Lynx play the Valkyries Sunday.
Vikings play Sunday night. Twins are in town.
Gophers play Cal in California.
The Vikings have revealed the new foods that will be at U.S. Bank Stadium this season. LIST: http://fluence-media.co/4phM1W2
Congrats to JJ Mcarthy on becoming a father.
Sophia Forchas, the only Annunciation victim who is still hospitalized, is no longer in critical condition as she slowly recovers. MPR: http://fluence-media.co/4pj5S7t
President Trump told Fox News this morning that a suspect is in custody in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4nlhyoc
Rochester has the highest average wages for medical doctors in the nation. Minneapolis is 8th on the same ranking. LIST: http://fluence-media.co/4nb88vO
Consumer prices increased nearly 3% in August, while applications for unemployment aid hit the highest total in nearly four years. AP: http://fluence-media.co/3K5tUTb
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A VERY good listen…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.
HSS FRAUD: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “For more than a year, Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) was repeatedly warned about signs of fraud in its Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program — bribes, falsified records, and billing for dead clients. Instead of cutting off payments, DHS allowed tens of millions in taxpayer dollars to keep flowing. … Internal emails, fraud referrals, and county investigative reports obtained by KARE 11 now reveal a pattern of ignored alarms that left vulnerable Minnesotans waiting for help that never came while the state’s costs skyrocketed. … The Medicaid-funded HSS program, designed to help elderly and disabled Minnesotans find and maintain housing, [was] on pace to top $120 million this year before plans to terminate the program were announced in August.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/42kKcOg
RESPONSE: via GOP Rep. Kristin Robbins, chair of the House fraud prevention committee, ROBBINS: “This is yet another egregious example of how DHS failures enable fraudsters. I was stunned when I was shown these documents a few weeks ago. … This is a complete dereliction of duty, and it is long past time that Governor [Tim] Walz holds his agency accountable for the theft of taxpayer money. I look forward to getting more information from DHS at our hearing next week, because this kind of negligence cannot be tolerated.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4npDdeW
GOV RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “When Gov. Tim Walz launches his campaign for a third term, he’ll enter the race with every advantage — a boatload of cash, the power of incumbency and the drive to steady Minnesota through yet another year of tumult. But the two-term Democrat also faces significant headwinds. His support has shrunk in greater Minnesota. His administration is facing criticism over state programs beset with fraud. And he’s trying to become the first person in Minnesota history to win three four-year terms. … [However], Walz ended last year with more than $1 million in his campaign account. He has been fundraising for much of this year [and] he’ll likely have the backing of the powerhouse Alliance for a Better Minnesota, a political action committee that spent $13 million [in] 2022.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47FbvGB
MORE: Speaking to WCCO Radio, state Sen. Julia Coleman (R-Waconia) said she has not made a decision on running for governor yet because she wants to prioritize her family’s well-being in the wake of several high-profile shootings. COLEMAN: “They started off their summer with a cop outside their house and being told to stay away from the windows. And they started off their school year with the cop outside their school being told to stay away from the windows.” READ/LISTEN: http://fluence-media.co/46zSJiM
GUN CTRL: via MPR, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Senate’s working group on gun violence prevention will meet twice next week, according to the senators who will lead it. DFL co-chairs Ron Latz and Zaynab Mohamed named the members of the group Wednesday and said they’ll meet Monday and Wednesday of next week to take testimony and consider ideas that could pass through the narrowly split Legislature. … Gov. Tim Walz says he plans to call a special legislative session on community safety in the next few days. … His team met privately with legislative leaders Wednesday.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46g9n5X
INSIDE: There is no pre-agreed to agenda and there are emerging splits in both parties on the issue of guns. Some rural DFLers are pushing back against their caucus about holding a special session without a pre-agreed to bill. Now some suburban Republicans – remember the Suburban Caucus? – Yes, those GOPers are concerned they may be steamrolled by their caucuses. The combination could create a possible bipartisan vote for an assault weapons ban.
REVENUE: via an MMB press release, VERBATIM: “Net general fund revenues totaled $2.140 billion in August, $86 million (4.2 percent) more than forecast in February 2025. Individual income tax revenues continue to be above the February forecast due primarily to higher than forecast withholding. For fiscal year 2026, year-to-date receipts are now $4.270 billion, $22 million (0.5 percent) more than forecast.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47F6Xjv
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KIRK: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Several Minnesota politicians and mourners memorialized conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, as news of his assassination at a college event in Utah shocked the nation. … On the steps of the Capitol building, about 75 people gathered to memorialize Kirk, holding candles, Bibles and American flags. Many attendees, who took turns speaking, said they had met Kirk and were inspired by him. … GOP state Rep. Elliott Engen, who represents parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties, said ‘the only reason I’m here today is because of Charlie Kirk’s work.’ Engen, 26, said he started a Turning Point chapter at his campus in 2020.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/42kKJje
MORE: Rep. Ilhan Omar issued a rebuke of a viral video claiming she was “happy” Charlie Kirk was killed. The clip, taken from an interview with Zeteo, has over 3 million views on X alone. OMAR: “While I disagreed with Charlie Kirk vehemently about his rhetoric, my heart breaks for his wife and children. I don’t wish violence on anyone. My faith teaches me the power of peace, empathy, and compassion. Right-wing accounts trying to spin a false story when I condemned his murder multiple times is fitting for their agenda to villainize the left to hide from the fact that Donald Trump gins up hate on a daily basis.” TWEET: http://fluence-media.co/41PlSUJ
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)
IMMIGRATION: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Supreme Court ruled [this week] that immigration agents in Los Angeles could continue to use what opponents call racial and ethnic profiling to decide who to question about their citizenship. It’s a temporary decision…but local immigration attorneys fear it will embolden Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to detain people based on their skin color, the language they speak or the type of job they work — factors at issue in the legal dispute. … Teresa Nelson, legal director of the ACLU of Minnesota, said she doesn’t think the decision gives ICE agents across the country a green light to racially or ethnically profile because it is technically confined to ICE’s tactics in Los Angeles. Yet, she called it a ‘disturbing development.’” READ: http://fluence-media.co/41RKpsd
WAR POWERS: via The Intercept, VERBATIM: “Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, introduced a new war powers resolution on Thursday seeking to stop the Trump Administration from conducting future strikes in the Caribbean after the U.S. attacked a boat leaving Venezuela last week. … Congress has the ‘sole power to declare war’ as outlined in the Constitution, though U.S. presidents often bypass this authority when carrying out international attacks.” OMAR: “There was no legal justification for the Trump Administration’s military escalation in the Caribbean. It was not self-defense or authorized by Congress.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3JZQoVE
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)
JAIL MEDS: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A Ramsey County judge has denied a request to temporarily block a new law requiring jails in the state to continue to provide the medications people were prescribed before their incarceration. The law passed with bipartisan support last session as part of the public safety bill. Chief Judge Sara Grewing had paused the law earlier while she considered whether to grant an injunction.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47F9xpH
MEDICAID: via a Rep. Kelly Morrison press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) joined her colleagues in introducing the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025, which would reverse the devastating health care cuts that Republicans and President [Donald] Trump enacted in their ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and extend the ACA tax credits that are set to expire at the end of this year, which will cause health insurance premiums for tens of millions of Americans to spike, some by as much as 218%.” WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/462VPMh
SERVICES: via Office of the Atty. General, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that he secured a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration’s attempt to gut essential health, education, and social service programs for low-income families. … A federal court granted the coalition’s request for a preliminary injunction, blocking sweeping new rules that threatened to strip funding from programs like Head Start, Title X family planning clinics, food banks, domestic violence shelters, adult education, and community health centers.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4gincFo
TRIBES: via a Rep. Betty McCollum press release, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Co-Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Native American Caucus, [has] reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act (IPAAA) to authorize advance appropriations in order to avoid lapses in funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). These agencies fund critical public services for Tribal Nations, including hospitals, schools, law enforcement, and child welfare programs, among other services.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4mwFi8p
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)
UMN: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Union workers from Teamsters Local 320 are still striking at several University of Minnesota campuses. … The university confirmed to KARE 11 that 12 people were cited and released Wednesday for ‘obstructing a lawful order after receiving multiple warnings,’ saying they were interfering on public property. … The U also alleges that picketers told temporary workers that they would call Immigration and Customs Enforcement and report them. … The union [said] ‘Local 320 is aware of no such report or any such conduct. The University’s unsupported allegation defies logic as the workforce on strike is comprised largely of immigrants.’ … Attorneys for the Teamsters filed an unfair labor practice against UMN.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/4pkYCrE
FARM AID: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Farm Aid is scheduled to make its Minnesota debut on Sept. 20 at Huntington Bank Stadium. However, a Teamsters strike at the University of Minnesota may alter plans as organizers say they will not cross the picket line. Event organizers say they are ‘looking at all of our options for hosting this event,’ which could include moving or canceling the festival. ‘Our artists, production team, and partners have made clear that they will not cross a picket line,’ reads a statement from Farm Aid.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3V9YCwT
911: via a Sen. Amy Klobuchar press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) announced that their bipartisan Enhancing First Response Act, which would make important updates to our 9-1-1 emergency reporting system to improve Americans’ ability to reach help when they dial 9-1-1, including during natural disasters, has passed the Senate. The legislation will also reclassify 9-1-1 dispatchers as protective service workers.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46jmV0u
WNBA: via a Rep. Angie Craig press release, VERBATIM: “U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined fellow members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus…to push for fair pay for female athletes. On a press call, the Members urged the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) to bargain in good faith with the WNBPA to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement (CBA) before the October 31 deadline.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/47FAjym
MET COUNCIL: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Metropolitan Council has named Deb Barber its interim chair. … Barber currently sits on the Council as the member representing District 4 (portions of Scott and Carver counties). This news comes after the retirement of former chair Charlie Zelle, who left his position on Wednesday. … [Barber] chairs the Transportation Committee, is the vice chair of the Audit Committee, and serves on the Management Committee, the Transportation Advisory board and the METRO Green Line Extension Executive Change Control Board.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/41NWn6b
MPLS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to replace Council Member Jeremiah Ellison on two committees, as he’s been missing meetings to take part in a fellowship at Harvard University in Massachusetts. … The progressive Democrats in control of the council initially moved to leave his seat vacant on the committees, while the more moderate council member who also represents north Minneapolis, LaTrisha Vetaw, argued that she should replace him. … [Ellison] supported Vetaw’s move to replace him, even though they don’t always agree on issues. … The council voted 7-5 to put Vetaw on the business committee and shuffle other committee assignments, including moving Aurin Chowdhury into Ellison’s seat on the public safety committee.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/4pleOcs
MPD: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously Thursday in favor of a measure that would have the city collect fees for off-duty police work as early as 2026, though the actual implementation will likely take at least another year. … Under the new fee schedule, the city would recoup $6.99 per hour when officers use city-owned resources, without a vehicle, for off-duty work. When officers work off-duty using an MPD vehicle, the city would recoup $27.58 hourly.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/3JWYQFg
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)
MANKATO: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is getting a new facility in Mankato that officials believe will save time and money during investigations. It was made possible thanks to funding from the Legislature. … Currently, there are two regional offices in the state, in St. Paul and Bemidji. ‘I think it’s long overdue,’ Blue Earth County Sheriff Jeff Wersal said. … The 56,000-square-foot facility will be home to 50 agents, forensic scientists and a crime response team. [Officials] say this will speed up evidence processing times for cases statewide.” READ/WATCH: http://fluence-media.co/3JWvsyR
PARK RAPIDS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Val Chatel, once a charming ski resort at the headwaters of the Mississippi River near Park Rapids, Minn., closed in 1984. … To breathe life back into the place, amphitheater demolition is underway. Next, the gingerbread-trim lodge [will] be razed to make way for a new regional park. … The park, tentatively called Deep Lake Regional Park, was slated to open last year, but the project — made possible by an anonymous donor and the Trust for Public Land — hit hurdles and delays with archaeology work and asbestos removal from the lodge. With help from the anonymous Minnesota donor, the Trust for Public Land bought the 352-acre property from a group of investors for $1.8 million in 2022 and then donated it to Hubbard County to maintain.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46z5muv
PLYMOUTH: via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “The City of Plymouth is alerting residents after their water resources staff spotted blue-green algae on Medicine Lake. City crews recently observed the blue-green algal bloom on the lake, and although water testing has not been completed, they are still alerting people to take precautions and have posted signs around the water. They advise avoiding any contact with lake water.” READ: http://fluence-media.co/46xvYvT
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
MAYOR: via Frey for Mayor, VERBATIM: “Today, former U.S. Attorney Andy Luger endorsed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for reelection.” LUGER: "I have worked closely with Mayor Frey to fight gun violence and improve public safety, and I believe in his plan to bring down crime through rebuilding and improving our police department. But even more importantly, Mayor Frey is an ethical leader who we can trust to protect the integrity of the mayor's office. I am proud to endorse him because he has proven that he will fight for what is best for the public, not for what is best for himself." READ: https://fluence-media.co/4n0yocs
JUDGE: via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “A Roseau County prosecutor has been chosen to serve as a judge in the Ninth Judicial District. Gov. Tim Walz announced today that Michael Grover will fill the position chambered in Roseau in Roseau County.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gnOv1c
FIREFIGHTING: via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “Life-saving, state-of-the-art technology is now in the hands of a rural volunteer fire department in northeast Minnesota. ‘It’s an amazing thing for a rural fire department to have this, where only typically ambulance services have this or maybe a sheriff’s deputy,’ said Gary Gagnon of the Cotton Volunteer Fire Department (CFD). For years, the members of CFD have been asking for the Lund University Cardiac Assist System, commonly called the LUCAS machine, because of the impact it’ll have on the large community they protect.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/46lIg9C
TONIGHT: Governor Tim Walz will speak at Cap Times Idea Fest at 7:30.
TODAY: via City of St. Paul, VERBATIM: “Mayor Melvin Carter will join U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in support of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, while also honoring Saint Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar. … The bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act will expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters, like Captain Paidar, and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers.” The event is at 10:00 a.m.
TODAY-TMRW: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced details for her next “Kitchen Table Conversations” events. On Friday, she will host a conversation in Wrenshall at 1:00 p.m. and meet with DFL leaders in Duluth at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, she will visit the Duluth Farmers Market at 8:00 a.m. and attend the “People Over Power” rally in Hubbard County at 1:30 p.m.
TOMORROW: Rep. Ilhan Omar announced she 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.
TUESDAY: Voters will decide whether DFLer Xp Lee or Republican Ruth Bittner will fill the seat of late Rep. Melissa Hortman in House District 34B’s special election. Polls will close at 8:00 p.m.
TUESDAY: 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.
WEDNESDAY: via an MN Senate advisory, VERBATIM: “On Sept. 17, Senate Capital Investment Committee Chair Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) and members of the Capital Investment Committee will travel to 12 communities in Southeast Minnesota to learn about 14 proposed projects requesting state matching funds, meet with local officials, and tour project sites. This one-day tour kicks off the committee’s travels across Minnesota prior to the 2026 legislative session.” SCHEDULE: http://fluence-media.co/4ppaNDW
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.”
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