THE PRIMARY SPRINT
Vikings Training Camp starts Saturday.
Twins host KC. Lynx host Toronto.
The “Purple Rain” musical is heading to Broadway for a March 2027 premiere. WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/3Tn752c
The Boundary Waters will be partially reopened for overnight camping on Thursday. KSTP: https://fluence-media.co/4wJYB41
Parts of Minnesota hit 100 degrees yesterday for the first time since 2022. NWS: https://fluence-media.co/4fVMvP0
Average gas prices in the Twin Cities ($4.09) are higher than the U.S. average ($4.06). FOX9: https://fluence-media.co/45vM1cg
Frustrated campaign treasurers had issues uploading campaign finance reports yesterday. Another place where state technology needs some modernizing?
Fluence tip sheets will share statewide campaign finance data this week when it is publicly available. Always follow the Fluence Election Tracker for the latest.
It was a Three Dots and a Dash kind a Monday.
Happy National Milk Chocolate Day.
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DEBATE: Via MPR News, a recap of the last debate between Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan before the Aug. 11 primary. VERBATIM: “The candidates had a series of tense back-and-forths during the one-hour debate [with] immigration enforcement and fraud as key policy issues separating their campaigns. … Both candidates support a path to universal healthcare coverage, but split on the best plan to get there. Craig said she wants to see a public option that lets a government-run health insurance plan compete with private insurance. Flanagan, meanwhile, supported expanding Medicare to cover everyone. … Both candidates said they would rally their supporters behind the other candidate if they came up short in the primary.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vUgUC7
CRAIG: “The lieutenant governor, even as we sit here today, continues to take absolutely no accountability for any of the fraud issues, and she continues to blame the governor. And I’m going to be honest: It’s pissing me off.”
FLANAGAN: “Voting three days into the second Trump Administration for Donald Trump’s immigration bill that allowed him to terrorize our communities, the loss of life, the economic impact, the trauma — it’s horrific [and] disqualifying.”
TAKE: The swirl of news in the US Senate race peaked two weeks early, unless of course there is more. When Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan launched her US Senate campaign she deserved the opportunity to create her own profile, her own theme, and she’s done that. That said, ignoring the Walz-Flanagan “partnership” that she and Gov. Tim Walz trumpeted for six years isn’t authentic.
The endorsement of First Lady Gwen Walz on Monday confirms that despite Flanagan’s statement on the radio with Jason DeRusha a few weeks ago that there is “no palace intrigue” – there is. It’s not a secret, as you recall Gov. Walz hadn’t asked Flanagan to be his running mate for the 2nd term until we raised the question in morning take. We did that at the prompting of Team Flanagan members who fed it to us – less than a year before the 2022 election.
Then there was a blow up when Walz returned from his VP tour, run Flanagan’s Chief of Staff was relieved of his duties – Flanagan was iced out of meetings, including the “welcome back” rally. Relationships are hard, but if Walz-Flanagan were a marriage they have been separated waiting to file the papers since December 2024.
Like most Minnesotans who downplay conflict – Walz and Flanagan have been masterfully passive about it. However, should Senators be passive? Lt. Governors and Governors often have falling out – but optics first mentality isn’t a winning political combination. These are questions that voters should ask themselves.
Flanagan was less passive in Monday’s MPR debate but still has a tough time hitting an issue head on and answering tough questions– but rather just “pivots” to critiquing Craig. The reality is Flanagan isn’t addressing the critiques of her own role as Lt. Gov. and it should be concerning.
The lack of tough reps is an issue for Flanagan and it shows, and by some accounts she has borrowed the bubble wrap from the Walz self-storage when doing tough questions artist. If Flanagan were to do more debates, or tougher interviews, she’d be better prepared for the race – and DC. She may still win, but will she just be a rubber stamp for the Sanders-Warren agenda? or Will she have her own voice like every Senator in Minnesota history? Time will tell – and so will the votes.
Polling as of three weeks ago shows that by nearly 3 to 1, fiscal management (fraud) is the top issue, Flanagan has more accountability on the issue than any other Minnesota – except Tim Walz. Craig has gone after Flanagan’s record as the leader of the Walz administration on housing and the lack of meetings from the Capitol Security Advisory Committee deserve more questions – and answers directly from Flanagan. The closing question from Craig about how much Flanagan has been in the office since launching her Senate campaign is fair and something that all Minnesotans deserve an answer to. Afterall, they paid her salary – while she ran for the Senate.
Craig has taken the heat on the Laken Riley Act, and she admitted a mistake. Like Walz, Flanagan has trouble admitting mistakes. It’s a lost gift of our leaders.
The people who served with her in the Walz administration know her best for the last eight years. First a picture with Gus, now an endorsement from Gwen to help Craig.
The whole story will be saved for my book – but if the Walz family doesn’t think Flanagan should win – will DFL core DFL primary voters have more second thoughts? Probably, over the next two weeks.
HEALTHCARE: Strong communities depend on sustainable nonprofit healthcare. By planning to join leading, nonprofit healthcare system Sutter Health, Allina Health will be better positioned to expand access to high-quality, innovative care in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin - supporting patients, caregivers, and communities for generations to come. Learn more about the Allina-Sutter partnership.. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/AllinaHealth (SPONSORED: Allina Health)
PREDICTIONS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A federal judge has blocked a law that would have banned prediction markets from operating in Minnesota. … District Judge Katherine Menendez granted a preliminary injunction to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Kalshi and Polymarket, at least temporarily blocking the law that would have gone into effect on Aug. 1.” The injunction is available online. READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3TXhaCY INJUNCTION: https://fluence-media.co/4bfyb1h
MORE: Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan were asked about prediction markets during their debate yesterday, which happened before the state’s ban was blocked in court. Both candidates supported additional regulations on sites like Polymarket and Kalshi, adding that they have never wagered on these sites. READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4vUgUC7
RESPONSE: via Office of the MN Atty. General, STATEMENT: “We respectfully disagree with the Court’s determination that the proper ‘status quo’ to maintain is one that allows predatory gambling apps to proliferate. However, we also acknowledge that the Court has been presented with complex legal issues that are difficult to decide quickly and without a fully developed record. We look forward to continuing to litigate this case.”
NEW AD: The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) is airing a new ad against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, calling her “too extreme for Minnesota.” The ad begins with footage of Flanagan wearing a headscarf and saying a common Arabic greeting before a narrator says Minnesotans will “reject her” because she’s “promising to work with Bernie Sanders to obstruct Donald Trump.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Rug8xD
LINDELL: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “As Mike Lindell campaigns for Minnesota’s highest office, a pack of creditors is chasing him in court, seeking more than $25 million from his company. … A longtime slipper supplier won a $15.4 million judgment against MyPillow in December, while a court awarded Federal Express nearly $9 million in August. MyPillow has also been hit with at least six more court judgments in the past 18 months totaling $2.3 million.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hBI25f
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UP NORTH
SPECIAL SESSION? via MPR, VERBATIM: “Gov. Tim Walz says a special session may indeed happen and that economic help for areas near the BWCA wildfires should be considered. … WALZ: ‘I would encourage them to consider, what does a relief package look like? We haven’t done anything with that yet, but I think that’s something to put out there.’ … Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said a proposal to issue relief for businesses and communities affected by the federal government’s immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota should also be part of the conversation. … House Speaker Lisa Demuth said more information is needed before a special session could come together.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vRGKqg
WILDFIRES: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today traveled to Ely in northeastern Minnesota where he received a briefing on the spread of wildfires and met with wildfire crews, local officials, first responders, and impacted residents. … Containment across all fires is currently 53% with 1,066 personnel working on emergency response. Outside the BWCAW, crews are working to strengthen containment lines, address concentrated pockets of heat, including ash pits, and ensure structure protection. Inside the BWCAW, crews are focused on securing fire perimeters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fp2K75
DOGE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “A fire-prevention plan to thin the Superior National Forest of dead trees was held up by the Trump Administration’s DOGE last year. … Some of those woods off the Echo Trail near Ely are now burning, raising the question of whether any of the forest fires blazing in Northeast Minnesota could have been blunted by allowing the previously approved plan to move forward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hAx1RN
ESSENTIA HEALTH SUPPORTS FREE CLINIC IN VIRGINIA, SERVING INCREASED NUMBER OF UNINSURED MINNESOTANS: Every Thursday night, physicians and care team members from Essentia Health-Virginia volunteer at the Project Care Free Clinic, providing treatment, screenings, and preventive care to patients who are uninsured or may be struggling to afford health care premiums. Essentia also provides lab and X-ray services at no cost to the clinic or its patients. Essentia is proud to support the clinic, ensuring everyone in the community can get the care they need. READ MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4yt7Qqu (SPONSORED: Essentia Health)
DNR: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resource (DNR) is introducing new regulations when it comes to deer hunting ahead of the upcoming season. … The biggest change for the coming year involves the monitoring of chronic wasting disease, [with] the state now moving to a four-year statewide rotational surveillance plan. The entirety of Minnesota is now divided into four quadrants, Hunters in each quadrant will be required to have all deer harvested during the firearms opening weekend that are older than one-year-old tested for CWD, depending on the year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yFRH0Q
DC + MN
HOSPITALS: via KFF, VERBATIM: “The Consumer Product Safety Commission [is] discreetly pressuring hospital executives this year to share personally identifiable health data with a private contractor. But hospital lawyers and other industry experts have questioned the agency’s authority to collect, its ability to safeguard such a swath of sensitive information, and whether it has followed the legal process. … Several of the nation’s busiest hospital systems targeted for the program — including the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota — [have] declined to answer questions about whether they’re participating.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pLgYTk
DHS: via States Newsroom, VERBATIM: “Three people who observed federal immigration enforcement [said] in a federal lawsuit filed Friday that the Department of Homeland Security illegally recorded them and revoked their status in the department’s trusted traveler programs. The suit, filed in the Southern District of California, says the administration violated a federal privacy law. … In Minnesota, legal observers tailing DHS agents in a car would commonly be led back to their own home addresses, according to the suit. … Nicole Cleland, a Minnesota woman who is one of the individual plaintiffs in the suit, said Global Entry status was revoked three days after an encounter with a Border Patrol agent.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pLgKvs
TPS: via Rep. Angie Craig advisory, VERBATIM: “Representative Angie Craig recently joined Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) in introducing legislation to protect Temporary Protected Statuses (TPS). … The Temporary Protected Status Review Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to follow a clear, evidence-based process before terminating TPS and allow Congress to reverse TPS terminations under the Congressional Review Act.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wtoSmU
DISABILITIES: via Rep. Betty McCollum advisory, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), along with Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R, PA-15), re-introduced a bipartisan resolution today recognizing July as Disability Pride Month. … The introduction of this resolution coincides with the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law, and serves as a reminder of the many accomplishments and contributions Americans with disabilities make to our country.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4yKn4r8
A deep dive into the CD1 race between Rep. Brad Finstad and Jake Johnson for MNSider subscribers. HERE: https://fluence-media.co/49OqNJu
ISSUES
SOLAR: via MPR, VERBATIM: “For decades, central Minnesota’s Sherburne County Generating Station, known as Sherco, burned thousands of tons of coal every day to generate electricity…The plant’s owner, Xcel Energy, is winding down operations in the next few years. Xcel is building a massive solar energy facility at the Sherco site near Becker and Clear Lake to replace some of the electricity produced by coal…With the completion of its third phase, the project is now one of the largest solar facilities in the U.S. Xcel has plans to make it even bigger. MOLUS: “We’re obviously the largest in the state of Minnesota, and one of the largest in the Midwest for sure,” senior operations manager of Sherco Solar Luke Molus said… The third phase of Sherco Solar began delivering electricity to the grid at the end of June. Combined, the three phases produce 710 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 150,000 homes. MAST: “It’s really helping to elevate Minnesota as a leader when it comes to the clean energy transition,” said Gregg Mast, executive director of Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, an industry-led nonprofit. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x6VKSi
CYBERATTACKS: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “At least five Minnesota communities were targets of cyberattacks Monday. … South St. Paul, Plymouth and Braham each confirmed Monday that their water systems were impacted. … Officials say it didn’t affect the water quality or safety, [but] Braham’s water plant was shut down and the city had to tap into its water tower. … Plymouth city officials say their cellular communications within the water system were attacked overnight, and crews have continued operating as normal. In South St. Paul, city officials say some automated controls were impacted, but public works was able to maintain normal operations.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vOOOIn
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “[Braham] city officials also said they were told ‘at least four other communities’ were subject to the same type of cyberattack. The City of Braham statement did not identify those other communities, but it said the state of Minnesota was providing assistance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4c8InsD
DATA CENTERS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “July was supposed to be the starting month of construction that would transform a sprawling farm field in [Pine Island] into Google’s next hyperscale data center. … The project sits stuck in the mud, however, by order of another authority — a Goodhue County judge who has paused its construction, giving opponents time to plead their legal case against it. … Across Minnesota and the country, concern over data centers has grown into a full-blown movement, capturing the press, focusing alarm at emerging AI technology and becoming a litmus test for political candidates.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vTJDXE
DOLLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A University of Minnesota program involving transgender therapy for children is under intense national scrutiny [from] conservative outlets. … ‘MyGender Dolls’ [are] a project from the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health at the University of Minnesota. … [But] MyGender Dolls will not be in public schools this year. The MyGender Dolls are a therapeutic tool for use by licensed professionals.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4bQP7eD
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)
METRO
MPLS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis leaders are weighing budget cuts and a possible property tax increase as the city faces a $30 million shortfall. Minneapolis City Council member Michael Rainville said property taxes could rise 13% if the city keeps the same services, staffing and equipment levels. … Mayor Jacob Frey is set to address the city on Aug. 12 and lay out his budget plans. His office did not confirm the 13% estimate, which Rainville said came from them.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4pIHM6t
ANOKA CTY: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Flock safety cameras dot parking lots and streets around the Twin Cities – and soon, more will be on the way to the north metro. … The Anoka County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to KARE 11 that it has entered into a new contracted pilot program at a cost of $174,500. That program will bring additional automated license plate readers [and] Drone-Assisted Response. … What’s come to the forefront of the conversation for some, however, is the data that is collected [and] the cost of the contract.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fYkUwB
ST PAUL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “St. Paul residents should expect some form of a property tax increase as the city works to close a $26 million budget deficit for next year. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her said she is still making final changes before presenting her budget to the St. Paul City Council. She said the city is weighing cuts and higher taxes to resolve the budget shortfall. … ‘It would be impossible,’ Her said when asked if the deficit could be fixed without raising taxes. … Her said a hiring freeze is also a possibility. She also said if property taxes go up, it will be a single-digit increase.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RBZFHx
ROBBINSDALE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Pushback is growing surrounding a metro school district’s ask to voters for what could be a more than $400 million bond referendum. … The Robbinsdale Area School Board approved three ballot questions for voters this November, possibly increasing their property taxes to support the transformation and renovation of schools. … If they all pass, the district would secure $413 million, which leads to an average property tax increase of $25 per month for district residents. … An effort to push back against this has grown.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4c3XVxK
HABITAT RESTORATION: Flint Hills Resources has earned Tandem Global WHC Gold Certification for habitat restoration at its Cottage Grove fuel terminal. The certification comes after two years of work in partnership with Friends of the Mississippi River to implement a restoration and monitoring plan to re-establish the 6.5-acre site’s natural prairie and savannah. Flint Hills has held gold certification for its work done with community partners over the past 25 years to restore more than 200 acres of the Pine Bend Bluffs, a critical natural area along the Mississippi River that is adjacent to Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery. This makes two Flint Hills gold-certified sites in Minnesota and the first two gold-certified sites ever in the Twin Cities. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3VASKg4 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
ACROSS MN
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “The City of Duluth will have a full-time sustainability officer again. In a news release Monday, the city said it hired Annaka Peterson to serve as sustainability and resiliency officer. Peterson, who has both domestic and international work experience, will start Aug. 10 — nearly 18 months after Mindy Granley, the city’s first sustainability officer, left.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RAWHmE
BYRON: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “With the possibility that voters could give school districts across the state a modest increase in funding, Byron Public Schools is trying to get out the word about [voting on] a constitutional amendment. … Although each district would benefit, Byron’s district plans to emphasize its importance to local voters. … Superintendent Nate Walbruch explained that he plans for the district to raise awareness about the amendment similar to the way it did last year, when the district hosted a referendum and asked voters to approve an operating levy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x0P5ZJ
CROW WING CTY: via Brainerd Dispatch, VERBATIM: “Crow Wing County commissioners agreed during a Committee of the Whole meeting [to] increase the amount of money it pays to funeral homes for indigent cremations. Kara Terry, Crow Wing County Community Services director, explained state statute requires counties to pay for the burial of residents who do not have the means to pay for such services themselves or through their families. … [But] the cremation fee, she said, has risen over the years, while burial costs remain steady.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x0YIYs
DAYBOOK
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz has no public events today.
TODAY: The Minneapolis NAACP will host a press conference to “address ongoing concerns” regarding the Heritage Homes public housing project and “demand accountability,” per a release. The event is at 1:00 p.m.
TODAY: The MN Dept. of Health will host a public hearing on Aspirus Health’s closure of the Lake View Silver Bay Clinic on Tuesday, July 28 in Two Harbors at 6:00 p.m.
TOMORROW: Attorney General Keith Ellison will host a community forum on the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health on Wednesday, July 29 in Faribault at 6:00 p.m.
THURSDAY: SD35 DFL candidate Angela Nelson will host an affordability roundtable in Coon Rapids with “local residents and stakeholders,” per a release. The event is at 11:30 a.m.
THURSDAY: DFL Rep. Kelly Moller and GOP Rep. Paul Novotny, co-chairs of the House public safety committee, will host a bipartisan press conference to “spotlight important new domestic violence laws that will take effect on August 1,” per a release. Attendees will include GOP Rep. Marion Rarick, DFL Rep. Athena Hollins, GOP Rep. Peggy Scott, DFL Rep. Dave Pinto, DFL Sen. Bonny Westlin, DFL Sen. Heather Gustafson and DFL Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten. The event is at 3:30 p.m.
NEXT WEEK: Minnesota Farmfest runs from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 in Redwood County. SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4pQIEGw
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BDAYS: WCCO Radio’s Jordana Greene, Blue Earth Commissioner Kevin Paap and a a belated to MBP’s Jeremiah Winstedt yesterday
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.