Wild win.
Kirill Kaprizov has signed a record deal with the Wild for $136 million over eight years. KARE: http://fluence-media.co/46vhLzP
Sports Take will be out early today.
The U.S. federal government has officially shut down for the first time since Pres. Donald Trump’s first term. AP: http://fluence-media.co/46vljlD
2025 saw one of the hottest Septembers on record for a third year in a row, but temperatures will drop this weekend — right in time for the Twin Cities Marathon. AXIOS: http://fluence-media.co/4mJ7bKm
The White House plans to sell certain prescription drugs at a discount through a new website called “TrumpRx.” CBS: http://fluence-media.co/4nQdxZo
I think the Chi-Chi’s relaunch is overrated.
Happy Jiffy Mix Day – I can taste the dry blueberries.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Sunday Take featured an extensive recap of the latest Minneapolis mayoral debate and what it could mean for the city’s future. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4q4IZ8j
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.
TAKE: Yesterday was quite the news day, and it continues through today. From the brinksmanship of a special session to the federal government shutdown the headlines reflect a tension of divide in our country, and locally. The other news in Minnesota was were stunning from a fake student in a high school to immigration fraud. Add the Lynx news conference and the Kiril contract and lets just be grateful we have news outlets to share the news. Add to that list, the Hegseth-Trump general’s meeting and federal websites posting political statements attacking Democrats the anxiety feels like it’s at an all-time high, and it’s divisive and pitting Americans against each other – rather than finding any unified way forward.
As a reminder, there are 13 months left until the election – and the tone and tenor and division doesn’t show signs of calming.
WHATSCOMING: In the next 36 hours the reality of health care rates for 2026 and a privately funded “documentary” about the state of our cities will air creating more debate and divide. Those are the stories we know about, it’s often the ones we don’t that offer the most shock and awe. Pace yourself, we’ll do our best here.
In the meantime, reminder – we have a tip sheet called “MN Good”.
SPECIAL SESSION: via Fox 9, VERBATIM: “A special session to potentially address gun violence has not yet been called by Gov. Walz, but leaders within Minnesota’s GOP and DFL parties have already begun negotiations over what they would consider on the table should they convene again in 2025… Leadership from both sides of the aisle have also held meetings designed to find common ground before a special session is called…Both GOP and DFL leaders held dueling press conferences on Tuesday to outline their collective positions…Political analyst Blois Olson said there is not enough support for an assault weapons ban in a closely divided legislature…Instead, Olson says this push may be a part of a broader strategy looking ahead. OLSON: “There’s math in politics and the math on this one just doesn’t add up yet,” Olson told FOX 9. “We’re 13 months away from a consequential governor’s race. All 201 members of the Legislature are up. We’re going to have an open U.S. Senate seat. This is going to be a topic regardless of whether they pass something or not. We’re going to be talking for 13 months.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/42hDLMa
MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Legislative leaders [said] talks with the governor unraveled. ‘A meeting with Gov. Walz and legislative leaders broke down this morning after about ten minutes when Democrats abruptly ended the meeting and indicated they would no longer work with Republicans to find agreement for a special session,’ [said] Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-Grand Forks. Asked at a news conference about whether talks really did fall apart, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, said, ‘We’re at an impasse. I’m not surprised, but I am undeterred, and will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and with the governor.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nsCpX8
MORE: Here’s is the DFL’s proposal - Speaker Lisa Demuth and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson have their names listed, but they did not sign it. PROPOSAL: http://fluence-media.co/4nRfBQK
RESPONSE: via a Speaker Lisa Demuth statement, DEMUTH: “Before our last meeting with the Governor, I proposed that the legislature work through the committee process to consider bills including improving student safety, mental health access, and public safety, and other topics with bipartisan support. Trying to force agreement to an unwritten bill that has never been seen in committee is not how we govern.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42RVvO7
MORE: via Kathleen Anderson, co-lead of Minnesota Moms Demand Action, STATEMENT: “It’s been one month since the deadly shooting at Annunciation School, and families across our state are still begging for action. … Walz and DFL leaders did what leaders are supposed to do — they listened. But let’s be clear: the only thing standing in the way of an assault weapons ban is Republican inaction. Republican lawmakers have a choice — they can either stand with families or stand in the way.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3WfjmUf
SHUTDOWN: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Democrats and Republicans in Washington remain at odds over how to fund the government. Even though it may feel a world away from Minnesota, a shutdown would hit close to home. … The battle is focused on roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts [that] would have a major impact on health care premiums and even determine who qualifies for ACA subsidies. … The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that for a Minnesota family with a household income of $100,000, premiums on the exchange would go from $523 a month to $830 a month starting Jan. 1, 2026.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4nvGIBi
EMMER: GOP Rep. Tom Emmer joined Bloomberg’s “The Close” to discuss the then-impending government shutdown and why he thinks Democrats are to blame for asking too much. QUOTE: “The House Republicans actually did the reasonable and responsible thing by passing a completely clean continuing resolution. … This is not going to work for the 20,000-35,000 Minnesotans who are either federal employees or federal contractors. … My message [to them] is call Chuck Schumer. … Schumer and Democrats are going to answer for a shutdown.” WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4mIPeLV
KLOBUCHAR: DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar spoke on the Senate floor in favor of her party’s plan to seek healthcare funding in exchange for averting a shutdown, arguing that Republicans are to blame for not compromising. QUOTE: “The President has sadly made his position clear: He would rather shut down the government than work with congressional Democrats to address this skyrocketing healthcare cost crisis. So, our [GOP] colleagues — many of whom I work with every day — they can decide: Are they going to rubber stamp what he does, or are they going to try to work with us…and prevent millions of Americans from losing their healthcare?” CLIP: http://fluence-media.co/4gSLMgs
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IMMIGRATIONFRAUD: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis-St. Paul area was the focus of what officials termed a first-of-its-kind operation to be expanded nationwide targeting immigration fraud. ‘Operation Twin Shield’ kicked off Sept. 19 and wrapped up Monday, leading to a handful of arrests, officials said Tuesday at a Minneapolis news conference by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI. … CIS director Joseph Edlow [said] officers encountered ‘blatant marriage fraud,’ overstays and other visa abuses, and people claiming to work at businesses that may not exist.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4nvFaHu
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services examined 1,000 local cases, visited 900 locations and identified 275 instances of alleged evidence of fraud, noncompliance, public safety or national security concerns. There were 42 cases referred to ICE and four immigrants taken into custody. … Similar operations are expected in other cities.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46ydgo4
STUDENT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A person “over the age of 21” who used fake documentation to enroll in White Bear Lake Area High School is now in police custody, school officials say…In a message sent to WBLAHS families, Principal Russell Reetz said the school began investigating after receiving reports of a student enrolled in the school who was beyond the legal age for high school.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4nv0g8P
TITLE IX: via FOX 9, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday that it has found the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota State High School League in violation of Title IX for allowing transgender athletes to participate in girls sports. … The joint finding by the Education Department and the Department of Health and Human Services’ respective civil rights divisions found that Minnesota had allowed transgender athletes to participate in several girls sports, including Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, and fastpitch softball.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/479UgeT
MORE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “MDE told WCCO it is ‘reviewing the letter and remains committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive school community.’ … The departments issued a proposed resolution agreement to MSHSL and the MDE, ordering them to voluntarily resolve the Title IX violation within 10 days or ‘risk imminent enforcement action.’” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3WiDTHy
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)
GOV RACE: Republican Kendall Qualls published an outline of the public safety platform for his gubernatorial campaign yesterday. The Qualls campaign argues that DFL Gov. Tim Walz’s “most glaring failure” is his public safety platform, further alleging that “criminals and thugs run our streets” and “Minneapolis burned to the ground.” VERBATIM: “Kendall has a plan to restore law and order on day one and will: 1. Recruit 400–500 new state law enforcement officers to support Minneapolis and St. Paul; 2. Repeal Walz’s failed Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act; 3. Implement a curfew for minors to restore safety to neighborhoods. … He will stand with law enforcement, crack down on crime, and return peace of mind to families across our state.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4o1L96M
SOS RACE: Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon spoke to the Minnesota Reformer about the U.S. Dept. of Justice’s new lawsuit against him and the state of Minnesota over access to private voter data. Simon also gave an answer when asked if he’s running for re-election in 2026. SIMON: “I’ll have an announcement about that in the coming weeks.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4gMAB8V
CD2: via MPR, VERBATIM: “No, Republican Joe Teirab isn’t trying again to make his way to Congress. … Teirab filed new paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission last week under the ‘statement of candidacy’ heading. It was an amendment to a previous campaign filing and making some organizational changes. But he told MPR News ‘I’m not running’ and said the paperwork filing was done by his treasurer.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3VJpGTS
AUDITOR: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Tonka Bay Mayor Adam Jennings, a veteran and small-business owner, has announced he’s running for state auditor [as a DFLer].” JENNINGS: “I’m not a politician who dabbled in finance, I’m a finance guy who found his way into politics. I oversaw billions of dollars in the private sector, led a small city with collaboration, and built a small business where every employee has retirement benefits and no one pays a dime for health care coverage. I believe those experiences have prepared me to make sure Minnesota’s $60 billion in public spending is overseen with honesty and transparency.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42kHatt
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)
POT BIZ: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota cannabis entrepreneurs say they are confused and angry after the two companies that serve patients in the state’s medical marijuana program were allowed to immediately start selling recreational pot earlier this month. Many cannabis businesses licensed by the state are still unable to buy recreational marijuana to sell. But medical cannabis providers Green Goods and Rise, which between them operate 16 dispensaries, have established supply lines that have handed them an early corner on the Twin Cities recreation market.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3INtiRP
BIRD FLU: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Avian influenza has been found in flocks at four more turkey farms in Minnesota, according to animal health officials. This comes mere weeks after officials last reported the spread of the disease. The H5N1 virus, colloquially known as bird flu, has been found in flocks at commercial turkey farms in Le Sueur, Blue Earth and Stearns counties. … Turkey farmers say they are hopeful a vaccine could be available in the next year or two. Minnesota is the nation’s top turkey producer.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4nVZ65X
FED FUNDS: Twin Cities PBS is sending out fundraising emails to supporters claiming that the Trump Administration’s cancellation of federal funds for public broadcasting is the station’s “greatest threat ever.” VERBATIM: “With crucial federal funding gone, Twin Cities PBS (TPT) is facing its greatest threat ever. For decades, our community has relied on the service this funding established: free access to an enthralling variety of programs to inspire, inform and delight. Now, all of it is at risk. … Our goal right now is to protect everything that makes TPT a valuable part of your life. … Thank you for supporting TPT when it’s needed most.”
MOSQUE: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Muslim community leaders say they are ‘on edge’ after a fire at a mosque in south Minneapolis, and are calling for authorities to further investigate. The fire broke out at about 5:30 p.m. Monday…after an unidentified individual was seen on the mosque’s security footage leaving the area near the basement entrance. … The Minneapolis Fire Department said that the fire was accidental. The release said the fire, which began among rubbish near the entrance, was potentially caused by homeless individuals in the area. … CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that he and other community leaders don’t think the Minneapolis police and fire departments have investigated the fire thoroughly [enough].” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46NtJ6U
MPLS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Tucked into Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood, Queermunity will be celebrating its one-year anniversary on Nov. 2. … According to Queermunity co-founder Hilary Otey, the location, which is open regularly for people to drop in, fills an important gap not just in the Uptown community but statewide. … ‘We’re serving [guests] in a setting that’s not a bar,’ she said, adding that outside of Queermunity, bars are among the few regularly accessible spaces for the community to gather. She also added that Queermunity’s consistent business hours make it accessible. … While most of their patrons are from the Twin Cities area, Otey said Queermunity serves the metro and beyond, with members coming from the Fargo and Moorhead areas, Rochester and parts of Wisconsin.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/472vcHz
S ST PAUL: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Officials have reinstated South St. Paul City Councilmember Pam Bakken’s daycare license nearly three months after it was revoked by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Bakken’s license was revoked after a police report was filed, stating a 3-year-old boy allegedly ingested methamphetamine off the floor of her home daycare in December. Bakken’s license was suspended in March and subsequently revoked in July, despite prosecutors not having charged her.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/474NWpW
40 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP: Flint Hills Resources and Ducks Unlimited (DU) are celebrating 40 years of partnership, a longevity landmark that makes Flint Hills one of DU’s longest-standing corporate partners. Working together over the past four decades, Flint Hills and DU have contributed to conserving more than 250,000 acres of wildlife habitat and natural areas in Minnesota and over 900,000 acres across North America. LEARN MORE: Flint Hills Resources and Ducks Unlimited Celebrate 40 Years of Partnership (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
HABITAT: The Pine Bend Bluffs along the Mississippi River in Dakota County is a key migration corridor for millions of songbirds and 40% of North America’s waterfowl and shorebirds. This area also provides habitat to the rare rusty patched bumble bee that was discovered in the Pine Bend Bluffs in 2019 and 2020. Collaboration among Friends of the Mississippi River, Great River Greening and Flint Hills Resources volunteers help to restore this natural area to pre-settlement conditions. The Pine Bend Bluffs has earned Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Certification since 2001. The site recently earned gold certification, making the Pine Bend Bluffs currently the only gold certified site in Minnesota and the first ever in the metro area. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4241cZ2 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
MANKATO: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Plans are in the works to build a new $60 million stadium and complex at Minnesota State University Mankato. It will include a new track and football field, as well as retail and student housing. MSU President Edward Inch says the project will be completely funded by private donations and that they are already halfway to their goal thanks to support from major donors like Glen Taylor and Adam Thielen. The hope is to host 115 events a year at the news complex, ranging from sporting events to concerts.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3KqB2db
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Duluth is celebrating 50 years since the establishment of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics. Alongside the half-century benchmark, the college also officially welcomed Praveen Aggarwal as the new dean. … Aggarwal holds two master’s degrees from universities in India and a doctorate in marketing from Syracuse University in New York. He joined UMD’s business school in 1988, originally working as a professor of marketing. He [stepped] into the role of interim dean in 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KwbSK0
ST CLOUD: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “St. Cloud approved a multi-million dollar bond sale this month that will help improve streets and public safety. The city was expecting to get an interest rate of 4%, but ended up with a rate just below 3%. St. Cloud was able to get that lower interest rate thanks in part to a higher city bond rating. … St. Cloud Mayor Jake Anderson [said] ‘That’s less money coming out of the general fund property tax that people pay. Whatever we can do to keep those costs down is good news.’ … As part of the $16 million bond, St. Cloud is buying new fire and snowplowing equipment.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4nu6xBw
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
NO ENDORSEMENT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “No candidate for Minneapolis mayor will have the DFL endorsement, including the candidate who once held it briefly. Monday night, arguments were heard on whether to uphold the Minnesota DFL’s Constitution, Rules, and Bylaws Committee’s (CRBC) decision to remove the party’s endorsement of Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh. The CRBC received 85% support from the voting body, leading to its decision being upheld. Now, no candidate will officially move forward with the state or city’s DFL endorsement.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/42lVVMB
14B: via St. Cloud Times, VERBATIM: “Zachary Dorholt launched his Minnesota House of Representatives District 14B campaign Tuesday, Sept. 30. Dorholt, who currently serves on the St. Cloud Area School District 742 Board of Education, previously represented House District 14B after he won the seat in 2012. The DFLer ran for reelection in 2014 but lost to Republican Jim Knoblach.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VI5otX
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will participate in an Irish Business and Employers Confederation roundtable and tour Kilmainham Gaol before returning to Minnesota.
TODAY: via an SEIU advisory, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison will join Minnesotans from across the state at 9:30 a.m. [today] to address the government shutdown [and] Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans’ unwillingness to address healthcare cuts that are going to hurt thousands of Minnesota families.”
TODAY: via City of Minneapolis, VERBATIM: “The City of Minneapolis will officially dedicate the 10th Avenue Bridge to the late State Senator Kari Dziedzic. Mayor Jacob Frey will be joined by state lawmakers, the Dziedzic family and Council Member Aurin Chowdury for the dedication.” Sens. Erin Murphy, Bobby Joe Champion, Doron Clark, Zaynab Mohamed, Scott Dibble, Omar Fateh and Reps. Mohamud Noor and Sydney Jordan will attend. The event is at an undisclosed time.
TODAY: The Minnesota Senate’s subcommittee on federal impacts will hold a hearing at 12:00 noon to discuss “changes to eligibility and funding cuts to SNAP by federal action,” among other hunger-related topics. DETAILS: https://fluence-media.co/3VFpUve
TOMORROW: 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.”
TOMORROW: Twin Cities reporter Rick Kupchella announced that his new documentary, “A Precarious State,” will air tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. on ABC-affiliate stations, including KSTP, WDIO and KAAL. The documentary’s official description says it focuses on public safety, education and transparency in the Twin Cities. WEBSITE: http://fluence-media.co/48rW59h
BDAYS: Rep. Sydney Jordan, DFL matron Sylvia Kaplan, attorney Marc Berris, dentist Melissa Karter, Sen. Melissa Wiklund, editor Maria Reeve, video guy Tyler Richter, senior advocate Adam Suomala, fmr. Sen. Paul Gazelka
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