WEDNESDAY SUN
Twins win. Lynx at Golden State tonight.
Target on Wednesday posted quarterly earnings that were boosted by tariff refunds and raised its full-year guidance, as the retailer shows more signs its turnaround is taking hold. CNBC: https://fluence-media.co/3Umrd4L
In Florida, Democratic socialist Angie Nixon scored a massive upset in the race for US Senate. POLITICO: https://fluence-media.co/4ii5Ifi
Free ticket to the State Fair, just volunteer. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/45F5K9J
Minnesota’s housing market continued to pick up steam in July, with the latest data showing both buyers and sellers more active, with inventory at its highest level in years. FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/3SdJtNe
The Minneapolis Police Federation endorsed Michele Tafoya for Senate.
A polling firm boosted by candidates in Wisconsin and several other states has ended operations and admitted that its results were fake as part of a “social experiment.” AP: https://fluence-media.co/4qqeMkx
Happy National Potato Day!
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Last December 1, after what felt like a very long year, I jokingly posted “Slow News Year™️” on X.
I may have jinxed myself — along with every newsroom and news junkie in Minnesota.
Yesterday was a perfect example.
As Morning Take was coming together, the likely lede was Speaker Lisa Demuth’s news conference on fraud. Then Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order involving the Boundary Waters, sending reporters, lawmakers and plenty of DFLers scrambling to understand both the policy and the politics.
Add Attorney General Keith Ellison suing the governor of Texas and KSTP’s Tom Hauser releasing the first post-primary poll, and suddenly there were four stories that, on almost any other August day, could have led the newsletter.
But the more important story may be what connects all of them.
CHAOS: There is absolute chaos in the information sphere right now. Keeping up through traditional news channels is challenging enough. Add the phone, social media, notifications and an algorithm constantly deciding what deserves your attention, and voters are living in a swirl of information — and tumult.
That’s not exactly the ideal environment for voters to slow down, research candidates and issues, and make measured decisions.
It also means campaigns aren’t simply competing against one another for voters’ attention. They’re competing against everything.
MOOD: The first post-primary poll generally tracks with the sense of Minnesota’s political mood we’ve been watching. But polling is under scrutiny — again — after some misses in the primary.
That doesn’t make polls irrelevant. They remain among the best available snapshots of voter sentiment, which is why Morning Take will continue to use them — with the appropriate context and caution.
Think of polls like the weather forecast.
They’re right more often than they’re wrong. But you still might want an umbrella.
MN POLL: KSTP released its first poll of the 2026 general election just one week after the primary. Results are summarized below. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/4c0dmXT
GOVERNOR: DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar leads at 52% with GOP Speaker Lisa Demuth at 36%, 12% undecided and 1% preferring someone else.
SENATE: DFL Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan leads at 46% with Republican Michele Tafoya at 41%, 11% undecided and 2% preferring someone else.
ATTY GEN: DFL A.G. Keith Ellison and Republican Ron Schutz are both tied at 43% with 15% undecided.
DEMOGRAPHICS: In KSTP’s new poll, the three DFL candidates are all preferred by a majority of young voters under 35 — Sen. Amy Klobuchar has 62% of their support, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has 60% support and A.G. Keith Ellison has 53% support. The Republican candidates do better with older voters — Michele Tafoya and Ron Schutz both have 50% support with voters over 65 — but Speaker Lisa Demuth has less support than Klobuchar with voters in all age brackets. Political moderates prefer Klobuchar (57-25), Flanagan (44-36) and Ellison (41-34).
REACT: via X from top Demuth advisor Ben Golnik, VERBATIM: “If you believe this poll, you believe Lindell was +9 and +6 when Demuth won by 10. All one needs to do is look at how the 20 yr Senator has been attacking Demuth (along w outside groups) and realize the race is tight. Total garbage.”
RATING: Fox News moved its rating for the Minnesota governor’s race slightly to the right — from “Solid Democratic” to “Likely Democratic” — due to Speaker Lisa Demuth’s nomination and continued fraud concerns. VERBATIM: “Demuth will face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar this November, a formidable opponent who has criticized the state’s handling of fraud involving government programs. But that issue gives the GOP a rare opening in this blue-leaning state, and with this slate of candidates, the party is likely to invest here. Minnesota’s gubernatorial race moves from Solid D to Likely D.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cQElp9
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THE TRAIL
BWCAW: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to use his authority to halt all state permitting of a proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine [near] the Boundary Waters will not stop the federal government from considering new permits for the project. … [But] at a press conference Tuesday in Ely, Walz said he is confident his executive order will withstand any challenge. … Joshua Huder, an expert on separation of powers at Georgetown University, said this is likely a case ‘where state law and federal law overlap, meaning Walz may be able to put in place a ban even if Congress [disagrees].’ … Walz’s successor will decide whether to keep the executive order, which sunsets 90 days after the governor leaves office, or scrap it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Sf9o7c
CANDIDATES: Gubernatorial candidates Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Speaker Lisa Demuth both weighed in on the Boundary Waters executive order yesterday.
KLOBUCHAR: Speaking to MPR, Klobuchar said she has concerns about mining near the protected wilderness, but “there is other mining going on across the Range, including Mesabi Metallics’ iron ore mine about to open up, and some other proposed mining projects that don’t endanger the Boundary Waters, that I think it is important to continue to allow pending environmental reviews to go forward.”
DEMUTH: In a statement, Demuth said: “As governor, I will work each day to ensure mining is part of Minnesota’s future. We can do it safely here better than anywhere in the world, protecting our beloved outdoors while benefiting from the job creation and tax revenue these projects bring to northern Minnesota.”
Via state Sen. Grant Hauschild, D-03, HAUSCHILD: “I strongly disagree with Governor Walz’s decision to ban non-ferrous mining in the Rainy River Watershed. A decision this significant to the people of the Northland should not be made through executive order by a Governor who leaves office in a matter of months. My constituents are tired of executive overreach by politicians who no longer feel accountable to the voters or the legislative process, whether that’s in St. Paul or in Washington.”
Via U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-08, STAUBER: “It is disappointing, yet unsurprising to learn that Governor Walz has launched a spiteful and harmful attack against the hardworking people of the Iron Range. His radical, job killing executive order puts thousands of family-supporting union jobs at risk and ignores the will of those who actually live and work in Northern Minnesota. … The Governor’s executive order is an outright war on Northern Minnesota and our way of life.”
Via U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, D-MN, SMITH: “I strongly support Minnesota using all our regulatory powers to stop this mine. I also support the legislature taking action to stop this mine. At the end of the day, this is about a foreign company mining our metals, shipping them to China, almost certainly polluting the BWCA in the process, and then selling them back to us for their profit and our loss. I’m glad Minnesota is standing up to protect this precious place.”
Via Doug Loon, MN Chamber of Commerce CEO, LOON: “Today’s executive order sidesteps the process. Halting permitting and environmental review sends the wrong signal to employers making long-term investment decisions in Minnesota – decisions that create jobs, tax revenue and opportunities for communities that need it. Our state already has some of the strongest environmental and mining standards in the country. We should trust that framework — not undermine it with executive action.”
ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take featured a response to the Boundary Waters executive order from Mining Minnesota. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3TZJa9j
MISSING?: A response from US Senate candidate Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
CD2: From the latest MNSider for premium subscribers, August heat and haze hung over Minnesota Tuesday, the race in CD2 is becoming more clear. Two suburbanite white guys running, when women are leading the top of the ticket. That takes away a gender dynamic that helped Rep. Angie Craig. READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ufae4
THE TRAIL
NEW AD: Sen. Amy Klobuchar has released her first general election ad of the cycle. Titled “Results,” the ad focuses on Klobuchar’s plans and policies if she becomes the next Minnesota governor. KLOBUCHAR: “My goal as governor is going to be to keep what’s right and fix what’s wrong. … It’s time for results, not excuses.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3SHr4IL
SENATE RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “When it was clear U.S. Rep. Angie Craig would not be the Democratic nominee for Senate, the congresswoman took to the stage at her election night party in St. Paul last week to call on her supporters to back her primary opponent. … [But] some of Craig’s supporters said they could not bring themselves to vote for [Peggy] Flanagan. A few went even further, saying they would vote for [Michele] Tafoya. … The resistance underscores the challenge facing Democrats, who have just a few months to mend those divisions as Flanagan pivots to the general election.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bSbksY
DEMUTH: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Republican‑endorsed governor candidate Lisa Demuth on Tuesday outlined a series of proposals she said would crack down on fraud inside Minnesota’s Department of Human Services. … Demuth said her plan centers on tightening oversight of DHS programs, replacing agency leadership and adding new penalties for people convicted of stealing state funds. She said she would fire DHS commissioners and deputy commissioners, saying current leadership ‘has failed Minnesotans.’ … Ryan Wilson said the campaign would work with lawmakers to strengthen tools for recovering stolen money [and] bipartisan cooperation would be necessary.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hH1BJJ
MORE: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “In a 25-minute interview, [Lisa] Demuth answered questions regarding her anti-fraud plan, about Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order to prevent copper mining near the Boundary Waters, her wish to attract bipartisan support for her campaign, and her relationship with the Republican Party after a bruising path to victory in last week’s primary election.” DEMUTH: “Not everyone voted for me, but I believe that I should be able to have conversations and listen to people and learn from them. … That culture starts at the top.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cObdPj
SWING: What do Minnesota swing voters think? A survey of 947 swing voters by the Swing Voter Pilot provides insight in to the mood of the most coveted voters.. The poll defined “swing voters” as independent or undecided voters who “could plausibly support candidates from either party” based on key factors. LEARNMORE: https://fluence-media.co/4cw1k8M (SPONSORED: Swing Voter Project)
COURTS
TEXAS: Attorney General Keith Ellison announced he is suing Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to force Texas to turn over an ICE agent in their custody who is charged with shooting a man during Operation Metro Surge. Ellison’s office said extradition requests are not optional under federal law. Via MPR, Ellison said it’s unusual for Abbott to ignore Gov. Tim Walz’s extradition requests, which are typically granted within 30 days. Via Star Tribune, Abbott said yesterday that he does not trust Walz “on anything” and he will not extradite the ICE agent until Minnesota officials “acknowledge their fault in the fraud.” However, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said Abbott has signed three other extradition requests for Walz since the ICE agent was first jailed, per Bring Me The News. DETAILS: MNAG | MPR | STRIB | BMTN
RESPONSE: via DFL Rep. Cedrick Frazier, Hennepin County Attorney candidate, FRAZIER: “Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott is intentionally obstructing Minnesota’s ability to proceed with a criminal case. … Under the U.S. Constitution, Governor Abbott must sign the Governor’s Warrant; it is not optional. By refusing to do so, Governor Abbott and the state of Texas are actively and knowingly harboring a violent criminal defendant.”
DEEPFAKES: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison filed his opposition to Elon Musk’s xAI’s attempt to block the state’s new AI nudification ban on the eve of Wednesday’s hearing for a preliminary injunction. … [xAI] filed a lawsuit alleging the new law is a violation of constitutionally protected free speech under the First Amendment. The federal hearing will be on the motion for a preliminary injunction against enforcing the law, which went into effect Aug. 1.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4qqdtC9
MORE: Via Office of the Atty. General, the motion opposing xAI is available online. MOTION: https://fluence-media.co/4qoMDdv
SURVEILLANCE: via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “Twin Cities community, education, faith, labor and healthcare leaders gathered Tuesday morning to condemn reports of federal surveillance targeting progressive groups during Operation Metro Surge earlier this year. … Advocates are calling on Minnesota companies to publicly reject surveillance and call for transparency.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gDHLOh
CHURCH: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A U.S. District Court judge has ordered the federal government to turn over all grand jury materials for her review in the cases of 38 people facing conspiracy charges for an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church in January. … Grand jury proceedings are generally secret, [but] defendants had argued it was likely the federal government grossly misrepresented facts and misstated the law to grand jurors in order to secure an indictment. … Judge Laura Provinzino wrote in an order released Tuesday that the court will examine all grand jury materials in order to rule on the defendant’s objections.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wM9NMI
FROM ONE GARAGE TO 1,000 FREE REPAIRS: Flint Hills Resources marked a milestone with its partners at Environmental Initiative this summer as Project CAR (Clean Air Repair) performed its 1,000th vehicle emissions system repair, improving air quality across Minnesota. After starting with just one Twin Cities auto repair shop in 2017, Project CAR has grown into a 14-garage network that’s contributed to eliminating more than 55 tons of ozone-forming emissions and improved the environmental performance of 1,000 of the highest polluting cars on the road. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3ymgGbZ (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
FRAUD
LIBERIA: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The revelation that a Liberian government official has been running Twin Cities group homes from thousands of miles away has led to bipartisan calls for reform in Minnesota and divided reactions in West Africa. Despite the outcry echoing on both sides of the Atlantic, the Walz Administration has remained silent. … Both of Minnesota’s major-party gubernatorial candidates said the investigation revealed serious gaps in state oversight. … [But] Gov. Tim Walz declined to comment, saying only that his team was discussing the matter.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xN57Xw
MED FRAUD: GOP Sen. Jordan Rasmusson released a statement responding to the news that Salman Ahmed Elmi was charged on eight counts related to Medicaid fraud and sex trafficking, as seen in yesterday’s morning take. Rasmusson criticized Gov. Tim Walz and the Dept. of Human Services for giving Elmi an “Outstanding Refugee Award” five years ago. RASMUSSON: “The failures of Walz’s DHS have no end. … This is beyond an oversight problem; this is deeply rooted negligence by state government to prioritize the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable people in our state. Once again, DHS proves they have no idea how to tell a good provider from a fraudulent one.”
METRO
MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The liquor license renewal for Reign Event Center will now move forward after a mass shooting last month prompted the Minneapolis City Council to hold it for further review. … Such renewals are usually a formality, but council members opted to delay a vote until city staff could report back on Reign’s safety record and whether the business was complying with the requirements to keep its liquor license. In an update on Tuesday, Julianne Lynum, the city’s director of economic policy and development, said city staff and Reign ownership worked together to review and update the nightclub’s security and business plans.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4igPOBY
MORE: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis Business, Housing & Zoning Committee unanimously passed an ordinance that requires any licensed business that sells liquor to post its dress code, if it has one, near the entrance. The ordinance still needs to be voted on by the entire council, but if it passes, it will go into effect in January 2027.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4go6FjS
CHASKA: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Visitors and residents will be able to indulge in alcoholic beverages at select events in downtown Chaska. … City council members gave their approval to the Chaska Downtown Business Alliance’s plan, which had applied for multiple on-sale liquor permits for various events throughout the rest of the year. The move does not create a new so-called ‘Social District’ like other cities in the state, but will allow people to purchase alcohol at licensed downtown businesses and restaurants during select events and walk around with their drinks within a set boundary.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xau2EJ
MORE LEADERS. MORE IDEAS. COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION: You are invited to attend Compeer Financial’s complimentary Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum this September 14-16 as leaders from across rural communities come together to strengthen the towns we call home. The event brings together community champions, local officials, nonprofit partners and business leaders to explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities. You’ll join more than 30 speakers and fellow leaders for practical ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful connections focused on economic development, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship and community leadership. We encourage you to invite a colleague, community partner or fellow rural changemaker to join you. Registration will remain open as space allows. Secure your seat at no cost today. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/4q3pJZ2 (SPONSORED: Compeer Financial)
GREATER MN
CROSSLAKE: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Crosslake is reconsidering its use of automated license plate readers, commonly known as Flock cameras, as communities across Minnesota and the U.S. shed the technology due to privacy concerns. Mayor Jackson Purfeerst [said] the issue is being sent back to the Crosslake Public Safety Commission ‘to reevaluate the program, its capabilities, and the City’s participation, including the possibility of allowing the contract to expire and discontinuing the cameras.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xeYAFu
MARSHALL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A multimillion-dollar lawsuit alleging miserable conditions at a mobile home park in southwest Minnesota could be headed for a do-over, after a state appeals court ruled that a district judge made numerous legal errors at trial. … The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Aug. 10 granted [Keith] Ellison’s office a new trial after finding District Judge Tricia Zimmer made numerous legal errors.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hIyPZ5
ROCHESTER: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Contingency funds, rather than natural gas fees, will cover the cost of a Rochester pilot program targeting sustainability efforts to help residents reduce energy use and cut costs. The Rochester City Council voted 5-2 to approve $100,000 for the program, following an April decision to pause the potential implementation of a natural gas franchise fee.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gepeXC
CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
DAYBOOK
TODAY: Sen. Tina Smith will visit Brainerd to discuss housing needs in the region with homeowners and local officials at 9:00 a.m.
TODAY: U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber will host a press conference in Virginia, MN condemning the governor’s recent executive order banning mining near the Boundary Waters. Other attendees include state Sens. Robert Farnsworth and Keri Heintzeman plus state Reps. Cal Warwas, Roger Skraba and Spencer Igo. The event is at 10:00 a.m.
TODAY: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a press conference at 1:00 p.m. to announce the release of documents from his “straw buying” lawsuit against Fleet Farm, claiming in a statement that “the documents will reveal that Fleet Farm ignored an internal warning about selling to a potential straw buyer.”
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will participate in a small business roundtable, interview candidates for vacancies in the Second Judicial District, chair a meeting of the Land Exchange Board, and meet with Consul General of Canada Beth Richardson.
TODAY: DFL Senate candidates Mark Legvold and Kristy Janigo will host a roundtable with local veterans on Wednesday, Aug. 19 to discuss the issues they’re facing. The event is in Richfield at 2:00 p.m.
TODAY: Minnesota Retailers will honor retiring DFL Sen. Ann Rest with the “Lifetime Leadership in Retail Policy Award” during an event in Minneapolis.
TOMORROW: Kandiyohi Indivisible will host a protest in Appleton to condemn the reopening of the Prairie Correctional Facility by ICE. The event is at 2:00 p.m.
TOMORROW: Sen. Torrey Westrom and Rep. Paul Anderson, both GOP, will host a roundtable to discuss the reopening of the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton at 2:30 p.m.
AUG 26: The Minnesota Truth Council, established by the Walz Administration to document Operation Metro Surge, will host the first of four public meetings on Wednesday, Aug. 26 in St. Paul at 2:00 p.m.
SEPT 1: St. Cloud Live will host a debate between House District 14B candidates Republican Sue Ek and DFLer Zach Dorholt on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
SEPT 9: The IRRR Board is hosting its third annual “State of the Range” event in Chisholm on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4:00 p.m.
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.