Lynx vs. Liberty is the game of the day.
Twins try to pull out a series win this afternoon vs. Boston.
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Xcel Energy says back-to-back storms caused power outages for around 300,000 Minnesotans, but 90% of outages are fixed. KARE: http://fluence-media.co/4mDnN6P
Brooklyn Park may build a memorial in honor of the Hortman family. WCCO: http://fluence-media.co/4l6MUgN
Newsweek readers ranked Bryant Lake Bowl & Theater in Minneapolis as the nation’s 4th best bowling alley. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4mDq0z9
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Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN:https://fluence-media.co/4lGBWQh
Sunday Take focused on Capitol security concerns and state Sen. Eric Pratt discussing his run for U.S. Rep. Angie Craig’s seat. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4mk2GWV
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SPECIAL ELECTIONS: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today issued two writs of special election to fill the vacancies in the State Senate formerly held by Senator Bruce Anderson and Senator Nicole Mitchell. Special elections to fill the vacancies in Districts 29 and 47 will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. If necessary, special primary elections for nomination of candidates will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions may be filed…from Wednesday, July 30, 2025, until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.” SD29: http://fluence-media.co/40CS0KE SD47: http://fluence-media.co/4l4W2mj
NOTE: Nov. 4, 2025 is the same day as municipal elections in Minneapolis, St. Paul and many other cities. SD29 covers parts of Wright, Meeker and Hennepin counties. SD47 covers parts of Washington and Ramsey counties.
RESPONSE: via a Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy statement, MURPHY: “We are committed to defending our Senate Majority in the upcoming special elections in SD29 and SD47. … These contests will decide our future – Minnesota values or [Donald] Trump’s chaos. The choice is clear, and we are ready to defend our majority and, with Minnesotans, build our future with honest hard work.”
CYBERATTACK: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter declared a state of local emergency on Tuesday following a days-long cyber attack on the city’s Internet-based computer networks that led officials to call in the FBI [and] the Minnesota National Guard’s cybersecurity experts. The data breach forced city officials on Monday to conduct a precautionary ‘complete network shut down’ of its Wi-Fi and Internet-based systems, from public computer terminals within the St. Paul libraries to key networks at City Hall. As a result, many city services remain offline, other than 911 and public safety operations. … It was unclear what information, if any, had been stolen. It’s also unclear who orchestrated the attack. … Ramsey County’s information systems were not affected by the digital security incident or the precautionary network shutdown, though the county took steps to discourage county workers from emailing city departments.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IQp0ZI
MORE: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today issued an executive order activating cyber protection assets from the Minnesota National Guard in response to a cyberattack on the city of Saint Paul. … The magnitude and complexity of the cybersecurity incident have exceeded the city’s response capacity. At the city’s request, Governor Walz has authorized the deployment of cyber protection support from the Minnesota National Guard to ensure continuity of vital services and the safety and security of Saint Paul residents. The executive order activating this support takes effect immediately.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4l0wsPe
RESPONSE: via an MN GOP post, STATEMENT: “The St. Paul cyberattack exposed another public safety failure under Gov. Tim Walz. From neglecting law enforcement to ignoring cybersecurity, when will Minnesotans have enough failure? Instead of wasting an $18B surplus, Walz should’ve prioritized securing our electronic infrastructure.” TWEET: http://fluence-media.co/4miO21W
SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The battle over endorsements is heating up in the Democratic field for U.S. Senate between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig. So far, both have secured dozens of endorsements. … [Flanagan] recently spoke with Sen. Bernie Sanders — one of the most prominent progressive figures in the country — about the race, the Vermont senator confirmed. … However, he said he has ‘not made that decision’ on whether he’ll weigh in. Sanders said he had last spoken with Flanagan ‘a month or so’ ago.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45rp2zZ
MEDICAID: Rep. Tom Emmer recently told Minnesota Republicans at a private event that Pres. Donald Trump supported using work requirements to “deal with” certain adults receiving Medicaid coverage because he didn’t want to give Democrats “something to run on in 2026,” according to leaked audio that was sent to left-leaning journalist Aaron Rupar. EMMER: “[Democrats] expanded it to able-bodied, working aged adults — that’s not who Medicaid was intended for. Did we kick them off? No. Why? Because Donald Trump said to us, ‘They don't have a leader, they don't have a message. Let's not give them something to run on in 2026, all right?’ So how did we deal with the expansion population? … Work requirements.” LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4fjrbBk
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)
POT: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “In apparent defiance of state law, the Albert Lea City Council has denied a license for what was set to be the city’s first cannabis shop. Councilors voted 4-3 against registering The Smoking Tree. … Local governments [must] approve at least one cannabis business for every 12,500 residents. Albert Lea is required to register two by law. … Albert Lea’s attorney, Joel Holstad, told the City Council to expect litigation if they defy the state statute. … Mayor Rich Murray said he thinks Albert Lea should have zero cannabis businesses, [but] it’s likely to be a costly stand. … Albert Lea receives more than $6 million in LGA — about one-third of its general fund revenue, according to City Manager Ian Rigg. One scenario he raised would bring on a 5% LGA penalty for not being in compliance with state law. ‘That’s a $300,000 penalty before the lawsuits even start,’ Rigg said.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3UoDrXD
RESPONSE: via a state Rep. Nolan West (R-32A) post, WEST: “This is a really bad move by Albert Lea. I hope they will readdress it and reverse it before they have to waste city tax dollars on a doomed defense to the inevitable lawsuit. I get being frustrated about not having full local control, but the law is very clear.” TWEET: http://fluence-media.co/40I2NTJ
SECURITY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is considering expanding an emergency alert system for legislators and has ordered an outside review of security at the State Capitol in response to last month’s shootings of two lawmakers and a recent break-in. … Charges were filed Tuesday related to the break-in. … Officials and legislators will soon discuss whether to add more officers, reduce the number of public entrances and introduce metal detectors. … State officials are also exploring whether they can expand an existing emergency response system used to alert legislators of threats on the Capitol complex. It’s possible it could be expanded to reach legislators when they are away from the Capitol, too.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lOFVub
MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Burglary charges have been filed against a man found naked inside the State Capitol late Saturday. Ramsey County prosecutors detail the charges against Dominic Terrell Peace in a criminal complaint. … Investigators reviewed surveillance tape and learned that Peace was inside the capitol about 2 p.m. that day when the building was open to the public. He was seen carrying a wooden wedge at one point, and later was spotted without it. Prosecutors believe he used the wedge to prop open a mechanical door so he could get back inside later when the State Capitol was closed.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3TZHaKW
RESPONSE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (D-Minneapolis) says he supports the idea of pursuing different security options at the Minnesota State Capitol complex. … Champion says he himself has added additional security after former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed.” CHAMPION: “To know that we are reviewing and going to implement some serious security issues at the capitol makes me feel safe. … Whenever you can have a fresh set of eyes that can look at any situation, it certainly helps.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4mijgq4
MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minnesota State Patrol Chief Christina Bogojevic [said] the State Patrol is finalizing a contract with a third-party organization to review Minnesota State Capitol security procedures. … The State Patrol chief says security was fully-staffed [during the break-in], but a review will continue to determine if anyone will be held accountable. … Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson hopes a third-party review will prevent a repeat.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/47ckNtg
AG BILL: Republican candidate for governor Kendall Qualls released a statement in response to the news seen in yesterday’s morning take that Gov. Tim Walz held a signing ceremony for the agriculture omnibus bill. QUALLS: “Minnesota needs a true leader – not photo-ops and bills that sound good but don’t move the needle for our farmers. … Farmers are struggling under Tim Walz. Rural Minnesota hasn’t forgotten that Walz shut down processing plants during COVID, raised costs with heavy mandates, and then pretended to care about agriculture. I’m running for Minnesota to fight for our farmers.”
DEMOCRATS: via The Hill, VERBATIM: “Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) blew up at fellow Democratic Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) in a heated back-and-forth on the Senate floor Tuesday, accusing members of his party of being ‘willing to be complicit’ with President Donald Trump. … Booker [said] Democrats should use their ‘leverage’ over proposals to boost funding for police to get Trump to release his hold on funding for Democratic states such as New Jersey, New York and California. … The Democrat-versus-Democrat spat on the floor grew especially heated after Klobuchar pointed out that Booker has previously objected to her policing legislation, even before Trump was in office.” KLOBUCHAR: “This is not just about [Trump]. This is a long dispute over this type of funding.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46uoJpb
DNC: The Democratic National Committee recently announced its summer meeting schedule in Minneapolis. The committee’s itinerary includes a welcome reception at the Minnesota State Fair from Ken Martin, DNC Chair and former DFL Chair. Events will be held from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27. SCHEDULE: http://fluence-media.co/4lR4YN9
SNAP: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Today, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that he, as part of a 22-state coalition, has filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) demand that states turn over personal and sensitive information about millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Attorney General Ellison and the coalition argue that this demand violates multiple federal privacy laws and the U.S. Constitution.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4oupqWb
MORE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota taxpayers could be on the hook for about $86 million per year in additional costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as a result of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law. … The federal government is also expected to cut nearly $40 million earmarked for Minnesota to defray administrative costs of the food program. … Minnesota has relatively low SNAP participation compared to other states, but the new law forces states to pay out a share of SNAP benefits.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/472RBVG
PLANNED PARENTHOOD: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a coalition of 22 states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump Administration over the ‘Defund Provision’ of their budget reconciliation bill, which targets Planned Parenthood and health care access for millions of low-income Americans. The Defund Provision specifically blocks Medicaid reimbursements for essential health care services, such as cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing at Planned Parenthood health centers. … Ellison and the coalition argue that the Defund Provision is impermissibly ambiguous and violates Congress’ Spending Clause power.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4fdsv8s
MORE: via a Sen. Tina Smith press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, a bicameral bill that repeals President [Donald] Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) provision that bans Medicaid reimbursements for health services provided at Planned Parenthood clinics. … Identical legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives. … As of Monday, July 28th, a federal judge has blocked the Trump Administration from enforcing its ban on Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3U5vjeq
HOUSING: via a Sen. Tina Smith press release, VERBATIM: “Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), the top Democrat on the Senate Housing Subcommittee, announced that two of her major bipartisan bills aimed at combatting America’s housing crisis were included in a package that passed unanimously (24 – 0) out of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Development Committee. Smith’s bills were focused on rural housing and combatting homelessness. … A key provision that was not included was Senator Smith’s bipartisan bill to make homeownership more accessible to Tribal communities, though she vowed to continue pushing and make progress.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4od0p1e
AI: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) reintroduced the bipartisan Preparing Election Administrators for AI Act to require the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to develop voluntary guidelines for election offices. These guidelines will address the use and risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in election administration, cybersecurity, information sharing about elections, and the spread of election-related disinformation.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/477PsYJ
BLUE BOOK: via Office of the Sec. of State, VERBATIM: “Secretary of State Steve Simon announced availability of the 2025-26 Minnesota Legislative Manual, or ‘Blue Book.’ The book is a comprehensive guide to Minnesota’s government, including information on the state legislature, state executive offices, state agencies, and state judiciary; local, federal, and tribal governments; as well as election results. The 2025-26 edition of the Blue Book is dedicated in recognition of the new state seal and flag. A special section at the center of the book contains a special message from the State Emblems Redesign Commission Chair Luis Fitch and Vice-Chair Dr. Anita Gaul along with photos of the redesign process and implementation of the new emblems.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/40K3ITD
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)
HENN CTY: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County commissioners are ready to take a more active role in the oversight of HCMC after years of financial losses threaten its future. The County Board took the first step Tuesday of retaking control of the downtown Minneapolis hospital and its related clinics by introducing a resolution to dissolve the Hennepin Healthcare System board. … Commissioners plan to hear community input and debate the proposal at their next meeting Aug. 5. A final vote on governance of the health system and its $1.6 billion budget is expected Aug. 12.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/451r7kE
MPLS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “On Tuesday afternoon, state and local leaders converged on north Minneapolis, where ground is being broken to transform North Commons Park. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) said the project is the largest-ever investment in a Minneapolis neighborhood park, using a projected $45 million in federal, state and local funds, along with philanthropic dollars. … MPRB said North Commons, which is among the oldest and largest parks in its system, will be renovated to include ‘community-driven youth development programs, new spaces for creativity and culture, and an updated campus of indoor courts, outdoor pools and gathering spaces.’” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4lWHQwU
BEMIDJI: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “About a month after a devastating storm tore through Beltrami County, residents are still working to sort out damage tallies and what insurance will and won’t cover. … In Bemidji, the downed trees are causing some big headaches for cleanup efforts and insurance claims. … There are still piles of downed timber lying on people’s properties, as well as long uprooted stumps with exposed roots visible. The fallen trees have also wreaked havoc on Bemidji’s infrastructure causing damage to roads, signs and powerlines. And the debris can clog sewer drains, increasing the risk of flooding. It was also a factor in the city’s dumps operating at near capacity for weeks.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4l6ypd7
STEARNSCTY: via SC Times, VERBATIM: “The Stearns County Board of Commissioners is trying to create its 2026 budget, and it could hit the pockets of Stearns County property owners…County staff on July 29 requested a tax levy of nearly $108.9 million, which is a roughly 12.3% increase from last year's $96.9 million levy…However, the proposed 12.3% increase could be cut to 9.56%, or a $106.2 million levy, with possible increased investment earnings, personnel vacancy savings and reducing the levy for capital projects, according to county documents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l2EE1y
MNHS: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Historical Society plans to lay off 36 employees, or around 7% of its workforce, among other changes it is making, citing a combination of rising expenses, changing patron patterns and lack of revenue. Layoffs will include full-time, part-time and seasonal staff, and impacted employees have been given extended notice and separation packages, according to a Tuesday statement from the MNHS. They work in a variety of positions, including in St. Paul, Preston, Little Falls and Pine City, and include employees represented by the MNHS Workers Union.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3UBY2Yk
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
TRADE: via a DEED press release, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz will lead a trade mission to Switzerland and Germany from November 15-21, 2025. The delegation will travel to the major business centers of Zürich, Düsseldorf and Berlin. The mission will focus on growing the state's exports of goods and services, showcasing Minnesota as a top destination for business investment, developing new partnership opportunities, and strengthening existing ties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40GTiEj
UMN: via Stat, VERBATIM: “Long before she became president of the University of Minnesota, Rebecca Cunningham trained in emergency medicine. She draws on that experience often these days. Cunningham, who is also a public health researcher, is just a year into steering a public university with five campuses and more than 70,000 students through a time of profound uncertainty. UMN has seen grants terminated, an international student arrested, and state support flatline. Amid all this turmoil, she has had to propose a budget for the 2026 fiscal year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40FOmzw
TODAY: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz will visit a hospital in Maplewood to discuss the anticipated impacts that President Trump’s Medicaid cuts will have on health care for Minnesotans, particularly in Greater Minnesota. Wednesday marks the 60th anniversary of [Medicaid].” The event is at 10:30 a.m.
MORE: Gov. Walz will meet with legislative leaders today as well, the topic is Capitol and legislator security.
TODAY: via Rep. Kelly Morrison, VERBATIM: “U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) will join small businesses from across Minnesota for a press conference to highlight the cost of President [Donald] Trump’s tariff wars. … In addition to the press conference on Wednesday, Rep. Morrison will spend the week traveling to small businesses across Minnesota’s Third Congressional District.” The event is at 10:30 a.m.
TODAY: via MN Budget Project, VERBATIM: “Medicaid advocates are coming together to celebrate all that Medicaid means to Minnesotans, and to remind state policymakers that our coalition will continue to advocate for [the program]. … Advocates will sign a giant birthday card and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to celebrate Medicaid’s 60th birthday.” The event is at 10:30 a.m.
TODAY: 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
SATURDAY: MN 50501 will host the protest event “Rage Against the Regime” in St. Paul on Saturday, described in a release as “a gathering of protestors and activists to safely let out their rage at the current administration. Old electronics and other objects will be smashed in a controlled area. There will also be music, food, and a satirical puppet show.” The event is at 11:00 a.m.
BDAYS: Fed President Neel Kashkari, writer Tricia Velure, St. Paul City Attorney Lindsey Olson, chef Lenny Russo, attorney Nathan Swanson – it’s also Medicaid’s birthday which activists are celebrating today.
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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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