Twins win! Loons win.
Timberwolves pick a French player who has only played for four years. MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3TdzGUd
Tornadoes and flash floods last night throughout Minnesota. FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/3Ggf5vy
Weekend travel could be tricky in the Twin Cities as portions of I-94, I-35W and I-494 close for repairs. WCCO: http://fluence-media.co/4nl6pVo
PeopleForBikes ranked Minneapolis the 2nd best large U.S. city for biking, with St. Paul in 6th. Brooklyn, NY knocked Minneapolis out of 1st place this year. LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4lnhIdP
Americans’ assessments of the U.S. economy improved slightly in June but remain negative, as Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index increased from -22 in April and -18 in May to -14 this month. GALLUP: https://fluence-media.co/442rGvy
Happy National Bomb Pop Day.
Blois
TIPS: bloisolson@gmail.com
Today’s morning take on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/40ibiEM
State Auditor Julie Blaha and Rep. Dave Baker joined me on Sunday Take to discuss how Minnesota politics will move forward after the assassination of the Hortman’s and attempted murder of Sen. John Hoffman and Yvette. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/443jslm
Sponsorships available – to reach over 25,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheet and website www.TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com
ECONOMY: via the Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The latest Star Tribune/Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication Minnesota Poll showed 47% of respondents feel the economy has gotten worse since Trump took office, while 30% say it has gotten better and a smaller share — 22% — say it is unchanged…Voters in Hennepin and Ramsey counties give Trump the lowest marks for his handling of the economy, but fewer than half of voters in greater Minnesota or other metro counties say the economy has improved under Trump.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/44zYJXV
CONGRESS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “More than half of Minnesota voters disapprove of how members of Congress are doing their jobs, and their views are highly polarized along ideological lines, a new poll finds. Members of Congress from both parties are less popular than Republican President Donald Trump and DFL Gov. Tim Walz. Congressional Republicans have a 39% approval rating compared to 56% of respondents who disapprove. … Only 33% of respondents reported approving of Democrats compared to 62% who disapprove of the way they’ve handled their jobs.” POLL: http://fluence-media.co/440IbrT
MEDICAID: via an MDH press release, VERBATIM: “Findings from a new statewide survey show there is broad support among Minnesotans for Medicaid. … Nearly three quarters of respondents (72%) said that Medicaid was ‘very important’ to people in their local community, [and] support for Medicaid was seen across all demographics and all areas of the state. … Most people had heard about changes to Medicaid being considered by lawmakers in Congress, but only 15.6% thought the changes would improve the health of people on Medicaid. The majority (70.7%) thought they would reduce spending. Eight out of 10 respondents opposed reducing the amount of money the federal government puts toward the Medicaid expansion.” POLL: http://fluence-media.co/44Adji0
MORE: Results and additional info from the MDH poll are available online. DATA: http://fluence-media.co/4eoEsYL
INSIDERS: Do morning take readers believe Gov. Tim Walz should run for a third term?
LAWSUIT: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The U.S. government is suing the state of Minnesota over a state law that allows people without legal status to be eligible for lower cost in-state tuition. In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, the government argues that the Minnesota Dream Act, passed more than a decade ago, is unfair to citizens from other states who pay more to attend Minnesota colleges and universities. … The suit also argues that it is illegal and should be preempted by federal law. In a statement, Minnesota Attorney General spokesperson Brian Evans said, ‘We are reviewing the lawsuit and will vigorously defend the state’s prerogative to offer affordable tuition to both citizen and non-citizen state residents.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45FHjdB
MORE: via AP News, VERBATIM: “The department filed its case in federal district court in Minnesota, naming Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Democratic state Attorney General Keith Ellison as defendants, along with the state’s Office of Higher Education. The Justice Department has filed similar lawsuits this month against policies in Kentucky and Texas. … Walz’s office said it is reviewing the lawsuit ‘to better understand what this means for the state.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4k7DjpK
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)
HORTMAN: The U.S. House unanimously passed a bipartisan, bicameral resolution condemning political violence and honoring the lives of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Kelly Morrison and co-sponsored by the entire Minnesota House delegation, while companion legislation in the Senate was introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar and co-sponsored by Sen. Tina Smith. Via a floor speech, MORRISON: “Political violence isn’t just an attack on legislators. It’s an attack on the American people. It’s an attack on our democracy. Political violence threatens your right to be represented, your right to have your voices heard — and it threatens who will be willing to run for office.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/40jZBgO
BROADBAND: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and over 40 of their colleagues called on Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to fully implement the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program as Congress intended to connect all Americans to high-quality, affordable internet. This letter comes as the Department of Commerce announced substantial changes to the implementation of the BEAD program. … The letter was also signed by Senators [including] Tina Smith (D-MN).” LETTER: http://fluence-media.co/46k1C0a
STOCKS: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) in introducing the No Shorting America Act to restore transparency to Congress and prevent lawmakers from using insider information to short-sell American companies. Their bipartisan bill would prohibit Members of Congress and their families from profiting off the downfall of American companies, require Members of Congress to report stock investments to the supervising ethics office and prevent conflicts of interest by allowing the Attorney General to impose a fine of up to $50,000 if a Member is found short-selling American companies.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44c4qeJ
AARP: Via a press release, AARP Minnesota sent volunteers and staff to the U.S. Capitol this week to meet with the state’s federal representatives and discuss key issues for seniors. The press release notes that meetings were scheduled with both Minnesota senators and every House representative except for Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-5th). Via Cathy McLeer, AARP Minnesota state director, QUOTE: “We’re amplifying the voices of Minnesotans age 50-plus who expect action on what matters most: protecting Social Security, supporting family caregivers, and defending critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP.”
EV CHARGERS: via WCCO Radio, VERBATIM: “A federal judge has ordered the Trump Administration to release electric vehicle charger funding — but not everywhere. … In partially granting the preliminary injunction, Judge [Tana] Lin says that the Trump Administration overstepped its Constitutional authority when it froze the funding previously approved by Congress. … She has ordered that the money be freed up in 14 of the states [that sued], but not three places: Washington DC, Minnesota, and Vermont. The judge says that those three did not provide enough evidence that they would face ‘irreparable harm’ if the money wasn't immediately released.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/4njIB4j
LOBBYING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A pair of controversial right-wing advocacy groups are challenging Minnesota lobbying laws that require organizations to disclose spending meant to urge individuals to influence lawmakers, arguing they chill free speech. Minnesota Right to Life and Minnesota Gun Rights — both run by Executive Director Ben Dorr — filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota earlier this month, arguing the state’s grassroots lobbying requirements violate the First Amendment. The lawsuit says the state doesn’t have a sufficiently important interest in requiring the disclosures.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4k9T7s8
IMPERSONATION: via MPR, VERBATIM: “Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans says offenses for impersonating a police officer should get another look after the Hortmans were killed and state Sen. John Hoffman’s family was attacked by a person posing as an officer. … EVANS: ‘Our cornerstone of policing in the United States is building trust with communities. We can’t allow people to degrade or abuse that trust that’s built in so many of our communities that could lead to such bad results.’ … [Evans] said there could also be conversations in the Legislature about whether people can be in possession of certain materials associated with police officers if they’re not in the profession.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4eF4QOl
INFRASTRUCTURE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Three hundred miles separate Appleton from Aurora, but big water infrastructure needs contrasted against limited tax bases put them in the same boat among Greater Minnesota communities. … Minnesota’s Water Infrastructure Fund (WIF) is a critical source of help for the two cities, plus dozens of others. … The program’s funding will keep flowing, mostly to Greater Minnesota, after legislators allocated $87 million [this session]. … Out of all the Legislature did this year, getting this funding — part of $176 million total for various water-focused programs — will make the most impact around the state, said Bradley Peterson, executive director at the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. The expenditure is also the single biggest category of funding approved in the state’s $700 million bonding package.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3IgtwjG
CONSERVATION: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Only a little over 1% of native prairie remains in the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The state has worked to accelerate conservation since establishing a Prairie Conservation Plan in 2010, but it can’t afford to buy and manage all remaining prairie land. That has meant that more private landowners [are] enrolling their property in conservation easements, legally binding agreements that restrict future development while allowing them to retain ownership.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3Gi7UTB
JUDGE: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced that Jenny Starr, who serves as the chief administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), will conclude her six-year term of service on June 30, 2025. The Governor has appointed Tim O’Malley as temporary chief judge, who will serve until a permanent chief judge is appointed
AG GRANTS: via an MDA press release, VERBATIM: “A new grant program from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) created to help new farmers with the cost of purchasing needed equipment and infrastructure has awarded 97 grants totaling $856,833 across 45 Minnesota counties in its first year. Demand for the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant far outstripped legislative funding for the grant, with 1,100 eligible applicants requesting $18.6 million from the grant program.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4lnl4gV
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS: The Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount is a landmark like no other – the tall columns, bright lights and steam during cold winter days can be seen from miles away. Generations of workers have helped operate, maintain and transform the refinery, making it one of the nation’s most innovative and efficient energy facilities of its kind. This year, Flint Hills Resources celebrates 70 years of dedicated employees at the Pine Bend refinery who have produced the fuels that help move us forward. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
MPLS: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “North Memorial Health is closing its downtown Minneapolis clinic and transferring staff and patients to its St. Anthony Clinic. The primary care clinic on the skyway level of Gaviidae Common on Nicollet Mall is set to close July 31, according to a notice shared with patients in the clinic. … Any appointments scheduled at the downtown Minneapolis clinic after July 31 will be moved to the St. Anthony clinic at the same date and time. The entire care team and staff will relocate to the St. Anthony clinic, almost 8 miles from the downtown Minneapolis clinic.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4loXHUi
RAMSEY CTY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The Ramsey County board of commissioners accepted a $3 million legislative grant for a public safety and livability initiative in the area surrounding the state Capitol. … Its focus is additional police presence, youth and family programming, community partnerships – such as with area residents, businesses, non-profits and service providers – addressing public transit and other concerns as well as beautification. … As part of the initiative, funding is planned for two full-time deputy sheriffs dedicated to patrols and referrals, as well as four full-time community service officers.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44i3ILr
OLMSTED CTY: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Olmsted County commissioners are asking President Donald Trump and federal lawmakers to reverse course on potential Medicaid funding cuts. … The letter comes a week after 17 county residents used the commissioners’ public-comment period to ask them to reach out to their federal counterparts concerning the potential impact of Medicaid cuts in the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ … While the letter points to potential impacts of the proposed cuts, county staff have pointed out the actual changes won’t be known until any approved reductions are made next year.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/44inBlL
STILLWATER: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is moving ahead with the layered process of shutting down the oldest and largest prison in its corrections system: the Stillwater Correctional Facility. … On Wednesday, Department of Corrections (DOC) Commissioner Paul Schnell shared an update on the process of downsizing operations and programs as part of Stillwater's planned closure, which should be complete in 2029. Schnell said the process of transferring inmates to other facilities in the corrections system has already begun, and will continue through the summer. The goal, Schnell said in a memo to the friends and family members of those incarcerated, is to reduce the population from nearly 1,200 inmates to about 562 by Sept. 15.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4k9AOmL
APPLE VALLEY: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Orchard Path, a Presbyterian Homes & Services senior living community in Apple Valley, is adding 75 independent living apartments to its campus, along with an outdoor patio and a large community room. The project will be finished by next summer. … The senior living community currently offers 175 independent living apartments, 58 assisted living apartments and 20 memory care apartments.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/45Bul0k
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
REGENTS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “It’s the Minnesota Legislature’s duty to select the [UMN Board of Regents], which currently is a mix of active and retired professionals with varied legal, business and advocacy backgrounds. But during the 2025 legislative session, and its one-day special session, lawmakers never got around to it. As a result, Gov. Tim Walz will now select four interim regents. Republican lawmakers see this as a major blunder. ‘Electing Regents was a topic I brought up during negotiations with the governor and other House and Senate leaders,’ Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, said in a statement to MinnPost. ‘It’s very disappointing to me that we couldn’t come together on that issue in the end.’ DFL legislative leaders say there was not enough time amid overlong budget negotiations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4enyqYn
DRIVERS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is announcing a new effort to target dangerous driving. The initiative comes during the time of year when Minnesota typically sees a spike in traffic fatalities. According to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, sunny conditions and dry roads in the summer make motorists more inclined to drive at unsafe speeds. While there are generally more crashes during the winter, they tend to be less severe because ice and snow make drivers more cautious.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40lx7mR
VAPES: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “Any vape pen or e-cigarette sold in Minneapolis could soon cost at least $25 under new pricing requirements city leaders are considering. The proposed ordinance is meant to curb vaping among teens and young adults. One in seven Minnesota high schoolers had vaped within the previous 30 days, according to one 2023 survey — and roughly half of those users reported vaping frequently.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/440dwLq
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz will chair a meeting of the Minnesota Executive Council.
TODAY: Via a joint press release, Rep. Dave Baker (R-16B), Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen (R-16A) and Sen. Andrew Lang (R-16) will host a town hall meeting on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in Willmar.
SUNDAY: The Twin Cities Pride parade will commence at 11:00 a.m. in Minneapolis. Via a press release, activists with the Taking Back Pride Coalition will be “interrupting” the parade at 10:00 a.m. to protest, among other things, “the inclusion of police and corporations” and the choice to make Gov. Tim Walz the parade’s Grand Marshal.
JULY 12: Gov. Tim Walz will be the keynote speaker at the South Dakota Democratic Party’s annual McGovern Day dinner on July 12 in Sioux Falls, SD.
BDAYS: lobbyist Vic Moore, real estate golfer Erik Nordstrom, entrepreneur Sue Perpich
TIPS: How do we get the best news and most buzzed about stories? Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
IN MEMORIAM: morning take from now to the future is in memory of Melissa Hortman her accessibility, leadership and commitment to public service.
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about morning take: Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to "make you smarter" before breakfast.
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