The shootings of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the attack on Sen. John Hoffman and his family are sure to be at the center of a meeting next month of a Capitol security panel. The Advisory Commission on Capitol Security has scheduled an Aug. 20 hearing. It’ll be the first time the panel led by Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has met since the June 14 violence. While those were in the private homes of lawmakers, expect there to be discussion about notification of legislators and others in the event of threats or acts of violence as well as what to do to keep people safe while at the Capitol.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3TSRtR0
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Questions over how much to allocate [for security] and who should qualify for extra protection could present challenges. The issue ‘becomes a question of cost,’ said U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has faced death threats and been the victim of political attacks online. ‘I don’t know whether it is going to be possible or feasible to have around-the-clock security support for everyone.’ U.S. Rep. Angie Craig said she thinks lawmakers should get more money and flexibility for personal protection. … ‘It surprises people sometimes that members of Congress don’t get any security,’ she said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3UnM2cR
DFL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Several challenges filed with the Minnesota DFL are seeking to nullify state Sen. Omar Fateh’s party endorsement for Minneapolis mayor, claiming irregularities with the voting process. … Incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey and former Minnesota DFL Chair Mike Erlandson were among those filing challenges on Monday surrounding the procedures used to calculate delegates’ votes. In their challenges, the Frey campaign and Erlandson each raised concerns about a new electronic voting system, claiming it was unreliable and undercounted votes. … Erlandson and Frey are each asking the DFL to throw out all endorsements for mayor and for Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board candidates.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/46Wwpk7
MORE: Via KARE 11, Gov. Tim Walz commented on the Minneapolis DFL endorsement situation when speaking to reporters yesterday. WALZ: “Well, some of you might know my history with endorsements. I don't put a lot of time on them, I'm just gonna name that out right now. Party does the party work. … I'll just say we'll take a look at everything on that and it will work its way out.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4lHDM3y
FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “An imposing office building along University Avenue in St. Paul is at the center of an FBI investigation into another potential fraud in Minnesota. Last week, the FBI searched the office of Brilliant Minds Services LLC on the first floor of the Griggs-Midway building. … This building, the FBI affidavit points out, houses 22 businesses described as providing housing services that took in a combined $8 million between January 2024 and this May. That’s far more money than the state estimated the entire program would cost. The investigation could grow as state officials are looking into dozens more providers connected to the Griggs-Midway building.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lQJpw8
DEATH PENALTY: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Minnesota abolished the death penalty more than 100 years ago, but there is new evidence to indicate the federal government will seek the death penalty for Vance Boelter. … The federal government assigned a public defender, Kimberly Sharkey, who is an experienced death penalty attorney based in Nevada, to help defend Boelter. … ‘In Minnesota, [we] don't have a lot of attorneys who are schooled and knowledgeable in death penalty cases,’ [attorney Joe] Tamburino said. The final decision on whether prosecutors will pursue the death penalty will be made by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, [who previously] announced the Justice Department would pursue the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4f3rMqr
DRUGS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) joined Twin Cities law enforcement officials supporting a program that helps track drug traffickers. [The] High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program is at risk of losing federal funding. … Klobuchar says federal officials need to do everything they can to ensure local law enforcement is well-equipped in the fight against drug trafficking.” KLOBUCHAR: “[It’s] bringing federal, state, and local law enforcement together to get deadly drugs off our streets. We must continue to support HIDTA so officers have what they need to keep us safe.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/45e9y29
MEDICAID: via Stateline, VERBATIM: “Congress set aside $50 billion for rural hospitals and medical providers to allay fears over the billions more in historic cuts to federal health care spending that President Donald Trump signed into law. … But is that bandage big enough to save struggling rural hospitals? … Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, [said] the new money for rural health, to be spent over five years, is far less than the $155 billion in rural Medicaid spending cuts over 10 years. … More than half of the law’s cuts to funding in rural areas are concentrated in 12 states with large rural populations that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to cover more people, [including] Minnesota.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45gcPy0
ENERGY: via Canary Media, VERBATIM: “Ongoing delays and disruptions to a federal rural energy program threaten to disproportionately impact Midwest farmers and Republican congressional districts, experts say. For more than two decades, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has helped thousands of farmers install solar [and] other cost-saving clean energy improvements. … Illinois has benefited more than any other state, [but] Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio are also in the top 10 states receiving grants during that period. … More than 75% of the grants went to congressional districts represented by Republicans.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4o5LYfC
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)
UMN: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “University of Minnesota students will pay a new $200 athletics fee this year even if they never don a Gophers football helmet or attend a single game. … The new fees are drawing ire from student government leaders and come at the same time as a significant tuition increase of 6.5% for in-state undergraduates and 7.5% increase for out-of-state undergraduates this fall. … [NIL] payments to student athletes of $20.5 million will make up 12% of the U’s $174.2 million athletic budget for 2026, mMPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is asking for a tax levy increase to help maintain the city’s 185 park properties. The Board says it’s to cover everything from maintenance to inflation to the cost of opening two new parks. The board is requesting about $6 million more, a 6.75% increase, which will result in a 1.2% increase in property taxes. If passed, it would amount to an extra $25 annual increase in property taxes for owners of a $333,400 home.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4lFdHC5
ST PAUL: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Cub Foods in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul is closing on Aug. 2. The store announced the closure Monday in a letter to the state. It said 96 people are expected to be laid off in the closure. Layoffs will officially begin Sept. 22 and could continue for about two weeks after that date, according to the store. The majority of the workers are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. The neighborhood has [already] lost some grocery stores in recent years.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46rJ8eB
WASH CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Washington County officials are working on a Climate Action Plan, and they are asking county residents to weigh in. The plan will define the county’s role in climate action, outline action steps to reduce the county’s greenhouse gas emissions, and illustrate strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change, county officials said. Residents are being asked to share their insights and perspectives…by taking a short online survey between now and Sep. 28.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IXhnR5
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s laboratory in Duluth will remain open, even as the Trump Administration dissolves the office to which it belongs. On Monday, an EPA spokesperson said all of its laboratories, including the Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division Laboratory, [are] being ‘retained’ as part of its decision to eliminate the Office of Research and Development. … While no one lost their job Monday, not every employee had received a reassignment as of Monday afternoon.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3GV3nXz
ST CLOUD: via St. Cloud Live, VERBATIM: “A low-barrier tiny home shelter is expected to be completed by mid-2026, according to Avivo president and CEO Kelly Matter. Avivo is a Minneapolis-based organization that provides services to people experiencing homelessness, including street outreach to help find permanent housing, employment and other services. Avivo's services also include addiction and mental health treatment, skills training, employment programs and more. The organization plans to build the 48-unit tiny home shelter on a city-owned, one-acre section.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4maJmLM
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
34B: via a Bittner for House press release, VERBATIM: “Ruth Bittner, business owner, has filed paperwork to launch her election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in House District 34B, as a Republican. Ruth will be running in the Special Election called by Governor Tim Walz to fill the seat formerly held by Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4o3ZRek
HOFFMAN: Sen. John Hoffman gave his first interview since last month’s shootings that claimed the life of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. Hoffman was on The Al Travis Show to discuss his recovery and his daughter. HOFFMAN: “She’s okay. She’s doing well. When she dialed 911, she was a hero, man. There’s people alive because of how she said something on 911 that was…she was very much in charge. Grateful. Grateful for her. Big time.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4nWPrge
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz has no public events scheduled.
TOMORROW: via MN Chamber, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Chamber’s upcoming Women in Business Minnesota Conference on Wednesday, July 23, will highlight the powerful role women play in expanding Minnesota’s economic footprint through international business.” The event is at 9:00 a.m. in Minneapolis.
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.
BDAYS: Winthrop’s Tami Diehm, operative Zach Freimark
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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