morning take | Stephenson is new DFL Leader + Special Session Negotiations Start
9.9.25
Vikings win, JJ McCarthy looks like the next Aaron Rodgers. Falcons next Sunday night.
Twins win.
Minnesota flags will remain at half-staff until Sept. 14 — the day of Annunciation victim Harper Moyski’s celebration of life.
A U of M forestry specialist thinks Minnesota will have “pretty good” fall colors this year. WCCO: http://fluence-media.co/4m97Cxo
Donald Trump’s alleged birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein has been publicly released by Epstein’s estate and House Democrats. AXIOS: http://fluence-media.co/3I2QkUA
Democrats are the only partisan group of the three that views socialism more positively than capitalism — 66% to 42%, respectively GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/466g4c1
Happy National Wiener Schnitzel Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio about Rep. Zack Stephenson as the new DFL leader and a little JJ McCarthy talk. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/45W1aVt
A teacher, and a police officer. A DFLer and a Republican on Sunday Take A discussion with GOP Rep. Jeff Witte and DFL Sen. Steve Cwodzinski on how the state should move forward after the Annunciation Church mass shooting. LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3V1bEg9
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.
DFL: The House DFL voted last night to make Zack Stephenson the new caucus leader following the death of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman earlier this year.
TAKE: New DFL Leader Zack Stephenson is a master mechanic of campaigns, and legislative process. His pedigree as Melissa Hortman’s campaign manager before being elected himself, and a shepherd of major legislation provide the caucus a depth of strategy that positions them well for the year ahead. His job starts today, when legislative leaders will meet with Gov. Tim Walz to discuss the special session on school and gun violence. Stephenson as a messenger in a tied House and on the contentious issue of school safety will be an early signal of how he will lead his caucus.
SPECIAL SESSION: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz will meet with legislative leaders on Tuesday to discuss a special session focused on gun safety. … Since the Aug. 27 attack, the Minnesota chapter of Moms Demand Action has 5,000 new members. The organization has written a letter to Walz, accusing him of doing ‘nothing.’ … The governor [has] proposed a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, a safe storage law, liability insurance and a tougher red flag law. … Republican proposals include more authority for doctors to deny gender-affirming care, taxpayer money for security for private schools (including Catholic schools), resource officers in all schools, tougher penalties and more money for mental health beds.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/45WAVhQ
MORE: via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “While the power lies with [Tim] Walz alone to call a special session, he may be waiting before making it official. Typically, legislative leaders will strike some sort of deal before going into a special session. Having a framework in place helps them move more quickly and efficiently. … The governor could also be waiting for the results of next week’s special election in House District 34B, [which] is expected to bring the DFL back into a tie with House Republicans. … It’s likely that if a [special session] is called, it would still be sometime this month.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/45Wf2PF
SENATE RACE: The Human Rights Campaign PAC will announce today that it is endorsing Rep. Angie Craig for U.S. Senate due to her record on LGBTQ rights and equality. VERBATIM: “Throughout her career, Rep. Craig has been a tireless advocate for equality, from fighting to secure passage of the Respect for Marriage Act to standing up for LGBTQ+ families and working to expand access to health care and economic opportunity for all Minnesotans. Rep. Craig has made history time and again as the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from Minnesota.”
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JOBS: via KNSI, VERBATIM: “Following a merger with Old National Bank that closed in May, Bremer Bank is shedding hundreds of jobs…The company announced it will axe 244 people in a three-week period between October 24th and November 14th. All of the jobs are based out of the Bremer Service Center in Lake Elmo. Some of the roles include accounting, auditing, credit and collateral analysts, cyber security and IT, and payroll and procurement…It isn’t uncommon for administrative positions in the acquired company to be eliminated after a merger, as there is no need for two sets of middle management and executive positions to coexist in the same organization.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3JUvo2D
MORE: via a Star Tribune press release, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Star Tribune today announced plans to stop operating its own printing facility effective December 27, 2025. … This move will result in the closure and sale of the company’s Heritage printing facility in Minneapolis. … Print delivery to subscribers will continue without interruption, with a Gannett printing facility in Des Moines, Iowa printing the newspapers and the Minnesota Star Tribune’s distribution fleet handling delivery. … Approximately 125 employees will be affected by the closure of Heritage. The Minnesota Star Tribune will negotiate with impacted employees’ unions to determine the suite of benefits and other resources available to impacted employees.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4girvk8
Here’s an image of the last issue of the Minneapolis Star on April 2nd, 1982. Note the language about the decline of the paper.
MORE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Mayo Clinic is closing six small-town medical clinics across southeast Minnesota and relocating elective outpatient surgeries from Albert Lea to Austin and Waseca. The Rochester-based health system cited declining staffing and patient volumes for the closures announced Monday evening, and is notifying patients of options to shift care to other Mayo facilities or competing clinics. Closures are planned by Dec. 10.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4pkbqPc
VACCINES: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today issued an executive order directing the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to expand its efforts to safeguard vaccine access in Minnesota in response to federal actions restricting vaccine availability at the federal level. The executive order also directs the state epidemiologist to issue a standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine, which would provide greater flexibility for health care providers and pharmacists to provide the vaccine.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4pfCWNC ORDER: http://fluence-media.co/3I01Pfx
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “It’s not clear yet how the guidance will spill down to health providers. Minnesota pharmacists already have authority to offer COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions, but there are also questions about whether those vaccines will be covered by insurers. Some health insurance providers that serve Minnesota have said they will continue their coverage.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46zPEhR
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)
MATH SCORES: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Minnesota girls’ math skills fell nearly half a grade level behind boys in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new analysis of standardized test scores. … Across the country, the analysis shows that schools have lost ground since the pandemic following a decade in which educators had nearly closed the gender gap between girls and boys on math scores. While boys’ scores also suffered during COVID, they have recovered faster than girls’ scores. The widening gender gap in Minnesota was among the largest nationwide, equivalent to 43% of a grade level. The trend is prompting calls by educators and others to reinvest in programs and initiatives that may have been disrupted during the pandemic.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4pfDZ00
BETHEL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Bethel University on Monday announced a new commitment to helping alumni find jobs after they graduate — offering free graduate school classes or a job at the school if former students aren’t employed in six months. The private, Christian school in Arden Hills will start the ‘Bethel Career Commitment’ in the spring, likely the first college or university in Minnesota to create such a guarantee.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Vs8Top
AI: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Federation of Educators is in the process of ratifying its new contract, and it’s one of the first groups of teachers in the state to have language addressing the role of artificial intelligence. A memorandum of understanding says St. Paul Public Schools ‘is committed to continuing to rely on professional educators, rather than artificial intelligence, to be the primary mode of delivering instruction in our schools.’ The language primarily focuses on not replacing educators with AI, as well as not relying exclusively on AI to evaluate or discipline them. … The SPPS Board is expected to vote and approve the contract Tuesday night.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/486IhR2
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)
FED FUNDS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “U.S. Department of Justice attorneys argued in federal court Monday that Minnesota’s lawsuit against the federal government over President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting transgender children is premature, saying the process to withhold federal funding was far down the road. The arguments came amid a motion by the federal government to dismiss the civil lawsuit, which Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison filed in April. … Lawyers for [Ellison] pushed back against the claims, saying Trump has effectively ‘usurped Congress’ authority’ by threatening to control spending.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3JUm5zF
AVIATION: via a Rep. Pete Stauber press release, VERBATIM: “Today, the House of Representatives passed the Mental Health in Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Congressmen Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Sean Casten (IL-06). … The Mental Health in Aviation Act requires the FAA to take the following steps: require the FAA to revise regulations to encourage voluntary mental health disclosures and treatment; implement the recommendations of the ARC within two years; [and] provide funding to recruit and train more aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47A5eMn
DEFENSE: via a Rep. Ilhan Omar press release, VERBATIM: “Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced ten amendments to the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendments aim to rein in the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional expansions of power; center human rights in trade, military, and foreign policy; cut down military funding not aimed at benefitting our servicemembers; restrict our nation’s role in enabling endless wars abroad; delay the transfer of arms to Israel; and hold governments that engage in transnational repression accountable.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/489RJTR
CHINA: via a Rep. Brad Finstad press release, VERBATIM: “Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation to ensure that the United States remains equipped with the information necessary to respond to China’s growing influence and evolving military capabilities. The Strategic Transparency Act would extend the Annual Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China through 2030 and expand its scope by requiring the report to include an analysis of nuclear and drone development, foreign farmland acquisitions, cyber capabilities, and biotech capabilities.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/41IrTCs
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)
HOMELESS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council voted 6-4 on a motion to pursue a lawsuit against landlord Hamoudi Sabri, the owner of a lot that is hosting a [homeless] encampment. That vote came more than two hours after the council started a closed session meeting to discuss a possible lawsuit against Sabri. The topic drew several strongly worded remarks from council members on each side of the issue. Ultimately, though, the idea of a lawsuit passed, putting in question the future of the encampment.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3IfFZVl
HENN CTY: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “A Minneapolis man's exoneration is highlighting justice reform efforts in Hennepin County. After nearly three decades in prison, Brian Hooper was exonerated after a key trial witness confessed to the crime during an investigation by the county's Conviction Integrity Unit. … County Attorney Mary Moriarty, who created the unit, will not seek re-election, leaving the future of these reforms up in the air. But in the meantime, the office will continue to review other cases similar to Hooper's. … This case marks the third wrongful conviction overturned by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office in the past two and a half years.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/3HRGDbz
LAKE ELMO: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Four months after finalizing a merger with Bremer Bank, Old National Bank is laying off 244 employees at the Bremer service center in Lake Elmo. Most of the terminations will be completed by mid-November and include accountants, cyber-security specialists, legal counsel, payroll administrators and benefits managers. … Those laid off will get ‘competitive severance packages and benefits, and outplacement services to help identify new employment opportunities.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4ptjehA
ST PAUL: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Discount retailer Burlington has announced plans to open a store in St. Paul this fall. It'll be Burlington's 14th shop in Minnesota. … The soon-to-open location will feature the retailer's new store layout that the company says features ‘thoughtfully organized aisles and bold signage making it easier than ever to navigate the store.’ … The company has not yet announced an official opening date, but says it will take place at some point this fall.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42eNgeO
UNDISTURBED LAND: One of the largest undisturbed natural areas in the Twin Cities metro area is the Pine Bend Bluffs in Dakota County. Situated along the Mississippi River, these hundreds of acres owned by Flint Hills Resources are a key migration corridor for millions of songbirds and 40% of North America’s waterfowl and shorebirds. 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)
OLMSTED CTY: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “The first tenants of Olmsted County’s new Trailside Apartments are expected to move in by the end of the month. ‘We are close to the 36 applications to fill all units,’ Cari Kuehn, the county’s property management program manager, told county commissioners on a recent tour of the site. … The project is slated to open following a recent update to the county’s housing assessment, which cited strong demand for age-restricted senior housing. The report pointed to a need for 161 new subsidized units and nearly 500 other rent-restricted units.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4gyWf0B
EDINA: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Edina Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Daniel Bittman notified parents that a new security program would soon be used in Edina schools. Dr. Bittman says district leaders have been working on this new program for more than a year, and they are ready to roll it out later this fall. The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (ARS) will give students, staff and parents new access to trained counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. … Dr. Bittman says anyone in the school district community who is concerned about the well-being of an individual student, or the community as a whole, can call the crisis center for assistance.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/42cGWVa
ELY: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Ely Police Department released a public safety alert on Monday after suspicions were raised over children’s bikes being tampered with. According to authorities, they have received multiple reports this year of front tires coming off of children’s bicycles while being ridden, causing injuries. The police believe that these incidents may be the result of someone intentionally tampering with bikes.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4maofsd
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
SD26: GOP Sen. Jeremy Miller announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026. QUOTE: “Other than marrying my amazing wife and the birth of our three wonderful boys, serving in the Minnesota Senate has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/46fPkEB
GUN CTRL: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz, in announcing his intention to call a special session, said the public is with Democrats on gun control and Republicans risked public backlash by voting against it. ‘If you ask the public about an assault weapon ban, it polls at about 80%,’ [Walz] said. … Banning assault weapons only polls that high with Democrats, but past polls show it does have support from a majority of Minnesotans. … 54% of Minnesotans in 2022 strongly or somewhat favored banning assault weapons.” POLLS: https://fluence-media.co/4mRV7an
MORE: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “State Rep. and GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska told WCCO-TV that [Tim] Walz knows he needs support from other Republicans in order to get anything done. Walz and Niska have discussed it, but there's resistance to the things the governor is proposing.” NISKA: "Republicans that I've been talking to, that I've heard from, are focused on things that are politically feasible and things that are going to work. … A ban on so-called assault weapons [was] tried on a federal level. It didn't work.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3V6Ctzr
ALL THE TAKES: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in your inbox and on our new website, The Daily Agenda. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets and share our web content with your friends. SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will interview candidates for a vacancy in the Ninth Judicial District at 11:00 a.m. and meet with legislative leaders at 1:00 p.m. Both events are closed to the press, per his public schedule.
TODAY: via an SEIU advisory, VERBATIM: “University of Minnesota workers, SEIU Local 284 union leaders and supporters will gather on the steps of Northrop Auditorium on the campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus to announce details of a union drive. … State Senator Omar Fateh, who has signed a union card and would be part of one of the bargaining units based on his job at the U of M, will join the event and speak out in support of the organizing drive.” The event is at 12:00 noon.
TOMORROW: via an MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Aric Putnam (DFL–St. Cloud) will host a panel discussion on safe schools and safe communities on Wednesday, September 10, from 6:30 – 7:30 PM. … It will provide an opportunity for residents to share their perspectives, ask questions, and engage in an open dialogue about how to keep St. Cloud schools and neighborhoods safe.”
SATURDAY: Rep. Ilhan Omar will host an in-person town hall in Robbinsdale at 11:00 a.m. this Saturday to “provide an update on my work in Congress, discuss the services my office can provide, and answer your questions,” per a release.
NEXT WEEK: via an MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis) will host a special town hall meeting on Tuesday, September 16 at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) in Minneapolis to help people in his district understand how the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting their lives now and into the future.” The event is at 6:15 p.m.
THIS MONTH: via MN Health Plans, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Council of Health Plans expects a final announcement soon from the state’s Department of Commerce about health insurance rates for Minnesota’s individual market and small businesses. Lucas Nesse, president and CEO of the Council, will be available to provide a statement and/or comments about the Commerce Department announcement. This announcement is due on or before October 1st.”
BDAYS: Star Tribune’s Ali Kaplan, Rep. Natalie Zelenznikar, marketer Heidi Humphrey, lobbyist Rachel Stuckey
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