LAUNCHING THE KIDS
Twins are in San Diego. Lynx in DC, and the Vikings host Baltimore tomorrow at noon.
Weekend is here, and weather seems way better. The pics of college drop offs seem as good as the first day of school. Launching these kids is so fun. The Gen Z focus group left this week back to school.
From the Retailers to the Mpls Chamber of Commerce, to the State Fair preview last night a week of chattering about the election and a sense that there is something unpredictable in the air. Afterall its Minnesota.
One observer agreed, it feels like 2006, while one suburban legislative candidate share that there’s a different conversation at the door since the primary, and that Republicans and Independents are more curious about the Tafoya candidacy.
Next week watching the booth’s at the State Fair will give us some sense, especially for the newer candidates and to see the energy they draw.
Meanwhile, the data center reputation problem grows without actually data…Embold Research finds that 75% of Americans oppose data centers being built in their area. One year ago, it was 42%. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/4c23cGp
Tune-in this weekend to Sunday Take at 9 AM on WCCO, and 7:45 AM Sunday on Fox 9.
Today’s National Spumoni Day – a very underrated ice cream that is hard to find.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
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COALITION: A group of eight Minnesota Legislature candidates — four DFLers, two Republicans, and two 3rd parties — announced they are forming the “Minnesota Forward Together” coalition. Members include: Denise Slipy, DFL, SD6; Jon Wilson, DFL, 21B; Monique Doward, FIP, SD11; Nicky Hardy, DFL, 6B; Tara Killen, DFL, SD10; Kris Babler, IND, SD49; Todd Podgorski, GOP, SD53; and Owen Michaelson, GOP, SD50. Babler, Podgorski and Michaelson are in open seats, while the other five are attempting to oust Republican incumbents. Via a Forward Independence Party statement, these candidates are “promising to put their constituents ahead of their party,” but they are “free to maintain their individual political affiliations, platforms and legislative priorities.” STATEMENT: https://fluence-media.co/45ACQHV
NEW ADS: The Alliance for a Better Minnesota PAC has “launched a seven-figure digital ad buy” targeting Speaker Lisa Demuth’s bid for governor. The first ad in the series, which features multiple clips of Demuth praising Pres. Donald Trump and saying she approves of his policies, is available online. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xfCXVo
FLANAGAN: Via Star Tribune, a look at what policies are and aren’t shared between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a self-described progressive Democrat, and the Democratic Socialists of America, which Flanagan is not part of. VERBATIM: “Flanagan’s policy agenda overlaps with democratic socialist priorities on several fronts. At the national level, the most significant is her support for Medicare for All. … [But] the DSA also calls for abolishing prisons altogether, something Flanagan has not, though she has called for ending privately run prisons.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wJUOCS
TAFOYA: Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya spoke to The Hugh Hewitt Show about her campaign this week. Notably, a clip of Tafoya misspeaking in this interview was shared widely on social media. Without correcting herself, Tafoya said: “The last people I’m going to answer to are the Minnesotans who send me there” to Washington, D.C. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gj7ni7
DFL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Candidates topping the Democratic-Farmer-Labor ticket in this fall’s election rallied Thursday in a show of unity after Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan prevailed against Minnesota U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in a bruising Senate primary. At a union hall rally in Little Canada, Flanagan and Craig were joined by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is running to replace DFL Gov. Tim Walz, and Sen. Tina Smith, who is leaving office. … Asked about why he might not have attended the rally, a Walz spokesperson said the governor was ‘not on the ballot.’ DFL and campaign spokespeople didn’t say whether Walz had been invited.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zvFNHa
HENN CTY: Hennepin County Attorney candidate Anders Folk and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt have endorsed each other, writing in a joint statement that they “have underscored the need for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to set a proactive plan for public safety throughout the county.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4g7wl5o
COMMUNITIES: 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)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
STATE FAIR: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced today that they have secured agreements and injunctions in complaints they filed against two gangs and 10 individuals for threats they allege the gangs posed to the safety of Minnesotans attending the upcoming State Fair. … Seven of the 10 individuals [have] entered a court-enforceable agreement that they will not attend the State Fair.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SGSChr
CURIOUS: When the Attorney General and Ramsey County Attorney brought this case, just weeks after Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher raised awareness about Somali gangs and garnered pushback and protest – the full-time activist voices didn’t say anything. Is that because of politics, or they acknowledge there may be a gang issue? It’s a reminder that just because activists raise questions, doesn’t mean its news – nor is it reality based.
FRAUD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Human Services is suspending payments to all group home companies affiliated with a high-ranking government official in Liberia, citing ‘credible allegations of Medicaid fraud.’ … The Department of Health says it will shut down three group homes he managed and will transfer their residents to other facilities. … The enforcement action against Golden Touch Health Care was a rare step for [MDH]. The department has only revoked ten group home licenses since 2021.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4goo7Vl
MORE: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Two assisted living facilities managed by a woman charged in an alleged sex trafficking conspiracy will be permanently shut down, the Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday. … MDH says Homefelt is now subject to an immediate temporary suspension and a revocation of its assisted living facility license.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gMfYdJ
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
FEDS
MINING: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Republican Rep. Pete Stauber said he planned to speak with the Walz Administration [about] the governor’s executive order that pauses permitting and reviewing of copper-nickel mines around the Boundary Waters. … Stauber was joined by several northern Minnesota lawmakers at a news conference [who] slammed Gov. Tim Walz’s order. … He also called on the next governor to rescind the order once Walz leaves office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hFAX3Q
NOTE: The Walz EO expires 90 days after he leaves office.
CATTLE: via Sen. Amy Klobuchar advisory, VERBATIM: “Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the bipartisan Rebuilding America’s National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act. The RANCH Act will incentivize voluntary conversion of marginal cropland to grazing land to encourage cattle herd recovery as the United States beef cattle herd has contracted to its smallest size in over 70 years.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gpJENs
FED FUNDS: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The federal government wants to cut regulations to the Head Start program, [but] Minnesota Head Start operators say the proposed changes are bad news. … Proposed changes include reducing the education requirements for staff and cutting the amount programs spend on administration. … The feds say that should save the national Head Start program some $2.2 billion, which would allow as many as 200,000 more kids to participate. Minnesota operators question the quality of service those additional kids would get, given the cuts.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hLOvuK
TPS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Many members of Minnesota’s Haitian community are facing a grim choice – abandon the life they’ve built in the United States and return to a dangerous, strife-torn country or go underground and risk deportation. And many Salvadorans living in the state will face the same fate soon. … David Policard, a Haitian and executive director of VANSE, a nonprofit that supports Haitian immigrants in Minnesota, said calls for help have spiked. … He said few are planning to return to Haiti, [estimating] ‘over 95% have planned on going underground and wait [the Trump Administration] out.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xbNscj
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)
COURTS
FED AGENT: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A federal judge in Texas will hear arguments next week on whether to grant Minnesota’s request for the courts to force the extradition of a federal immigration agent. … The hearing, set for Tuesday, comes as the 90-day deadline draws nearer for [ICE] agent Christian Castro’s [automatic] release from custody. … Castro, 52, is charged with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xSsrTZ
MISINFO: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Minnesota officials can’t enforce a state law against election disinformation, siding with [the] conservative Minnesota Voters Alliance. … Appeals Judge David Stras said the ‘First Amendment protects speech on a matter of public concern, like these statements, whether they are correct or not.’ Stras, a former Minnesota Supreme Court justice, goes on to say the state regulation went too far and there were other options for elections officials to get correct information out there. … The appeals court sent the case back to a district court with instruction to put an injunction on the election misinformation law as it applies to the group.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ub6O2D
TV MERGER: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison and 11 other Democratic attorneys general across the country filed suit last month to block Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Now, Paramount is asking a judge in California to force the states to post a $1.88 billion bond to cover their losses during a delay in case the merger is ultimately approved. … Hamline University law professor David Schultz [said] ‘Minnesota could be on the hook for tens of millions of dollars, if not hundreds of millions dollars, in terms of its share of the bond.’ … [But] Ellison says he’s not concerned the bond will be required.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xJvzkM
STATE STUFF
WORKERS COMP: via DLI advisory, VERBATIM: “Workers’ compensation claim rates and benefits paid in Minnesota continue to be stable or follow their long-term downward trajectories, a new Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) report shows. The 2026 Minnesota Workers’ Compensation System Report presents trend data from 2004 to the present. … The total number of paid claims dropped by 42%, indemnity claims by 32% and medical-only claims by 45% from 2004 to 2024.” REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/3SNgqjE
JUDGES: via Office of the Governor, VERBATIM: “Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Wesley Abrahamson and Devona Wells as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District. … Abrahamson will replace the Honorable Reynaldo A. Aligada, Jr. … Wells will replace the Honorable Joy D. Bartscher. These seats will be chambered in St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xNunNj
CERTIFIED: Via MPR, the primary election results were officially certified by the state government this week, and with that came finalized voter turnout figures. On Aug. 11, there were 1,125,730 total votes, and 255,211 — about 23% — were absentee and mail-in ballots. Hennepin County was home to more than 1 in 4 statewide primary voters. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ztxOKH
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)
MPLS
PROPERTY TAX: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “Both the Minneapolis mayor and park board superintendent are seeking levy increases to handle their 2027 budget proposals — now, members of the Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) are considering how high those levies can go. President of the BET, Steven Brandt, [said] Mayor Jacob Frey’s more-than-11% proposal is too steep. … The other elected board member, Eric Harris Bernstein, plans to fully support the park board’s full levy hike amount of 5.86% while he still considers the city’s ask.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46jxHUF
RALLY: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is asking residents to ignore a weekend rally planned by Jake Lang, a far-right agitator, self-described anti-Muslim activist, and pardoned Jan. 6 rioter. … Lang announced on social media that he is planning to lead a ‘peaceful Freedom of Speech’ rally outside Minneapolis City Hall on Saturday. … Lang announced that he will show up to the Minneapolis rally in ‘100% blackface,’ [but] Frey is urging residents to ignore the demonstration.” FREY: “Let this lame-ass racist rally fall flat and fade into irrelevance. Don’t give these people the satisfaction of a response, the confrontation they’re hoping for, or the spectacle they came looking to create.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bZWdxw
VA MED: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “An exodus of anesthesiologists from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is delaying operations and reducing the surgical capacity of one of the nation’s largest veterans hospitals. … Not long ago, the hospital had a staff of 11 anesthesiologists. … Now it has one, with part-time help backing him up. The lack of specialists has hastened the decline of open-heart surgeries at the Minneapolis VA from 314 a decade ago to 88 last year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4g93xtc
EDINA: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The city of Edina is using a three-phased approach after recent disturbances and group gatherings at city parks. … The first step is enforcement, with more cameras and increased officer presence. … The second step is engagement by working with young people to build relationships and create programs to keep them busy. … The third step is policy, as the city considers changes to park ordinances to help manage large gatherings.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gvNcxQ
COTTAGE GROVE: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “During his swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday night, Cottage Grove Public Safety Director Brad Petersen said he never aspired to the role or imagined standing before the Cottage Grove City Council and taking the oath of office. … Petersen, a 23-year veteran of the department, had been serving as the city’s interim public safety director since longtime Public Safety Director Pete Koerner retired on April 1 for medical reasons. … [But] Mayor Myron Bailey said Petersen was a ‘shoo-in’ to replace Koerner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UKprdP
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)
ACROSS MN
APPLETON: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “The federal government’s purchase of a 1,600-bed prison in Appleton for an immigrant detention facility could deal a major blow to city, county and school finances. The prison had been owned and operated by CoreCivic since 1996 until its closure in 2010, which led to significant job loss and population decline. Even as the prison sat empty, however, CoreCivic regularly paid property taxes on the facility, generating 30% of Appleton’s tax revenue. … While the prospect of more than 500 new jobs is expected to bring new residents and economic activity to the area, it’s not clear how much that will offset the decrease in property tax revenue. … Appleton Mayor Justin Koepp said the city anticipates higher demand on its water and sewer services, and doesn’t yet know how to pay for the higher operating costs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SLvU7N
PINE ISLAND: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Staffers with tech giant Google turned on the charm and put in some face time in Minnesota this week, as the company tried to smooth over some ruffled feathers and win over naysayers in two small towns where it hopes to build massive data centers. … Google hosted what it called a community celebration in Pine Island, about 20 minutes northwest of Rochester, with free food, live music and family activities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qqXkMR
ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take had details on Google’s event in Hermantown. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4xPy19v
DAYBOOK
MONDAY: Physicians at the U of M Medical Center will hold a press conference on Monday, Aug. 24 at 11:30 a.m. to “demand a fair first contract,” per a release.
WEDNESDAY: 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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BDAYS: writer Jeremy Olson, traffic guy Jerry Peterson, Faegre’s Dave Johnson. SAT: the person who likes nice cars and good shoes in public affairs but doesn’t want their name in the newsletter, Hospitality MN’s Angie Whitecomb, MN Corn’s Adam Birr, writer Steve Dornfeld, fmr. Sen. Ember Junge. SUN: PA pro Todd Rapp
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IN MEMORIAM: morning take is dedicated in memory of Melissa Hortman.